Theriot Lawyers

Amanda Howard Lowe is a partner in the New Orleans office of Kean Miller. She joined the firm in 2009 and practices in the admiralty and maritime, energy and corporate litigation groups. Amanda has considerable experience in a wide variety of admiralty issues, including Jones Act and personal injury defense, maritime litigation, oil and gas exploration, drilling accidents, well blowouts, cargo damage, ship collisions, ship allusions, vessel groundings, lift board and jack-up rig accidents, vessel mortgage filings, product liability, redhibition, as well as premises liability, construction defect litigation and general personal injury litigation. Amanda's experience also includes assisting clients in...

Jeffrey S. Wittenbrink is a Board Certified Family Law Specialist in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He handles difficult and complex custody and community property cases associated with divorce; adoptions, paternity and grandparent custody cases. He also handles personal injury cases, wills and successions and general civil and criminal litigation. He is most recently associated with First Amendment litigation on behalf of Pastor Tony Spell, of Central, Louisiana, and has defended Firehouse BBQ in Watson, Louisiana in litigation against Governor Edwards' Covid-19 restrictions.

Linda S. Melancon is an attorney practicing in the areas of Estate Planning,
Elder Law, Medicaid and VA benefit’s planning, Special Needs Planning, and Estate
Administration (Probate, Successions and Trust Administration).
Linda is a Board Certified Estate Planning and Administration Specialist, certified by the
Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization. She is also accredited by the Veterans Administration to
give advice regarding veterans’ benefits.

Linda graduated magna cum laude from Mercer University with a double major in business
administration and history and then attended Louisiana State University’s Paul M. Hebert Law
Center where she graduated with her law degree in 1997.

While in law school, Linda received the Order...

Originally from Colorado, Spencer Calahan, J.D. has called Louisiana home for nearly forty years. As managing attorney and founder of the Law Offices of Spencer Calahan Injury Lawyers, Calahan draws on his extensive professional experience and training to provide effective representation for plaintiffs in personal injury cases in Baton Rouge and beyond. Calahan graduated with a BS in Psychology from Louisiana State University, with minors in both business and biology. Later, he would go on to earn his JD from Loyola University School of Law in New Orleans. After completing his studies, Calahan started out working in the field of...

In 1989, Jimmy began the firm of Simien & Simien, LLC with emphasis on Admiralty and Maritime, Class Actions, Constitutional Law, Criminal Defense, Mass Tort, Personal Injury, Wrongful Death and other major litigation. Other areas in which the firm has extensive experience include Insurance Bad Faith, Insurance Claims, Constitutional Law, Bankruptcy, Commercial Law and limited Criminal Defense matters. During his tenure with the firm, Jimmy was chosen by his peers to be section chief of the ATLA Litigation Committee involving CCA (Chromated Cooper Arsenate) Wood. The focus of that Committee was on litigation pertaining to CCA pressure treated wood,...

After practicing for several years at one of the most respected and top rated defense firms in Louisiana, Collin and three other experienced lawyers formed Mansfield Melancon with the goal of providing his clients the personal attention that they deserve and expect from their attorney.

Collin has experience advocating for clients in both Louisiana federal and state courts. He has handled cases ranging from complex business disputes to individual disagreements. Collin is admitted to practice in all Louisiana state courts, in the United States District Courts for the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of Louisiana, and the United States...

We are a New Orleans based law firm representing people in both criminal and civil litigation. Our firm was built on the values of respect, honesty, dedication and service. Our mission in every case that we accept is to listen to the clients’ needs, understand their objectives and exceed their expectations.
Ms. Carpenter received her Juris Doctorate from Loyola University Law School. As an undergraduate student, she studied French Language and Literature graduating from L'Université d'Orléans, France.  After returning to the United States, she completed a Bachelors of Arts Magna Cum Laude in French Literature with a minor is Psychology....

Blair Schilling represents clients in a wide range of commercial matters in federal and state court, with a concentration in environmental law. Her environmental practice includes representing landowners throughout Louisiana against some of the oil and gas industry's largest operators in matters involving coastal restoration, land contamination, land use, clean water, getting brownfield sites safely back into commerce, regulatory and permitting, and expropriation issues. In doing this work, Blair represents state government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private companies and individuals, including the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), the Environmental Defense Fund, the National Wildlife Federation, Restore the Mississippi River...

