future-focused
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 9th 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.
Liskow is proud to announce that bankruptcy attorney Michael Rubenstein has been appointed to the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization’s Bankruptcy Law Advisory Commission for the 2026 term.
In this role, Michael will assist the Board of Legal Specialization in overseeing the standards and certification process for attorneys practicing in the field of bankruptcy law. He will specifically contribute to the Commission’s efforts to review attorney applications for specialization, evaluate candidates’ bankruptcy experience, and maintain the testing standards required for board certification in Louisiana.
Michael’s leadership background includes serving as the firm’s deputy general counsel and as a member of the firm’s Board of Directors. Throughout his career, he has held numerous leadership roles within the American Bar Association, the Federal Bar Association, and the State Bar of Texas, and has consistently demonstrated a dedication to professional development and high standards of legal practice.
Michael works with clients throughout Louisiana and Texas on bankruptcies, restructurings, and reorganizations, as well as complex business litigation and criminal law. His bankruptcy practice is largely devoted to the representation of creditors, often in the energy sector, in complex reorganizations throughout the U.S.
Liskow joins the New Orleans legal community in mourning the passing of J. Berry St. John, Jr., an extraordinary lawyer, colleague, mentor, and friend whose impact on our firm was profound.
Berry practiced law at Liskow for 34 years, upholding the highest standards of professionalism, judgment, and integrity. He brought deep experience, sound judgment, and a steady sense of purpose to his work. For those who had the privilege of working with him, Berry was a model of what it means to serve the profession with excellence, humility, and care.
Berry was especially respected for his work in environmental law. He founded Liskow’s environmental law section and led it for many years. His work included significant matters under federal and state environmental laws and regulations, including the Federal Clean Water Act and the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act and regulations issued under them. He handled and argued cases nationwide involving these statutes and was frequently called upon to serve as environmental counsel in transactional matters.
His leadership extended well beyond Liskow. Berry was active in the American Bar Association and served as Chair of the ABA Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources. He also served as President of the New Orleans Bar Association, reflecting his deep commitment to the legal community in which he practiced and led for decades. At Tulane Law School, he served as Managing Editor of the Tulane Law Review, and he later returned to Tulane as a member of the practitioner faculty, teaching Louisiana environmental law to future lawyers.
Berry’s life of service also included distinguished service as a naval aviator. He attended the University of South Carolina on a Naval ROTC scholarship, received his wings of gold in 1964, served as a pilot with squadron VS-28 aboard the USS Wasp, and later flew in Navy Reserve Squadron VP-94 based at Naval Air Station New Orleans. While on active duty, Berry also served as the Executive Officer of the Navy aerial performance team, the Blue Angels, and he taught formation flying at the Pensacola NAS. Aviation remained a lifelong passion. That experience reflected qualities that those around him saw throughout his life and career: discipline, leadership, precision, and an unwavering commitment to the people who served alongside him.
For those of us who had the privilege of knowing and working with Berry, his legacy is measured not only by his many professional accomplishments but by the example he set and his mentoring of younger lawyers. He was a leader in our firm, in his field, and in the bar, and he was truly a great model for us all.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Berry’s family, friends, former colleagues, and all who knew and admired him. We are grateful for his life, his service, and the lasting legacy he left at Liskow and in the New Orleans legal community.
Liskow is proud to announce that attorney Hayley Landry has been elected to serve as Vice President of the Professional Landmen’s Association of New Orleans (“PLANO”) for the 2026-2027 term. Hayley will serve alongside PLANO’s newly elected board of directors and officers as they lead the organization’s continued programming and industry engagement for the coming year.
Hayley focuses her practice on energy litigation, representing clients in complex disputes arising from the upstream and midstream sectors of the energy industry, as well as related environmental matters. She counsels clients through litigation involving operational and environmental issues, drawing on a deep understanding of Louisiana’s energy industry and its evolving legal and regulatory landscape. Her practice is further enhanced by active leadership in industry organizations and an ongoing commitment to staying at the forefront of developments affecting the energy sector, enabling her to provide clients with informed, practical counsel in a rapidly changing industry.
PLANO is a nonprofit association founded in 1953 that serves land and energy professionals across the Gulf Coast by providing continuing education, networking opportunities, and updates on legal and legislative developments impacting the energy industry. Its membership includes professional landmen, title attorneys, surveyors, abstractors, and other industry professionals involved in oil and gas, renewable energy, carbon capture, and related sectors.