News

Liskow is proud to announce it has been honored with the Louisiana State Bar Association’s (LSBA) 2026 “Friend of Pro Bono” Award, presented at the Pro Bono Publico and Children’s Law Awards ceremony on May 19, 2026, at the Louisiana Supreme Court. The award recognizes attorneys and organizations that have made exceptional contributions to expanding access to justice for those in need.

“We are truly honored by this recognition,” said Cherrell Simms Taplin, Liskow shareholder and Co-Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer. “Pro bono reflects who we are as a firm, and it is especially meaningful to have that work recognized at the Louisiana Supreme Court.”

Liskow maintains a robust pro bono commitment throughout its practice, spearheaded by a culture of service that empowers its attorneys to bridge the justice gap. The firm is steadfast in its “Adopt-a-Month” participation in the Self-Help Resource Center and has contributed a significant amount of donated legal hours to litigating pro bono cases. Beyond direct representation, Liskow’s attorneys provide vital leadership through board service with The Pro Bono Project and play a key role in the organization’s Justice For All Ball fundraising efforts.

“What distinguishes Liskow is its firm-wide culture of service. Pro bono is not treated as an extracurricular activity — it is embraced as a professional responsibility and a core value,” said C.C. Kahr, Executive Director of The Pro Bono Project who nominated Liskow for the award. “The firm encourages participation, celebrates service internally, and consistently partners with The Pro Bono Project to respond to evolving community needs. Their partnership strengthens not only our organization, but the legal profession as a whole.”

Liskow is proud to announce its rankings in the inaugural edition of the Legal 500: City Elite – New Orleans guide. The firm earned Tier 1 rankings in both Energy and Commercial Disputes, with ten Louisiana-based attorneys also recognized for their work across a range of practice areas.

Commercial Disputes

• James Brown – Tier 3
• Mark McNamara – Tier 3
• Carey Menasco – Tier 4

Corporate and M&A

• Leon Rittenberg Ill – Tier 4
• Ryan Christiansen – Tier 4

Energy

• James Lapeze – Tier 1
• Kelly Becker – Tier 2
• Jeffrey Lieberman – Tier 2
• April Rolen-Ogden – Tier 2
• Jamie Rhymes – Tier 3

_{The City Elite – New Orleans guide recognizes leading lawyers across Louisiana and is not limited to lawyers located in New Orleans.}

Legal 500 City Elite recognizes top-performing lawyers at leading regional firms. Selections are based on rigorous research, including interviews, peer feedback, and demonstrated experience on significant matters.

Learn more about Legal 500: City Elite – New Orleans guide and view the full list of rankings here.

Liskow obtained dismissal with prejudice of a Jones Act personal injury claim in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana on behalf of an energy company.

Plantiff alleged serious injury as a seaman working aboard a mobile offshore drilling unit offshore of Brazil. The plaintiff alleged failures in training and supervision contributed to the incident, which resulted in the crushing and later amputation of his dominant arm.

Following discovery, the Court dismissed all claims against Liskow’s client with prejudice after finding the company had no operational involvement with the vessel, no contractual relationship with the plaintiff’s employer, and no role in the work performed aboard the drilling unit.

Liskow attorneys Ray Waid, Elizabeth McIntosh, and Lance Bullock secured the dismissal on behalf of the client. 

The decision is available here. Learn more about Liskow’s Personal Injury experience here.

Liskow has secured a settlement for its client, the State of Maryland, in connection with the M/V DALI’s allision with the Francis Scott Key Bridge, marking the largest single maritime property damage settlement in U.S. history.

“We are honored to have represented the State of Maryland in this complex dispute with Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine Pte Ltd., owner of the M/V DALI,” said Liskow’s maritime shareholder and lead trial counsel David Reisman. “We hope this settlement — one of the largest maritime settlements that we’ve seen in 20 years — brings not just financial resolution, but also a measure of peace, closure, and the necessary resources for Maryland and its residents to rebuild.”

