Paul M. Sterbcow

Paul M. Sterbcow

New Orleans, LA recognized lawyers icon Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2016
Lewis, Kullman, Sterbcow & Abramson LLC

3 Best Lawyers awards

Lewis, Kullman, Sterbcow & Abramson LLC logo

Awarded Practice Areas

Admiralty and Maritime Law
*Named the "Lawyer of the Year" in this practice area in the 2026 edition in New Orleans.

Biography

Paul Sterbcow is the managing member of Lewis, Kullman, Sterbcow & Abramson, LLC. Paul obtained a B.S. from Tulane University and a J.D. from Tulane University School of Law. Paul is licensed to practice in all Louisiana state and federal courts, along with the United States Supreme Court.

Paul’s primary practice area is admiralty and maritime law, an area in which he has been recognized as one of the best practitioners in the country. Paul was selected as a member of the Plaintiff’s Steering Committee for MDL 2179/Deepwater Horizon Litigation and served as the co-lead lawyer for the liability trial. He has authored numerous papers and given numerous speeches and presentations on assorted topics involving maritime law and civil trial practice.

Paul has received numerous awards and accolades, including being awarded Maritime Lawyer of the Year by the New Orleans Bar Association in 2018. Paul is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, as well as a member of the ABA, FBA, MLA, AAJ and several other legal organizations. Paul currently serves as the President of the Louisiana Association for Justice and on the Board of Directors for the New Orleans Bar Association.

Lewis, Kullman, Sterbcow & Abramson LLC

3 Best Lawyers awards

Lewis, Kullman, Sterbcow & Abramson LLC logo

Overview

  • Tulane University, J.D., graduated 1986
  • Tulane University, B.S. Political Science, graduated 1982

  • Louisiana, 1986

  • American Association of Justice - Admiralty Law Section Executive Committee
  • American College of Trial Lawyers - Fellow
  • International Academy of Trial Lawyers - Fellow
  • Louisiana Association of Justice - President Elect
  • Maritime Law Association of the United States - Member
  • Southeast Admiralty Law Institute - Member

  • United States District Court Eastern District of Louisiana
  • United States District Court Middle District of Louisiana
  • United States District Court Western District of Louisiana
  • United States District Court Southern District of Alabama
  • United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals
  • United States Supreme Court
  • Louisiana, 1986
  • American Association of Justice - Admiralty Law Section Executive Committee
  • American College of Trial Lawyers - Fellow
  • International Academy of Trial Lawyers - Fellow
  • Louisiana Association of Justice - President Elect
  • Maritime Law Association of the United States - Member
  • Southeast Admiralty Law Institute - Member
  • Tulane University, J.D., graduated 1986
  • Tulane University, B.S. Political Science, graduated 1982
  • United States District Court Eastern District of Louisiana
  • United States District Court Middle District of Louisiana
  • United States District Court Western District of Louisiana
  • United States District Court Southern District of Alabama
  • United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals
  • United States Supreme Court

Client Testimonials

Awards & Focus

Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2026 - Admiralty and Maritime Law Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2024 - Admiralty and Maritime Law Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2021 - Admiralty and Maritime Law Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2018 - Admiralty and Maritime Law
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
  • Admiralty and Maritime Law, New Orleans (2026)
  • Admiralty and Maritime Law, New Orleans (2024)
  • Admiralty and Maritime Law, New Orleans (2021)
  • Admiralty and Maritime Law, New Orleans (2018)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
  • Admiralty and Maritime Law
Additional Areas of Practice:
  • Aviation Law
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
Awards:
  • Louisiana Association of Justice President's Award 2010-11
  • New Orleans Bar Association Maritime Lawyer of the Year Award 2017
  • Louisiana Life Magazine Top Attorneys in Louisiana 2013-2018
  • Best Lawyers Louisiana Lawyer of the Year 2018
  • Louisiana Super Lawyers 2012- 2018
  • Elite American Lawyers 2016
  • Worldwide Who's Who Professional of the Year 2016-17

Additional Information

  • Achievements

Authored 45 papers on maritime law and trial practice and procedure

Given over 50 CLE lectures throughout the country on various legal topics

Co-leader of the trial team in MDL 2179, The Deepwater Horizon Explosion

Member of America's Top 100 High Stakes Litigators

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