Sara Johnson

Bret LeBreton is a partner in the Maritime Practice Group and a member of the insurance coverage team. He has practiced in all facets of maritime, energy, and marine and non-marine insurance law. Bret has represented assureds, underwriters, and other industry participants in a broad range of disputes involving hull, cargo, builder's risk, P&I, MEL, CGL, control of well, and excess and umbrella policies. He has given opinions regarding coverage, prepared reservations of rights, and advised...

Nicholas Wehlen is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation, Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants, Litigation - Bankruptcy, Litigation - Construction and Litigation - Securities. Nicholas practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana Best Lawyers has recognized Nicholas Wehlen since 2021. 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 reg...

Heather Lonian is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation and Insurance Law. Heather practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana Best Lawyers has recognized Heather Lonian since 2021. 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 Heather Lonian is held by other lawyers.

Asher Friend is a partner in the Corporate Practice Group and a member of the firm's M&A and private equity and corporate and securities and executive compensation teams. Asher focuses his practice in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, private equity, securities, and general corporate law. Asher has developed significant experience in the hospitality, healthcare, energy, and technology industries, including representing clients in myriad acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, and...

Ian Atkinson is a seasoned trial and appellate lawyer whose practice spans complex commercial litigation, white-collar criminal defense, and tax litigation. He represents plaintiffs and defendants in high-stakes disputes in state and federal courts and has substantial experience handling matters through every stage of litigation, from pre-suit investigations and dispositive motion practice to trial and appeal. Ian has served as lead counsel in bench and jury trials and is regularly entrusted ...

Bill Backstrom is a partner and leader of the firm’s Tax Practice Group. For more than 35 years, he has focused on state and local tax matters in Louisiana and on a multistate basis. Bill provides comprehensive, practical, and solution-focused tax guidance to a broad range of business enterprises. Known for the quality of his counsel, his commitment to client service, and his ability to explain sophisticated issues in clear terms — particularly with respect to Louisiana’s hi...

Rachel M. Scarafia is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Energy Law and Oil and Gas Law. Rachel M. practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana Best Lawyers has recognized Rachel M. Scarafia 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 Rachel M. Scarafia is held by other lawyers.

Matthew J. Fantaci is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of CleanTech Law, Commercial Litigation, Corporate Law, Energy Law and Oil and Gas Law. Matthew J. practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana Best Lawyers has recognized Matthew J. Fantaci since 2019. 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 Matthew J. Fantaci is held by oth...

Gerald E. Meunier was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on November 20, 1948, and admitted to the Louisiana Bar in 1974. He received his college education at Georgetown University and graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. in 1970. Mr. Meunier attended Georgetown University Law Center while working in the United States Senate as an assistant to the Secretary for the Majority. He was a contributing Editor of the Georgetown Law Journal and received his J.D. in 1974. He also served in the D.C. Natio...

Brandon T. Darden is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation and Oil and Gas Law. Brandon T. practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana Best Lawyers has recognized Brandon T. Darden 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 Brandon T. Darden is held by other lawyers.