David Sharpe focuses on marine insurance coverage; marine finance and vessel documentation; bankruptcy, restructuring, and creditors’ rights; admiralty and maritime; and international and cross-border law. He represents clients that own, operate, charter, or employ vessels, and helps them understand and manage their risks in the United States, Gulf of Mexico, and worldwide offshore maritime oilfield and alternative-energy markets. Mr. Sharpe services clients in the area of concentration on maritime contracts (time and bareboat charter parties, master service contracts, insurance and indemnity agreements, marine-insurance coverage, and ship sale and finance) and related commercial litigation (maritime liens, vessel arrest and attachment,...

Ms. Barrios is a founding partner of BKC, concentrating on the field of complex multi-district litigation, products liability litigation, mass torts, and class actions. Ms. Barrios graduated from Newcomb College in 1974 and from Tulane University School of Law in 1976. From 1976-1979 she clerked for Chief Justice Joe W. Sanders of the Louisiana Supreme Court, then joined Carl W. Cleveland and Associates, where she made partner in 1980. She co-founded BKC in 1995. Since the mid-1990s starting with her role in the both the state and national breast implant product liability litigation, Ms. Barrios has been recognized...

Kyle is an experienced litigator who focuses her practice on Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) litigation. Kyle is passionate about protecting consumers’ rights and has successfully litigated numerous cases related to identity theft and other credit reporting errors. Her commitment to justice and keen understanding of the complexities surrounding consumer credit issues have positioned her as a fearless and trusted advocate for clients facing challenges related to identity theft. Kyle earned her undergraduate degree in political science from Louisiana State University and subsequently received her Juris Doctor and Graduate Diploma in Comparative Law from Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert...

Mr. Kingsdorf graduated from Tulane University in 1971 and from Tulane University School of Law in 1974. He clerked at the Louisiana Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal for Judges Peter Beer and Ernest N. Morial and then clerked at the Louisiana Supreme Court for Justice Albert Tate, Jr. In 1980, he became a partner in the firm of Cleveland, Barrios, Kingsdorf & Casteix where he remained until 1995 when he co-founded the firm of Barrios, Kingsdorf & Casteix, LLP. In addition to serving as faculty member at numerous seminars, he has lectured at the Tulane University School of Law...

Melanie Lockett is an experienced litigator in diverse areas of law including insurance coverage and defense, education, commercial litigation, employment law, professional liability, and family law. She has litigated a vast array of legal issues in Louisiana state and federal courts. She has also successfully appealed cases to Louisiana Courts of Appeal and Louisiana Supreme Court. Melanie’s innovative and diligent approach to representing clients has led to notable successes for insurance companies, insurance agents, tenured professors, university students, and victims of discrimination. Melanie is an involved member of several professional organizations. She is an active member...

In 2005, Gregory S. Marsiglia joined Lowe, Stein, Hoffman, Allweiss & Hauver, LLP, having practiced law in New Orleans since 1997 in a variety of commercial, corporate, and general civil litigation, and in a variety of corporate, real estate, and business transactions. Mr. Marsiglia also advises corporate and commercial clients on formation and planning issues, internal governance, in a variety of contractual matters. His construction litigation and contracting practice has been a steady and significant portion of the practice during the past ten years, as has general commercial litigation for clients in other industries. Mr. Marsiglia also has...

Max Cohen brings extensive experience and insight in insurance defense litigation, with an emphasis on personal injury, premises liability, and professional liability construction and coverage. He received his Juris Doctor from Vanderbilt University School of Law, where he was the Brief Editor of the Moot Court Board. Mr. Cohen joined one of the largest law firms in New Orleans shortly after graduating. He became a lawyer at Lowe Stein in 1988 and became a partner in 1994. Due to his commitment to his clients, Mr. Cohen has received the AV® Preeminent rating by Martindale-Hubbell®. Mr. Cohen is very active in...

Daniel Stanton practices in the admiralty, maritime , and energy law practice groups. Prior to law school, Daniel worked as a commercial property and casualty insurance producer in Northwest Florida where he helped businesses manage liability and property risks through a variety of insurance vehicles. He is listed as a Rising Star in Louisiana Super Lawyers 2018 - 2020 and 2023. Daniel earned his B.B.A. from Mississippi State University in 2007. He earned his J.D., magna cum laude, from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law in 2013, where he was Editor-in-Chief of the Maritime Law Journal, President of the Maritime Law...

