Melanie Derefinko

Alfred J. Rufty III is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Admiralty and Maritime Law. Alfred J. practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana Best Lawyers has recognized Alfred J. Rufty III 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 Alfred J. Rufty III is held by other lawyers.

Marc Yellin represented Pan American World Airways and the United States Government in multi-district litigation of approximately 200 wrongful death, personal injury, psychic injury and property damage suits arising out of the crash of Pan Am Flight 759. In his practice, Mr. Yellin defends insurers, businesses, private and commercial transportation carriers. He represents trucking companies, airlines, and trucking and product manufacturers. In addition to his transportation-related claims, Mr...

Richard Cozad is a partner in SBSB’s New Orleans office with more than 45 years of experience in private law practice. A member of the firm since August 2018, he has focused his years of practice primarily on admiralty, marine insurance and environmental law. Richard received his bachelor’s degree from Loyola University before going on to earn his law degree from Tulane University. Following graduation, he served as a law clerk for the Honorable Nauman Scott, former Chief Judge of...

McGready Richeson joined the firm in 2017 and is a Member of the Firm; he is primarily engaged in environmental litigation, toxic torts, products liability, and business litigation. A skilled litigator, McGready has tried numerous cases throughout the States of Louisiana and Texas for nearly 25 years, and he is admitted to practice before the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, United States District Courts for the Eastern, Middle and Western District of Louisiana, and all c...

Lee Adler practices primarily in the areas of general business relationships and finance. He has an extensive transactional-based practice representing clients in a wide variety of fields. Finance transactions include real estate finance, vessel finance, accounts receivable-based finance and equipment and inventory finance, representing both borrowers and lenders. Prior to joining Phelps in 1992, Mr. Adler was an attorney at a large multi-practice firm in New York.

Jonathan S. Forester is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Construction Law and Litigation - Construction. Jonathan S. practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana Best Lawyers has recognized Jonathan S. Forester since 2022. 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 Jonathan S. Forester is held by other lawyers.

Catherine Filippi is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Catherine practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana Best Lawyers has recognized Catherine Filippi 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 Catherine Filippi is held by other lawyers.

Jeff Tillery is a partner in the Maritime Practice Group and co-leader of the maritime litigation, arbitration, and dispute resolution team. He helps maritime and marine industry clients prevent and resolve a broad range of disputes. For more than 35 years, Jeff has advised and represented clients in maritime personal injury and collision matters, commercial litigation, longshore matters, and marine insurance coverage disputes, and has tried, as lead counsel, complex marine multi-party casual...

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...

Mr. Alford represents public utilities and other clients in a variety of matters, including commercial and tort litigation, regulatory proceedings, and contract and property issues. Representative cases include construction disputes, securities actions, antitrust and unfair trade practice claims, medical licensing, and consumer litigation. Mr. Alford also counsels clients concerning regulatory compliance, employment, and general business issues. Mr. Alford graduated from Louisiana State Unive...