Elizabeth Wheeler

Barbara Arras represents defendants in toxic tort litigation primarily involving pulmonary diseases allegedly caused by asbestos and other pulmonary irritants and hematopoietic diseases allegedly caused by benzene. She is responsible for the medical defense in each case. Specifically, she analyzes the facts to formulate a theory of defense and identifies the correct scientific discipline needed to advance that theory. She then identifies and retains the best expert in that discipline from her...

Kenneth L. Ross is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Litigation - Insurance. Kenneth L. practices law in Hammond, Louisiana Best Lawyers has recognized Kenneth L. Ross 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 Kenneth L. Ross is held by other lawyers.

The founding member of the firm, Larry Pugh has been practicing law in New Orleans since 1986. A skilled trial lawyer, he has defended businesses and individuals in complex civil matters and class actions. He is trial counsel for clients involved in nationwide litigation and has tried cases in multiple jurisdictions, including Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas and Tennessee. He is a leading litigator in the areas of asbestos litigation, other toxic tort litigation, products liability and environm...

Ingrid Laurendine is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Litigation - Environmental, Litigation - Insurance and Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants. Ingrid practices law in Mandeville, Louisiana Best Lawyers has recognized Ingrid Laurendine since 2024. 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 Ingrid Laurendine i...

Marjorie A. McKeithen is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Energy Law. Marjorie A. practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana Best Lawyers has recognized Marjorie A. McKeithen 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 Marjorie A. McKeithen is held by other lawyers.

Madeleine Fischer is special counsel in the Litigation Practice Group. She focuses on insurance coverage and claims handling disputes. Madeleine has represented clients in litigation for almost 40 years and has extensive trial experience in state and federal courts. She has represented a variety of policyholders and insurance companies in insurance coverage and bad faith litigation. Besides insurance coverage and bad faith litigation, her practice also extends to appellate practice, class act...

Judy Barrasso is a founding member of Barrasso Usdin Kupperman Freeman & Sarver, L.L.C. Her practice focuses on commercial litigation, and includes complex commercial litigation matters and class actions involving complex commercial contracts, director and officer liability, securities fraud, and insurance coverage and bad faith claims. Judy has been ranked by Chambers USA as a top commercial litigator, by Benchmark Litigation as a Litigation Star, and by the Diversity Journal as among 20...

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...

Sean Mount defends corporate clients and insurance companies in a variety of litigation claims that can arise as a result of today’s competitive legal environment. With a special interest in defense litigation, Sean Mount enjoys addressing client problems and crafting a solution that is best suitable for their business. Building upon his extensive courtroom experience, he has successfully litigated a variety of matters in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas for various corporate and insur...

Richard Dicharry practices in the area of insurance and reinsurance. He began his career at Phelps Dunbar in 1978, practicing in admiralty litigation. After seven years of an active litigation practice, he refocused his practice on insurance coverage work for the London insurance market. Since 1985, Mr. Dicharry has counseled and represented insurers with regard to a variety of liabilities, with particular emphasis on energy, property and uncertain date of loss exposures.