James Gonczi

Joanne Rinardo defends clients in employment and constitutional claims and is best known for litigation involving Title VII, Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, Fair Labor Standards Act, and Family Medical Leave Act, as well as general employment claims. Ms. Rinardo has defended 60 EEOC and/or comparable state agency charges in a tri-state area over a two-year period with no findings of “cause” issued against the client. She also advises clients ...

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.

John B. Esnard III is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Construction Law, Litigation - Construction and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. John B., who practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John B. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Bill Bradley represents health care providers and other professionals in court, on appeal and before regulatory agencies. His practice consists principally of the defense of medical malpractice actions in the Louisiana state and federal courts. He also has an extensive appellate practice. Through 2023, Bill has tried at least 42 jury trials and 37 bench trials.

Mike Phillips serves as Chair of Kean Miller ’s Energy and Environmental Litigation practice group and represents clients in complex, high-stakes litigation in state and federal courts, including trials and appeals. Based in New Orleans, Louisiana, his practice focuses on matters involving single- and multi-plaintiff claims, class actions, multi-district litigation, and Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Defendants . While his work frequently involves the energy sector, he als...

Helen Babin is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs, Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs and Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs. Helen, who practices law in Gretna, Louisiana, has been recognized since 2019. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Helen is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

Michelle Anderson represents employers in all aspects of employment law in both state and federal courts, and before administrative agencies. Her practice focuses on representing employers against claims of unlawful discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, violations of leave and disability laws, and wage and hour related issues. Michelle also litigates and advises employers on issues arising out of employee defection, including the prosecution and defense of claims involving non-com...

Kermit Tre’ Roux works extensively with insureds, claims adjusters, third-party administrators, and underwriters in the development of strategy and defense of all insurance related matters from the time of the accident through the ultimate resolution of the case. He is experienced in all facets of civil litigation with an emphasis on insurance coverage related litigation work from initial case analysis and strategy formation to trial/arbitrations and Writ applications/Appeals.

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...