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Address
1100 Poydras Street, Suite 3700
New Orleans, Louisiana 70163 (Orleans Parish)
Average Client Review Rating
Rating not available
Average Peer Review Rating
4.9
out of 5
(Main Office) Statement of PracticeCivil Litigation practice in State and Federal Courts, Trials and Appeals. Admiralty/Maritime Law, Commercial Litigation, Transactional, Bankruptcy, Labor and Employment Law, Energy and Environmental Law, Insurance Defense, Medical Malpractice and Healthcare, Products Liability, Agricultural and Agribusiness Law, Mass Tort and Class Actions, Professional Liability, Railroad Law. Year Established: 1995
Address1100 Poydras Street, Suite 3700
New Orleans, LA 70163, (Orleans Parish)
PhonePhone: 504-599-8000
Fax: 504-599-8100
Website
http://www.frilot.com
Angela M. Bowlin (Partner) admitted to bar, 1991, Louisiana. Education: Louisiana State University (B.S., cum laude, 1988); Tulane University School of Law (J.D., 1991). Ms. Bowlin is a partner of the firm and practices in areas of mass tort and class actions, insurance coverage and medical malpractice. She has extensive experience in handling claims for exposures to asbestos-containing products and well as other occupational exposures. Ms. Bowlin has represented hospitals, insurers, manufacturers and distributors in both state and federal courts. Member: American Bar Association; Defense Research Institute. Practice Areas: Insurance Coverage and Defense; Mass Torts and Class Actions; Medical Liability and Health Care; Products Liability; Professional Liability.Email: Angela M. Bowlin
Francis H. Brown, III (Partner) admitted to bar, 1985, Louisiana and Texas. Education: University of Alabama (B.S., 1981; J.D., 1985). Francis H. "Rasch" Brown III is co-chair of the firm's Product Liability Practice Group. In over 20 years of practicing law, Mr. Brown has gained extensive experience in products liability, employment and commercial litigation. Mr. Brown has obtained defense verdicts in products liability cases tried in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Mississippi and Texas, in addition to his successful representation of manufacturers and retailers in courts throughout Louisiana. Emerson Electric Co. has selected Mr. Brown as one of its Regional Trial Counsel. The wide spectrum of products Mr. Brown has defended includes appliances, tires, hand tools, power tools, consumer products, industrial equipment, chemicals and ladders. Many of the product liability cases Mr. Brown has defended have involved fires, explosions or catastrophic personal injuries. In the employment context, Mr. Brown has handled cases involving allegations of race, disability and sex discrimination, as well as sexual harassment and retaliatory discharge claims. He has also been lead counsel in a number of commercial disputes, including breach of contract and business tort claims. Member: Defense Research Institute. Practice Areas: Products Liability; Commercial Litigation, Transaction and Bankruptcy; Labor and Employment.Email: Francis H. Brown, III
James H. Brown, Jr. (Partner) admitted to bar, 1976, Louisiana. Education: Louisiana State University (B.S., 1972; J.D., 1976). Member: American Bar Association; Defense Research Institute. Practice Areas: Admiralty and Maritime Law; Products Liability.Email: James H. Brown, Jr.
George E. Cain, Jr. (Partner) admitted to bar, 1976, Louisiana; 1978, Texas. Education: Duke University (B.S., 1972); Tulane University (J.D., 1976). George Cain ("Skip") is a founding partner of the firm and concentrates his practice in areas of professional liability, medical malpractice & healthcare, insurance coverage & defense and mass tort & class actions. Mr. Cain received his B.S. from Duke University in 1972 and then attended Tulane Law School where he was on the Moot Court Board and Order of the Coif, receiving his J.D. in 1976. Representing both private and State medical malpractice clients, Mr. Cain brings in-depth knowledge and distinct skills to the Medical Malpractice & Healthcare Practice Group and to the clients it represents. Member: State Bar of Texas; Louisiana State Bar Association; New Orleans Bar Association. Practice Areas: Mass Torts; Class Actions; Medical Malpractice; Health Care.Email: George E. Cain, Jr.
Joel E. Cape (Partner) admitted to bar, 1997, Oklahoma and Arkansas; 1998, Louisiana. Education: Oklahoma State University (B.S., Agricultural Economics, 1993); University of Arkansas at Fayetteville (J.D., 1997; LL.M. in Agriculture, 1998). Mr. Cape practices in the areas of commercial litigation, products liability litigation, intellectual property, and agricultural law. Mr. Cape's litigation experience is extensive, having represented clients in cases in over twenty states in state and federal court. His experience in agriculture, from the family's farm in Northeastern Oklahoma, to his academic background, enables him to quickly analyze matters and achieve effective results for clients in the agricultural industry. He has represented a wide range of clients in products liability litigation, patent infringement litigation, contract actions, lease disputes, and debt collection. Mr. Cape also counsels clients regarding the unique and complex laws specifically regulating the agricultural industry. Mr. Cape believes that it is important to understand the client's industry in order to meet their goals and deliver value to their operations. Thus, his representation focuses on the specifics of each client's business. Member: American Bar Association; American Agricultural Law Association; American Simmental Association; LSU Agricultural Leadership Development Class 10. Practice Areas: Agriculture and Agribusiness; Commercial Litigation, Transaction and Bankruptcy; Products Liability.Email: Joel E. Cape
Miles P. Clements (Partner) admitted to bar, 1979, Louisiana. Education: Tulane University (B.A., 1976; J.D., 1979). Miles P. Clements is a Founding Partner and head of the Energy & Environmental Practice Area at Frilot L.L.C. He also practices in areas of admiralty & maritime, commercial litigation, construction litigation and patent litigation. In over 25 years of practice, Mr. Clements has gained substantial experience in handling cases for national and international oil and gas producers, vessel owners and operators and a large agricultural biotechnology company. Mr. Clements is a volunteer member of the Sugar Bowl Committee. He was President of the Sugar Bowl from 1999-2000 and Chairman of the Executive Committee from 2001-2002. Currently, he is a Board Member and Co-Chairman of its Membership Committee. Mr. Clements is a Co-Leader of the firm's Community Outreach Committee and leads the firm's endeavors with Habitat for Humanity, Children's Hospital and other community efforts. His successful representation of individuals and corporations and his strong commitment to the New Orleans community has earned Mr. Clements a reputation as a leader in the field of law. He was named one of the Top 50 Lawyers in New Orleans by CityBusiness in 2006 and was recently honored as a 2007 Louisiana Super Lawyer. Member: American Bar Association; New Orleans Bar Association; The Maritime Law Association of the United States; Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel. Fellow: Louisiana Bar Foundation. Practice Areas: Admiralty and Maritime; Commercial Litigation, Transaction and Bankruptcy; Energy and Environmental; Professional Liability; Agricultural Law; Construction Law.Email: Miles P. Clements
