News

Liskow real estate lawyers Paul Kitziger and David Weiner have been named to the 2026 Lawdragon 500 Leading Global Real Estate Lawyers list, which recognizes leading attorneys in the commercial real estate industry.

Paul is among only 14 attorneys recognized in New Orleans, and David is among only 25 recognized in Houston. Both are Fellows of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers (ACREL), the preeminent association of commercial real estate lawyers.

Based in Liskow’s New Orleans office, Paul represents local and international clients across the energy, petrochemical, manufacturing, hospitality, industrial, and financial sectors in a wide range of business transactions, including real estate transactions, construction projects, business entity structuring and formation, mergers and acquisitions, and financing transactions. His real estate experience includes the leasing, sale, purchase, and development of hospitality and industrial facilities, office buildings, warehouses, and other commercial and industrial properties. 

David, based in Liskow’s Houston office, co-leads the firm’s Real Estate Industry Group and represents developers, investors, individuals, and businesses in a broad range of real estate matters, including acquisitions and sales, leasing, and development. He advises landlords, tenants, and subtenants on leasing matters involving office buildings, shopping centers, restaurants, and commercial and industrial properties.

Liskow congratulates Paul and David on this well-deserved recognition.

Liskow is proud to announce that 104 of our attorneys have been recognized in the 2027 editions of The Best Lawyers in America® and the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America lists. Seven of these attorneys earned the distinction of “Lawyer of the Year” in their respective practice areas, an honor awarded to only one lawyer per practice area in each metropolitan region.

Those recognized as the “Lawyer of the Year” include:

• George Arceneaux Ill – Litigation – Environmental, Lafayette, LA
• Jamie D. Rhymes – Energy Law, Lafayette, LA
• Kelly Brechtel Becker – Litigation – Environmental, New Orleans, LA
• James E. Lapeze – Energy Law, New Orleans, LA
• Leon J. Reymond Ill – Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Closely Held Companies and Family Business Law, New Orleans, LA
• Leon H. Rittenberg Ill – Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Nonprofit/Charities Law, New Orleans, LA
• Matthew Simone – Oil and Gas Law, New Orleans, LA

Those recognized in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® include:

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

• Paul M. Adkins – Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Environmental, Oil and Gas Law
• Hunter Chauvin – Energy Law
• Matt Jones – Energy Law
• Denice Robinette – Personal Injury Defendants

Lafayette, Louisiana

• Vanessa Waguespack Anseman – Energy Law
• George Arceneaux Ill – Litigation – Environmental, Oil and Gas Law
• Brittan J. Bush – Energy Law, Oil and Gas Law, Natural Resources Law
• Brian W. Capell – Energy Law, Energy Regulatory Law
• Julie Chauvin – Commercial Transactions/ UCC Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law
• Joseph C. Giglio, Jr. – Corporate Law, Real Estate Law
• Joseph P. Hebert- Energy Regulatory Law
• Michael H. Ishee – Energy Law, Oil and Gas Law
• Amy Allums Lee – Litigation – Environmental, Mass Tort Litigation/ Class Actions – Defendants, Energy Law, Energy Regulatory Law, Environmental Law
• Jeffrey Lieberman – Energy Law, Energy Regulatory Law, Litigation – Environmental
• Jamie D. Rhymes – Energy Law, Oil and Gas Law, Litigation – Environmental
• Shawn Carney Rhymes – Energy Law
• April Rolen-Ogden – Energy Law, Oil and Gas Law
• Lawrence P. Simon, Jr. – Natural Resources Law, Oil and Gas Law
• John S. Troutman – Energy Law
• Court VanTassell- Environmental Law, Energy Law

