News

Liskow & Lewis is pleased to welcome Brett Holubeck to the firm as a labor and employment lawyer practicing in the firm’s Houston office.

Brett takes a practical approach to solving problems. He believes in preventing labor and employment issues before they turn into lawsuits. To do this, he works closely with clients to understand the requirements and desires of their businesses and devise solutions that are adapted to their specific needs.  Where possible, he conducts client visits to meet with supervisors, HR professionals, and other members of management to assess strengths and help companies improve. He believes that good preventative measures such as training and effective policies not only helps companies avoid lawsuits but enables them to improve their business and employee morale. As the son of a small business owner, Brett understands the importance of having the right policies and practices in place so businesses can do what they do best: serve their customers and clients.

Brett helps businesses identify their problems, determine solutions, and apply practical approaches whether the issue is related to employee discipline or a question concerning labor unions and everything in-between. He works with employers to look beyond legal solutions and adopts a holistic approach to solving any workplace issue that arises. He has experience handling and addressing wage and hour, discrimination, sexual harassment, disability, employee leave, and traditional labor issues.

In addition, Brett is the author and creator of the Texas Labor Law Blog, a labor and employment law blog that discusses some of the most important issues for business owners, supervisors, and HR professionals.

Finally, Brett is a frequent speaker on a variety of labor and employment topics. His most popular topics remain those that help companies prevent problems before they occur and respond to them when they do: “How to Discipline and Terminate Employees” and “How to Conduct a Workplace Investigation.” These topics form the foundation of documenting employment problems and issues to effectively create a record that can help defend a company in a lawsuit.

Cherrell Simms Taplin has been selected to join The National Black Lawyers’ Top 100, an organization dedicated to recognizing African American legal excellence including both plaintiff and defense attorneys in all practice areas. 

Cherrell has extensive experience in all facets of litigation.  She has worked as a partner in private practice, served as judge pro tempore in state court, and she served as the Senior Chief Deputy City Attorney for the City of New Orleans.

As a partner in private practice, Cherrell cultivated a diverse litigation practice, including commercial litigation, complex personal injury, and mass tort actions. She has litigated cases through trial in both state and federal court. As the Senior Chief Deputy City Attorney for the City of New Orleans, Cherrell expanded her litigation practice to include contract, construction, land use, public bid, employment, administrative appeals, and civil rights matters. She also managed over 1000 open cases, including high-profile litigation, from inception to resolution, supervised the lawyers and staff, and oversaw the office budget.  In April 2017, the Louisiana Supreme Court saw fit to appoint Cherrell to serve as Judge Pro Tempore in the Orleans Parish Civil District Court, Division J. As a judge, she gained an inside perspective on the judicial process and presided over several trials and hearings. 

Cherrell represents commercial clients, non-profit organizations, and major oil and gas companies in all areas of litigation, and within her community, she volunteers as a member of the Board of Directors for Bridge House/Grace House and teaches Negotiation and Mediation as an Adjunct Professor at Tulane University Law School.

Chauntelle Wood has been selected to join The National Black Lawyers’ organization as a National Black Lawyer Top 40 Under 40 for African American attorneys. The organization recognizes African American legal excellence and includes both plaintiff and defense attorneys in all practice areas. 

Chauntelle defends global exploration and production companies in mass tort litigation, legacy litigation, environmental and operational matters, and oil & gas royalty and pipeline disputes. She has managed multiple aspects of litigation both pre-trial and during trial, and she is currently the lead trial attorney on a mass tort case involving a refinery fire in Louisiana. Chauntelle diversifies her work with a variety of general litigation, insurance disputes, labor and employment matters, and multiple pro bono matters.

Prior to joining Liskow & Lewis, Chauntelle served as the Assistant District Attorney for the Harris County District Attorney’s office. She was the first chair attorney in 28 jury trials.  During her time at the District Attorney’s office, she served as a Senior Felony Prosecutor and a Misdemeanor Court Chief. Chauntelle has experience independently handling all aspects of trial cases, including presenting to grand juries, formulating trial strategy, investigating facts, interviewing witnesses, and arguing pre-trial motions.

In addition, Chauntelle is an Adjunct Professor at Texas Southern Thurgood Marshall School of Law where she teaches Trial Simulation to second-year law students and a Veteran of the United States Air Force Reserves where she served for 8 years.

Liskow & Lewis shareholder and board member, Charles Wilmore, has been selected as a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America. The Litigation Counsel of America (“LCA”) is an invitation-only trial lawyer honorary society composed of less than one-half of one percent of American lawyers. Fellows are selected based upon excellence and accomplishment in litigation, both at the trial and appellate levels, and superior ethical reputation.