Nairda T. (Lesa) Colón (Partner) admitted to bar, 1997, Louisiana. Education: Boston College (B.A., 1991); Tulane University School of Law (J.D., 1997). Nairda T. Colón (Lesa), a New Orleans native, joined Frilot L.L.C. in 1997. As a partner, Ms. Colón's primary focus is with medical malpractice and healthcare related defense cases. She represents hospitals, physicians, long term healthcare facilities, and other healthcare providers and organizations. Additionally, she advises clients on related healthcare legal issues. Her litigation experience includes an extensive range of medical malpractice and healthcare matters. Dedicated to community service, Ms. Colón is an active volunteer in the Save Nola project to rebuild and promote the future of New Orleans. Member: New Orleans Bar Association; Louisiana State Bar Association; American Bar Association; Federal Bar Association; Hispanic National Bar Association; Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; New Orleans Defense Research Institute (Diversity Co-Chair). Languages: Spanish. Practice Areas: Medical Malpractice and Healthcare.Email: Nairda T. (Lesa) Colón
Bruce A. Cranner (Partner) admitted to bar, 1983, Louisiana. Education: Tulane University of Louisiana (B.A., 1980; J.D., 1983). Bruce A. Cranner is a partner in the firm's Commercial Litigation, Medical Malpractice & Health Care and Products Liability Sections. He is a versatile and very experienced trial and appellate litigator with a diverse practice including many complex matters and Class Actions. Mr. Cranner represents physicians, hospitals, long term care facilities and medical products manufacturers and marketers in litigation and before licensing boards and the JCAHO. He has extensive experience in the trial of complex medical liability and personal injury cases involving Birth Trauma, Gynecological Surgery, Cardiology, Neurosurgery and Oral Surgery before judges and juries. He also represents and advises hospitals and facilities in Medical Staff and Peer Review matters, and is one of the few lawyers who have tried a Peer Review case to verdict. In addition to his work as a Medical Liability and Healthcare lawyer, Mr. Cranner is also an accomplished and active Medical Products liability lawyer with a particular interest in over the counter medications, diet drugs and medical devices. He currently representsas National Counsela large marketer of OTC drugs and medications. Mr. Cranner also represents businesses, product manufacturers and insurance carriers in all types of litigation including commercial matters and coverage disputes. He represents several insurers in cases of all types, including specifically Product Liability claims. As an outdoor sports enthusiast, he is particularly interested in cases involving sporting goods including boats (sail and power), motorcycles, Fun-Karts, ATVs, exercise equipment and guns. He currently represents a major manufacturer of Fun-Karts and ATVs. Mr. Cranner is very active in several professional organizations, including the Defense Research Institute in which he is serving as the Chair of the Medical Liability and Health Care Law Committee. He is also active in the Product Liability Advisory Counsel, where he recently presented a mock trial of a case involving an ATV and, though his work with the SGMA, presented a mock expert deposition at a recent ASTM meeting. He is a frequent writer and lecturer on Medical Liability, Healthcare, Product Liability and Trial Techniques and has served as an Adjunct Professor of Trial Advocacy at Tulane Law School. His list of articles, presentations and publications is extensive. Member: Louisiana State Bar Association; Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel; Louisiana Hospital Association; Product Liability Advisory Counsel (PLAC); Defense Research Institute (DRI); Sporting Goods Manufacturers' Association (SGMA); Legal Advisory Group; International Association of Defense Lawyers (IADC). Practice Areas: Medical Liability and Health Care; Commercial Litigation and Bankruptcy; Products Liability; Professional Liability.Email: Bruce A. Cranner
Renee Gluth Culotta (Partner) admitted to bar, 1996, Louisiana. Education: Louisiana State University and A. and M. College (B.A., 1993; J.D., 1996). Representing employers in various matters involving allegations of sexual harassment, discrimination and other employment claims, Renee G. Culotta focuses her practice in the firm's Labor & Employment Practice Group. She regularly counsels managers on day-to-day matters regarding hiring, terminations, recordkeeping and other workplace issues. Ms. Culotta has been called to speak on labor and employment issues to such organizations as the National Business Institute (NBI) and the Association of Legal Administrators. She is involved in both the Women's Rainmaker Initiative and the Committee for Liaison with the EEOC, OFCCP and Department of Justice with the American Bar Association. Member: American Bar Association; Louisiana Business and Industry (LABI) Employment Relations Council. Practice Areas: Labor and Employment.Email: Renee Gluth Culotta
Andrew S. de Klerk (Partner) admitted to bar, 1981, Republic of South Africa; 1983, Louisiana. Education: University of Stellenbosch (B.Com., 1975; LL.B., 1977); Tulane University (LL.M. in Admiralty, with distinction, 1980). Andrew S. deKlerk is a founding partner of the firm. He co-leads the Admiralty & Maritime Practice Group and has led Frilot to be recognized as a leading maritime firm in the Gulf South. He has significant experience in representing domestic and international P&I Clubs, commodities traders, marine suppliers and tug and barge owners. Handling both land-based and offshore incidents ranging from personal injury, property damage, collision and allision, defense and indemnity obligations pursuant to contract, as well as insurance coverage issues, Mr. deKlerk is able to successfully handle the diverse legal matters arising out of the maritime industry. Mr. deKlerk received his LL.M. in Admiralty, With Distinction from Tulane Law School in 1980. Soon after, he began teaching in the Admiralty Program at Tulane Law School which he has now done for over 20 years. Member: The Maritime Law Association of the United States; Lawyer-Pilots Bar Association; Southeast Admiralty Law Institute (SEALI); Louisiana State Bar Association; New Orleans Bar Association. Languages: Afrikaans and Dutch. Practice Areas: Admiralty and Maritime Law.Email: Andrew S. de Klerk
Lara N. DiCristina (Partner) admitted to bar, 2001, Louisiana. Education: Louisiana State University (B.A., 1997; J.D., 2001). Lara DiCristina is an associate with the firm and focuses in areas of admiralty and maritime, and mass tort and class actions. She has experience in various aspects of maritime law, including personal injury, maritime collision and property damage and insurance coverage and litigation. Ms. DiCristina has successfully defended cases for marine insurers, tug and barge owners, oil field service companies and P&I clubs and insurers. Member: American Bar Association; Federal Bar Association; Louisiana State Bar Association. Practice Areas: Admiralty and Maritime Law; Mass Torts; Class Actions.Email: Lara N. DiCristina
