Deil J. LaLande

Bill Backstrom is a partner and leader of the firm’s Tax Practice Group. For more than 35 years, he has focused on state and local tax matters in Louisiana and on a multistate basis. Bill provides comprehensive, practical, and solution-focused tax guidance to a broad range of business enterprises. Known for the quality of his counsel, his commitment to client service, and his ability to explain sophisticated issues in clear terms — particularly with respect to Louisiana’s hi...

Christopher K. Jones is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants. Christopher K. practices law in Baton Rouge, Louisiana Best Lawyers has recognized Christopher K. Jones since 2025. 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 Christopher K. Jones is held by other lawyers.

Demarcus Gordon is a partner in the Oil and Gas/Energy and Environmental Litigation sections and specializes in litigation involving the oil and gas industry. He has experience representing clients in cases involving premises liability and personal injury, particularly in cases involving chemical exposures such as asbestos, benzene, or naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM). Mr. Gordon also defends oil and gas exploration and production companies in legacy litigation by landowners a...

Stephen Fortson is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Energy Law. Stephen practices law in Shreveport, Louisiana Best Lawyers has recognized Stephen Fortson since 2025. 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 Stephen Fortson is held by other lawyers.

Raymond G. Areaux is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation, Corporate Law, Litigation - Intellectual Property, Technology Law and Trademark Law. Raymond G. practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana Best Lawyers has recognized Raymond G. Areaux since 2016. 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 Raymond G. A...

Ashley Gable works with oil and gas companies in most phases of the energy and oil and gas industry, including title work, litigation of landowner and royalty owner demands, pipeline right-of-way expropriation, matters involving mineral leases and other related contracts, disputes between operators and non-operators, and suits concerning environmental damage to property. Ashley additionally handles general commercial litigation matters, including breach of contract cases, business disputes, a...

Kevin Welsh practices in the areas of insurance, reinsurance and litigation. He has represented clients in a range of litigation matters including professional liability claims, commercial class actions, education law, real property disputes and casualty litigation. Outside of litigation, Kevin has assisted clients in regulated industries by preparing draft legislation in support of broader, successful legislative lobbying efforts.

Amy L. Maccherone is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Litigation - Environmental and Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants. Amy L. practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana Best Lawyers has recognized Amy L. Maccherone 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 reflects the professional regard in which Amy L. Maccherone is held by other lawyers.

Ryan D. Kelley is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Insurance Law and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Ryan D. practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana Best Lawyers has recognized Ryan D. Kelley since 2027. 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 Ryan D. Kelley is held by other lawyers.

Tyler Rench is a partner in the Litigation Practice Group. He focuses on fiduciary, insurance, and banking disputes. Tyler has broad-based experience representing clients in federal and state courts, as well as in administrative proceedings and alternative dispute resolution. He represents and advises clients in connection with succession and trust litigation; disputes over life, health, and disability insurance; banking and commercial issues; and class action and civil RICO litigation. Befor...