Charles Wilmore is a trial lawyer specializing in complex disputes involving energy, toxic torts, environmental, maritime, construction, and insurance coverage.  He serves as Practice Group Leader for the firm’s Product Liability, Class Action, and Toxic Tort Team.  His toxic tort and environmental practice includes occupational disease, personal injury, mass tort, class actions, property damage, and regulatory litigation.  Charles’ maritime practice focuses on near-shore and offshore litigation for personal injury, property damage, and spill-related claims.  He also handles construction and commercial disputes arising out of marine and shore-based facilities.

Although based out of New Orleans and licensed in Louisiana, Charles provides guidance to clients with much larger geographic interests and often enrolls pro hac vice in litigation in other states.  He is an approved trial counsel for industry-leading companies and has successfully defended thousands of cases as both counsel of record and as a strategic advisor.  He is particularly noted for his effective utilization of scientific and medical expert testimony in complex litigation.        
   
In a recent high-stakes toxic tort case, Charles was one of two trial lawyers defending an international joint venture against thousands of claims following a chemical release in a densely populated area.  The defense succeeded in removing the case to federal court, arguing application of the Class Action Fairness Act, a federal statute that expanded federal diversity jurisdiction over class actions.  The trial result: a defense verdict on liability.

In another recent mass tort case, Charles was a primary trial lawyer representing an international company in a multi-week trial in state court in Orleans Parish.  Thousands of plaintiffs claimed personal injury as a result of alleged chemical exposure in an urban area.  Through the use of expert witnesses and effective cross-examinations of the plaintiffs’ witnesses, the trial team was able to undermine the exaggerated claims.  The trial result: another defense verdict on liability.

Charles’ defense work often requires him to focus on insurance coverage.  "In my practice, a primary objective is securing insurance and indemnity protection for my client," he notes.  “And that often requires an understanding of the complex interplay between potential insurance coverage, operations, and the contractual responsibilities of the parties involved in the underlying work." 

Charles joins four other Liskow Senior Fellows and Fellows in the LCA, Gene Fendler, Lawrence Simon, Michael Cash, and April Rolen-Ogden.

Liskow & Lewis is pleased to announce the following Lafayette-based attorneys have been selected to the 2020 list of Acadiana Profile’s Top Lawyers:

Vanessa W. Anseman, Oil and Gas Law

George Arceneaux III, Energy Law, Environmental Law, Oil and Gas Law

Emily C. Borgen, Environmental Law

Brittan J. Bush, Natural Resources Law

Brian W. Capell, Commercial Litigation, Energy Law

Hunter A. Chauvin, Environmental Law

Julie S. Chauvin, Banking and Finance Law, Commercial Transactions Law, Trusts and Estates

Billy J. Domingue, Banking and Finance Law, Commercial Transactions Law, Corporate Law, Real Estate Law

Joseph C. Giglio, Jr., Commercial Litigation, Corporate Law, Real Estate Law

Joseph P. Hebert, Banking and Finance Law, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Mortgage Banking Foreclosure Law

Jeffrey D. Lieberman, Administrative/Regulatory Law, Natural Resources Law, Oil and Gas Law

Caleb J. Madere, Natural Resources Law, Oil and Gas Law

Penny L. Malbrew, Environmental Law, Natural Resources Law

James N. Mansfield III, Energy Law, Natural Resources Law, Oil and Gas Law

Cody J. Miller, Banking and Finance Law, Commercial Transactions Law

Jamie D. Rhymes, Energy Law, Environmental Law, Oil and Gas Law

April L. Rolen-Ogden, Energy Law, Oil and Gas Law

Lawrence P. Simon, Jr., Appellate Practice, Natural Resources Law

Each year, Acadiana Profile publishes its Top Lawyers list. The voting to determine the 2020 top attorneys for Acadiana Profile magazine was open to all licensed attorneys in the Acadiana, Louisiana market area. Each attorney was asked which attorney, other than himself or herself, they would recommend in the Acadiana area.

Liskow & Lewis is pleased to announce practice area and lawyer rankings in the 2020 edition of Chambers USA – America's Leading Lawyers for Business.

Chambers and Partners, an independent research-based company, identifies a select group of lawyers based on client recommendations and publishes lawyer and firm rankings in its guides, including Chambers USA. In order to be ranked, a lawyer must portray technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial astuteness, diligence, commitment, and other qualities most valued by the client.

The firm was nationally ranked in Transportation: Shipping/Maritime Litigation. The firm received esteemed first-band (first-tier) rankings for the state of Louisiana in the areas of Energy & Natural Resources, Environment, Litigation: General Commercial, and Tax.

Additionally, the firm received recognition for Louisiana in the areas of: Banking & Finance; Bankruptcy/Restructuring and Real Estate.

In addition, 18 Liskow & Lewis lawyers were ranked in the state of Louisiana in the 2020 edition of Chambers:

Banking & Finance
Wm Blake Bennett 

Banking & Finance: Marine Finance
Wm Blake Bennett 

Bankruptcy/Restructuring
Joseph P. Hebert
Philip K. Jones, Jr. Senior Statespeople

Corporate/M&A
Leon J. Reymond, III

Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
Randye C. Snyder

Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas
Anthony C. Marino
Lawrence P. Simon, Jr.

