Kay Baxter

Robert Kerrigan gives careful consideration and personal attention to his clients and their problems. After an exhaustive review of case materials, he counsels clients to set forth a plan of action in order to get to a resolution point in a case. He defends personal injury claims, including certified class actions and cases involving catastrophic events. He has experience defending cases involving industrial explosions and accidents, toxic exposure claims, product defect allegations, and avia...

Neal J. Kling, a Member of the firm, received his undergraduate degree in Business and Public Administration from Louisiana State University and his law degree from Louisiana State University Law Center where he graduated Order of the Coif and was a member of the Louisiana Law Review. He represents clients in the areas of secured financing transactions, real estate transactions, real property and personal property leasing, maritime construction and finance and other commercial transactions. M...

Richard Bertram is a partner in the Maritime Practice Group. Richard has more than 30 years of experience in admiralty and maritime law. He handles a wide range of domestic and international admiralty and maritime matters, including transactions, litigation, arbitration, appellate, regulatory, and administrative law, marine casualty investigations, regulatory compliance, and marine pollution and environmental matters.

David J. Topping is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Environmental Law. David J. practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana Best Lawyers has recognized David J. Topping 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 David J. Topping is held by other lawyers.

Since competing in Mock Trial tournaments in high school, Jennifer Adams has been hooked on the law. A naturally gifted communicator, Jennifer takes her clients’ best interests into consideration when completing difficult, but sometimes necessary, negotiations. Her love of triaging complex cases, whether defending cancer claims related to alleged asbestos exposure in the work place or "take-home" exposure claims, keeps Jennifer working hard to meet her clients’ needs. Jennifer is ...

Gary Hemphill practices in the areas of admiralty litigation. His practice involves matters in personal injury, cargo, oil and energy, finance and FD&D. Prior to joining Phelps Dunbar, Mr. Hemphill was with the Terriberry, Carroll, & Yancey, L.L.P. law firm in New Orleans.

Robert S. Stassi is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Admiralty and Maritime Law, Commercial Litigation and Construction Law. Robert S. practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana Best Lawyers has recognized Robert S. Stassi since 2016. 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 Robert S. Stassi is held by other lawyers.

Rose Sher is a partner in the Tax Practice Group and a member of the trust and estates team. Rose is a board-certified estate planning and administration specialist, as certified by the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization. She advises clients on all aspects of wills, trusts, estate and gift tax planning, asset valuations, business succession planning, and estate administration. Rose represents a broad range of high-net-worth individuals and families. She understands the unique goals and n...

Richard Tyler is a partner on the Construction Team. He regularly serves as lead counsel in complex, high-stakes construction disputes. Rich joined Jones Walker in 1982 and is a former practice leader of the firm’s Construction Practice Group. Widely acknowledged as one of the nation’s top construction attorneys, over the past decade Rich has served as lead counsel in disputes involving more than $500 million in aggregate claim value across the country. He has received top ratings...

Valerie E. Fontenot is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Health Care Law and Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants. Valerie E. practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana Best Lawyers has recognized Valerie E. Fontenot since 2023. 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 Valerie E. Fontenot is held by other lawyers.