Leslie W. Ehret (Partner) admitted to bar, 1987, Louisiana. Education: Louisiana State University (B.A., 1983); Tulane University of Louisiana (J.D., 1987). Leslie Ehret is a partner in the firm's Labor & Employment Practice Area. She works with companies of all sizes, from Fortune 500 companies to small, privately held companies. She has extensive experience litigating all types of employment claims in federal and state courts on behalf of employers, including: Discrimination; Harassment; Wage and hour regulations; Employment agreements and executive compensation; Defamation and other employment torts; Severance; Workers' compensation; Class actions In addition to defending employers in litigation, Ms. Ehret counsels employers regarding day-to-day employment matters and advises companies on employment policies and procedures. She conducts training sessions for managers and supervisors on myriad workplace issues including: Supervisory Training: The Basics; Prevention of Sexual and Other Forms or Harassment; Documentation: Why? When? How?; What You Don't Know Might Hurt You: Sage Advise for Managers & Supervisors; Top Ten Wage and Hour Mistakes; Hiring Mr. Right and Firing Ms. Wrong; Theft, Lies and Videotape: Protecting Your Organization From Employee Fraud. Ms. Ehret is active in community affairs. She is a volunteer with numerous charities and fundraising initiatives in New Orleans, including New Orleans Charter Schools Foundation, Children's Hospital, The Ogden Museum. Practice Areas: Labor and Employment.Email: Leslie W. Ehret
John J. Hainkel, III (Partner) admitted to bar, 1987, Louisiana. Education: Louisiana State University (B.A., 1984); Tulane University (J.D., cum laude, 1987). A founding member of the firm, John Hainkel co-leads the Mass Tort & Class Actions Practice Area. With his unsurpassed expertise in the defense of claims involving asbestos and other toxic tort products, Mr. Hainkel often handles cases involving complex, multi-party claims. Serving as lead counsel in numerous cases, Mr. Hainkel has led the firm in coordinating discovery, developing overall litigation and settlement strategy and coordinating the activities of local counsel around the country. He has tried many cases to verdict and has participated in significant Louisiana appeals relating to asbestos and other occupational exposures. Because of his extensive background and experience in defending mass tort claims, Mr. Hainkel is able to provide clients with early strategic thinking, vigorous defense and efficient litigation. Member: Louisiana State Bar Association; Defense Research Institute; New Orleans Bar Association; Louisiana Bar Foundation. Practice Areas: Energy and Environmental; Mass Torts and Class Actions; Professional Liability; Railroads.Email: John J. Hainkel, III
Carl E. Hellmers, III (Partner) admitted to bar, 1998, Louisiana. Education: Loyola University of New Orleans (B.M./B.A., 1990; J.D., 1998). Carl E. Hellmers is a partner with the firm and concentrates his practice in areas of medical malpractice and healthcare, professional liability, products liability and railroad litigation. Representing hospitals and insurers, Mr. Hellmers is extremely knowledgeable of current medical malpractice matters. He has presented information on nursing care issues at medical centers and hospitals in the area. He has defended clients in judge and jury trials and has participated in appellate briefings and arguments before federal and state courts. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Hellmers was a Senior Claim Representative with St. Paul Fire & Marine Insurance Company where he was in charge of litigation management and settlement of medical malpractice and large commercial litigation matters in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee. Member: Louisiana State Bar Association; American Bar Association; Defense Research Institute. Practice Areas: Medical Liability and Health Care; Products Liability; Railroad; Energy; Environmental Law; Professional Liability.Email: Carl E. Hellmers, III
A.J. Krouse, III (Partner) admitted to bar, 1984, Louisiana. Education: Loyola University (B.A., magna cum laude, 1977; J.D., 1984). A.J. Krouse is a founding member of the firm and is a leading partner in the firm's mass tort and class actions practice area. Mr. Krouse has over 22 years of experience in complex civil and environmental litigation including representation of several major energy clients in state and federal class actions that include refinery explosions, railcar chemical releases, toxic tort, environmental contamination (NORM), exposure injuries, property damage, fraud, breach of contract and punitive damages. Civil practice includes personal injury defense, premises liability, property damage and business interruption including related contractual and insurance coverage issues. Mr. Krouse has significant experience representing insurers as "direct action" defendants in litigation filed in Louisiana. Products liability experience includes representation of several major manufacturers involving products such as ladders, saws, pumps, motors, valves, ink and blood products. Employment litigation practice includes representing employers in discrimination claims for age, sex, disability, race, religion, and sexual harassment, and handling EEOC charges and other administrative complaints through the administrative and judicial process in state and federal courts. He advises clients on human resource issues and in drafting and developing employment-related agreements, along with employee policies and procedures. Member: Louisiana State, American, New Orleans and Federal Bar Associations; The Maritime Law Association (Proctor); Defense Research Institute; Thomas More Inn of Court (Executive Committee). Fellow: Louisiana Bar Foundation. Practice Areas: Energy and Environmental; Admiralty and Maritime; Labor and Employment; Mass Torts and Class Actions; Products Liability; Alternative Dispute Resolution.Email: A.J. Krouse, III
J. Dwight LeBlanc, III (Partner) admitted to bar, 1987, Louisiana. Education: Washington and Lee University (B.A., 1983); Tulane University (J.D., 1986). Dwight LeBlanc is a partner with the firm's Admiralty & Maritime Practice Group. Representing owners and P&I Clubs, domestic and foreign insurers, oil field supply and service business and major oil companies, Mr. LeBlanc has been involved in diverse legal matters arising out of the maritime industry. He has handled claims involving personal injury, property damage, collision and allision, defense and indemnity obligations pursuant to contract, as well as insurance coverage issues. Outside of his practice, Mr. LeBlanc is a member of the Maritime Law Association and the National Advisory Board of the Tulane Admiralty Law Institute. Member: Louisiana State Bar Association; The Maritime Law Association of the United States; New Orleans Bar Association; American Arbitration Association. Practice Areas: Admiralty and Maritime; Insurance Coverage and Defense.Email: J. Dwight LeBlanc, III
Patrick J. McShane (Partner) admitted to bar, 1988, Louisiana. Education: University of Rhode Island (B.A., 1983); Tulane University (J.D., 1988). A founding member of the firm, Pat McShane co-leads the Admiralty & Maritime Practice. He has extensive experience in representing a broad spectrum of maritime interests, including domestic and foreign insurers, marine construction companies, ship owners and operators, major oil companies as well as domestic and international P&I Clubs and insurers. Developing strong working relationships and providing superior results to Underwriters, brokers and claims adjusters in the London Market, Mr. McShane has played a key role in establishing Frilot as a preferred firm for London Market business. Mr. McShane is a member of the Maritime Law Association of the United States and the New Orleans and Louisiana Bar Association. As the firm's Recruiting Partner, he leads the firm's recruiting efforts and summer program. Member: Louisiana State Bar Association; The Maritime Law Association of the United States; New Orleans Bar Association. Practice Areas: Admiralty and Maritime; Professional Liability.Email: Patrick J. McShane
