Branch Lawyers

Lance McCardle is a dogged, diligent advocate for his clients-evidenced by the number of thank you notes sent from clients who are ever grateful for his work in recovering their investment losses. His clients appreciate his honest assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of their case and the on-going advice he shares as their case progresses.

As a sole practitioner, our firm's founder, Carl Henry Franklin, dedicates his practice to working one-on-one with each client. Although there are thousands of lawyers and law firms throughout Louisiana, few can match the personalized attention, access to resources, wealth of local knowledge and decades of experience our firm offers.

An experienced Bankruptcy attorney, Michele Cook is dedicated to helping her clients solve their debt problems. She understands that bad things can happen to good people. Contact her today for a free consultation and learn how she can help you achieve your debt free goals.

Joseph's practice primarily focuses on civil litigation and personal injury. Joseph has worked at various large firms across the state of Louisiana. Joseph received his Bachelor of Science degree from Louisiana Tech University and his Juris Doctorate and Graduate Degree in Comparative Law from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University. Joseph honorably served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve and completed two combat tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, earning the rank of a Sergeant while serving in the 1st Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment. Along with all Louisiana state courts, Joseph...

The truth is, no lawyers win all their cases because legal matters vary on the merits. However, you deserve a lawyer you can trust who knows the law inside and out. We do not claim to be better than other law firms. It is your job to determine which lawyer is best for you and your case.

JOHN R. WALKER is a Partner in SBSB's Houston office. For the past almost twenty-five years, it has been my privilege to represent insurance and employer interests focusing on the defense of claims brought under the Longshore and Harbor Act, the Defense Base (DBA), the Non-Appropriated Funds (NAF) Instrumentalities Act, the Jones Act, and General Maritime and Admiralty Law. Additionally, John also has extensive experience in First Party Insurance Defense matters, representing employers, insurance carriers, and third parties in State, Federal and Appellate courts. Prior to joining the firm, John handled First Party Insurance Defense,...

Ciolino & Onstott provides high-quality, cost-effective outside general counsel services to individuals and small to medium-sized businesses in Louisiana and across the United States. We represent clients across various industries, including niche areas such as real estate, construction, entertainment, medical marijuana, and non-profit.

New Orleans criminal defense lawyer Stephen D. Hebert represents clients who have been charged with felony and misdemeanor crimes in district courts across Louisiana. Yet, Stephen D. Hebert is not solely a criminal defense attorney. Stephen D. Hebert is also a highly skilled personal injury lawyer.

Jack E. Morris provides professional legal services to clients throughout Louisiana. Engaged in civil litigation and counseling in the areas of appellate law, insurance law, real estate and property law, construction law, business and commercial law, and intellectual property law, Mr. Morris represents a diverse clientele including large and small businesses as well as individuals. Mr. Morris has represented clients before state and federal courts at every level, including the Louisiana Supreme Court and United States Supreme Court, and also before various arbitration and mediation forums. Practice Areas: Appeals and writ applications* Property and liability insurance claims and litigation Real estate and property transactions...

Jeffrey P. Berniard received his Bachelor of Science degree in Finance at McNeese State University, in Lake Charles, Louisiana in 2001 and received his Juris Doctorate degree at Loyola University New Orleans School of Law in 2004. Jeffrey opted to study in the state of Louisiana, his home, in order to stay close and stay connected to the state he loves and the state he grew up in.

Immediately following his graduation, Jeffrey Berniard was admitted to practice law in the state of Louisiana, including being able to practice in the Eastern, Western, and Middle Districts of Louisianaís U.S. District...

Taylor Norton is a registered patent attorney and an engineer. He may be contacted at (504) 858-0198 for a consultation. He is a native of New Orleans and a Jesuit High School graduate who earned his Bachelors of Science in Pure Mathematics from Louisiana State University and his Masters of Science in Civil Engineering from North Carolina State University, where he served as a National Science Foundation IGERT Research Fellow, advancing research across disciplines including structures and mechanics, textile engineering, macromolecular engineering and polymer science. He was a LaNasa Providence Law Scholar at Loyola University School of Law, where...

Ellen put herself through both undergraduate and law school. She a married, mother of two. Both her husband and daughter are also attorneys as are a nephew, father-in-law, 3 brothers-in-law and one brother-in-law who was elected judge. She was drawn to the areas of family law, criminal defense and plaintiff personal injury and has never changed course. She has practiced in Ascension, East Baton Rouge Jefferson, Livingston, Orleans, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Washington Parishes for her entire 28 years of legal experience including, Amite, Baton Rouge, Chalmette, Covington, Denham Springs, Franklinton, Gonzales, Gretna, Hammond,...

