• Skip to content

Liskow & Lewis, APLC

future-focused

  • Team
  • Practices
  • Insights
Shannon Skelton Holtzman
Main image for Shannon Skelton Holtzman

SHANNON SKELTON HOLTZMAN

Shareholder

,
New Orleans
T  504.556.4148
ssholtzman@liskow.com
Connect with me
Linkedin

Practices

  • Appellate
  • Construction
  • Shareholder Disputes & Derivative Actions
  • Antitrust & Trade Regulation
  • Contract & Quasi-Contract Disputes
  • Director & Officer Liability
  • Unfair Trade Practices & Business Torts
  • Wills, Trust, & Estate Disputes
  • Antitrust & Trade Regulation
  • Construction Litigation & Alternative Dispute Resolution
  • Commercial Litigation

Blogs

  • The Energy Law Blog - Shannon Holtzman

Assistant

Regina Dicke

504.556.4189

“I enjoy evaluating a complicated jumble of facts and presenting them in writing in a way that is both easy to understand and persuasive. A judge or jury has to like your facts. Clients appreciate that ability…along with my candor and responsiveness.”

Overview

Shannon Holtzman is a trial and appellate lawyer with more than 30 years experience helping clients resolve difficult issues and disputes, such as:

  • Prosecution and defense of disputes involving construction contracts, master service agreements, asset purchase agreements and other complex contract and lease disputes
  • Defense of derivative actions and shareholder disputes
  • Class action defense
  • Prosecution and defense of unfair trade practices, fraud, quasi contract, and business tort claims

She also regularly advises facility owners regarding compliance with the Louisiana Private Works Act, construction-related risk management, and dispute avoidance issues.

“One of my strengths is working with clients in the earliest stages of a dispute and in motion practice,” Shannon said. “My goal is always to understand and achieve the client’s objectives, resolve issues in the client’s favor as soon as possible, and conserve legal fees, costs, and inconvenience.  Shannon is often able to resolve disputes in the earliest stages, minimizing litigation costs and fees, inconvenience, and the risks of a trial. Shannon also has experience getting cases moved to and kept in federal court, typically a big plus for business clients.

