James E. Lapeze

Joe Lowenthal is a partner in the Litigation Practice Group. He has extensive experience in the fields of healthcare, insurance coverage, contracts, and environmental and toxic torts. Joe provides broad-based advice and focused litigation counsel for a variety of clients. Leader of the firm’s healthcare team, his representative matters include litigation on behalf of a managed service organization in multiple federal and state district courts across the United States, with responsibilit...

John's experience includes the trial of environmental, toxic tort, insurance and construction claims, along with the representation of architects, engineers, doctors and lawyers in the defense of malpractice claims. Prior to his practice, John was the manager of the New Orleans District of the Associated General Contractors of Louisiana.

Kaja Elmer represents businesses, investors, borrowers, trustees, and receivers in a wide range of commercial matters in state and federal courts. Her practice includes commercial disputes, securities fraud actions, and bankruptcy-related litigation, with experience handling claims involving statutory violations, breach of contract, misrepresentation, and breach of fiduciary duty. Kaja also has significant experience in class action litigation. She served as counsel to a nationwide class of s...

Ian Atkinson is a seasoned trial and appellate lawyer whose practice spans complex commercial litigation, white-collar criminal defense, and tax litigation. He represents plaintiffs and defendants in high-stakes disputes in state and federal courts and has substantial experience handling matters through every stage of litigation, from pre-suit investigations and dispositive motion practice to trial and appeal. Ian has served as lead counsel in bench and jury trials and is regularly entrusted ...

Albert O. "Chip" Saulsbury’s practice primarily focuses on mergers and acquisitions, private equity, corporate finance, and general corporate matters. Chip frequently represents private equity funds in acquisitions of portfolio companies, add-on acquisitions, other direct equity and debt investments, and exits or divestitures from these various investments. Chip also represents family investment offices and individuals in investments in private equity funds, hedge funds, and other direc...

Mr. Sher is a business lawyer whose practice is concentrated in commercial real estate and business and finance law. He also practices in the areas of: commercial litigation, creditors' rights, workouts and foreclosures, commercial bankruptcy, disaster recovery, arbitration and mediation, secured finance and asset based lending. Along with his practice, Mr. Sher is actively involved with many professional and trade organizations, including the American College of Real Estate Lawyers, where he...

Crystal Domreis is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Litigation - Insurance and Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants. Crystal practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana Best Lawyers has recognized Crystal Domreis since 2025. 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 Crystal Domreis is held by other lawyers.

Lou Grossman represents clients in serious, high-stakes disputes arising in the energy and petrochemical industries. His practice includes work for major domestic and international energy companies, as well as Fortune 5 to Fortune 500 corporations, national middle-market and fast-growth enterprises, and Louisiana-based privately held oil and gas businesses. Lou is based in New Orleans, Louisiana, and practices with Kean Miller . Lou’s energy industry experience includes litigating, tryi...

Layne Hilton is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs and Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs. Layne practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana Best Lawyers has recognized Layne Hilton 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 Layne Hilton is held by other lawyers.

David Patrón serves as the Regional Practice Coordinator of the firm’s New Orleans Litigation Group where he manages one of the firm’s largest practice groups. With over twenty years of legal experience, David Patrón has established a solid reputation as a talented litigator who successfully represents businesses at all phases of litigation in state and federal courts throughout the Gulf South and beyond. Whether winning at trial or negotiating favorable settlements,...