Attorney Mark Glago graduated from the University of Richmond in Virginia with Phi Beta Kappa honors, having triple-majored in Political Science, Speech and Sociology. He was the University’s Rhodes Scholar nominee and received the “Most Outstanding Graduate” award. At the Tulane University School of Law, he was Managing Editor of the Tulane Law Review and again graduated with honors. Over the past 17 years, Mr. Glago has handled over 2,500 cases and been the “first-chair” lawyer for over 160 trials in Louisiana courts. He has built a respected, full-service law firm devoted to recovering compensation for clients in a range...

Tod Everage is a partner in the New Orleans office of Kean Miller. He joined the firm in 2011 and practices in the Offshore Energy and Maritime Litigation Practice Group. Tod’s practice primarily involves representing oil and gas operators (offshore, midstream, and onshore) and their service providers and contractors in litigation in both state and federal courts. Tod has gained extensive experience representing vessel owners, shipyards, and diesel engine service providers in warranty claims. Tod’s practice also includes assisting clients in contract review, drafting, negotiations, transactional disputes, and general corporate advices. Tod has tried several cases to verdict as well...

Jill Gautreaux is special counsel to the New Orleans office of Kean Miller. She joined the firm in 2015 and practices in the real estate, business, and commercial litigation groups. Jill assists clients with corporate matters, real estate, liquor licensing, and business transactions in the hospitality, technology, retail, and professional services sectors. She handles corporate transactional matters including business formation, buy/sell agreements, mergers and acquisitions, and dissolution/liquidation. Jill also represents individuals and companies in contractual disputes and shareholder litigation in Federal and State courts.

She helps her clients in a wide variety of legal and transactional matters including leases, sales, mortgages,...

Lou Grossman is a partner in the New Orleans office of Kean Miller and practices in the environmental litigation, energy, and appellate groups. Since being admitted to practice in 2003, he has handled complex disputes involving the energy and petrochemical industries, including toxic tort claims, environmental damage claims, and commercial litigation. In addition, Lou has handled the appeals of numerous high-profile legal issues at the trial and appellate court level. He is listed in Louisiana Super Lawyers as a Rising Star for 2013 and 2014. Lou was admitted to the Colorado Bar in 2015, and was listed as a Rising...

Born and raised in the New Orleans area, Zachary concentrates his practice in the fields of litigation and general corporate counsel for clients ranging in size from individuals to multi-billion dollar hedge funds. He works on litigation matters large and small, from cases involving one individual to those where he works on behalf of 10,000+ people injured by a defective product. He also advises corporations without in-house lawyers on general business matters. He is also actively involved in the legal community as a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association's LGBT Diversity Committee and Chairman and Founder of...

David Halpern is a partner in the New Orleans office of Kean Miller. He joined the firm in 2015 and practices in the business, real estate, and commercial litigation groups. David has over 30 years of legal and business experience, and assists clients with a variety of legal, corporate, and land use matters. His clients include national, regional, and local businesses, real estate developers, bars and restaurants, and New Orleans area businesses. His practice includes land use issues, zoning ordinances, mergers and acquisitions, and transactions. He also serves on governmental advisory boards and represents businesses and individuals before regulatory authorities.

David...

I focus my practice on intellectual property and environmental regulatory matters, while also handling cases related to energy, administrative law, and utility regulation. As a registered Patent Attorney authorized to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, I have filed both provisional and non-provisional patent applications. My work includes drafting and negotiating licensing agreements and assignments for trade secrets, patents, trademarks, and other intellectual property concerns. Additionally, I assist clients with intellectual property protection, transactions, and litigation matters. My previous experience includes engaging with state and federal agencies in environmental regulatory proceedings. This involved drafting nine-factor analyses in response to...

Shane Sandefer is a partner in the Baton Rouge office of Kean Miller. He practices in the business transactions and environmental law groups and is a Registered Professional Engineer. Shane represents local, regional, and national clients in a variety of real estate, finance, and environmental matters including, industrial and commercial real estate transactions, title insurance matters, general preparation and negotiation, regulatory proceedings, wetlands permitting, wetlands mitigation, and state and federal environmental advice. Prior to law school, Shane was a project engineer for Turner Environmental and a senior staff engineer for URS. He also served as an assistant project manager for...

