Cynthia M. Bologna

Dan practices in the area of construction litigation with a focus on construction and surety litigation. He represents general contractors, major subcontractors, sureties, public and private owners, and wireless telecommunications carriers and owners of telecommunications infrastructure. Dan also serves nationwide as a construction mediator and as a construction arbitrator through Perry Dampf, and arbitrations only through the American Arbitration Association. Outside of the courtroom, Dan re...

Rick Shelby is a partner in the firm's Bankruptcy and Business Reorganization practice. He combines 15 years of industry experience as a corporate engineer with elite legal acumen to advise clients on complex bankruptcy, corporate restructuring, and oil-and-gas litigation matters. This background provides him with a unique insider perspective on the commercial realities facing energy and industrial sectors. A seasoned advocate, Rick guides debtors, creditors, and trustees through high-stakes ...

David 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. Originally from Bethesda, Maryland, David attended Tulane Unive...

Jim Swanson was among Fishman Haygood’s founding partners in 1996. He served as the firm’s Managing Partner for 16 years, and he is the current Chair of its board of directors. As a commercial trial lawyer, Jim has particular experience in securities litigation, domestic and international arbitration, environmental litigation, and general commercial matters. Jim has handled numerous cases in which clients have received multimillion-dollar recoveries. Noteworthy matters include a j...

Brett Venn is a partner in the Litigation Practice Group. He focuses on business and commercial disputes. Brett represents energy clients in litigation concerning energy infrastructure, including pipelines and LNG facilities. He currently represents energy companies in tort actions, challenges to contracts, actions enforcing right of way and servitude agreements, and appeals of severance tax assessments. He has also represented energy-industry clients in contract disputes, shareholder dispute...

Philip D. Nizialek is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation and Insurance Law. Philip D. practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana Best Lawyers has recognized Philip D. Nizialek since 2014. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Philip D. Nizialek is held by other lawyers.

Charles H. Abbott is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation, Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. Charles H. practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana Best Lawyers has recognized Charles H. Abbott since 2021. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition r...

Jennifer L. Thornton is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation and Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs. Jennifer L. practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana Best Lawyers has recognized Jennifer L. Thornton since 2022. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Jennifer L. Thornton is held ...

Stephen Brooks joined Pugh Accardo as a Special Partner. He has been practicing law since 1994 in Louisiana. He is an experienced insurance casualty and workers’ compensation defense attorney. He is trial counsel for multiple insurance companies, risk retention groups, self-insurers’ funds, insurance agencies and agents and corporate employers involved in litigation throughout the Southeast Region of the United States. Mr. Brooks has also been extensively employed by the insurance...

Michael E. Landis is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law. Michael E. practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana Best Lawyers has recognized Michael E. Landis since 2026. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Michael E. Landis is held by other lawyers.