The settlement arises from a claim brought by the State of Maryland, the Maryland Attorney General, and all State agencies in September 2024 against Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine Pte Ltd. Its vessel collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore on March 26, 2024, causing a catastrophic collapse that killed six construction workers and shut down port operations. The State sought damages on behalf of its agencies for the destruction of the bridge, harm to the Patapsco River and surrounding environment, lost revenues, and the broad economic losses suffered by Maryland and its residents.

“This case highlights the significant risks of marine transportation and the benefits of the P&I Club mutual insurance system for both insureds and claimants. A vessel owner who was not entered with one of the International Group of P&I Clubs would likely have faced a significant uninsured exposure in a casualty of this scope,” said Reisman.

Liskow is fortunate to have a global reputation as a go-to firm for significant maritime incidents and complex litigation in the United States. The firm has played a lead role in many of the largest offshore incidents in the world, including the GOLDEN RAY, SEACOR POWER, DEEPWATER HORIZON, OCEAN RANGER, PIPER ALPHA, NOBLE GLOBETROTTER II, and PETRONIOUS events as well as less well-known but no less significant barge sinkings on the Mississippi River, chartered drillships impacted by weather systems in The Gulf, and vessel allisions on inland waterways and bays. The firm handles maritime matters nationwide.

“I’m proud of the multidisciplinary team that came together to achieve an excellent result for the client,” said Liskow trial lawyer R. Keith Jarrett. “Collaboration and client service are core to our firm culture, both internally and externally, and those strengths are especially evident when handling complex, high stakes matters like this one.” Led by David L. Reisman and R. Keith Jarrett, the core team included Raymond T. Waid, Elizabeth A. Strunk, Elizabeth “Libby” McIntosh and Jessie Elizabeth Shifalo.

Liskow was proud to work with the Maryland Attorney General’s Office, Kelley Drye & Warren LLP, Downs Ward Bender Herzog & Kintigh PA, The Lanier Law Firm, and Partridge LLC on this case.

About Liskow’s Maritime Practice

With one of the largest maritime practice groups in the country, Liskow has played a lead role in many of the largest maritime incidents in the world. The group’s maritime lawyers have in-depth knowledge of all aspects of maritime law, whether arising from the Jones Act, the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (“OCSLA”), the Longshore & Harbor Workers Compensation Act (“LHWCA”), the Death on the High Seas Act (“DOHSA”), or the General Maritime Law.  

Liskow is proud to announce that attorney and lobbyist Neil Abramson has been appointed to the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry’s (“LABI”) 2026 Board of Directors. He joins business leaders from across the state working to support LABl’s mission.

Neil is a registered lobbyist and environmental litigator who represents energy and environmental clients on legal and legislative matters in Louisiana. He advocates on behalf of companies in legislative matters, including policies that promote increased economic growth and industrial development. Neil generally works with energy clients on policies involving renewable matters such as carbon capture projects and solar energy as well as tort reform matters seeking to limit claims against energy companies such as climate change litigation, pipeline erosion cases, and legacy lawsuits.

Drawing on 12 years of experience as a State Representative for Louisiana’s 98th District, Neil brings a deep understanding of the legislative process, having served on the House Ways & Means and Civil Law Committees, as well as the Louisiana Commerce and Industry Board and the Louisiana Law Institute Civil Procedure Committee.

His legal practice focuses on high-stakes environmental and commercial litigation, including toxic torts, class actions, and products liability. He regularly represents chemical manufacturers, petroleum companies, and other industrial clients in complex personal injury, property damage, and insurance-related matters.

Liskow is a proud member and supporter of LABI. Learn more about this appointment and fellow board members here.

In a significant decision for employers facing vicarious liability claims, the Louisiana Supreme Court has ruled in favor of ExxonMobil Corporation, dismissing it from a pending personal injury lawsuit arising out of a 2021 automobile accident.

The case stemmed from a collision involving an ExxonMobil employee who was driving his personal vehicle to work at the time of the accident. Plaintiffs sought to impose liability on ExxonMobil under a theory of respondeat superior, arguing that the employee was acting within the course and scope of his employment. After full briefing, the Louisiana Supreme Court concluded that no genuine issue of material fact existed and that ExxonMobil was entitled to summary judgment as a matter of law.

