Melinda Manuel

337.267.2356

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," Environmental Litigation, 2024-2026
  • The Best Lawyers in America®, Energy Law, Environmental Law, 2025-2026

Credentials

Education

  • Tulane University Law School (J.D., magna cum laude, 2011)
    • Tulane Law Review, Member (Vol. 84), Articles Editor (Vol. 85)
    • John E. Parker Environmental Law Scholar
    • Tulane Law School Dean’s Scholar
    • Certificate of Concentration in Energy & Environmental Law
  • 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

  • “Remediation of E&P Sites in Louisiana and Texas: From Claim to Closure” – Dec. 18, 2025 CLE webinar
  • “Orphan Wells and Carbon Credits” – May 15, 2024 CLE webinar
  • “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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