Notable Experience

  • Helped secure a Rule 12(b)(6) dismissal, denial of leave to amend, and denial of motion for reconsideration on behalf of client, Restoration Hardware.  The ruling was then affirmed in full by the U.S. Fifth Circuit in a unanimous, published opinion, resulting in the complete dismissal of breach of contract and quasi-contract claims filed by an interior designer.  Shaw v. Restoration Hardware, Inc., 93 F.4th 284 (5th Cir. 2024).
  • Secured the Louisiana Supreme Court’s grant of supervisory review, resulting in a per curiam reversal of the appellate court and the reinstatement of the trial court’s favorable judgment for client, AECOM Hunt/Broadmoor, in hotly contested bid dispute litigation involving a $300 million plus construction contract.  Lemoine Co., LLC. v. Ernest M. Morial Exhib. Auth., 23-0775 (La. 10/17/23), 372 So. 3d 327.
  • Dismissal on the pleadings of all class claims against clients after class certification.  Fransen v. City of New Orleans, et al., No. 02-5170 (Civil District Court for the Parish of Orleans  Sept. 11, 2020).
  • Represented Walter Oil & Gas Corporation in an action in which the plaintiff contractor sought more than $34.6 million based on claimed schedule delays and unanticipated and/or extra work incurred in fabricating the jacket of an oil & gas platform.  Ms. Holtzman briefed and argued a successful motion for summary judgment that resulted in the dismissal of all of the plaintiff’s quasi-contract claims.  Ms. Holtzman, with assistance from Tyler Trew, also successfully defeated the plaintiff’s Daubert motion and summary judgment motion, and ultimately positioned the case for a favorable settlement in 2020.  Gulf Marine Fabricators LP v. Walter Oil & Gas Corp., et al.,” No. 62-910 (24th Judicial District Court for the Parish of Plaquemines).
  • Removed class action under the Class Action Fairness Act (“CAFA”) and, with other firm attorneys, successfully opposed the Plaintiffs’ efforts to remand under CAFA’s local controversy and home state exceptions, CAFA’s governmental entity exclusion, and the Tax Injunction Act. Robert J. Caluda, APLC, et al v. The City of New Orleans, et al, 403 F. Supp. 3d 522 (E.D. La. 2019).  Thereafter, Ms. Holtzman prevailed on a Rule 12(b)(6) motion to dismiss a class action suit, securing the dismissal of all claims against Liskow’s clients with prejudice.  Robert J. Caluda, APLC, et al v. The City of New Orleans, et al, No. 19-2497, 2019 WL 3291014 (E.D. La. July 22, 2019).
  • Successfully represented World War II Theatre, Inc., supporting organization to The National World War II Museum, Inc., in its lawsuit against a prominent national engineering firm who related to the structural design of the client’s hotel construction project, including a successful Daubert motion that excluded the defendants’ engineering expert from testifying on key issues (2021 WL 1313408), a successful WWIITI motion in limine that excluded evidence on one of the defendants’ theories and struck 3 of the defendants’ witnesses prior to trial (see https://ecf.laed.uscourts.gov/doc1/085112513164), a successful defense of defendants’ Daubert motion that sought to exclude client’s delay expert (2021 WL 1313408), and the successful defense of a defendant’s motion for summary judgment (2020 WL 1874077).
  • Successful remand motion on behalf of the National World War II Museum involving res nova issues related to domicile of captive cell insurers.  The National World War II Museum, Inc. v. Talisman Casualty & Ins. Co., 2020 WL 563635 (E.D. La. Feb. 5, 2020).
  • Retained by Luv n’ care, Ltd. (“LNC”) on appeal and obtained a favorable writ grant and decision from the Louisiana Supreme Court in Luv n’ care, Ltd. v. Jackel International Limited, 2020 WL 499164 (La. 1/29/2020) after the lower courts had imposed an attorney fee award against LNC under La. Rev. Stat. 13:4611  After granting LNC’s writ application, the Court requested full briefing and oral argument and thereafter overturned the lower court rulings.
  • Represented two clients in a class action that challenged the client’s collection of delinquent property taxes for the City of New Orleans. Shannon led the Liskow team and secured several key pre-trial rulings, including the dismissal of unjust enrichment claims, recusal of the class representatives who had been identified in original pleadings, denial of motions to amend, and denial of plaintiffs’ motions to compel. Following the class certification hearing and post-hearing briefing, the Court accepted Shannon’s arguments and she obtained a favorable class certification ruling in which the class claims against Liskow’s clients were significantly limited and the size of the class was reduced by more than two thirds. Thereafter, Shannon successfully briefed and argued the plantiffs’ appeal and the appellate court affirmed the favorable class certification ruling. Fransen v. City of New Orleans, et al., 317 So. 3d 372 (La. App. 4th Cir. 3/28/18).
  • Secured a dismissal of all class claims against clients after class Fransen v. City of New Orleans, et al., No. 02-5170 (Civil District Court for the Parish of Orleans Sept. 11, 2020).
  • Retained on appeal and obtained full reversal of summary judgment against client in case involving enforcement of contractual restrictions on use of client’s unpatented products.  Luv n’ care, Ltd. v Groupo Rimar, a.k.a. Suavinex, 844 F.3d 442 (5th Cir. 2016).
  • Rule 12(b)(6) dismissal of action involving the intersection of bankruptcy law and the La. Oil Well Lien Act. Bordelon Marine, LLC v. Devon Energy Co., et al., No. 14-1784, 2015 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 42814 (E.D. La. April 1, 2015).
  • Pre-trial dismissal of all trespass and property damage tort claims against a major oil company on an Exception of Prescription.  Constantin Land Trust v. BP America Prod. Co., No. 119084 (17th Judicial District Court for the Parish of Lafourche, Dec. 17, 2014).
  • Dismissal of all claims against a major oil company at the pleadings stage. Insulation Technologies, Inc. v. Industrial Labor & Equipment Servs., Inc., et al., 122 So. 3d 1146 (La. App. 4th Cir. 2013).
  • Summary judgment in favor of client/indemnitor affirmed on appeal on novel issue involving effect of indemnitee’s bankruptcy on indemnity obligations. Duval v. Northern Assurance Co. of America, et al., 722 F.3d 300 (5th Cir. 2013).
  • Dismissal of all claims against a major oil company at the pleadings stage. Canon v. Towns, et al., No. 2011-3610 (14th Judicial District Court for the Parish of Calcasieu Jan. 4, 2012).
  • Removed and defeated remand of cases removed on fraudulent joinder grounds in Blanchard v. BP, No. 11-1542, 2011 WL 4728644 (E.D. La. Oct. 6, 2011); Mones v. BP, No. 11-996, 2011 WL 3320814 (E.D. La. Aug. 1, 2011); and Serigne v. Loupe Constr. & Consulting Co., No. 10-3891, 2011 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 7604 (E.D. La. Jan. 20, 2011).
  • Dismissal on the pleadings affirmed in full on appeal. Brookewood Invs. Co. v. Sixty- Three Twenty-Four Chef Menteur Hwy., L.L.C., 958 So. 2d 1200 (La. App. 4th Cir. 2007), writ denied, 2007 La. LEXIS 2347 (La. 2007).
  • Retained on appeal and obtained full reversal of federal false statement conviction.  U.S. v. Individual, 467 F.3d 496 (5th Cir. 2006).
  • Removed case and defeated remand in a contract dispute in which the client had contractually consented to state court jurisdiction. After a federal court trial, judgment was rendered in client’s favor on all issues, including an award of monetary damages in excess of $2 million on client’s counterclaim. The case, including the removal issues, was affirmed in full on appeal. Shannon also successfully opposed a petition for certiorari review to the United States Supreme Court, in which her opponent challenged the propriety of the removal given client’s contractual consent to state court jurisdiction. City of New Orleans v. Municipal Admin. Servs., Inc., No. 02-130 (E.D. LA July 15, 2003), aff’d, 376 F.3d 501 (5th Cir. 2004), cert. denied, 125 S. Ct. 1396 (2005).
  • Summary judgment on behalf of facility owner, dismissing all claims by a construction contractor who sought damages for alleged undue delay, fraud and extra costs and judgment affirmed in full on appeal.  Pellerin Constr., Inc. v. Witco Corp., 169 F. Supp. 2d 568 (E.D. La. 2001), aff’d, No. 01-30536, 2002 U.S. App. LEXIS 11536 (5th Cir. May 21, 2002).
  • Retained on appeal and obtained full reversal on appeal after a jury verdict against clients in a complex contract dispute. C.C. Clark, Inc. v. DCV, Inc., 250 F.3d 738, 2001 WL 274113 (5th Cir. 2001).

