Ernest L. Edwards, Jr.

James A. Prather has over 30 years of experience representing clients in complex litigation, focusing on insurance defense, casualty claims, professional liability, and commercial disputes. He has tried cases in state and federal courts and is known for his thorough preparation and commitment to client goals. Learn more about James’s extensive trial and litigation experience at: gallowaylawfirm.com

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.

Tony Marino’s practice focuses on energy transactions and regulatory matters. His work includes drafting and negotiating oil and gas agreements, acquisitions and divestures of mineral properties, and energy financings. Additionally, he advises clients on regulatory issues on mineral leases both onshore in Louisiana and offshore in state and federal waters on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Tony represents clients before regulatory agencies, including the Bureau of Ocean Energy Manage...

Ashley Heilprin practices in the areas of civil trial and commercial litigation. She regularly appears in Louisiana’s courts. Her commercial litigation experience includes state and federal matters in the following areas: business torts; construction on behalf of engineers, architects, contractors and developer clients; professional liability including lawyers, insurance broker and agent clients; First Amendment and defamation; breach of contract; breach of warranty; unfair trade practi...

Stephen R. Klaffky focuses his practice in the areas of commercial litigation, environmental litigation, insurance coverage and bad faith, and securities litigation and regulation. Stephen has represented financial institutions, investors, manufacturers, and employers through trial and on appeal. As lead counsel, he has successfully defended clients against allegations involving fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, lender liability, employment discrimination, and wrongful termination. He has also...

Marty McLeod practices in the area of marine and energy and business litigation law. He represents U.S. and foreign vessel owners as well as offshore energy companies in a variety of marine and energy matters, including regulatory issues, business counseling, bankruptcy, and property, loss of use, pollution and commercial disputes. Marty serves as the practice coordinator of Phelps Dunbar's New Orleans admiralty group and is a current member of the firm's Operations Committee. Prior to enteri...

Melissa Lessell partners with her clients faced with professional liability and complex commercial litigation matters. She helps professionals navigate through disciplinary actions, ethics investigations, malpractice, negligence and breach of fiduciary duty claims and lawsuits. Forming partnerships with her clients, Melissa Lessell tirelessly defends them in professional liability and complex commercial litigation matters. She helps professionals navigate through disciplinary actions, license...

Katherine Karam is a partner in the firm’s insurance and reinsurance practice. For over two decades, she has served as local, regional (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas), and national coverage counsel for both foreign and domestic insurance companies. She counsels clients, resolves coverage disputes and manages litigation involving insurance issues under state laws in all regions of the United Stat...

Marc Yellin represented Pan American World Airways and the United States Government in multi-district litigation of approximately 200 wrongful death, personal injury, psychic injury and property damage suits arising out of the crash of Pan Am Flight 759. In his practice, Mr. Yellin defends insurers, businesses, private and commercial transportation carriers. He represents trucking companies, airlines, and trucking and product manufacturers. In addition to his transportation-related claims, Mr...

Dorothy H. Wimberly is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Environmental and Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants. Dorothy H., 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 Dorothy H. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.