Gayla Moncla is a partner in the Baton Rouge office of Kean Miller and practices in the areas of toxic tort and environmental litigation, premises liability, and commercial litigation. She has more than 25 years of experience in the chemical and petrochemical industries, defending workplace accidents, chemical exposure cases, products liability cases, as well as advising clients regarding workplace safety issues and OSHA regulations. Gayla also has experience in retail premises litigation having defended retail clients for over 25 years.

Gayla earned her B.S. from Louisiana State University in 1973. She earned her J.D. in 1989 from the LSU Law Center...

Matthew Meiners is a partner in the Baton Rouge office of Kean Miller. He joined the firm in 2009 and practices in the business and corporate group. Matthew has experience in the drafting and negotiation of numerous industrial service and purchase agreements. He also has experience representing numerous individuals and small businesses in connection with acquisitions and divestitures of their respective businesses and with formation of new entities, including drafting organizational documents and planning of overall corporate structure.

Matthew earned his B.S. in International Trade and Finance with a minor in Economics from Louisiana State University in 1998. He earned his...

Susan is originally from Monroe, Louisiana and is a mother of two. Susan is a graduate of Louisiana Tech University and Southern University Law Center. After becoming a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association in 1998, she began her career at The Law Office of Ossie Brown in 1999. She also served as an Assistant Public Defender from 2000 to 2008 with the Baton Rouge Public Defender’s Office. Susan’s areas of practice include: Criminal Defense, Personal Injury, DWI, and Traffic Offenses.

Dana Brent Brown is the Managing Attorney of The Law Offices of Ossie Brown. He was born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and he is the son of former East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Ossie and Faye Brown, a retired teacher. Dana has managed The Law Offices of Ossie Brown since his father’s retirement in 2000.

Upon leaving full-time status at the L.S.U Law Center, Eulis became a member of the Simien & Simien Law Firm. Eulis is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, Fifth and Eleventh Circuit United States Courts of Appeals, all federal district courts in Louisiana, the Louisiana Supreme Court and all inferior state courts. Eulis Simien maintains a general trial and appellate practice with emphasis on the areas of Personal Injury, Admiralty and Maritime, Class Actions, Complex Litigation and Criminal Defense. Speaking Engagements & Literary Works: Starting Your Own Practice (Panel Discussion), LSU Law Center, August, 2006...

Kris is a father of two and has been a resident of Baton Rouge since attending LSU in 1993. While at LSU, Kris, a two-time letterman, was a special teams captain for the LSU Tigers football team and recipient of the LSU Scholar Athlete’s Award. Since graduating LSU Law School in 2000, Kris has made an impression by helping hundreds in the courtroom and volunteering in the community.

Jeffrey W. Weiss attended high school at Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, from which he graduated with honors, and college at Claremont McKenna College in Claremont, California, from which he received a B.A. degree in 1983, graduating magna cum laude, with honors in economics. Upon graduation from Claremont McKenna College, Jeff was admitted to Phi Beta Kappa.

Jeff obtained his Juris Doctorate degree from Tulane School of Law in 1986, from which he graduated summa cum laude. At Tulane, Jeff served as a member of the Tulane Law Review, and was admitted to the Order of the Coif honor society.

Jeff has...

Victoria Alford joined Arnold & Itkin LLP in 2011. Today, she spends much of her time guiding the firm’s newest clients through the initial steps of their case while handling her own caseload. Victoria is the first point of contact for almost all clients and is a key part of the firm's—and the client’s—success. Most of the firm’s record-setting cases involve clients whom Ms. Alford spoke to when they first called for help, like a young man who suffered life-threatening injuries in a refinery accident. He eventually reached an $87 million settlement.

Victoria has dedicated her career to helping people in...

Alison Baimbridge spent over a decade as a prosecutor in Houston, helping bring 75 cases to verdict. She also won the largest verdicts to date for two officers killed in the line of duty in Harris County. She considers this case one of the proudest moments in her career. After transitioning to Arnold & Itkin, she refocused her practice on the victims of catastrophic work injuries, pharmaceutical damages, and trucking injury cases. Alison earned her law degree from South Texas College of Law in 2003. She also earned a bachelor’s in psychology from Texas A&M in 1999 prior...