Kerry J. Miller (Partner) admitted to bar, 1996, Louisiana. Education: Louisiana State University (B.A., 1992); Tulane University (J.D., magna cum laude, 1996). Kerry Miller is a leader in class actions defense litigation, successfully defending clients in national class action and multi-party lawsuits in state and federal courts across the country. Mr. Miller is a partner and co-leader of the firm's Mass Tort & Class Actions Practice Area. He has defended clients in matters involving product liability and commercial litigation and has attained significant victories in every stage of class action litigation, from motions to dismiss, to class certification and summary judgment motions, and on to trial. Mr. Miller has spoken and written extensively on latest developments in class actions and product liability law. Recent articles address subjects such as advance preparation for class action exposure and unfair trade practice laws & state court multi-district litigation law in Louisiana. A complete list of Mr. Miller's published works is listed below. In addition to his written accomplishments, Mr. Miller has been called his class action expertise to clients, at seminars and in continuing education programs. Mr. Miller graduated from Tulane Law School, Order of the Coif, in 1996. He then worked as a Law Clerk for the Honorable James L. Dennis, Circuit Judge, in the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal. Member: Louisiana State Bar Association; American Bar Association; Defense Research Institute. Practice Areas: Commercial Litigation, Transaction and Bankruptcy; Mass Torts and Class Actions; Products Liability.Email: Kerry J. Miller
Joseph N. Mole (Partner) admitted to bar, 1977, Louisiana. Education: University of New Orleans (B.A., 1969); Tulane University (M.A., 1971; J.D., 1977). Mr. Mole leads the firm's Commercial Litigation Group. In over 25 years of practicing law, he has gained substantial experience in all aspects of civil commercial litigation, with emphasis in areas of antitrust, competition law, bankruptcy and product distribution. His litigation experience ranges from small, private disputes to large, complex class actions. He has tried cases in Louisiana and throughout the United States, with the majority of these cases being tried before juries. Representative clients include financial institutions, real estate companies and investors, manufacturers, hospitals and health care systems. Mr. Mole also lends his expertise to protecting clients' valuable intellectual property assets in litigation. His experience in intellectual property litigation includes both prosecuting and defending infringement of patents, copyrights and trademarks, as well as cases involving trade secret misappropriation and unfair competition. Member: Louisiana State Bar Association; American Bar Association; American Bar Association (Antitrust Section, 1977); Louisiana Bar Foundation. Practice Areas: Commercial Litigation, Transaction and Bankruptcy; Products Liability.Email: Joseph N. Mole
David A. Olson (Partner) admitted to bar, 1978, Louisiana. Education: Lake Forest College (B.A., 1975); Cornell University (J.D., 1978). Mr. Olson is the co-chair of the firm's Product Liability Practice Area. He is one of the firm's most experienced litigators and has successfully defended numerous corporations in a wide range of tort and contract actions. For the past several years Mr. Olson's practice has concentrated in the area of products liability defense. His clients have included Rheem Manufacturing Company and Emerson Electric Corporation. He has developed a particular expertise in litigating cases in which fire origin and cause are central issues. Mr. Olson's work for Rheem has included defending it nationally in water heater / flammable vapor litigation. As an integral part of the core group of lawyers who handle these challenging burn cases, Mr. Olson has been instrumental in obtaining favorable trial results and dismissals and in negotiating settlements that have been attractive for the client. Moreover, Mr. Olson's defense work, along with that of his fellow lawyers, has succeeded in reducing dramatically the number of flammable vapor suits brought against Rheem. Member: Product Liability Advisory Council (PLAC); Defense Research Institute; The Maritime Law Association of the United States. Practice Areas: Products Liability; Admiralty and Maritime; Insurance Coverage and Defense.Email: David A. Olson
Michael R. Phillips (Partner) admitted to bar, 1991, Louisiana; U.S. District Court, Eastern, Western and Middle Districts of Louisiana; U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit. Education: The University of Southern Mississippi (B.S., 1988); Louisiana State University (J.D., 1991). Mr. Phillips is a member of the firm and practices complex litigation in the firm's commercial litigation, energy and environmental and mass tort and class action sections. Mr. Phillips' practice includes representing clients in complex litigation in numerous federal and state courts as well as many alternative dispute forums throughout the country. His practice includes considerable trial experience in complex matters ranging from violations of federal and state antitrust laws to oilfield and refinery pollution to multi-jurisdictional product liability class actions. Outside of litigation, Mr. Phillips has also lectured and twice co-authored the American Bar Association's State Antitrust Practices and Statutes, Louisiana Chapter. To meet the needs of today's corporate client, Mr. Phillips has also emphasized the creative use of technology in the management of complex litigation, ensuring the greatest chance of success in the most cost efficient manner possible. By blending his experience and legal skills with the use of cutting edge technology, Mr. Phillips has demonstrated the successful model for handling modern, complex litigation. Member: Louisiana State Bar Association; American Bar Association. Practice Areas: Commercial Litigation and Bankruptcy; Mass Torts and Class Actions; Energy and Environmental; Construction Law.Email: Michael R. Phillips
Michael H. Pinkerton (Partner) admitted to bar, 1997, Louisiana. Education: University of Georgia (B.A.J., 1994); Louisiana State University Law School (J.D., 1997). Mr. Pinkerton practices in the areas of commercial litigation and bankruptcy, with an emphasis on contract disputes and cases involving bankruptcy, creditor's rights, construction, and real estate issues. His wide range of clients includes banks, secured lenders, real estate developers, contractors, hospitals, agribusinesses, energy companies, retailers, and offshore service providers. Although he is based in New Orleans, he handles cases throughout Louisiana and around the country. Member: Louisiana Bankers Association (Bank Counsel). Practice Areas: Admiralty and Maritime; Commercial Litigation.Email: Michael H. Pinkerton
Edward J. Rantz, Jr. (Partner) admitted to bar, 1997, Louisiana. Education: Louisiana State University (B.A., 1994; J.D., 1997). Edward Rantz "Eddie" is a leading attorney in the firm's Transactional Practice Area. With nearly ten years of experience, Mr. Rantz provides expertise in a wide range of business transactions, including representation of sellers and purchasers of commercial real estate throughout the nation, and representation of lenders and borrowers in commercial financing transactions, both domestic and foreign. Mr. Rantz' practice includes preparing documentation for such business transactions as commercial and construction loans, sales and mergers and buy-sell agreements between shareholders of a business. He routinely drafts and reviews leases, employment contracts and licensing agreements for clients. Additionally, his practice extends to representing creditors in connection with collection efforts, both in workouts and in bankruptcy proceedings. Member: Louisiana State Bar Association; Federal Bar Association; Louisiana Bankers Association Bank Counsel. Practice Areas: Business Transactional; Real Estate.Email: Edward J. Rantz, Jr.
