Poydras Lawyers

Jim Silverstein practices in the areas of admiralty and maritime, products liability, energy, construction and environmental law.

Jim has extensive litigation experience, and has successfully defended clients in cases involving various aspects of maritime, admiralty, energy, and oil and gas law. He also maintains an active practice successfully defending manufacturers in product liability cases. He has defended cases involving numerous products, including ladders, electrical motors, fans, table saws, radial arm saws, planers, power tools, cranes and pumps. He has also successfully defended and prosecuted cases in the commercial litigation field.

Jim is an accomplished trial lawyer and is listed in Louisiana Super...

David Sharpe focuses on marine insurance coverage; marine finance and vessel documentation; bankruptcy, restructuring, and creditors’ rights; admiralty and maritime; and international and cross-border law. He represents clients that own, operate, charter, or employ vessels, and helps them understand and manage their risks in the United States, Gulf of Mexico, and worldwide offshore maritime oilfield and alternative-energy markets. Mr. Sharpe services clients in the area of concentration on maritime contracts (time and bareboat charter parties, master service contracts, insurance and indemnity agreements, marine-insurance coverage, and ship sale and finance) and related commercial litigation (maritime liens, vessel arrest and attachment,...

Attorney Martin Regan believes in the law and the right to the best defense. Any case, for all clients anywhere in the world: Homicide or Drug, Medical Malpractice, Federal Habeas Corpus and more. As the senior managing partner of Regan Law PLC who brings more than 40 years of success and experience to each case, Attorney Martin Regan is not only esteemed by judges and colleagues in any court of law, he is respected and revered, known as the attorney to watch and flanked by the strongest team of six professional attorneys prepared to support you....

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...

Richard P. Voorhies III founded The Voorhies Law Firm in 2012. Before starting his own firm, Richard earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Lafayette, received a Juris Doctor from Loyola School of Law, and served as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Dee D. Drell in the Western District of Louisiana. He is an active member of the Louisiana State Bar association and licensed to practice in every court in the state. If needed, Richard can also practice before District Courts in Louisiana and the United States Court of Appeals. With experience in...

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...

Growing up, I had the typical south-Louisiana experience. I learned to swim before I could walk when I was thrown from the boat while fishing down in Lafitte (I do not know anyone who did not learn to swim that way). I used to know French may che. I raised alligators taken from the nest after wrestling mom for fun. And I used to have this great Cajun accent when I was the waterboy for the football team.

My name is Loyd Bourgeois. And while that is not exactly my life story, it is...

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...

Lou Grossman is a partner in the New Orleans office of Kean Miller and practices in the environmental litigation, energy, and appellate groups. Since being admitted to practice in 2003, he has handled complex disputes involving the energy and petrochemical industries, including toxic tort claims, environmental damage claims, and commercial litigation. In addition, Lou has handled the appeals of numerous high-profile legal issues at the trial and appellate court level. He is listed in Louisiana Super Lawyers as a Rising Star for 2013 and 2014. Lou was admitted to the Colorado Bar in 2015, and was listed as a Rising...

Background and Education Mr. Mitchell was born in Mobile, Alabama on April 7, 1963. He graduated from Louisiana State University in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. He attended Louisiana State University, The Paul M. Hebert, School of Law from which he obtained his Juris Doctor degree in 1989. During law school, Mr. Mitchell was awarded the Outstanding Oral Advocate award by Mr. F. Lee Bailey during the F. Lee Bailey National Moot Court Competition. Mr. Mitchell's team placed second in the country. Mr. Mitchell was also a member of the National Moot Court Team and was...

Licensed to practice in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, Justin Chopin is the owner and managing attorney of The Chopin Law Firm LLC. Born and raised in New Orleans, Justin is thoroughly familiar with the legal challenges that individuals and businesses face along the Gulf Coast. The firm represents individuals who have suffered personal injury, as well as small businesses. Prior to founding his own firm, Justin worked for one of the largest defense firms in America, as well as for some of the most highly regarded regional firms.

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...

Samuel Ford is a dedicated consumer attorney, protecting the rights of consumers in Louisiana, the gulf coast, and throughout the nation. Samuel's practice is focused on providing individuals relief from relentless debt collectors who use abusive and illegal tactics to squeeze money out of hard-working Americans. Prior to joining Varadi, Hair & Checki, Samuel was a defense attorney for creditors and debt collectors, witnessing first-hand the injurious methods utilized by these corporations and learning the best ways to fight back against them. If you are receiving calls or letters from a debt collector, have been sued on a debt, or...

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...

Chauvin Kean is an associate in the New Orleans office of Kean Miller. He joined the firm in 2015 and practices in a variety of areas, including the business and corporate groups. Specifically, his practice areas includes: oil and gas transactions and litigation; admiralty and maritime litigation; international trade; acquisitions and divestitures; customs compliance; construction litigation; insurance coverage; and general and commercial litigation. He has experience with in a variety of issues, including Jones Act compliance, oil and gas exploration, pipeline construction, drilling incidents, well blowouts, cargo damage claims, ship and barge allisions, maritime liens, vessel and marine asset acquisitions,...

