Thomas J. "Tom" Cortazzo

Stevan C. Dittman, born Hampshire, Illinois, December 7, 1949; admitted to bar, 1985, Louisiana; also admitted to practice before U.S. Supreme Court; U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit; U.S. District Court, Eastern, Western and Middle Districts of Louisiana. Preparatory education, University of Wisconsin (B.A., 1971); University of Michigan (M.A., 1973; Ph.D. Candidate 1976); legal education, Tulane University of Louisiana (J.D., 1985). Honor Societies: Phi Kappa Phi; Order of the Coif. Edi...

Kelly Ransom’s practice is focused on intellectual property litigation, energy and environmental litigation, and other high-stakes, complex litigation at both the trial and appellate levels. Ms. Ransom defends a range of clients in patent infringement cases, including banks, a leading global payment and financial technology solutions provider, and some of the world’s largest technology companies. She was recognized as a top performing patent litigator in the U.S. by Patexia’...

Mark Dodart is a partner in the litigation group of Phelps Dunbar who practices primarily in the areas of general litigation, insurance coverage and tort litigation. He counsels clients, manages disputes and tries cases involving personal injury, products liability, class actions, toxic tort exposure, premises liability, and property damage. Mr. Dodart also serves as local, regional and national coverage counsel for domestic insurance companies in matters arising from bad faith, construction ...

Melissa Harris is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Commercial Litigation. Melissa practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana Best Lawyers has recognized Melissa Harris 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 Melissa Harris is held by other lawyers.

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...

Robert Kerrigan gives careful consideration and personal attention to his clients and their problems. After an exhaustive review of case materials, he counsels clients to set forth a plan of action in order to get to a resolution point in a case. He defends personal injury claims, including certified class actions and cases involving catastrophic events. He has experience defending cases involving industrial explosions and accidents, toxic exposure claims, product defect allegations, and avia...

Monette Davis concentrates her practice on insurance defense and commercial litigation matters. Monette dedicates time to the legal community by serving in leadership positions with the American Bar Association and the Greater New Orleans Louis A. Martinet Legal Society where she mentors minority young lawyers and law students. She is also responsible for planning award-winning training programs to help law students navigate their journey through law school and then becoming a lawyer. Monette...

Nathan P. Horner is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Admiralty and Maritime Law. Nathan P. practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana Best Lawyers has recognized Nathan P. Horner since 2024. 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 Nathan P. Horner is held by other lawyers.

Jennifer Rigterink is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law. Jennifer practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana Best Lawyers has recognized Jennifer Rigterink 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 Jennifer Rigterink is held by other lawyers.

Fishman Haygood co-founding partner Louis Fishman is counsel to the firm. His transactional practice included corporation law, securities, and mergers and acquisitions. He also counseled clients on resolving disputes within family and other closely held businesses. Louis was a founder and has served since 1988 on the planning committee of Tulane’s Corporate Law Institute , and as a member of the Advisory Board of Editors for the Tulane Law Review since 1991. He has held several key post...