James R. Silverstein (Partner) admitted to bar, 1981, Louisiana; 1991, Texas. Education: Tulane University (B.A., cum laude, 1977; J.D., cum laude, 1981). Mr. Silverstein's practice covers the spectrum of admiralty and maritime, products liability, energy and environmental, and insurance defense. He has extensive trial and appellate experience and has tried over thirty cases to a conclusion. In the products liability field, Mr. Silverstein has obtained defense verdicts in Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas, in addition to his successful representation of manufacturers and retailers in courts throughout Louisiana. The wide spectrum of products Mr. Silverstein has defended includes appliances, hand tools, power tools, consumer products, industrial equipment, chemicals and ladders. In the admiralty and maritime field, Mr. Silverstein has handled matters arising under the Jones Act, Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act, general maritime law, and the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. He has also handled collision and property cases for various vessel and oil companies. He has obtained favorable maritime verdicts in Alabama and in numerous state and federal courts in Louisiana. Member: Louisiana State Bar Association; American Bar Association; State Bar of Texas; Defense Research Institute. Practice Areas: Admiralty and Maritime Law; Products Liability; Energy; Environmental Law.Email: James R. Silverstein
Peter E. Sperling (Partner) admitted to bar, 1986, Louisiana. Education: Vanderbilt University (B.A., 1981); Tulane University (J.D., 1986). Peter Sperling is a founding member of Frilot L.L.C. He leads the firm's Medical Malpractice & Healthcare section. For nearly 20 years, he has represented physicians in virtually every specialty, hospitals, medical schools, nurses, long-term care facilities, dentists and other healthcare providers in New Orleans and throughout Louisiana. Mr. Sperling understands the complexity of medicine and the ever-changing, highly- regulated healthcare industry. He is extremely familiar with the New Orleans and Louisiana court systems and has handled some of the most significant cases brought against medical professionals in the area. With a unique combination of medical knowledge and accomplished trial skills, Mr. Sperling has gained a strong reputation as a leading advisor in the New Orleans healthcare community. Member, New Orleans Medical Jurisprudence Committee. Member: Louisiana State Bar Association; American Bar Association; New Orleans Bar Association; Defense Research Institute; International Association of Defense Counsel. Practice Areas: Medical Liability and Health Care; Professional Liability.Email: Peter E. Sperling
Patrick A. Talley, Jr. (Partner) admitted to bar, 1982, Louisiana; 1993, Texas. Education: Armstrong College (B.A., 1976); Louisiana State University (J.D., 1982); Tulane University (LL.M., Energy and Environment Law, 1993). Mr. Talley leads the firm's Railroad Litigation Practice Area. Additionally, he is a leading attorney in the firm's Energy & Environmental Practice Area. Receiving his J.D. from Louisiana State University Law Center in 1982 and his LL.M. in Energy & Environmental in 1993, he is admitted to practice in Louisiana and Texas. Mr. Talley is a member of the Louisiana State and Texas Bar Associations, the Maritime Bar Association of the United States, the National Association of Railroad Trial Council and Louisiana Association of Defense Lawyers. Active in the New Orleans community, Mr. Talley serves as vice president/secretary of New Orleans Charter Schools Foundation, which operates several charter schools in New Orleans. Member: Louisiana State Bar Association; The Maritime Bar Association of the United States; State Bar of Texas; National Association of Railroad Trial Council; Louisiana Association of Defense Lawyers. Practice Areas: Energy and Environmental; Railroad; Admiralty and Maritime Law.Email: Patrick A. Talley, Jr.
Eugene Terk (Partner) admitted to bar, 2000, Texas; 2002, District of Columbia; 2003, Louisiana. Education: University of Virginia (B.A., 1995); Tulane University (J.D., cum laude, 2000). Eugene Terk's practice is primarily focused in the area of products liability. Representing product manufacturers across the country, Mr. Terk handles cases involving tires, ladders, fire, heaters, and industrial and consumer goods. Also knowledgeable in the area of intellectual property, Mr. Terk lends his skills to IP litigation and soft IP practice (non-patent prosecution related work, including preparation and prosecution of trademark application, copyrights, licensing agreements and other transactional IP work). Mr. Terk is a leading contributor to the firm's Products Liability Newsletter which provides updates and information of developing issues in the products liability field. Member: State Bar of Texas; The District of Columbia Bar; American Bar Association. Languages: Russian. Practice Areas: Products Liability.Email: Eugene Terk
OF COUNSELGeorge A. Frilot, III (P. C.) (Of Counsel) admitted to bar, 1958, Louisiana. Education: Loyola University (B.A., 1955); Loyola University School of Law (LL.B., 1958). George Frilot is a Founding Partner of the Firm and is a leading attorney in the Firm's Energy & Environmental Practice Group. Over the course of 40 years of practice, he has tried cases in 23 states and has actively participated in proceedings in two foreign countries. His practice has involved the trial of cases resulting from major offshore catastrophes, energy and environmental issues stemming from class action proceedings, commercial litigation and products liability. Mr. Frilot is a Fellow of American College of Trial Lawyers. An attorney of this distinction has engaged in trial practice for at least 15 years and has sustained outstanding performance in the profession while exemplifying integrity, dedication and excellence. He has been listed in Chambers USA, Best Lawyers in America, Louisiana Super Lawyers and BTI's Client All-Star Team for Law Firms. Last year, Mr. Frilot was honored as one of the Top 50 Lawyers in New Orleans and received the 2006 CityBusiness Leadership in Law Award. Of particular note, the Louisiana Bar Foundation recently selected Mr. Frilot as the recipient of the prestigious 2007 Curtis R. Boisfontaine Trial Advocacy Award. He will be honored at the LSBA Annual Meeting being held in June in Sandestin, Florida. Mr. Frilot was selected as the 2007 recipient of the award for his long-standing devotion to excellence in trial practice and for upholding the standards of ethics and consideration for the courts, litigants and all counsel in his practice of the law. He will receive a plaque and a $1,000 cash stipend, which the Bar Foundation will donate in Frilot's name to a non-profit law-related program or association providing services in the State of Louisiana. Member: Louisiana State Bar Association; American Bar Association; The Maritime Law Association of the United States. Fellow: American College of Trial Lawyers. Practice Areas: Energy and Environmental; Admiralty and Maritime; Commercial Litigation, Transaction and Bankruptcy; Mass Torts and Class Actions.Email: George A. Frilot, III (P. C.)