John Redmann, a passionate personal injury attorney practicing in Gretna and Metairie and rooted in the lively city of New Orleans, Louisiana, upholds a legacy of legal excellence. With nearly three decades of experience, he zealously advocates for justice, representing not only his beloved home state but also clients nationwide at the Law Office of John W. Redmann, L.L.C. Having graduated from Loyola University Law School in 1989, Attorney Redmann has been a prominent figure in the legal community of New Orleans ever since. His firm is a cornerstone of Louisiana's personal injury law landscape, handling a multitude of cases involving...

As a partner at Shepherd Smith Edwards & Kantas LLP (SSEK Law Firm), Kirk G. Smith focuses his practice on securities law. Representing individual and institutional investors against banks, brokerage firms and trust companies, Mr. Smith generally handles cases involving issues such as retirement losses, broker and brokerage firm misconduct, investment derivatives, fraud and financial product failures. He serves clients throughout the U.S.

Before earning a Juris Doctor from the South Texas College of Law Houston, Mr. Smith attended Loyola University New Orleans. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts.

Previously working as an investment advisor for a large brokerage firm and...

Bill Cherbonnier is a New Orleans native and a graduate of Jesuit High School and Tulane University Law School. He grew up on the West Bank and currently lives on the East Bank, and has offices on both sides of the river. His law practice includes all of South Louisiana and employs the latest technology to communicate with clients. Most initial consultations are conducted by telephone and are usually free. Bill is a trial lawyer who has represented plaintiff personal injury claimants, insurance company defendants, and an occasional alleged felon. He believes that the middle class in America is the forgotten...

I practice in the areas of personal injury litigation, maritime injury litigation, and handle property damage and casualty loss litigation against insurance companies. Most of my focus is on our business systems, marketing efforts, and ensuring as our firm grows, that our core values and mission statement are continually prioritized. Our goal is to ensure every client knows we will fight for the win on their case, no matter the size. One case I began handling right out of law school shaped how I viewed the way litigation is handled in Louisiana state courts and opened my eyes to how insurance...

As one of the founders of Lowe Stein, Mr. Lowe is a top-rated attorney in New Orleans who has revolutionized family law matters. For over 40 years, he has been the trusted name for individuals in need of legal representation. As a Board Certified family law specialist, Mr. Lowe helps clients with issues such as child visitation, custody, spousal and child support, pre- and post-nuptial agreements, divorce actions, property partitions, and more. He has practiced before all six Louisiana appellate courts, the Federal Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal, the United States Supreme Court, and federal district courts in Louisiana. In...

Attorney Timothy J. Young is the founder and owner of The Young Firm in New Orleans, Louisiana. Licensed to practice in Texas and Louisiana, Tim has over 30 years of legal experience. He provides exceptional advocacy and support to those throughout the Gulf Coast who have suffered a maritime injury or a serious injury caused by someone else's negligence or wrongdoing as well as for those who have workers' compensation claims. A recognized leader in maritime and admiralty law, Tim has recovered numerous substantial jury awards and settlements for his plaintiff clients, and he has extensive experience dealing with claims involving...

Hugh Lambert founded The Lambert Firm (now Lambert Zainey Smith & Soso) in 1977 and has since grown the firm to one of the most prestigious and well respected firms in New Orleans, representing individuals and businesses alike in a wide range of legal matters. In addition to his legal representation, Hugh Lambert is a frequent lecturer across the United States on class actions and mass torts. He has also authored and published legal articles. He has held a broad range of leadership positions in many organizations devoted to law, civic and charitable pursuits. He is a member in good...

Kirk Reasonover works primarily in the area of commercial litigation and arbitration. His experience includes cases involving securities law and investment disputes, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, racketeering, mismanagement, and corporate voting rights. He represents clients in arbitration proceedings before the NASD and American Arbitration Association. Mr. Reasonover has represented creditors, debtors and equity interest holders in bankruptcy and lien foreclosure proceedings. He has also been active in disputes involving franchises and intellectual property, including trademarks, copyrights, and computer software. He is a member of the Board of Directors and Audit Committee of Citizens National Bank of Meridian, a federally...

Mr. Berg’s practice has an emphasis on commercial litigation and arbitration, including securities litigation and arbitration. He represents individual and institutional investors, public pension funds and hedge funds in investment disputes with investment banks and brokerage firms in state and federal court, and in arbitration before the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Mr. Berg also represents businesses and individuals in complex commercial litigation matters, including derivative suits and claims involving unfair trade practices, fraud, negligence and breaches of fiduciary duties by managers, directors and officers of corporations. In addition to his commercial litigation practice, Mr. Berg has also represented many...