New Orleans, Louisiana

• Donald R. Abaunza – Admiralty and Maritime Law, Commercial Litigation, Energy Law
• Neil C. Abramson – Litigation – Environmental. Mass Tort Litigation/ Class Actions – Defendants. Product Liability – Defendants
• Marguerite L. Adams – Real Estate Law. Trusts and Estates
• Alec Andrade – Commercial Litigation. Mass Tort Litigation/ Class Actions – Defendants. Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
• Robert Angelico – Tax Law
• Erin Bambrick – Energy Law. Oil and Gas Law
• Alex Baynham – Admiralty and Maritime Law
• Kelly Brechtel Becker – Appellate Practice, Energy Law, Litigation – Environmental, Oil and Gas Law
• Clare M. Bienvenu – Environmental Law, Litigation – Environmental
• Nora B. Bilbro – Mass Tort Litigation/ Class Actions – Defendants
• James A. Brown – Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants, Litigation – Antitrust, Litigation – Trusts and Estates, Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants
• Laura S. Brown – Energy Law, Litigation – Environmental, Oil and Gas Law
• Louis E. Buatt- Environmental Law, Litigation – Environmental, Water Law
• Ryan T. Christiansen – Banking and Finance Law, Real Estate Law
• Sheri Corales – Commercial Litigation
• Melanie Derefinko – Commercial Litigation
• Thomas P. Diaz – Admiralty and Maritime Law
• Kathleen L. Doody – Banking and Finance Law. Energy Law, Oil and Gas Law
• Jonathan Fox – Energy Law. Litigation – Environmental
• Kathryn Gonski – Energy Law, Oil and Gas Law. Commercial Litigation
• Jackie Hickman – -Energy Law
• Shannon Skelton Holtzman – Commercial Litigation. Litigation – Construction
• R. Keith Jarrett- Admiralty and Maritime Law
• Brian R. Johnson – Real Estate Law
• Greg L. Johnson – Environmental Law, Litigation – Environmental
• Philip K. Jones, Jr. – Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/ Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Litigation – Bankruptcy
• Paul C. Kitziger – Real Estate Law
• Cheryl M. Kornick – Commercial Litigation, Energy Law, Litigation and Controversy- Tax, Tax Law, Appellate Practice, Oil and Gas Law
• Caroline D. Lafourcade – Litigation – Trusts and Estates, Litigation and Controversy – Tax, Tax Law, Trusts and Estates
• James E. Lapeze – Energy Law, Litigation – Environmental, Oil and Gas Law, Environmental Law
• Mark D. Latham – Admiralty and Maritime Law, Environmental Law, Litigation – Environmental, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
• David W. Leefe – Admiralty and Maritime Law, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
• Thomas J. McGoey II – Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment
• Mark L. McNamara – Energy Law, Mass Tort Litigation/ Class Actions – Defendants, Oil and Gas Law
• Robert B. McNeal- Environmental Law, Litigation – Environmental, Oil and Gas Law
• Carey L. Menasco – Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/ Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Litigation – Bankruptcy, Commercial Litigation, Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants
• Michael C. Mims – Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants. Commercial Litigation
• Devin C. Reid – Admiralty and Maritime Law
• Carol “Lulu” Welborn Reisman – Commercial Litigation
• David L. Reisman – Admiralty and Maritime Law. Mass Tort Litigation/ Class Actions – Defendants
• Jerome J. Reso, Jr. – Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Nonprofit/ Charities Law, Tax Law, Trusts and Estates
• Leon J. Reymond Ill – Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law
• Leon H. Rittenberg Ill – Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Nonprofit/ Charities Law, Tax Law, Trusts and Estates
• John A. Rouchell- Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Corporate Law, Elder Law, Tax Law, Trusts and Estates, Nonprofits/ Charities Law
• Kelly T. Scalise – Admiralty and Maritime Law, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
• Stephen P. Schott – Litigation – Real Estate, Real Estate Law
• Scott C. Seiler – Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
• Matthew Simone – Energy Law, Oil and Gas Law
• Cherrell Simms Taplin – Energy Law
• Sean Toomey: Criminal Defense – White Collar
• Tyler Trew – Commercial Litigation
• Emily von Qualen – Environmental Law, Litigation Environmental
• Raymond T. Waid – Admiralty and Maritime Law
• Elizabeth Wheeler – Energy Law
• Charles B. Wilmore – Commercial Litigation, Mass Tort Litigation/ Class Actions – Defendants, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
• John M. Wilson – Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Environmental
• Joseph T. Wilson – Real Estate Law, Trusts and Estates
• Brett D. Wise – Admiralty and Maritime Law

New York, New York

• Michael Fernandez – Admiralty and Maritime Law

Houston, Texas

• Laura Alaniz – Employment Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment
• John Almy – Admiralty and Maritime Law
• Michael P. Cash – Commercial Litigation, Mass Tort Litigation/ Class Actions – Defendants, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
• Michael A. Golemi – Admiralty and Maritime Law, Insurance Law, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
• Jana L. Grauberger – Energy Law
• Marilyn C. Maloney – Banking and Finance Law, Energy Law, Real Estate Law, Oil and Gas Law
• Robbie Mashburn – Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
• William W. Pugh – Admiralty and Maritime Law, Energy Law, Oil and Gas Law
• Michael D. Rubenstein – Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/ Insolvency and Reorganization Law
• Alma F. Shields – Litigation – Labor and Employment
• David J. Weiner – Real Estate Law

