David J. Messina

Bill Bradley represents health care providers and other professionals in court, on appeal and before regulatory agencies. His practice consists principally of the defense of medical malpractice actions in the Louisiana state and federal courts. He also has an extensive appellate practice. Through 2023, Bill has tried at least 42 jury trials and 37 bench trials.

Ashley B. Robinson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Construction Law. Ashley B., who practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Ashley B. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Kelly Simoneaux is a partner and co-leads the Corporate Practice Group. She focuses on the corporate, tax, and securities aspects of executive compensation. Kelly has extensive experience counseling public and private clients on a variety of compensation-related matters, including: advising boards and management on equity-based and other incentive plans and arrangements (annual bonus plans, stock option and restricted stock plans, phantom equity plans, and employee stock purchase plans), exec...

M. Taylor Darden is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Oil and Gas Law. M. Taylor, who practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana, has been recognized since 2009. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which M. Taylor is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Shaun P. McFall’s practice focuses on complex litigation matters. His experience includes antitrust actions, bankruptcy litigation, class actions, complex commercial disputes, products liability, securities litigation and toxic tort matters. Additionally, Shaun has experience representing financial institutions during investigations by regulatory authorities including the SEC and FINRA. Most recently, Shaun participated in a multiweek jury trial in defense of a medical device manufactur...

Thomas J. Smith represents clients in complex civil litigation with a focus on insurance defense, personal injury, and construction matters. He brings strategic insight to each case, guiding clients through litigation with precision and responsiveness from pre-suit through appeal. See how Tommy protects client interests in high-stakes matters: gallowaylawfirm.com

Kathryn M. Knight is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Kathryn M., who practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kathryn M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Robert Bieck is special counsel in the Litigation Practice Group. He focuses on securities and other regulatory compliance and enforcement defense, and capital markets products and corporate governance litigation. Rob represents securities brokers, banks and other financial institutions, and corporations, as well as their directors, officers, and other employees, in matters arising under federal and state securities laws, general corporate laws, banking laws, and the Employee Retirement Incom...

Emily Lippold Gummer is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Intellectual Property. Emily Lippold, who practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Emily Lippold is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Doug Kleeman practices in the area of insurance and reinsurance. He counsels clients, manages disputes and tries cases involving a variety of first- and third-party insurance coverage issues. Prior to joining Phelps Dunbar, Doug practiced in the areas of insurance coverage and litigation at Bienvenu, Foster, Ryan & O’Bannon, LLC in New Orleans.