Environment
Louis Buatt
Greg L. Johnson
Robert B. McNeal 

Environment: Litigation
Mark McNamara
Robert B. McNeal 

Labor & Employment
Thomas McGoey II 

Litigation: General Commercial
James Brown

Litigation: Securities
George Denegre, Jr. 

Real Estate
Marguerite L. Adams

Tax
Robert S. Angelico
James C. Exnicios

Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Litigation (outside New York)
Michael Golemi

Liskow & Lewis is pleased to congratulate Tiffany Davis for being selected to New Orleans CityBusiness’ Leadership in Law Class of 2020. Tiffany is recognized for her legal practice, commitment to the firm, community and professional involvement, and  awards and achievements. 

Tiffany is a litigator focused on complex energy-related matters concerning maritime and oilfield torts and contracts, environmental cleanup, property damage, and coastal erosion. Tiffany also handles toxic tort litigation related to claims for occupational exposure to asbestos. She also has experience with regulatory and transactional matters concerning environmental and energy law.

She serves as the firm’s first Chief Diversity Officer and chairs the firm’s Diversity Committee. In her role, Tiffany is instrumental in developing, supporting and implementing policies and initiatives to facilitate the firm’s mission to create and sustain a diverse and inclusive workplace.   In addition to her firm wide responsibilities, Tiffany is active in several professional and community organizations including Women’s Energy Network, The Greater New Orleans Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, The National Black Lawyers Top 100, Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary, Women Marines Association, and many more. 

Tiffany has earned a reputation for being responsive, analytical and for showing an ability to handle tight deadlines and complex discovery projects. 

Started in 2005, Leadership in Law recognizes legal professionals based on their professional and community involvement and achievements that have set the pace for the overall community. The firm is proud to congratulate Tiffany on this recognition.

Liskow & Lewis is pleased to announce the election of five new shareholders, effective January 1, 2020.

Laura Brown, New Orleans

Laura Brown is an energy and environmental litigation attorney, with emphasis on high-stakes “legacy” and coastal land loss litigation. Laura defends oil and gas clients—from small midstream entities to the largest E&P companies in the world—in both state and federal court and in state regulatory proceedings. In addition to her environmental practice, Laura enjoys diversifying her work with a variety of general litigation, appellate, and pro bono matters. She has written and presented on the nationally significant topic of Louisiana’s coastal litigation at conferences and CLEs in Louisiana and Texas. Laura received her Juris Doctor and Diploma of Comparative Law, summa cum laude, from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center, Louisiana State University.

Jonathan Fox, New Orleans

Jonathan Fox is a litigator, who focuses his practice on providing concrete results for his energy clients. He has a wide breadth of experience with various issues that affect the energy industry, including legacy litigation, lease disputes, royalty claims, and coastal land loss. Jonathan received his Juris Doctor, summa cum laude, from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law.

Randy Marse, New Orleans

RJ Marse represents energy companies in an array of litigation matters, including toxic torts, maritime collision cases, indemnity claims, and tax disputes. For RJ, the most fulfilling part of his job is working with a team of talented attorneys and staff to achieve the best result in a case. Before joining Liskow, RJ clerked for two federal judges, Chief Judge Brian A. Jackson, United States District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana, and Judge W. Eugene Davis, United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. RJ received his Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center, Louisiana State University.

Tyler Trew, New Orleans

Tyler is a litigator whose practice includes a wide variety of both commercial and energy litigation, including the prosecution and defense of contractual disputes, construction contract litigation, professional liability litigation, Education Law, tax disputes, and representation of oil companies in the defense of claims made by landowners regarding property contamination. Tyler’s courtroom experience flourishes from his clerkship opportunities. While attending law school, he was a judicial extern to the Honorable Ralph Tyson, late Chief Judge of the United States Court for the Middle District of Louisiana. Prior to joining the firm, he served as a law clerk to the Honorable Catherine D. Kimball, former Chief Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court. Tyler received his Juris Doctor and Diploma of Comparative Law, cum laude, from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center, Louisiana State University.

Court VanTassell, Lafayette

Court VanTassell’s practice focuses on environmental regulation and energy litigation.  Court represents clients ranging from global energy corporations to start-up companies and he advises on all aspects of the use and management of natural resources, including environmental compliance, conservation, remediation, and litigation. Court has particular experience advising oil and gas operators in matters related to upstream environmental compliance and the management or restoration of oilfield properties.  He also frequently handles matters concerning wetlands, coastal land loss, NORM, waste disposal, and industrial facility permitting. Prior to his law practice, Court was a field biologist for an environmental non-profit and he managed an endangered species program for the U.S. National Park Service.  With his science background and years of government experience, Court provides clients with a diverse and efficient approach to environmental issues. Court received his Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from Tulane University Law School.