ASSOCIATESDanica C. Benbow (Associate) admitted to bar, 2001, Louisiana. Education: Loyola University, New Orleans (B.A., 1998); Loyola University School of Law, New Orleans (J.D., 2001). Danica Benbow is an experienced associate practicing in the firm's Admiralty & Maritime and Mass Tort & Class Action sections. She has considerable experience in handling cases involving Jones Act and personal injury defense, longshore and harbor workers' claims, cargo claims, ship collisions, ship allisions, marine insurance, and other legal issues arising from the maritime industry. Along with her local and regional work, Ms. Benbow provides effective representation to Underwriters, brokers and claims adjusters in the London Market. She has traveled to London to conduct presentations for these clients on the purpose and use of depositions in American litigation. Along with her attendance and participation in such endeavors as the Louisiana Chemical Industrial Alliance ("LCIA") and Houston Marine Insurance Seminar, Ms. Benbow is actively involved in the firm's recruiting practices and summer clerk program. Crow Scholar. Member, Loyola Law Review. Member: Louisiana State Bar Association. Practice Areas: Admiralty and Maritime Law; Mass Torts and Class Actions.Email: Danica C. Benbow
Thomas J. Bethune IV (Associate) admitted to bar, 2002, Louisiana. Education: Vanderbilt University (B.A., 1996); London School of Economics and Political Science, Hansard Scholars Programme (Diploma, 1997); A.B. Freeman School of Business, Tulane University (M.B.A., 1999); Louisiana State University Law Center (J.D., 2002; B.C.L., 2002). Thomas J. "Beau" Bethune IV is an associate with the firm's Admiralty & Maritime Practice Group. He represents the interests of domestic and international P&I clubs, marine and employers' liability underwriters, cargo interests, oil companies, offshore drilling contractors, and foreign and domestic vessel owners. Mr. Bethune's practice includes litigation of cargo claims, personal injury claims, charter party disputes, vessel collisions, and toxic tort/environmental pollution matters in both traditional "blue water" oceangoing steamship trade and "brown water" inland operations. Beau is also involved in the negotiation and drafting of vessel and barge purchase agreements and contracts. Member: Louisiana State Bar Association; Federal Bar Association; Southeastern Admiralty Law Institute. Practice Areas: Admiralty and Maritime Law.Email: Thomas J. Bethune IV
Benjamin M. Castoriano (Associate) admitted to bar, 2007, Louisiana. Education: University of Richmond (B.S.B.A., 2004); Tulane University Law School (J.D., 2007). Ben Castoriano is an associate with the firm, practicing primarily in the firm's Commercial Litigation Practice Group. Mr. Castoriano handles a wide variety of cases including contract disputes, intellectual property litigation and railroad litigation. After receiving his Bachelor of Science, Business Administration (BSBA) from the University of Richmond, Mr. Castoriano earned his law degree from Tulane University Law School in 2007. While at Tulane, Mr. Castoriano earned his Certificate in International Business from Queen Mary Intellectual Property Institute in London, England. He also worked as an extern for United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance in the Eastern District of Louisiana. Mr. Castoriano was born in Paris, France and raised in London, England. He is a native French speaker. Member: Louisiana State Bar Association. Languages: French. Practice Areas: Commercial Litigation.Email: Benjamin M. Castoriano
John B. Cazale (Associate) admitted to bar, 2003, Louisiana. Education: Louisiana State University (B.A., 1997); Loyola University (J.D., 2002). John Cazale is an associate at the firm, focusing his practice on the defense of healthcare liability claims, including physician malpractice and hospital negligence, at the trial and appellate levels. Mr. Cazale's experience also includes the defense of pharmaceutical products liability and mass tort claims, as well as the representation of physicians for peer review proceedings. Member: New Orleans, Louisiana State and American Bar Associations. Practice Areas: Medical Malpractice; Health Care.Email: John B. Cazale
Cheryl D. Comer (Associate) admitted to bar, 2009, Louisiana. Education: University of Michigan (B.A., Cello Performance, with teacher certification, 1997); Western Michigan University (M.A., Educational Leadership, with honors, 2007); University of Detroit Mercy School of Law (J.D., 2008). Ms. Comer is an associate with the firm's Labor & Employment practice group. She earned her law degree from University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, in 2008. She received her Masters of Arts in Educational Leadership, K-12 Principalship from Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan in 2007 after receiving her B.A. in Cello Performance with Teacher Certification from University of Michigan in 1997. In 2006, she studied International Business Law, International Criminal Law and International Litigation and Arbitration in Italy with Temple University, Rome. While in law school, Ms. Comer served as president of the International Law Society. In addition to her legal expertise and background, Ms. Comer is an accomplished musician and educator. Prior to joining Frilot, Ms. Comer was employed with Detroit Public Schools as a music teacher for 10 years. During this time, she facilitated coachings/collaboration between Detroit Symphony Orchestra members and orchestra students. She was honored with the Outstanding Educator Award from DPS in both 2008 and 2004. Additionally, Ms. Comer was the first African-American cellist to win principal cellist in the top orchestra (University Symphony Orchestra) at University of Michigan. She also soloed with Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra. Ms. Comer served as Detroit Federation of Teachers (DFT) Union Representative for Detroit School of Arts, 2007-2008 and Alternate Union Representative in 2006-2007. Practice Areas: Labor and Employment.Email: Cheryl D. Comer
David P. Curtis (Associate) admitted to bar, 2006, Louisiana; 2007, Mississippi. Education: Vanderbilt University (B.S., 1999); University of Mississippi School of Law (J.D., 2006). David P. Curtis is an associate with the firm and practices in the Commercial Litigation Practice Group. After receiving a Bachelors of Science in Economics from Vanderbilt University in 1999, David served as an Officer in the United States Navy until 2003. David served onboard the destroyer USS RAMAGE (DDG 61) during Operation Enduring Freedom in the Afghanistan War and onboard the aircraft carrier USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71) during the current Iraq War. After his service David entered law school at Ole Miss and became engaged in both the Moot Court as the Trial Competition Co-Chairman and in the National Journal of Space Law as an editor. David also worked as an extern for United States District Judge Michael P. Mills in the Northern District of Mississippi. David earned his juris doctorate from the University of Mississippi in May of 2006. David now works as an associate in the firm's Commercial Group, practicing in the areas of commercial litigation with an emphasis on contract disputes and cases involving bankruptcy, creditor's rights, construction and real estate issues. Although he is based in New Orleans, he handles cases throughout Louisiana, Mississippi and around the country. Practice Areas: Commercial Litigation; Construction Law.Email: David P. Curtis
Mary C. Ehret (Associate) admitted to bar, 1999, Louisiana, U.S. District Court, Eastern, Middle and Western Districts of Louisiana and U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit. Education: University of New Orleans (B.A., 1984); Loyola University (J.D., 1998). Mary C. Ehret is a Senior Associate in the Firm's Medical Liability & Healthcare and Products Liability Practice Areas. As a member of the Medical Liability & Healthcare Practice Area, her practice includes representation of hospitals, physicians and other healthcare providers, primarily in matters involving medical malpractice litigation, at the trial and appellate levels. As a member of the Products Liability Practice Area, Ms. Ehret's practice includes representation of manufacturers of medical devices, pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and recreational vehicles at the trial and appellate levels in both state and federal courts. Along with a team of her colleagues, she participated in the successful opposition to a proposed class action involving more than four thousand potential claimants asserting claims with regard to medical implant devices. She continues to assist in the defense of other claims involving similar medical implant devices.
