Debra Leard

504.556.4121

Notable Experience

Mark’s experience often involves claims in the energy sector.  Here are two examples:

  • In a Gulf Coast environmental legacy case, Mark was on the defense team.  The local levee board was claiming land loss, erosion and coastal contamination from a former E&P site with pipelines, canals and other oil and gas facilities and features.  The matter was removed to federal court, where the defense argued against the standing of the levee board, seeking a Rule 12 dismissal, which is pending appeal.
  • When an oil and gas working interest owner learned that its offshore processing facility contractor was diverting a portion of its natural gas stream for lift-gas at the processor’s oil wells and not paying for the use of such gas, it sued for breach of contract.  The company brought suit claiming that the defendant did not pay for the full market value of the gas and sought over $1.2 million dollars.  Mark successfully tried the case, secured a verdict for the full amount claimed owed, and obtained a unanimous decision from the Louisiana Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal.

Involvement

  • The Foundation For Natural Resources and Energy Law, Member
  • Louisiana Oil & Gas Association –  Member
  • Louisiana State, American and Federal Bar Associations - Member
  • Defense Research Institute (DRI) – Member

Recognition

  • Legal 500: City Elite - New Orleans, Commercial Disputes, Tier 3, 2026
  • The Best Lawyers in America®, Energy Law, Mass Tort Litigation/ Class Actions - Defendants, Oil and Gas Law 2021-2026
  • Chambers USA  – (Band 3) Environmental Litigation, 2019 - 2026
  • Louisiana Super Lawyers, Energy & Resources, 2015-2026
  • New Orleans Magazine’s List of “Top Lawyers,” 2018

Credentials

Education

  • University of Mississippi School of Law (J.D., summa cum laude, 1997)
    • Phi Delta Phi - Member, 1997
    • Moot Court Board - Member, 1996-1997
    • Lamar Order - Member, 1998 - present
    • Journal of National Security Law - Associate Articles Editor, 1996-97
  • University of Dallas (B.A., magna cum laude, 1993)
    • Phi Beta Kappa

Bar Admissions

  • Louisiana, 1997

Publications

After Hours

Mark mountain bikes, coaches kids soccer and baseball, and is a die-hard Ole Miss fan (baseball and football).

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