The Court reaffirmed the long‑standing “coming and going” rule, holding that an employee’s ordinary commute to and from work typically falls outside the course and scope of employment. The Court further found that none of the narrow exceptions to this rule applied, emphasizing that ExxonMobil neither controlled the employee’s commute nor reimbursed him for actual travel expenses related to the daily drive in question. Importantly, the Court clarified that relocation benefits and lump‑sum allowances intended to assist with moving expenses do not transform an employee’s regular commute into work‑related activity. As a result, the Court reversed the lower courts’ rulings and entered judgment dismissing ExxonMobil from the lawsuit with prejudice.

This decision provides meaningful guidance for employers and reinforces clear boundaries on vicarious liability for employee conduct occurring during ordinary commutes. It also underscores the effectiveness of early summary judgment practice in cases where the law and undisputed facts do not support employer liability.

Liskow attorneys Kathryn Gonski, Cherrell Simms Taplin, and Denice Redd-Robinette represented ExxonMobil. A copy of the Louisiana Supreme Court’s decision can be found here. For more information on similar matters Liskow has handled, visit the firm’s Personal Injury Practice page.

58 Liskow attorneys have been named to the 2026 Louisiana Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists. Kelly Becker, James Brown, and Tommy McGoey ranked among the Top 50 attorneys in Louisiana and the Top 50 attorneys in New Orleans. Cheryl Kornick and Kelly Becker also ranked among the Top 25 women attorneys in the state.

Super Lawyers

Lafayette
George Arceneaux, Energy & Resources
Brian Capell, Business Litigation
Julie Chauvin, Business/Corp
Jamie Rhymes, Energy & Resources
April Rolen-Ogden, Energy & Resources
Lawrence Simon, Jr., Business Litigation
Court VanTassell, Environmental Litigation

New Orleans
Marguerite Adams, Estate & Probate
Robert Angelico, Tax
Kelly Becker, Appellate
James Brown, Business Litigation
Lou Buatt, Real Estate
Ryan Christiansen, Real Estate
Thomas Diaz, Transportation/Maritime
Kathryn Gonski, Appellate
Shannon Holtzman, Business Litigation
Keith Jarrett, Transportation/Maritime
Philip Jones, Jr., Business Litigation
Paul Kitziger, Real Estate
Cheryl Kornick, Energy & Resources
Caroline Lafourcade, Tax
David Leefe, Transportation/Maritime
Tommy McGoey, Employment & Labor
Mark McNamara, Energy & Resources
Robert McNeal, Energy & Resources
Devin Reid, Class Action
Carol “LuLu” Reisman, Business Litigation
David Reisman, Transportation/Maritime
Trey Reymond, Mergers & Acquisitions
Leon Rittenberg III, Tax
Kelly Scalise, Transportation/Maritime
Matt Simone, Energy & Resources
Laura Springer Brown, Energy & Resources
Cherrell Taplin, Civil Litigation: Defense
Sean Toomey, Criminal Defense: White Collar
Raymond Waid, Transportation/Maritime
Elizabeth Wheeler, Environmental Litigation
Charles Wilmore, PI General: Defense

Rising Stars

Lafayette
Alexandra Gjertson, Business Litigation
Joe Heaton, Energy & Resources
Michael Ishee, Energy & Resources
Cody “C.J.” Miller, Business/Corporation
John Parker, Energy & Resources

New Orleans
Alec Andrade, Business Litigation
Zachary Berryman, Energy & Resources
Lance Bullock, Transportation/Maritime
Sheri Corales, Business Litigation
Melanie Derefinko, Business Litigation
Ellie George, Business Litigation
Nicolette Kraska, Transportation/Maritime
Hayley Landry, Energy & Resources
Nicholas Mole, PI- Products: Defense
Trinity Morale, Energy & Resources
Jessie Shifalo, Transportation/Maritime
Nicholas Simon, Transportation/Maritime
Christian Soler, Energy & Resources
Emily von Qualen, Environmental Litigation

Baton Rouge
Denice Redd-Robinette, Energy & Resources

Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. This selection process includes independent research, peer nominations, and peer evaluations.

