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Six Liskow Attorneys Receive Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year” Honors

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Liskow & Lewis is pleased to announce six attorneys have been recognized as “Lawyers of the Year” in the 2016 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® (Copyright 2014 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, SC). 

In addition to other practice area-specific listings in the 2016 edition of Best Lawyers, the attorneys below were named “Lawyer of the Year” in their respective areas of practice: 

  • George Arceneaux III, Litigation – Environmental, Lafayette
  • George Denegre, Jr., Litigation – Securities, New Orleans
  • Jonathan A. Hunter, Energy Law, New Orleans
  • Robert B. McNeal, Environmental Law, New Orleans
  • Richard W. Revels, Jr. Oil and Gas Law, Lafayette
  • Leon J. Reymond III, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, New Orleans

Only a single attorney in each practice area and designated metropolitan area is honored as a “Lawyer of the Year.” Selections for this honor are based on voting averages received during Best Lawyers peer review assessments. This designation reflects a high level of respect an attorney has earned among his or her peers regarding abilities, professionalism, and integrity. 

A Liskow Team Obtains Dismissal of Deportation Proceedings Against Abandoned Child

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Last summer a young abandoned child arrived on the U.S. border. Earlier this month two Liskow associates, Wm. Brian London and Raymond T. Waid, obtained dismissal of deportation proceedings on the child’s behalf. The child was part of a wave of young immigrants fleeing unprecedented violence in Central America.  The influx of children overwhelmed an immigration system already stretched thin, and ill-prepared for a mass of children without guardians, let alone legal representation. 

London and Waid successfully represented the client through proceedings in the Orleans Parish Juvenile Court and the Federal Immigration Court.  The firm’s representation resulted in a custody determination that placed the child in a safe and stable environment, as well as dismissal of deportation proceedings.  The child can now proceed forward on the normal administrative process to obtain citizenship.

This case is just one example of the many pro bono cases that Liskow & Lewis attorneys handle every year.  We believe pro bono work and other community service activities are an important professional responsibility and a key to advancing the legal interests of diverse and historically underserved populations.

Liskow & Lewis Adds Employee Benefits, Executive Compensation and ERISA Compliance Shareholder in New Orleans

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Liskow is pleased to announce that Michael S. Williams has joined the firm as a shareholder. Mr. Williams practices in the firm’s New Orleans office where he will focus on representing companies in the areas of Employee Benefits, Executive Compensation and ERISA Compliance.

Mr. Williams advises clients on all aspects of employee benefits programs, including the design, implementation and compliance of retirement plans, health and welfare plans, and executive and incentive compensation arrangements. He regularly performs due diligence review and analysis for mergers and acquisitions and conducts employee benefits training for legal and non-legal audiences. 

In addition, Mike provides counsel to clients in tax controversies, individuals and businesses with respect to transactional matters, and nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations regarding all aspects of their enterprise.

Mr. Williams received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Cincinnati College of Law and his Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Business Management from Samford University. Prior to joining Liskow & Lewis, Mr. Williams practiced at Proskauer Rose LLP and Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP. He is licensed to practice law in Louisiana and Ohio.

Louisiana Supreme Court Denies Plaintiff-Landowner’s Writ Application in Legacy Case Dismissed on the Basis of the Subsequent Purchaser Doctrine

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In a significant decision for the legacy docket in Louisiana, the Louisiana Supreme Court recently denied a Plaintiff-landowner's writ application which sought review of a Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal opinion that affirmed dismissal of the landowner's claims based upon application of the subsequent purchaser doctrine in favor of defendants who were mineral lessees.