Those recognized in the 2027 edition of the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America include:

Lafayette, Louisiana

• Alexandra L. Gjertson – Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law
• Joe Heaton – Energy Law, Environmental Law, Litigation – Environmental, Oil and Gas Law
• Cody Miller – Banking & Finance, Corporate Law
• John M. Parker – Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/ Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Energy Law

New Orleans, Louisiana

• Zachary Berryman – Energy Law, Environmental Law, Litigation – Environmental
• Lance C. Bullock – Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, Transportation Law
• Chelsea Crews – Transportation Law
• Ellen George – Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Labor and Employment
• Hayley M. Landry – Energy Law
• Nicholas Mole – Mass Tort Litigation/ Class Actions – Defendants
• Colin North – Administrative/ Regulatory Law, Energy Law, Environmental Law
• Jessie Elizabeth Shifalo – Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, Transportation Law
• Cristian M. Soler – Energy Law, Litigation – Environmental, Oil and Gas Law

Houston, Texas

• Margaret Chavez – Energy Law, Natural Resources Law, Oil and Gas Law
• Jonas Patzwall- Energy Law, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, Transportation Law
• Elizabeth Strunk – Transportation Law

Liskow attorneys Leon Rittenberg III and Kevin Naccari were recently featured in State Affairs – Louisiana’s Guest Column. Their article, “House-Passed Defense Bill Would Rewrite Maritime Rules,” breaks down how the FY27 National Defense Authorization Act introduces the broadest rewrite of federal maritime law in a generation.

Their analysis covers major proposed updates to shipbuilding frameworks, cargo preference rules, and the Jones Act. Read the full article here.

Liskow attorneys Leon Rittenberg III and Kevin Naccari were recently featured in State Affairs – Louisiana’s Guest Column. Their article, “House-Passed Defense Bill Would Rewrite Maritime Rules,” breaks down how the FY27 National Defense Authorization Act introduces the broadest rewrite of federal maritime law in a generation.

Their analysis covers major proposed updates to shipbuilding frameworks, cargo preference rules, and the Jones Act. Read the full article here.

On August 10, 2026, in a personal injury action brought against Louisiana plant owners Methanex USA, LLC and Methanex Louisiana, LLC (“Methanex”), the United States Fifth Circuit affirmed the Middle District of Louisiana’s rulings: (1) granting Methanex’s Rule 12(b)(6) motion to dismiss plaintiff’s intentional tort claim, with prejudice, and (2) granting Methanex’s summary judgment motion to dismiss plaintiff’s remaining tort claims with prejudice based on the statutory employer doctrine.

 The Fifth Circuit confirmed that conclusory, unsafe workplace allegations do not meet the Rule 12(b)(6) pleading standard to state an intentional tort claim under Louisiana law.  Addressing the plaintiff’s request for discovery, the Court reaffirmed that “well-settled federal pleading requirements do not countenance” perseveration of a case “on the possibility that he might later discover the factual support necessary for his claim.” (emphasis in original). 

The Fifth Circuit further affirmed the district court’s application of the statutory employer doctrine to dismiss the plaintiff’s remaining tort claims.  The Fifth Circuit found that where (1) the contract between Methanex and the plaintiff’s employer provided Methanex statutory employer status, and (2) the plaintiff was performing work in connection with a maintenance turnaround, which courts have historically recognized as integral to a plant’s operations, the district court made the “correct observation that the requirements of the statutory employment doctrine are clear from the face of the parties’ contract and our case law.”  The Fifth Circuit also rejected the plaintiff’s request for discovery under Rule 56(d), finding that the plaintiff failed to identify what relevant evidence he was missing in the face of a clear application of the statutory employment doctrine.  

Kathryn Gonski and Melanie Derefinko represented Methanex in the trial court and on appeal.  A copy of the Fifth Circuit’s decision can be found here.

Liskow is pleased to congratulate Hayley Landry on being selected as the recipient of the Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel’s (LADC) Frank L. Maraist Award. The Frank L. Maraist Award recognizes a young lawyer who has demonstrated outstanding achievements in their practice and exemplary contributions to the legal profession, carrying on the legacy of Professor Frank L. Maraist, who taught at LSU Law School for nearly 40 years.

