John W. Waters, Jr.

Member Alan G. Brackett, who is one of the firm founders, leads the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act defense team, which also handles claims arising under the Defense Base Act and War Hazards Compensation Act. Alan litigates claims nationwide for large corporations and insurance companies, including Chubb and American Longshore Mutual Association. As supported by the many peer honors he has received, including The Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers, Alan has develop...

Louis Grossman is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Environmental. Louis, who practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Louis is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Lea Ann is a member of our Products, Catastrophic and Industrial Litigation group. Her litigation practice covers a wide range of personal injury and products liability litigation. She represents clients in various industries, including product manufacturers, chemical suppliers, oil and gas companies, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, trucking companies, industrial machinery and recreational vehicles.

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.

M. Taylor Darden is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Oil and Gas Law. M. Taylor, who practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana, has been recognized since 2009. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which M. Taylor is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Monica Vela-Vick is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Monica, who practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Monica is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Ashley advises businesses, financial institutions, and individuals concerning bankruptcies, class actions, contracts, construction, environmental issues, fidelity, surety and financial institution bonds, insurance, professional malpractice, real estate, corporate, and estate matters. She also mediates and arbitrates business disputes. Ashley currently serves as a member of the AAA Construction Panel, AAA Commercial Panel and FINRA Panel as an arbitrator and mediator. After Hurricane Katrina, ...

Brian D. Katz is a partner of Herman, Herman & Katz, L.L.C. Mr. Katz attended the University of Alabama, where he was the President of the College of Communication (1990-1991) and Zeta Beta Tau fraternity (1989-1991), as well as a member of the Blue Key Honor Society and the Order of Omega. After receiving his B.A. from the University of Alabama, Mr. Katz attended Tulane University School of Law, where he received his J.D. in January of 1996. While at Tulane, Mr. Katz clerked for the Orle...

Joseph M. Miller is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Railroad Law. Joseph M., who practices law in Mandeville, Louisiana, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Joseph M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Ricky is a native of New Orleans. He graduated summa cum laude from Loyola University in 1999, earning a B.B.A. in economics and a minor in history. While at Loyola, he was a four-year letterman on the Wolfpack baseball team. He received his J.D. from the Columbia University School of Law in 2002. While at Columbia, he was twice named a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar. Ricky has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America® for Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants and Product Liability Lit...