Liskow attorney Raymond Waid was recently quoted in The Wall Street Journal‘s article, “A Focus on Terror Risks, Not War, Is Coming Back to Bite Companies,” by Jean Eaglesham and Benjamin Katz.

Ray is uniquely qualified to address shipping disputes arising from the Iran War. He was a Surface Warfare Officer in the U.S. Navy before becoming a lawyer. He was in Bahrain on September 11th and transited the Straits of Hormuz on a destroyer in a combat posture at 30 knots the next day. He also performed anti-terrorism cargo ship escort operations through the Malacca Strait, leading up to the second Iraq War. These wartime operations are currently daily issues in the Middle East. Today, Ray represents clients in negotiating cargo carriage contracts and litigates court cases and arbitrations. He is also an award-winning adjunct professor of maritime law at Tulane University Law School.

Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/g-bU73rD

Liskow secured a complete victory on behalf of the City of Mandeville in a lawsuit brought by the developer and landowner of the Sucette Harbor development. Woodward Harbor, LLC, et al. v. City of Mandeville, et al., Civil Action No. 23-5824 (E.D. La.).

In September 2023, the Mandeville City Council unanimously voted to reject an ordinance that would have approved the Sucette Harbor development, a mixed-use development proposed for the shores of Lake Pontchartrain. The lawsuit alleged federal and state takings claims, substantive and procedural due process claims, and equal protection claims against the City, in conjunction with various claims for declaratory relief. Liskow obtained the dismissal of all claims by filing two separate Rule 12(b)(6) motions.

The court dismissed all claims with prejudice and denied Plaintiffs leave to amend. The court found Plaintiffs failed to state any takings or due process claims by failing to allege a property interest protected by the federal or state constitutions; specifically, the court found no legally recognized property right in development where development is entirely contingent on a governing body’s approval. With respect to the equal protection claim, the court agreed that Plaintiffs failed to identify similarly situated comparators and failed to overcome the City’s rational basis for denying the development.

Liskow directed the court to numerous concerns expressed by council members in the council minutes attached to the complaint, including concerns over traffic, compatibility with surrounding use, and density, and pointed out that these concerns were all rational grounds upon which to reject the project. The ruling fully resolves the matter in favor of the City of Mandeville.

Paul Adkins and Clare Bienvenu handled this matter for the City of Mandeville. For further information about Liskow’s experience with zoning and land use matters, visit the firm’s Zoning & Land Use practice page.

Liskow achieved a major win for Greenfield Louisiana, LLC at the Louisiana Supreme Court this month in The Descendants Project, et al. v. St. John the Baptist Parish, Case No. 2025-C-00543.

The subject of the lawsuit was a zoning ordinance passed by St. John the Baptist Parish in 1990 that zoned the subject property for industrial use. This ordinance was in place when Greenfield purchased the property more than thirty years later for the purpose of constructing a state-of-the-art grain terminal.

Plaintiffs shortly thereafter filed suit, challenging the decades-old zoning ordinance on numerous grounds. The lower court dismissed all of these grounds except one regarding local government procedure. The court ruled the Parish Council failed to follow proper procedure in 1990 by making an amendment to the zoning ordinance without consulting the Planning Commission, thereby rendering the ordinance null and void. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed.

Throughout the court proceedings, Liskow attorneys argued that the Parish Council’s procedure was proper, based on the authority granted to the Council in the Parish Home Rule Charter. Because the Home Rule Charter is tantamount to a parish’s constitution, it trumped any conflict between the Charter and the parish’s procedural ordinances.

The Louisiana Supreme Court ultimately agreed, reversing the lower courts’ rulings, granting summary judgment to Greenfield, and reinstating the industrial zoning classification on the Greenfield property. A copy of the opinion can be found here.

The Liskow team was led by Paul Adkins, Clare Bienvenu, and Lou Buatt. For more information about Liskow’s significant experience with zoning and land use matters, contact the team or visit the firm’s Zoning & Land Use practice page.