In other areas of her practice, Ms. Ehret handles a variety of cases involving automobile liability, premises liability, and commercial litigation. In 2000, Ms. Ehret was a recipient of the Distinguished Service Award from the New Orleans Pro Bono Project in recognition of volunteering over 100 hours to local pro bono cases. In 2001, she received the Loyola University New Orleans Gillis Long Poverty Law Center Distinguished Service Award in recognition of her pro bono service. Member: Jefferson, New Orleans and Louisiana State Bar Associations. Practice Areas: Medical Liability and Health Care; Products Liability.Email: Mary C. Ehret
Sheri S. Faust (Associate) admitted to bar, 1999, Louisiana. Education: Louisiana State University (B.G.S., 1993); Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine (Master of Science in Environmental Health Science, 1994); Loyola University School of Law (J.D., 1998). Ms. Faust's practice focuses on toxic tort litigation, premises liability, products liability and medical malpractice. She has extensive experience representing suppliers and manufacturers of industrial products in multi-party personal injury and property damage suits. She also defends premises owners and industrial employers in occupational disease claims. Member: Louisiana State Bar Association; American Bar Association; New Orleans Bar Association. Practice Areas: Medical Liability and Health Care; Labor and Employment; Mass Torts; Class Actions.Email: Sheri S. Faust
Mary M. Ferry (Associate) admitted to bar, 1981, Louisiana. Education: Chatham College (B.A., 1964); Loyola University (J.D., 1981). After over a decade's experience as a law clerk: first with the Louisiana Supreme Court and then with the federal district court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, Mary MacConnell Ferry joined the Frilot law firm to continue her specialized practice in legal research and writing. She has since become the able writing and research arm of the firm's successful litigation teams in cases involving such diverse areas as sex discrimination, agricultural patents, medical malpractice, products liability, maritime injuries, insurance contract disputes, mass torts and class actions. In so doing, she's crafted succinct and poignant briefs for trial and appellate courts, writ applications, supporting and opposing memoranda, and opinion letters. Clients that have benefited from her efforts include Texaco, Patient's Compensation Fund, Louisville Ladders, Rheem, the Fertility Institute of New Orleans, Waste Management, Inc., Murphy Oil U.S.A., Tenet, Tidewater, Monsanto and a host of individuals. Ms. Ferry is admitted to practice before the state courts of Texas and all Louisiana state and federal courts. She has appeared before state courts in the parishes of Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Charles, and St. John, Juvenile Court in Orleans Parish, U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana and Louisiana's Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal, the latter resulting in the Court's affirming her well-pleaded peremptory exception of prescription. See e.g. McDermott, Inc. (Harvey Supply Div.) v. M-Elec. & Const. Co., Inc., 496 So.2d 1105 (La. App. 4 Cir. 1986). Member: American Bar Association; Federal Bar Association; Association for Women Attorneys; New Orleans Bar Association. Practice Areas: Admiralty and Maritime; Commercial Litigation, Transaction and Bankruptcy; Labor and Employment; Products Liability; Torts; Class Actions.Email: Mary M. Ferry
Christine Guillory (Associate) admitted to bar, 2009, Louisiana. Education: Emory University (B.A., International and Italian Studies, 2004); University of Southern California Law School (J.D., 2008). Christine Guillory is an associate with the firm, practicing in the area of Medical Malpractice & Healthcare. She graduated from Emory University in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts: International Studies & Italian Studies. She received her Juris Doctor from University of Southern California Law School in 2008. While in law school, Ms. Guillory was actively involved with the Legal Aid Alternative Breaks Project, Community Service Affairs Committee, Student Hurricane Network, Office of Public Service Advisory Council and Black Law Students Association. Ms. Guillory now focuses her time representing hospitals, medical schools, long-term care facilities and other healthcare providers in New Orleans and throughout Louisiana in hospital negligence and physician malpractice cases. Member: Louisiana Bar Association. Practice Areas: Medical Malpractice; Health Care.Email: Christine Guillory
Carolyn B. Hennesy (Associate) admitted to bar, 1997, Louisiana. Education: University of the South (B.A., 1994) Order of the Gownsmen; Tulane University of Louisiana (J.D., 1997). Member: New Orleans and Louisiana State Bar Associations. Practice Areas: Successions; Real Estate; Litigation; Toxic Torts.Email: Carolyn B. Hennesy
Andrew M. Maestri (Associate) admitted to bar, 2006, Louisiana. Education: Auburn University (B.S., Corporate Journalism, 2001); Loyola University School of Law (J.D., 2006). A native of New Orleans, Andrew Maestri attended Auburn University where he received his Bachelor's degree in Corporate Journalism in 2001. He received his Juris Doctor from Loyola University School of Law in 2006. Mr. Maestri joined Frilot L.L.C. in April 2007 and is an associate in the firm's Mass Tort and Class Actions Practice Areas. His practice focuses on toxic tort litigation, premises liability and products liability. Member: New Orleans Bar Association; Louisiana State Bar Association; American Bar Association.Email: Andrew M. Maestri
John C. Morris, IV (Associate) admitted to bar, 2008, Louisiana. Education: University of Mississippi (Bachelor of Accountancy, 2005); Louisiana State University Law Center (J.D., 2008; B.C.L., 2008). John Morris is an associate with the firm, practicing primarily in the firm's Railroad Litigation Department. Mr. Morris also is involved in practice areas concerning defense of healthcare liability claims, including physician malpractice and hospital negligence, at the trial and appellate levels. Mr. Morris is also involved with the defense of products liability claims. Member: Louisiana State Bar Association. Practice Areas: Railroad Accidents and Injuries; Railroad Law; Railroad Crossing Accidents; Railroad Liability; Railroad Litigation; Railroad Safety; Products Liability; Product Defects; Product Failure; Products Liability Defense; Hospital Law; Hospital Negligence; Medical Malpractice; Medical Negligence; Medical Liability; Medical Malpractice Defense.Email: John C. Morris, IV
T. Patrick O'Leary (Associate) admitted to bar, 2006, Louisiana. Education: Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge (B.A. in Political Science, 2002); Loyola University School of Law, New Orleans (J.D., 2006). Patrick O'Leary is a native of New Orleans who attended Louisiana State University, receiving a degree in Political Science in 2002. He received his Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Loyola University School of Law in 2006. At Loyola, Mr. O'Leary graduated in the top 3% percent of his law school class and earned class excellence awards in Civil Law Property I, Civil Law Obligations, Constitutional Law, Community Property and International Copyright Law Seminar. He also served as a Research Assistant to Loyola Professor Dane Ciolino, and as an extern to United States Magistrate Judge Joseph C. Wilkinson, Jr. In addition, Mr. O'Leary studied international law at the University of Vienna School of Law during the summer of 2004. Mr. O'Leary joined Frilot L.L.C. in August, 2006. He is an associate in the firm's Admiralty & Maritime and Commercial Litigation Practice Areas. Practice Areas: Admiralty and Maritime Law; Commercial Litigation.Email: T. Patrick O'Leary
