Melanie Derefinko

Michael S. Blackwell is Of Counsel with Riess LeMieux, L.L.C.. Michael represents a variety of clients, ranging from general contractors, subcontractors, owners, developers, insurers, and sureties in construction and labor issues, to companies involved in sales, acquisitions, corporate governance matters, commercial disputes, and other challenges arising in the commercial arena. He has engaged in significant contract negotiation, corporate formation, structuring, and governance matters, sales...

Mr. Miller joined Blue Williams as an associate in the Metairie office in 2014. He was named partner in 2016. His practice consists primarily of medical malpractice defense, governmental and municipal liability, and general casualty litigation. Mr. Miller earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Louisiana State University in 2006. He graduated cum laude from Paul M. Hebert Law School of Law at LSU in 2009 earning his Juris Doctorate and Graduate Diploma in Civil Law. During his t...

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...

Kathryn M. Knight is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Kathryn M., who practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kathryn M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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.

Rebecca Sha is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Rebecca, who practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Rebecca is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Howard Shapiro is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, Litigation - ERISA and Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants. Howard, who practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana, has been recognized since 1993. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Howard is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Senior Counsel Georges Legrand is one of the founding members of MBLB. He has more than 44 years of experience as a litigator. As a leader of the firm’s Admiralty and Maritime law practice, he has been part of forging a team of attorneys who have developed a depth of expertise that rivals larger firms. His practice focuses on defense of maritime personal injury and property damage claims on the river and offshore, as well as insurance, transportation, and contractual matters. His experi...

Fishman Haygood partner Paul Thibodeaux has thrived in some of the most complex commercial litigations in the country for more than 20 years. With a background in civil engineering, Paul is a trial lawyer whose practice focuses on environmental and construction litigation for both plaintiffs and defendants. He routinely represents business interests, as well as individuals and landowners. Over the course of his career, Paul has successfully taken a lead role in many high-profile matters, incl...

Mark A. Cunningham is a partner in the Litigation Practice Group and co-team leader of the corporate compliance and white collar defense team. Mark provides strategic advice to clients on competition and trade issues related to the structuring of national and global distribution networks, joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, and intellectual property protection. Mark also serves as first-chair trial counsel for companies and individuals under law enforcement scrutiny or facing bet-the-co...