Involvement

Professional

  • Chair, New Orleans Bar Association Business Litigation Committee, 2018-2022
  • Member, Board of Directors of New Orleans Bar Association, 2019-Present
  • Former Member, Liskow & Lewis Board of Directors
  • Fellow, Louisiana Bar Foundation
  • Member, Defense Research Institute (DRI)
  • Member, Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel
  • Member, Women's Energy Network
  • Member, New Orleans, Louisiana State, and American Bar Associations
  • Associate, Jones Day, 1988-1989

Community

  • Member, Advisory Board of Directors of The New Orleans Shakespeare Festival at Tulane, 2018-August, 2022
  • Clerk of Session, St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church, 2020
  • Elder, St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church, 2006-2008, 2018-2020
  • Board Member, Sophie B. Wright Charter School, 2015-April 2019

Recognition

  • Chambers USA - (Band 3) Litigation: General Commercial, 2022-2025
  • Inside New Orleans "Elite Lawyers" Edition - Commercial Litigator, and Construction Law, 2023
  • New Orleans City Business' Leadership in Law, Class of 2018
  • The Best Lawyers in America®, Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Construction, 2013–2025
  • Louisiana Super Lawyers, 2016-2025
  • New Orleans Magazine's List of "Top Lawyers," 2015- 2019, 2022

Credentials

Education

  • Tulane University Law School (J.D., magna cum laude, 1988)
    • Order of the Coif
    • Tulane Law Review, Senior Editor, 1987 - 1988
  • Vanderbilt University (B.A., cum laude, 1985)

Bar Admissions

  • Louisiana, 1990

Court Admissions

  • All State and Federal Courts in Louisiana, 1990
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit, 1990
  • U.S. Supreme Court, 2004

Presentations

  • Speaker, "The Winning Brief of Appellee," LSBA Compose a Winning Score: Persuasion Through Powerful Writing, May 6, 2022
  • Panelist, "Women's History Month Panel," New Orleans Legal Diversity Collaborative, March 24, 2022
  • Speaker, "Play a Simple Tune, How to Win Your Case by Keeping it Simple," LSBA Spring Litigation Litigation, April 23, 2021
  • Moderator, "Developing A Business Litigation Practice," New Orleans Bar Association Business Litigation Committee, October 23, 2019
  • "Motions, Motions, Motions:  Motions for Summary Judgment” LSBA Seminar, October 23, 2019, with Judge Jay Zainey, and Kelly Becker
  • Co-chair and Moderator,  “The Art of Advocacy” with Judges Barbier, Milazzo, Chase, and Julien,  New Orleans Bar Association Bench-Bar Seminar, March 2019
  • Moderator, “A Conversation with Current and Former In-House Counsel: What Works, What Irks,” New Orleans Bar Association Business Litigation Committee, April 2018
  • Panelist, “The Art of Persuasion on Appeal” with US Fifth Circuit Judge Stephen Higginson, Louisiana State Bar Association, April 2018
  • Panelist/Moderator, "Effective Case Presentation in the Complex Judge Trial: Views From the Bench and Bar," Louisiana State Bar Association, April 2017
  • “Ethics in Class Actions," Louisiana State Bar Association Ethics and Professionalism Program, December 2010
  • Panelist, "The A to Z of Witness Preparation," Louisiana State Bar Association, October 2009
  • “Construction Claims in Louisiana” panelist (with Harold Flanagan, Frank Adams, and Dan Armstrong) Lorman Education Services, 2001

