Douglas R. Kinler

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...

Kara Hadican Samuels is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Kara Hadican, who practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kara Hadican is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Gary Hemphill practices in the areas of admiralty litigation. His practice involves matters in personal injury, cargo, oil and energy, finance and FD&D. Prior to joining Phelps Dunbar, Mr. Hemphill was with the Terriberry, Carroll, & Yancey, L.L.P. law firm in New Orleans.

Ms. Johnson is active in the defense of complex environmental, toxic tort, chemical exposure, carbon monoxide, insurance coverage, medical monitoring, naturally occurring radioactive material (“NORM”) occupational injury cases, oyster, oil spill, pesticide, personal injury, property damage, and class action litigation. She also has an active mediation and appellate practice in the same areas. Ms. Johnson has particular abilities in defending premises owners, employers and their executive offi...

Andrew P. Burnside is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Labor and Employment. Andrew P., who practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Andrew P. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Brad Belsome handles matters involving transportation law, specifically within the Rail Industry. He has represented a Class I Carrier in actions brought in the State and Federal courts of Louisiana, as well as before the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, Court of Federal Claims, Office of Administrative Law Judges, OSHA, including: claims prosecuted pursuant to the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA), 45 U.S.C. § 51 et seq. (1908), the Federal Rail Safety Act (FRS...

John W. Martinez is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Construction Law and Litigation - Construction. John W., who practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Stewart focuses on bankruptcy, restructuring, and creditors’ rights; admiralty and maritime; marine finance and vessel documentation; asset-based finance; litigation, corporate and commercial law; and oil and gas. Stewart has been practicing law in New Orleans for more than 38 years. He is a 1974 graduate of Kenyon College, magna cum laude , where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He graduated top in his class in 1977 from Tulane Law School where he was elected to the Order of the Coif...

Michael S. Williams is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Michael S., who practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michael S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Edward B. Poitevent II is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Energy Law, Energy Regulatory Law, Mining Law and Oil and Gas Law. Edward B., who practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana, has been recognized since 2007. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Edward B. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.