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Melinda Manuel

337.267.2356

“I take ownership of my client’s legal issues and treat their needs as my own. My goal is to not just solve the problem, but to do so in a cost-effective manner by taking a focused and pragmatic approach to litigation.”

Overview

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. “I believe a broad combination of scientific, governmental, and legal experience provides a unique toolset for tackling complex environmental issues and working in tandem with experts and agencies to efficiently achieve a client’s goals.”

Notable Experience

  • Advised on complex soil and groundwater remediation projects regulated by state and federal agencies
  • Defended global oil and gas companies in coastal land loss and wetland damage lawsuits
  • Negotiated numerous agreements with private landowners for industrial clients to perform environmental remediation
  • Defended industrial companies against multi-million dollar toxic tort claims
  • Represents underprivileged clients and environmental charities to support our shared community

Involvement

Professional

  • The Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law, Member
  • Louisiana Oil & Gas Association, Member
  • American Bar Association, Environment, Energy, and Resources Section: Vice Chair on Endangered Species Committee
  • Louisiana State Bar Association, Environmental Law Section
  • Lafayette Bar Association
  • Institute for Energy Law, Young Energy Professional
  • Louisiana Association of Professional Biologists

Community

  • National World War II Museum, Young Benefactor’s Committee
  • Ducks Unlimited, Lafayette Chapter Committee
  • Delta Waterfowl Association
  • Pro Bono Project

Recognition

  • Acadiana Profile "Top Lawyer," in Oil & Gas, 2023, 2025
  • Louisiana Super Lawyers "Rising Star," Environmental Litigation, 2018-2022, "Super Lawyers," 2024-2025
  • The Best Lawyers in America®, 2025

Credentials

Education

  • Tulane University Law School (J.D., magna cum laude, 2011)
    • Tulane Law Review, Member (Vol. 84), Articles Editor (Vol. 85)
  • Pennsylvania State University (B.S., 2004)

    Biology

Bar Admissions

  • Louisiana, 2011

Court Admissions

  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District, Louisiana, 2011
  • U.S. District Court, Middle District, Louisiana, 2011
  • U.S. District Court, Western District, Louisiana, 2011

Presentations

  • “Monetizing Carbon Credits for Methane Reductions from P&A,” 71st Annual Mineral Law Institute, Baton Rouge, LA, March 22, 2024
  • "Drop In to See What Condition Decommission Is In," Liskow's Energy Law Seminar, October 26, 2023, Houston, TX
  • “Rediscovering Discovery: Is it Worth the Fight?” BP in-house CLE, Chicago, Illinois, April 10, 2019
  • "Litigation In the Coastal Zone," Tulane Law School's 24th Annual Environmental Law & Policy Summit, New Orleans, Louisiana, March 22, 2019
  • “Where There’s Muck There’s Brass: RCRA Citizen Suits,” Tulane Environmental Law Summit, New Orleans, Louisiana, March 11, 2017.
  • “Courting the Court: Ethical Implications of Judicial Campaign Contributions,” Liskow & Lewis Energy Law Seminar, Houston, Texas, Nov. 11, 2015.

Publications

After Hours

Court enjoys spending time outdoors, particularly hunting, kayaking, and camping with friends and family. He grew up in northern California and, when possible, still enjoys skiing, scuba diving, or returning to Napa to catch up on the latest vintage. He and his wife are still avid travelers, but their favorite destination is their backyard to play outside with their three young sons.

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