Hayley is a member of Liskow’s Energy Litigation practice group in New Orleans, where she has distinguished herself through a career rooted in service and a commitment to expanding access to justice. From her time as a student attorney with the Stuart H. Smith Law Clinic and Center for Social Justice representing clients in employment litigation matters, to her continued pro bono leadership at the firm, service has been a defining characteristic of her professional life. Her pro bono dedication has been formally recognized with The Pro Bono Project’s 2025 Distinguished Service Award, the 2022 Louisiana State Bar Association Young Lawyers Division Pro Bono Award, and Liskow’s 2021 Pro Bono Award.

For the past four years, Hayley has led the firm’s participation in The Pro Bono Project’s CDC Helpdesk Adopt-A-Month Program, coordinating firm attorneys to take part in this hands-on community initiative. She also regularly volunteers with Southeast Louisiana Legal Services and the Pro Bono Project at various legal fairs and clinics. Her broader legal community involvement includes serving on the Advisory Board of Southeast Louisiana Legal Services, as former Public Service Co-Chair of the New Orleans Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section, and volunteering through the Louisiana State Bar Association’s Legal Fair, alongside active engagement with the Young Leadership Council. She also helped lead charitable efforts such as the Association for Women Attorneys Bake Sale benefitting Second Harvest Food Bank of South Louisiana.

Within her practice and the broader energy sector, Hayley has established herself as a leader. She currently serves as President-elect for the South Louisiana Chapter of Women’s Energy Network, supporting programming and networking opportunities for women in the industry, Vice President for the Professional Landman Association of New Orleans, and Committee Co-Chair for the New Orleans Bar Association’s Energy and Environmental Law. Hayley also serves on the New Orleans Bar Association Young Lawyers Section Executive Committee. Her professional memberships include the Institute for Energy Law, the Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law, and the American, Federal, New Orleans, and Jefferson Bar Associations. Earlier in her career, she was selected to participate in the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity’s Pathfinders Program.

As James Brown, a Liskow shareholder and LADC member, noted, “Hayley is exactly the kind of lawyer this award was created to recognize. She gives generously of her time and talents without seeking recognition, and she approaches every opportunity to serve with humility, compassion, and a genuine commitment to helping others. Her selfless nature, leadership within the legal community, and dedication to expanding access to justice make her an ideal candidate for the Frank Maraist Award.”

Hayley was presented with the award by fellow Liskow attorney Trinity Morale at the 2026 LADC Maraist Awards Dinner.

Liskow is proud to congratulate Michael Mims on being named to New Orleans CityBusiness’ Leadership in Law Class of 2026. Michael joins other area professionals recognized for their outstanding career achievements and contributions to the legal community.

Michael is a seasoned trial lawyer who represents industrial and commercial clients in high-stakes litigation and regulatory matters, with a primary focus on environmental, toxic tort, complex business, and healthcare-related disputes. Licensed in both Louisiana and Texas, he has successfully defended clients in precedent-setting cases, including defeating class certification in a proposed 76,000-member environmental class action and securing multiple defense jury verdicts in high-exposure personal injury and wrongful death litigation. His practice encompasses complex environmental and commercial disputes, including litigation involving environmental permits and regulatory enforcement proceedings. He helps clients identify and minimize litigation risk early, pursue efficient resolutions where possible, and develop winning trial strategies when litigation cannot be avoided.

In addition to his litigation practice, Michael advises clients on environmental regulations, healthcare privacy and HIPAA compliance, contract drafting and risk management, and emerging legal issues involving PFAS and artificial intelligence. He is also a recognized thought leader who regularly writes and speaks on evolving regulatory and liability trends, helping clients proactively address legal challenges before they become disputes.

Beyond his professional practice, Michael demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting his community through mentorship and civic involvement. He is a proud supporter of the WCN Cares Foundation, including its Annual Golf Classic for Kids, which benefits local nonprofit organizations and community initiatives. He is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel—having previously served on its Young Lawyers Committee—along with the Defense Research Institute, the New Orleans Bar Association, the Louisiana State Bar Association, the Texas State Bar Association, and the Federal Bar Association.

Michael will be recognized among the other honorees Monday, October 5, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the New Orleans Museum of Art. Profiles of the honorees will appear in the October 15 issue of CityBusiness.

