Edward W. "Ed" Trapolin

Russell L. Foster, a member with the firm, has litigated and argued a wide variety of matters in both federal and state courts. He also has extensive experience in mediation and arbitration proceedings involving labor and employment issues, oil and gas matters, commercial disputes, and personal injury. Mr. Foster has given and contributed to speeches and presentations concerning topics such as workplace torts, the impact of the National Labor Relations Act in the non-union workplace, and inve...

Mr. Hymowitz has been practicing labor and employment law representing management since 1974. He is admitted to practice law in Tennessee and Louisiana, as well as numerous federal and appellate courts.Mr. Hymowitz received his B.S. degree in Pharmacy from Fordham University and graduated from the University of Memphis School of Law, where he was an Associate Editor of The University of Memphis Law Review.Mr. Hymowitz is past Management Co-Chair of the American Bar Association Labor and Emplo...

David S. Landry is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law, Commercial Litigation, Energy Law and Trusts and Estates. David 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 David S. 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...

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...

John “Trip” McCormick protects clients’ legal interests while supporting their business growth. He focuses on commercial and construction litigation, aggressively defending contractual claims, pursuing unpaid debts, and helping clients manage risk and resolve conflicts. Trip represents architects, engineers, contractors, and suppliers in state and federal courts and arbitrations involving public works, commercial projects, and catastrophic structural failures. His practice a...

Phil is a commercial litigator in state and federal courts. He takes pride in advising his clients on how to succeed at trial, on appeal, or how to avoid litigation altogether. Louis Armstrong, the greatest trumpet player of all time, said “never play anything the same way twice.” Phil has taken this advice to heart in his practice, advising unique clients facing distinct challenges with an individualized approach. Phil represents a diverse set of clients across a broad range of i...

James D. Rhorer is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Oil and Gas Law. James D., 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 James D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Mr. McReynolds is a passionate writer of state and federal appeal briefs. He is experienced in alternative dispute resolution methods and is certified by the American Arbitration Association as an arbitrator and mediator.In his professional liability practice, Mr. McReynolds defends architects, engineers, lawyers and insurance agents against coverage disputes, malpractice, and construction claims. He also has an active products liability practice.

Thomas Hubert is a partner in the Labor & Employment Practice Group and a lead trial attorney for the trade secret non-compete team. Thomas is also a formally trained and qualified mediator. Since 1989, Thomas has practiced primarily in the area of labor and employment law, as well as in areas that fall under more traditional commercial claims. Specifically, he has focused on business and commercial litigation, and labor and employment (including commercial contracts, Unfair Trade Practic...