Zackary A. Paal (Associate) admitted to bar, 2005, Louisiana; 2008, California. Education: Yale University, New Haven, CT (B.A., cum laude, 1992); Tulane University Law School, New Orleans (J.D., 2005). Zackary Paal is an associate in the firm's Admiralty & Maritime section. Mr. Paal graduated cum laude from Yale University with a B.A. in 1992. He then earned his J.D. from Tulane University Law School in 2005. Mr. Paal is admitted to practice in Louisiana and California. Member: Louisiana State Bar Association; State Bar of California. Practice Areas: Admiralty and Maritime Law.Email: Zackary A. Paal
Kathleen Pontier Rice (Associate) admitted to bar, 2007, Louisiana. Education: Louisiana State University (B.S., magna cum laude, 2004); Loyola University Law School, New Orleans (J.D., cum laude, 2007). Kathleen "Katie" Pontier Rice is an associate with the firm and practices in the firm's Admiralty & Maritime and Products Liability Practice Groups. She earned her law degree from Loyola Law School in 2007 and received her B.S. in Marketing with a minor in Spanish in 2004 from Louisiana State University. At Loyola Law School, Ms. Rice served as President of the Student Bar Association and was a member of the Moot Court Staff. Ms. Rice joined Frilot LLC as an associate in August 2007. Member: Louisiana State Bar Association; St. Thomas Moore Inns of Court.Email: Kathleen Pontier Rice
Suzanne M. Risey (Associate) admitted to bar, 1998, Louisiana and Connecticut; 2001, New York and U.S. District Court, Eastern, Middle and Western Districts of Louisiana; 2002, U.S. District Court, Northern and Southern Districts of Texas. Education: Louisiana State University (B.S., 1994); New York Law School (J.D., 1997). Suzanne Marie Risey is an associate with the firm and primarily focuses her practice in the area of labor & employment. She has extensive experience in the defense of Title VII, ADEA and ADA claims, as well as FMLA claims and HUD complaints. Ms. Risey has been actively involved in the defense of employment related claims in private and EEOC mediations in Louisiana and Texas, and EEOC investigations throughout numerous jurisdictions, including Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Member: Louisiana State Bar Association; New Orleans Bar Association; Connecticut Bar Association; New York State Bar Association; American Bar Association (Labor and Employment Sections).Email: Suzanne M. Risey
Kyle A. Spaulding (Associate) admitted to bar, 2004, Louisiana and U.S. District Court, Eastern, Middle and Western Districts of Louisiana; U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit. Education: University of Tennessee (B.A., 1998); Loyola University, New Orleans (J.D., 2003). Kyle Spaulding is an associate with the firm, practicing primarily in the Mass Tort and Class Action group, defending clients in national class action and multi-party lawsuits in Louisiana state and federal courts. Mr. Spaulding is also involved in complex litigation related to commercial insurance coverage issues. Member: Greater Covington and Louisiana State Bar Associations; American Bar Association; Northshore Estate Planning Council. Practice Areas: Construction Litigation; Commercial Litigation; Mass Torts; Class Actions.Email: Kyle A. Spaulding
Peter Tafaro (Associate) admitted to bar, 2003, Louisiana. Education: University of New Orleans (B.S., 2000); Loyola University (J.D., 2003). Mr. Tafaro is an associate in the Mass Tort & Class Actions section of the firm. His practice focuses on toxic tort litigation, premises liability, and products liability. He has extensive experience representing suppliers and manufacturers of industrial products in multi-party personal injury suits. He also defends premises owners and industrial employers in occupational disease claims. Mr. Tafaro is admitted to practice before all state and federal courts in Louisiana. Member: Louisiana State Bar Association. Practice Areas: Insurance Defense; Toxic Torts.Email: Peter Tafaro
Todd C. Taranto (Associate) admitted to bar, 2008, Louisiana. Education: University of Georgia, Athens (B.B.A., magna cum laude, 2005); University of Innsbruck, Austria (2004); Universite Jean Moulin, Lyon, France (2006); Louisiana State University Law Center (J.D., 2008; B.C.L., 2008). Todd Taranto is an associate with the firm, practicing in areas of Commercial Litigation, Transactions and Energy & Environmental. Mr. Taranto received his Juris Doctor from Louisiana State University Law Center in 2008. He attended University of Georgia, graduating magna cum laude with a B.B.A. in Economics in 2005. He also attended University of Innsbruck in Innsbruck, Austria in 2004, studying Business Law with the Honorable Steven R. Plotkin. Member: Louisiana State Bar Association. Practice Areas: Commercial Litigation; Energy; Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material; Business Transactions.Email: Todd C. Taranto
Garrett W. Thalgott (Associate) admitted to bar, 2007, Louisiana. Education: Brigham Young University (B.S., Agronomy, 2003); Drake University Law School (J.D., 2006). Garrett Thalgott is an associate with the firm and practices in the Agriculture & Agribusiness Practice Group. He earned his law degree in 2006 from Drake University Law School in Des Moines, IA and received his undergraduate degree in Agronomy from Brigham Young University in 2003. His studies at BYU concentrated on soil fertility, and culminated with his work at the Brigham Young University Plant and Soil Analysis Laboratory. His responsibilities there included analyzing soil and plant tissue samples and making fertility recommendations based upon the results of those analyses. Mr. Thalgott brings relevant experience and knowledge in many of the legal issues surrounding livestock production from his past work with the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation. Mr. Thalgott was raised in southeastern Idaho, where much of his time was spent working on farms producing various irrigated crops, including potatoes, wheat, and alfalfa. Member: American Agricultural Law Association. Languages: Spanish. Practice Areas: Agricultural Law; Products Liability.Email: Garrett W. Thalgott
Paul C. Thibodeaux (Associate) admitted to bar, 2004, Louisiana. Education: Louisiana State University (B.S. in Civil Engineering, 2000); Tulane University Law School ( J.D., 2004). Paul Thibodeaux is an associate with the firm, focusing in areas of energy and environmental and mass tort and class actions. As an associate, Mr. Thibodeaux has assisted in the defense of a variety of claims regarding oil and gas law, mass torts, toxic torts, insurance coverage disputes, arbitration, products liability, oil remediation, railroad defense, construction disputes and other engineering-related issues. Recently, Mr. Thibodeaux became a registered patent attorney with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Member, Louisiana Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board, EIT. Member: American Bar Association; Louisiana State Bar Association; American Society of Civil Engineers. Practice Areas: Energy and Environmental; Mass Torts and Class Actions; Patents; Construction Law.Email: Paul C. Thibodeaux
James P. Waldron (Associate) admitted to bar, 2003, Louisiana. Education: Loyola University (B.A., 2000; J.D., 2003). James Waldron is an associate with the firm, practicing in areas of medical malpractice & healthcare, labor & employment and energy & environmental. Mr. Waldron represents entities across the spectrum of the healthcare industry, including hospitals, physicians and other healthcare providers. He has also developed experience in cases involving issues arising under Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FLSA and other claims under various federal and state laws. Mr. Waldron is the co-author of HIPPA Related State Law Issues in HIPAA Best Practices for Defense Lawyers (The DRI Defense Library Series, 2005). Member: American Bar Association; Louisiana State Bar Association; Thomas More Inn of Court. Practice Areas: Labor and Employment; Medical Liability and Health Care.Email: James P. Waldron
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