Liskow is proud to announce that Jana Grauberger has been elected President of the Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law (FNREL). Jana began her term at the conclusion of the Foundation’s Annual Institute and will serve through the 73rd Annual Institute next July in Monterey, California. 

Jana’s election as President follows a year of service as FNREL’s Vice President, where she worked alongside the Foundation’s executive leadership on governance, strategic planning, financial oversight, and educational initiatives. She has been actively involved with the Foundation for many years, previously serving as Program Chair for the 69th Annual Institute, co-chairing the Foundation’s Short Course on Federal Offshore Oil and Gas Leasing and Development, and serving on its Board of Directors.

As President, Jana will lead the Board of Directors in advancing the Foundation’s strategic priorities, preside over board and membership meetings, oversee committee appointments, and work closely with Foundation leadership to support the organization’s continued growth and impact. FNREL is recognized internationally for its educational programs and resources for legal professionals, industry leaders, and policymakers navigating complex natural resources and energy issues.

As an energy lawyer with more than 25 years of experience, Jana negotiates contracts, provides day-to-day regulatory advice and assistance, and handles administrative appeals, litigation, and arbitration matters concerning oil and gas and other energy matters. Her experience includes drafting and negotiating purchase and sale agreements, participation agreements, joint operating agreements, production handling agreements, gathering agreements, transportation agreements and other upstream and midstream contracts. She also helps clients navigate the complex legal and regulatory framework applicable to federal offshore leasing, development, and operations. Jana’s litigation and arbitration experience is wide-ranging and includes contract disputes, royalty litigation, offshore construction and installation claims, indemnity litigation, and decommissioning disputes. She also handles administrative appeals of orders issued by the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Marine Minerals Administration (formerly Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement) and Office of Natural Resources Revenue. Jana is Co-Chair of Liskow’s Energy Litigation Section.

In addition to serving as President of FNREL, Jana is an Advisory Board Member for the Tulane Energy Law & Policy Center and has held numerous leadership positions within the Women’s Energy Network, including President of the WEN Global Board of Directors, the WEN Houston Chapter, and the WEN Foundation. She is also a member of the Association of International Energy Negotiators (AIEN), a frequent speaker and author on offshore energy issues, and an arbitrator on the American Arbitration Association–International Centre for Dispute Resolution’s Commercial Arbitration Panel.

Beyond Jana’s leadership, Liskow is proud to have several lawyers contributing to FNREL in meaningful roles. Jackie Hickman serves as Chair of FNREL’s Participation and Engagement Committee, and Zac Berryman was recently selected as one of only four attorneys for the Foundation’s inaugural Emerging Leaders Program.

Liskow is proud to announce that Alex Gjertson has been selected for the Institute for Energy Law’s 9^th 2026-2027 Leadership Class. The program brings together 40 young energy professionals from eight U.S. states, Washington, D.C., Mexico, Switzerland, and Venezuela.

Alex is an associate in the Energy practice group in the firm’s Lafayette office. She earned her Juris Doctor, summa cum laude, from the University of Notre Dame Law School, where she served as Managing Senior Editor of the Notre Dame Law Review. During law school, Alex gained valuable experience as a judicial extern for the Honorable Michael G. Gotsch of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana and the Honorable Nannette Jolivette Brown of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. She received her Bachelor of Arts, summa cum laude, from Louisiana State University.  In addition to her practice, she serves on the Board of Directors for the Bar Association of the Fifth Federal Circuit.

Members will participate in specialized webinars, leadership training sessions, and networking events designed to build lasting professional relationships and grow their impact across the energy law sector.

Read more about this selection here. 

Liskow Maritime attorney Ray Waid was recently quoted in an Associated Press article regarding commercial shipping activity and maritime control issues in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important waterways for international commerce.

The article, “FACT FOCUS: A look at US and Iranian claims of control over the Strait of Hormuz,” examines the maritime significance of the Strait and the practical impact that disruptions can have on vessel traffic through the region. As daily commercial traffic through the Strait has reportedly declined from roughly 130 ships per day to 14, the piece highlights the operational importance of maintaining safe and reliable passage through this critical shipping corridor.

Drawing on his unique maritime perspective, Ray commented on the unique factors that can affect commerce in the Strait: “You have two nations, both of which are very capable — the U.S., because it has the most powerful Navy in the world, and Iran, which is geographically well positioned to disrupt commerce throughout the Strait of Hormuz — (and) can exercise a significant degree of control.”

To read the full article, please click here.