William Africk

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...

Kerry Miller is a partner in Fishman Haygood’s Litigation Section. Kerry has the distinction of trying both the longest civil and criminal trials in the history of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. As jury trials resumed following pandemic related delays, Kerry tried the first civil jury trial in federal court in Louisiana and in Miami-Dade County in state court. Since June 2021, Kerry has tried several jury trials and participated in a large arbitr...

Ms. Gillen is a partner in the Metairie office and has been with the firm since 2013. Her practice consists primarily of environmental and toxic tort litigation and commercial litigation. Ms. Gillen graduated from Tulane University in 2010, where she received her BA degree in sociology, cum laude . In 2013, she was awarded a JD, magna cum laude , from Loyola University College of Law in New Orleans, Louisiana. She was also recognized as a William L. Crowe, Sr. Scholar for graduating in the to...

Mr. McReynolds is a passionate writer of state and federal appeal briefs. He is experienced in alternative dispute resolution methods and is certified by the American Arbitration Association as an arbitrator and mediator.In his professional liability practice, Mr. McReynolds defends architects, engineers, lawyers and insurance agents against coverage disputes, malpractice, and construction claims. He also has an active products liability practice.

Peck Hayne's practice centers on oil and gas, pipeline and other energy-related transactions and regulation and on federal appellate litigation. Peck regularly negotiates, drafts and advises clients on complex purchase and sale agreements, operating agreements, mineral leases, right-of-way agreements, transportation and interconnection agreements, gas storage agreements and settlement agreements in complex litigation and other disputes. He also frequently renders title opinions on complex pet...

Stewart Spielman is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law. Stewart, who practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Stewart is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Stewart focuses on bankruptcy, restructuring, and creditors’ rights; admiralty and maritime; marine finance and vessel documentation; asset-based finance; litigation, corporate and commercial law; and oil and gas. Stewart has been practicing law in New Orleans for more than 38 years. He is a 1974 graduate of Kenyon College, magna cum laude , where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He graduated top in his class in 1977 from Tulane Law School where he was elected to the Order of the Coif...

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...

Robert J. Dressel practices in the areas of complex and commercial litigation, securities litigation and regulatory proceedings, and appellate litigation in state and federal court. Bobby’s pro bono work includes helping state and local prison inmates to resolve their outstanding legal issues before being released from prison. Bobby received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Virginia and his Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law. While in law sc...

Scott Willis is a partner in Fishman Haygood's Business Section. He practices primarily in the areas of commercial transactions, negotiated acquisitions, banking and commercial real estate acquisitions, development, and financing. Scott is a fellow of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers (“ACREL”) and previously served on its Board of Governors, is a member of the American College of Mortgage Attorneys (“ACMA”) and serves on its Board of Regents, and is a past C...