Paul D. Cordes, Jr.

Victoria Davies is a partner in the Corporate Practice Group. She represents a broad range of companies, from large, multinational corporations to private, closely-held businesses doing business in a variety of industries, including construction, mining, and energy, on capital projects and day-to-day commercial transactions. Victoria’s experience includes drafting and negotiating construction agreements, design-build agreements, engineering procurement and construction (EPC) agreements,...

Will Baldwin is co-leader of the firm’s Maritime Industry Group and leader of the firm’s maritime transactional team, where he focuses on maritime transactions and marine finance. Will also serves as co-chair of the firm’s offshore wind initiative. Will advises and represents clients on a wide range of complex marine transactional matters, including financings, ship mortgages, the purchase and sale of marine assets, Jones Act compliance, and governmental approval for maritim...

David F. Waguespack is a partner in the Firm, practicing in bankruptcy, commercial litigation, creditor’s rights, and gaming law. He has represented lenders, debtors, creditor committees, and other parties in complex Chapter 11 reorganizations and related litigation and has served as a Chapter 11 trustee. Mr. Waguespack regularly represents investors acquiring property in and out of bankruptcy. He has handled litigation relating to liens, real estate, construction, shareholder’s r...

Michael F. Held is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Admiralty and Maritime Law. Michael F. practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana Best Lawyers has recognized Michael F. Held since 2026. 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 Michael F. Held is held by other lawyers.

Céleste focuses on several insurance coverage practice areas including third-party insurance coverage, general liability, environmental and toxic tort liability coverage, and marine insurance coverage. Céleste represents insurers in connection with insurance coverage and bad faith disputes involving a variety of matters including environmental and latent injury claims, business torts, and labor- and employment-related claims. In addition, she has significant experience represent...

Rick Shelby is a partner in the firm's Bankruptcy and Business Reorganization practice. He combines 15 years of industry experience as a corporate engineer with elite legal acumen to advise clients on complex bankruptcy, corporate restructuring, and oil-and-gas litigation matters. This background provides him with a unique insider perspective on the commercial realities facing energy and industrial sectors. A seasoned advocate, Rick guides debtors, creditors, and trustees through high-stakes ...

Robert K. Denny is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. Robert K. practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana Best Lawyers has recognized Robert K. Denny since 2025. 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 K. Denny is held by other lawyers.

Jaye Calhoun draws on decades of experience and a thorough understanding of federal, state, and local taxation to represent and counsel clients facing tax compliance, litigation, and controversy matters. She is Board Certified by the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization in Tax Law and Estate Planning and was profiled as “The Problem Solver” in a 2012 article in Louisiana Super Lawyers . Her practice focuses on Litigation and Controversy – Tax and Tax Law, with an emphasis...

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...

Thomas Hubert is a partner in the Labor & Employment Practice Group and a lead trial attorney for the trade secret non-compete team. Thomas is also a formally trained and qualified mediator. Since 1989, Thomas has practiced primarily in the area of labor and employment law, as well as in areas that fall under more traditional commercial claims. Specifically, he has focused on business and commercial litigation, and labor and employment (including commercial contracts, Unfair Trade Practic...