Trenton A. Grand, a native of Baton Rouge practices law in areas of consumer and commercial bankruptcy, debt reorganization, estate planning-wills and trusts, personal injury, and residential and commercial real estate transactions.

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...

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...

Randy Opotowsky is a highly experienced real estate attorney and commercial litigator, who is held in high regard by his colleagues in New Orleans. He has more than 44 years of experience in residential and commercial real estate law, and business and corporate law, including 25 years as a litigator. His practice areas include residential and commercial closings, condominium creation and conversion, multi-family and subdivision development, and representation of condominium homeowner associations. Randy has developed a reputation for providing high quality legal counsel to condominium owners, developers and associations in condominium conversions of existing buildings, condominium collections, ground-up condominium development,...

Mr. Nance has a general practice with special focus on all aspects of the Internet, entertainment, media, business and construction law, state and federal civil litigation. He has over 21 years of experience practicing law in Europe, South America and the US, including experience in litigation and administrative hearings as well as first-chair jury trial experience.

Mr. Nance speaks fluent English, German, Spanish and conversational Polish and French, having earned a bachelor's degree in German and Spanish from the University of Texas at Austin in 1990 and a J.D. in civil and common law from Loyola University School of Law, New...

James Graham has worked as an educator in New Orleans. He then served in executive positions in real estate and education. After earning a degree from Loyola Law School, Mr. Graham sought to use his real world experience to benefit clients in his community. He is a member of the New Orleans Bar Association and the American Bar Association. Mr. Graham is admitted to practice before state and district courts in Louisiana.

A shining moment for Mr. Graham came when he assisted his first client to secure incorporation papers so that he could legally operate his new business in Louisiana. Another...

John D. Ray is the owner and operator of The Ray Firm, LLC and has practiced law for over 20 years and specializes in workers’ compensation. He opened his law firm in Baton Rouge in 2016 after years of working for New Orleans and Lafayette based defense firms, serving as Assistant Attorney General for the Louisiana Department of Justice and then serving as the Section Chief of Workers’ Compensation Section of LDJ. In addition to his role as Section Chief, he served as an in-house legal advisor to the Office of Risk Management and the Louisianan Department of Justice regarding...

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...

Michael D. Allday experiences range from the representation of clients in local commercial matters, family disputes, personal injury and bankruptcy to the representation of large corporations in international arbitration, including the Iran-U.S. Claims Tribunal at the Hague. In today’s competitive environment, Michael D. Allday law office has the advantage of combining large firm experience with personal attention to clients’ needs at affordable rates. Every client receives “hands on” attention, and your goals and needs are the top priority. When necessary, Michael D. Allday has a network of respected colleagues in those areas of law that require a high degree of...

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...

A graduate of Tulane University School of Law, an avid gardener, and a history buff, Louis lives in New Orleans, Louisiana. He enjoys speaking French and is an advocate for French language and culture in Louisiana. Bringing more than 50 years of legal experience to the table, Louis R. Koerner, Jr. can assist you with complex litigation and appeals related to maritime and personal injury cases. Certified by the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization.

After practicing for several years at one of the most respected and top rated defense firms in Louisiana, Collin and three other experienced lawyers formed Mansfield Melancon with the goal of providing his clients the personal attention that they deserve and expect from their attorney.

Collin has experience advocating for clients in both Louisiana federal and state courts. He has handled cases ranging from complex business disputes to individual disagreements. Collin is admitted to practice in all Louisiana state courts, in the United States District Courts for the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of Louisiana, and the United States...

Peter Diiorio began his career as an attorney in 2005 by handling hundreds of first-party insurance claims following Hurricane Katrina. One month before Katrina, Mr. Diiorio sat for the 2005 Louisiana bar exam in the Superdome of New Orleans, and he began handling property insurance claims as an attorney two months later. Today, Mr. Diiorio continues to focus his law practice on representing homeowners and small businesses in first-party insurance claims, with an emphasis on bad faith claims against insurers. If someone has been wronged by an insurance company, or has an insurance problem they can’t handle, Mr. Diiorio works tirelessly...

Amanda Howard Lowe is a partner in the New Orleans office of Kean Miller. She joined the firm in 2009 and practices in the admiralty and maritime, energy and corporate litigation groups. Amanda has considerable experience in a wide variety of admiralty issues, including Jones Act and personal injury defense, maritime litigation, oil and gas exploration, drilling accidents, well blowouts, cargo damage, ship collisions, ship allusions, vessel groundings, lift board and jack-up rig accidents, vessel mortgage filings, product liability, redhibition, as well as premises liability, construction defect litigation and general personal injury litigation. Amanda's experience also includes assisting clients in...

Christopher L. Williams focuses his practice on complex employment litigation, including cases involving violations of wage-and-hour laws, employment discrimination, sexual harassment, retaliation, unpaid wages, breach of contract, whistleblower claims, and non-compete issues. After working for some of the nation’s largest labor-and-employment law firms, he opened his own practice in 2014 to concentrate on protecting the rights of workers and employees. Mr. Williams draws on his previous experience representing employers to provide legal advice to individuals regarding potential claims and legal remedies under state and federal employment laws. Mr. Williams has litigated a wide variety of employment issues in...