University of New Orleans & LSU Law Center Graduate. Solo practitioner concentrating in Criminal & DWI Defense, Personal Injury & Contract Negotiations, Civil Litigation. Trial & Motion Practice. Mac Evangelista since 1988. Rated 'Best Lawyers' for past 15 years straight in SB Magazine.

The dedicated and experienced criminal defense attorneys of DiGiulio Utley, LLC give personalized, aggressive and effective service to each client. The work ethic of our attorneys is impeccable and their results—a product of trial skills, adeptness at negotiations, and knowledge of the criminal justice system—speak for themselves. The criminal attorneys consult and communicate with their clients at every stage of their proceedings to ensure that they understand the legal process. The firm also ensures that no clients are uninformed or unsure of their situations. Ultimately, we do everything we can to leave our clients satisfied with their resolutions, whether they...

Craig was born in Shreveport, Louisiana. He graduated from Loyola College Prep in 1985. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance from Louisiana State University-Shreveport in 1990. He attended law school at Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, where he graduated in 1993. He is an attorney and partner in the law firm of Smith & John. Craig was admitted to the Louisiana Bar in 1993, and since then, he has been admitted to practice before the following courts: U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth...

Will Huguet is a partner in the Shreveport office of Kean Miller. He joined the firm in 2014 and practices in the oil and gas and energy litigation groups. Will has more than fifteen years of experience assisting energy companies in the exploration and production of minerals, including sales and acquisitions, lease and contract rights, title, due diligence, regulatory compliance, dispute resolution, and litigation, and in representing landowners and companies in selling and purchasing property and managing their mineral and royalty interests.

Prior to law school, Will was a professional landman in Lafayette, Louisiana. After law school, he served as a...

Oskar is originally from Puerto Rico and is fluent in Spanish. He has been practicing law in the New Orleans metro area since 2005. He has a diversified background in law, engineering, finance, marketing and accounting. Oskar has a BS in International Relations and Electrical Engineering from Boston University, graduated Magna Cum Laude and as a Crowe Scholar from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, and has a Master of Health Administration in Health System Management from Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. During his time at Loyola, Oskar was the Managing Editor of the Loyola...

Gissel is originally from Puerto Rico and is fluent in Spanish. She has been practicing law in the New Orleans metro area since 2004. After working as an Assistant District Attorney for Orleans Parish and as an Associate at a local insurance defense firm, she joined her husband, Oskar Pérez, in 2011 and founded Ferriol Pérez, LLC, a Hispanic-owned, full service law firm specializing in client-focused legal representation for the local community. Gissel has a bachelor's degree in Psychology and Classics from the University of Arizona, and a law degree, with a Certificate in International Law, from Loyola University School of...

Brad Harrigan focuses on intellectual property and insurance defense. As part of his intellectual property practice, Mr. Harrigan has managed trademark portfolios for Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, and individuals consisting of hundreds of domestic and international trademark applications and registrations.

Mr. Harrigan has significant experience representing clients in trademark prosecution matters such as USPTO Office Actions, TTAB proceedings, and ICANN UDRP arbitrations. Mr. Harrigan has also represented clients in IP litigation matters throughout the country, including state and federal disputes concerning trademark, copyright, trade secret, and unfair competition issues. His defense work includes a broad range of experience in property...

Ms. Cheek has extensive experience with cases involving asbestos-related illnesses, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. She also frequently handles cases involving other types of cancer, such as ovarian cancer. Her current practice is located in New Orleans, Louisiana, but she has also litigated extensively in numerous other jurisdictions, including Texas, Mississippi, Florida, California, West Virginia, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Utah, Washington, Illinois, and South Carolina. Ms. Cheek is an active member of the American Bar Association, Association of Women Attorneys, the State Bar of Texas, the State Bar of Louisiana, the State Bar of Pennsylvania, the Texas...

I joined DeShazo Adams, LLC as an associate in 2024, where my practice encompasses employment, education, and insurance defense matters. I graduated from LSU Law School, where I was honored with the Second Place Best Oralist award in the LSU Law Dean’s Cup Competition in 2019 and reached the Semi-Finalist stage at the National Energy and Sustainability Moot Court Competition. My academic achievements were recognized in several courses, including Constitutional Law II, Introduction to Environmental Law, Energy Law and Regulation, Climate Change Law, and Sports Law. During my time at LSU Law, I also had the privilege of serving as...