In many cases alleging damage to property arising from historic oil and gas operations, the plaintiff was not the owner at the time of the alleged damage, but instead is the subsequent purchaser of the property at issue.   In Eagle Pipe and Supply, Inc. v. Amerada Hess Corp., 10-2267 (La. 10/25/11), 79 So. 3d 246, a case that involved a predial (not a mineral) lease, the Louisiana Supreme Court held that whether damage to property is apparent or unapparent, the right to sue for such damage is a personal right that belongs to the landowner at the time the damage occurred unless the right has been explicitly assigned or subrogated to the subsequent buyer of the land.  The rationale of the holding is that a claim for damage is a personal, not a real, right and that a subsequent purchaser’s remedy is limited to a suit to rescind the sale or recover damages against its seller.  After this decision, plaintiffs involved in legacy litigation have taken the consistent position that Eagle Pipe’s holding was inapplicable to damage caused by parties holding rights to explore for oil and gas under mineral leases or other instruments since the nature and source of those rights is different from rights flowing under a typical commercial or other predial lease. 

In Global Mktg. Solutions, L.L.C. v. Blue Mill Farms, Inc., 2013-2132 (La. App. 1 Cir. 9/19/14), 153 So. 3d 1209, the First Circuit considered directly the applicability of the subsequent purchaser doctrine in a case involving mineral leases.  The First Circuit rejected plaintiff’s argument that the subsequent purchaser doctrine was inapplicable to mineral rights and applied the Supreme Court’s opinion in Eagle Pipe to bar the Plaintiff’s tort, contract, and Mineral Code claims for alleged contamination of property caused by oil and gas operations that occurred prior to the Plaintiff’s acquisition of the property.   On April 23, 2015, the Louisiana Supreme Court denied the Plaintiff’s writ application in a 4-2 vote.  In a separate concurrence, Justice Crichton unequivocally stated that the analysis of the subsequent purchaser rule articulated in Eagle Pipe is equally applicable in the Mineral Code context.

For more information, contact Joe Norman, Kelly Becker, James Lapeze or Kathryn Gonski.

Twenty-One Attorneys, Seven Practice Areas Recognized in Chambers USA

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Liskow & Lewis is pleased to announce practice area and attorney rankings in the 2015 edition of Chambers USA – America's Leading Lawyers for Business.

Chambers and Partners, an independent research-based company, identifies a select group of attorneys based on client and peer recommendations, and publishes attorney and firm rankings in its guides, including Chambers USA. In order to be ranked, an attorney must portray technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial astuteness, diligence, commitment, and other qualities most valued by the client. A client of Liskow & Lewis quoted, “You have all their attention; they are committed to you and do whatever it takes to get it done.”

The firm received esteemed first-band (first-tier) rankings for the state of Louisiana in the areas of Energy & Natural Resources, Environment, and Litigation: General Commercial.

The firm also received recognition in: Banking & Finance; Bankruptcy/Restructuring; Corporate/M&A; Energy & Natural Resources; Environment; Litigation: General Commercial; and Real Estate.

In addition, 21 Liskow & Lewis attorneys were ranked in the state of Louisiana in the 2015 edition of Chambers:

  • Donald R Abaunza, Litigation
  • Marguerite L Adams, Real Estate
  • Robert S Angelico, Corporate/M&A
  • Wm Blake Bennett, Banking & Finance
  • James Brown, Litigation
  • Louis Buatt, Environment
  • James C Exnicios, Corporate/M&A
  • Joseph P Hebert, Bankruptcy/Restructuring
  • Robert E Holden, Environment
  • Jonathan A Hunter, Energy & Natural Resources
  • R Keith Jarrett, Litigation
  • Greg L. Johnson, Environment
  • Philip K Jones, Jr, Bankruptcy/Restructuring
  • Thomas McGoey II, Labor & Employment
  • Robert B McNeal, Environment
  • Dena Olivier, Bankruptcy/Restructuring
  • Richard W Revels, Jr, Energy & Natural Resources
  • Leon J Reymond III, Corporate/M&A
  • Lawrence P Simon, Jr, Energy & Natural Resources
  • Randye C Snyder, Labor & Employment
  • John D Wogan, Banking & Finance

Liskow & Lewis Announces The Election Of Robert S. Angelico As Firm President and Managing Partner

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The Shareholders of Liskow are pleased to announce the election of Robert S. Angelico as the firm’s new President and Managing Partner. 

Mr. Angelico succeeds R. Keith Jarrett who served in the position for the past six years. “Bobby has long been one of our most capable leaders,” said Mr. Jarrett. ”His election as President and Managing Partner insures that the firm is in skillful hands.” 

