M. Claire "Claire" Durio

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...

Tim was first inspired to become an attorney while watching Atticus Finch in To Kill A Mockingbird. When Atticus commanded a courtroom against all odds in a seemingly impossible case, it ignited Tim's desire to be challenged by interesting things and to do work that is socially valuable. Every day Tim gets to do just that, as he shows up to work to face fresh challenges that allow him to provide his clients with his best efforts. A considerate friend and genuine professional, Tim has a strong...

John T. Balhoff, II, a member of the firm, was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in 1971. He attended college at the University of Notre Dame and graduated from there, cum laude, in 1993, receiving a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in finance. Mr. Balhoff received his Juris Doctor degree from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University in 1996. Mr. Balhoff presently is admitted to the Louisiana Bar and he also is admitted to practice before all United States District C...

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.

Mark Dodart is a partner in the litigation group of Phelps Dunbar who practices primarily in the areas of general litigation, insurance coverage and tort litigation. He counsels clients, manages disputes and tries cases involving personal injury, products liability, class actions, toxic tort exposure, premises liability, and property damage. Mr. Dodart also serves as local, regional and national coverage counsel for domestic insurance companies in matters arising from bad faith, construction ...

Mr. Hymowitz has been practicing labor and employment law representing management since 1974. He is admitted to practice law in Tennessee and Louisiana, as well as numerous federal and appellate courts.Mr. Hymowitz received his B.S. degree in Pharmacy from Fordham University and graduated from the University of Memphis School of Law, where he was an Associate Editor of The University of Memphis Law Review.Mr. Hymowitz is past Management Co-Chair of the American Bar Association Labor and Emplo...

Lugenbuhl shareholder, Shaundra Schudmak’s practice areas include insurance coverage, insurance defense, bad faith claims, uninsured and underinsured motorist claims, property damage claims, commercial litigation, torts, premises liability, public sector liability, and pre-litigation consulting. Shaundra is an attorney with substantial litigation experience both in state and federal courts. Since joining Lugenbuhl in 2013, she has worked diligently to partner with clients to rectify mat...

Jennifer L. Thornton is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation and Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs. Jennifer L., who practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jennifer L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

Nan Alessandra represents employers in both the public and private sectors in the defense of discrimination, harassment and retaliation claims for age, gender, disability, race, religion, national origin, and other protected categories. Her litigation experience includes the defense of EEOC and other administrative charges filed through the various federal and state court agencies, as well as defense of legal claims filed at both the judicial level, as well as through the arbitration process....