Jimmy D. Long, Jr. specializes in protecting assets and minimizing taxes for his clients. Through careful planning and trust drafting, Jimmy can shelter assets from creditors, nursing home spend-down, or children who are not well suited to manage an inheritance. His plans defer, reduce, or eliminate capital gains taxes on the sale of highly appreciated land and businesses, reduce income taxes for high earners, and reduce or eliminate estate taxes at death. Jimmy has an active state-wide practice throughout Louisiana, and occassionally consults on asset protection, estate planning, and tax matters in other states in conjunction with...

Mr. Sterbcow’s practice focuses on consumer financial services and real estate regulatory compliance and litigation including: Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA), Truth In Lending Act (TILA), Fair Housing Act, Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act (FACTA), Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Dodd-Frank Act, Sherman Anti-Trust Act, Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act involving federal and state mortgage lending and consumer credit compliance issues, title insurance compliance, real estate brokerage programs and operational compliance, affiliated business arrangement compliance, financial services marketing and promotional programs, state and federal licensing compliance, multiple listing service compliance, Best Practices compliance, and consumer fair financing practices....

A native New Orleanian, Leo graduated from Holy Cross High School, later obtained his Bachelor of Science in Business from the University of New Orleans, and then his Juris Doctorate from Loyola Law School, where he served as the Study Body President, Lead Attorney in the American Trial Lawyers Association Trial Competition, and member of the Clinic Program, successfully trying and winning cases on behalf of individuals’ rights. After graduating from Loyola School of Law, Leo opened the Palazzo Law Firm. Leo is admitted to practice in all state and appellate courts throughout Louisiana, the Federal Western, Middle, and Eastern Districts,...

I was born in Lafayette, in the heart of Cajun country. My grandparents lived next door, and there was rarely a day without a visit to or from someone in the extended family. Growing up, the family indulgence was season tickets to Saints games in the fall. I played volleyball at LSU, the culmination of a childhood dream. I went to LSU law school. There I enrolled in a tax law course and discovered that I really am a numbers person, and thrived in a program that appealed to my logical brain. After graduating, I headed north to pursue a Master...

I attended law school at Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in 1978. I completed law school and was admitted to the State Bar in 1981. I have worked in the personal injury field and defended criminal cases throughout the State of Louisiana. I have worked as legal counsel for the State of Louisiana in children in need of care matters.

I have served as a college professor and taught in the paralegal programs, and criminal justice. I am comfortable in the small towns and in the big cities. Nothing satisfies me more...

I am a partner at Carver Darden Koretzky Tessier Finn Blossman & Areaux LLC in New Orleans, where my practice is centered around intellectual property law. I focus on assisting clients with the protection and enforcement of their patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. My background in computer science and law equips me with a distinctive approach to complex intellectual property issues. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science and Psychology from Duke University in 2001. Before embarking on my legal career, I worked as a software engineer, where I gained hands-on experience in technology and software development. I...

Karen Waters Shields is a partner in the New Orleans office of Kean Miller. Karen is an experienced litigator with particular experience in a wide variety of admiralty and oil & gas casualty issues, including Jones Act, personal injury, oil and gas exploration, well blowouts, cargo damage, vessel collisions, vessel damage, platform damage and barge damage. Her experience with oil and gas casualties is both offshore in the Gulf of Mexico and on land. Karen also has experience in construction law, consumer credit reporting, products liability, and general personal injury litigation. Following law school, she served for one year as...

Tyler Kostal is an associate attorney in the New Orleans office of Kean Miller. She practices in the energy and environmental litigation group, defending energy companies in lawsuits involving oil and gas, environmental, toxic tort exposure, wetlands loss, pipeline, and commercial litigation and appeals. She also assists clients with Medicare reporting and compliance obligations for toxic tort exposure claims.

Tyler is listed as a Rising Star by Louisiana Super Lawyers for 2019.

Tyler earned her B.B.A., cum laude, in economics and marketing in 2005 from the University of Mississippi. She earned her J.D., cum laude, from Loyola University New Orleans College of...

Melanie Lockett is an experienced litigator in diverse areas of law including insurance coverage and defense, education, commercial litigation, employment law, professional liability, and family law. She has litigated a vast array of legal issues in Louisiana state and federal courts. She has also successfully appealed cases to Louisiana Courts of Appeal and Louisiana Supreme Court. Melanie’s innovative and diligent approach to representing clients has led to notable successes for insurance companies, insurance agents, tenured professors, university students, and victims of discrimination. Melanie is an involved member of several professional organizations. She is an active member...