Publications

  • “US Fifth Circuit Upholds 12(b)(6) Dismissal, Emphasizing Need for Adequate Facts in Contract and Quasi-Contract Claims and Refusing to Allow Amendment to Omit Allegations Fatal to Plaintiff’s Claims,” Liskow's Gulf Coast Business Law Blog, March 1, 2024
  • "Time To Resolve The City's Judgment Backlog," New Orleans CityBusiness, January 14-27, 2022
  • "Louisiana Supreme Court Addresses Res Nova Attorney Fees Issue," Liskow & Lewis' The Energy Law Blog, January 30, 2020
  • "Liskow & Lewis Secures Key Rulings in Class Action Litigation," Liskow & Lewis' The Energy Law Blog, August 8, 2019
  • "Thinking About Improving Your Louisiana Facility? Follow These Steps or Risk Unlimited Lien Liability Under Louisiana’s Private Works Act," Liskow & Lewis' The Energy Law Blog, May 1, 2017
  • "Fifth Circuit Holds that Unpatented Products Can Be Given Patent-Like Protection by Contract," Liskow & Lewis' The Energy Law Blog, April 10, 2017
  • "A Conversation with Tara Kelly of BP on How In-House Counsel Can Advance Gender Diversity in the Male-Dominated Field of Energy Law"
  • "Louisiana First Circuit Finds Appellate Jurisdiction Lacking, Declines to Address Merits of Appeal Involving Claims Related to  Deepwater Horizon Response Operations," Liskow & Lewis' The Energy Law Blog, June 6, 2016
  • "Legislation Proposed to Reform Professional-Malpractice Claims," American Bar Association Section of Professional Liability Litigation  News, February 27, 2014
  • "Professional Malpractice Peremption: Clarified Through Adversity," 59 La. B. J. 176 (Oct./Nov. 2011)
  • "When the Carrier and Insured Part Ways: The Insured’s Right to Independent Counsel" (with James A. Brown), 52 La. B.J. (June/July  2005)
  • "Tortious Interference and Unfair Trade Claims: Louisiana’s Elusive Remedies for Business Interference," (with George Denegre, Jr. and John A. Lovett), 45 Loy. L. Rev. 395 (1999)

WHAT’S TRENDING WITH Shannon

  • News
    06.06.25
    Chambers USA Ranks 32 Liskow Lawyers, 10 Practice Areas
    2 minute read
  • News
    05.06.25
    59 Liskow Lawyers Selected to 2025 Louisiana Super Lawyers, Rising Stars
    less than a minute
  • News
    08.15.24
    118 Liskow Lawyers Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® (BL Rankings) 2025
    5 minute read
  • News
    06.06.24
    Twenty-Seven Liskow Lawyers, Ten Practice Areas Recognized in Chambers USA
    less than a minute
  • Blogs
    03.01.24
    US Fifth Circuit Upholds 12(b)(6) Dismissal, Emphasizing Need for Adequate Facts in Contract and Quasi-Contract Claims and Refusing to Allow Amendment to Omit Allegations Fatal to Plaintiff’s Claims
    3 minute read
  • News
    12.21.23
    Fifty-One Liskow Attorneys Selected to 2024 Louisiana Super Lawyers and Rising Stars, Thomson Reuters
    less than a minute
  • News
    08.22.23
    12 Liskow Lawyers Recognized by Inside New Orleans Magazine
    less than a minute
  • News
    08.17.23
    114 Liskow Lawyers Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® (BL Rankings) 2024
    5 minute read
  • News
    06.01.23
    Twenty-Six Liskow Lawyers, Ten Practice Areas Recognized in Chambers USA
    less than a minute
  • News
    12.22.22
    Fifty-Five Liskow Lawyers Selected to 2023 Louisiana Super Lawyers and Rising Stars, Thomson Reuters
    less than a minute
View All
Liskow & Lewis, APLC
Arrow Icon

future-focused

  • Baton Rouge
  • Houston
  • Lafayette
  • New Orleans
  • New York City
  • © 2025 Liskow & Lewis, APLC
  • Sitemap
  • Disclaimer
  • Employee Login
Site by
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT
  • Team
  • Practices
  • Insights
  • Offices
  • Pro Bono
  • About Us
  • Careers
  • DEI
  • The Energy Law Blog
  • Gulf Coast Business Law Blog
  • The Maritime Law Blog