Melanie Derefinko

George J. Fowler, III, is a partner in the Maritime Practice Group, where he focuses on litigation, arbitration, and dispute resolution. George Fowler is an internationally recognized trial lawyer known for his successful record trying hundreds of cases to juries and judges, including numerous high-profile matters, complex litigation, and cases of national concern. George has written and lectured extensively on private international law and world trade and is active in promoting trade and inv...

Raymond C. Lewis' practice centers primarily in the areas of complex commercial and business litigation, insurance defense, and appellate work. He has successfully litigated complex commercial disputes for local and national clients involving multi-million dollar claims for breach of contract, product liability, oil and gas disputes, and transportation casualty. Ray also maintains a regular appellate practice. In his appellate practice, Ray has handled numerous appeals before the Louisiana Su...

S. Frazer Rankin focuses on commercial real estate transactions and development, estate planning, trusts, successions, corporate and commercial law, oil-and-gas law, and employment law. Frazer was born in Montgomery, Alabama. He attended Tulane University and received his Bachelor of Arts in 1969. Graduating from Tulane University Law School in 1972 with his Juris Doctor, he was admitted to the bar in 1973. Frazer has extensive experience in the representation of major landowners, and in iden...

Charles E. Lavis, Jr . is the founder and managing shareholder of Lavis Law Firm - Personal Injury & Accident Attorney, APLC . A New Orleans native, he opened his first law office in 1995 and has spent three decades representing injured workers, accident victims, consumers, and homeowners against insurance companies and corporate defendants. Charles earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from Southern Methodist University in 1987 and his Juris Doctor from Loyola University New Orl...

In these complex cases, Jeremy complements his arguments with logical structure and prudent strategy to gain advantages over the opposition. He regularly appears in state and federal courts, and he has litigated and handled appeals involving: Contract and other commercial disputes Business torts Products liability and toxic tort cases Insurance matters Vessel seizures/arrests and other maritime casualty matters Jeremy is also a regular contributor to legal publications and has written numerou...

David D. Haynes is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Health Care Law. David D. practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana Best Lawyers has recognized David D. Haynes 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 David D. Haynes is held by other lawyers.

Tina L. Kappen is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation and Insurance Law. Tina L. practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana Best Lawyers has recognized Tina L. Kappen 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 Tina L. Kappen is held by other lawyers.

David S. Landry is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Banking and Finance Law, Commercial Litigation, Energy Law and Trusts and Estates. David S. practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana Best Lawyers has recognized David S. Landry 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 David S. Landry is held by other lawyers.

Philip D. Nizialek is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation and Insurance Law. Philip D. practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana Best Lawyers has recognized Philip D. Nizialek since 2014. 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 Philip D. Nizialek is held by other lawyers.

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.