Mr. Angelico received his J.D. from Loyola University in 1986, was elected a Shareholder of Liskow & Lewis in 1993, and has served as head of the firm’s business and tax section. His practice serves multinational, national, and local business clients in matters pertaining to Louisiana tax law. 

Upon assuming his new role, Mr. Angelico expressed appreciation for the legacy of the position. “Liskow & Lewis has always enjoyed a reputation of excellence,” he said. “We owe a debt to all who have provided the solid and visionary leadership that positions us to meet today’s challenges, and to continue to deliver the highest level of service to our clients.” 

Mr. Angelico served as the President of the Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants from 2010 — 2011, is past chairman of the Tax Section of the Louisiana State Bar, and currently serves on the Board of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry.

Holden and Waid Successfully Resolve International Child Abduction Case

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Associates Mirais M. Holden and Raymond T. Waid recently handled a pro bono international child abduction case. A Honduran mother’s five-year-old daughter was abducted to the United States on June 5, 2014. Over the next seven months, the Honduran government and the U.S. State Department worked to find the girl. The mother retained Liskow & Lewis APLC to obtain her daughter’s return immediately after the child and her abductors were located in Louisiana. Holden and Waid filed an emergency petition in the New Orleans federal court seeking the child’s return to Honduras pursuant to The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction and the International Child Abduction Remedies Act. Within mere weeks, Holden and Waid obtained the child’s return and the recovery of monetary damages. 

This complex international case is just one example of the many pro bono cases that Liskow & Lewis attorneys handle every year. Pro bono work and other community service activities are an important professional responsibility and a key to advancing the legal interests of diverse and historically underserved populations.

Maritime, Oilfield and Insurance Section Hosts Semiannual ABA/Tulane Maritime Law Journal Presentation

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The firm’s Maritime, Oilfield and Insurance section will host a presentation of selected works from Volume 39 of the Tulane Maritime Law Journal on March 26 from 5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.

The Tulane Maritime Law Journal, in conjunction with the Admiralty & Maritime Law Committee, Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section of the American Bar Association, presents this event twice per year.

A recording of the presentations will be available for viewing following the event. 

Tulane Maritime Law Journal Event Flyer

Rolen-Ogden to Speak at LSU Mineral Law Institute

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Shareholder April L. Rolen-Ogden will be featured as a speaker at the LSU Mineral Law Institute. She will present “Reporting Duties Under La. R.S. 30:103.1” on the second day of the conference, Friday, March 20, 2015, in Baton Rouge.

Ms. Rolen-Ogden, whose practice includes both trial and appellate experience in the oil, gas, and mineral exploration and production industry, was also recently featured as a speaker at the Women Leaders in Environmental and Energy Law Conference in New Orleans in January.

LSU’s 62nd Annual Mineral Law Institute covers topics including oil and gas, water issues, drilling, regulation of oil and gas activities, and legacy litigation updates, among others. For more information about the program and to register, please visit the seminar website.

Reymond Named to Leadership in Law 2015

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Shareholder Leon J. Reymond III has been selected to New Orleans CityBusiness’ Leadership in Law 2015.

Mr. Reymond’s business practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, business and financing transactions, corporate planning and compliance, securities law compliance, and business entity structuring and formation. He has been recognized by publications such as The Best Lawyers in America and Chambers USA for excellence in the areas of Corporate Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Mr. Reymond is a 1996 graduate of the Vanderbilt University School of Law, where he was selected to the Order of the Coif.

Since 2005, CityBusiness has published a special edition of the publication profiling 50 area attorneys, court-associated professionals, and educators who have established themselves as leaders through their distinctive professional contributions and community involvement, and has spotlighted several of Greater New Orleans’ most prominent leaders in the legal field.

This year’s honorees will be featured in a special Leadership in Law insert in the March 20 issue of CityBusiness, and will be honored at a special event at the New Orleans Museum of Art on March 23 from 5:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m. Click here for more information and to view this year’s class.