Eric Derbes

Lon LeSueur’s multi-faceted practice focuses on complex and commercial litigation. He has deep litigation experience, having earned victories for his clients in state and federal courts in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, as well as various arbitration forums. Lon has successfully represented clients through all stages of litigation from case development and initial fillings, motion practice, discovery, trial, and appeal. Lon has first-chair trial experience, and his appellate work in...

Jay Sever is a partner in the Insurance and Reinsurance group of Phelps Dunbar. He is the Regional Practice Coordinator for the firm's insurance practice group and is also head of the insurance and reinsurance practice group in the New Orleans office. He serves as local, regional and national coverage counsel for both foreign and domestic insurance companies. He counsels clients, manages disputes and tries cases involving a wide variety of insurance coverage issues, including matters arising ...

Rachel M. Scarafia is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Energy Law and Oil and Gas Law. Rachel M. practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana Best Lawyers has recognized Rachel M. Scarafia 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 Rachel M. Scarafia 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...

David K. Smith is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Admiralty and Maritime Law. David K. practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana Best Lawyers has recognized David K. Smith 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 David K. Smith is held by other lawyers.

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...

Ashley Demouy's practice focuses on transportation, trucking, and insurance defense. Ashley was recognized in 2027 by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Her. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Ashley is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area. Ashley believes that success comes from the ability to learn, grow, listen, and be humble, yet remain firm. &l...

Carrie Tournillon practices Administrative / Regulatory Law, Energy Regulatory Law , and Utilities Law , with a focus on oil, natural gas, pipeline, and utility-related matters. Based in New Orleans, Louisiana, she represents businesses navigating complex federal, state, and local regulatory frameworks. Carrie is listed among Chambers Band 1 Louisiana Energy & Natural Resources: Utilities lawyers and currently serves as a Councilmember and Past Chair of the Public Utilities Section of the...

Jennifer L. Thornton is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation and Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs. Jennifer L. practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana Best Lawyers has recognized Jennifer L. Thornton since 2022. 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 Jennifer L. Thornton is held ...

Mark Fijman is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Employment Law - Management. Mark practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana Best Lawyers has recognized Mark Fijman 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 Mark Fijman is held by other lawyers.