Empire Lawyers

Chelsea Brener Cusimano has a substantial litigation practice and client base after a decade of work with her family firm and public officials. Chelsea is the daughter of the late Lisa Brener who began her trailblazing civil rights and employment practice in New Orleans in the 1980s. Chelsea is a fourth-generation New Orleans lawyer. Chelsea has successfully litigated Collective Actions under the FederalFair Labor Standards Act, including managing a Collective Action with over 90 Plaintiffs from 2018-2020. Chelsea is a member of both the Louisiana and Georgia bars, and holds an LL.M. from George Washington University in National Security and International Affairs. She...

I have practiced law for the past 40 plus years. I am licensed in Louisiana, Mississippi, and the District of Columbia.

Carrie Tournillon is a partner in the New Orleans office of Kean Miller. She joined the firm in 2012 and practices in the utilities regulation, oil and gas, and pipeline groups. She is licensed to practice law in Louisiana and Texas, and has over twelve years of experience in administrative and public utility law.

Carrie has represented industrial manufacturing, refining and related companies before the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC) and City Council of New Orleans. She has been involved in advising companies with respect to generation projects to ensure their compliance with Federal and state energy regulatory law. Carrie has...

Kim Ngan Nguyen brings dedication and passion for family law to Lowe, Stein, Hoffman Allweiss, & Hauver, LLP. She attended the University of New Orleans, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree. She went on to earn her Doctor of Jurisprudence from Loyola University College of Law. Her commitment to helping people and families pushed her to focus on family and domestic law. As a New Orleans family lawyer, Ms. Nguyen’s practice includes complex divorces, child custody, property disputes, dissolution of business entities in a divorce, and more. An avid member of the legal community, she frequently lectures at...

Samuel Ford is a dedicated consumer attorney, protecting the rights of consumers in Louisiana, the gulf coast, and throughout the nation. Samuel's practice is focused on providing individuals relief from relentless debt collectors who use abusive and illegal tactics to squeeze money out of hard-working Americans. Prior to joining Varadi, Hair & Checki, Samuel was a defense attorney for creditors and debt collectors, witnessing first-hand the injurious methods utilized by these corporations and learning the best ways to fight back against them. If you are receiving calls or letters from a debt collector, have been sued on a debt, or...

I am Sarah Pfeiffer, single mom, attorney, and fiercely positive legal advocate for all types of families. I work with families to build a pathway through conflict that creates lasting peace, more financial security, space for personal and parental growth, and allows the adults involved to model healthy relationships for their children.

Mr. Douglas obtained his Juris Doctor with a certification in taxation from Loyola University College of Law in 2011. While studying for his degree, he interned at Lowe Stein, joining as an attorney in 2012. Mr. Douglas’ practice areas include commercial transactions and litigation, with a majority of his practice devoted to trust and estate planning and administration, tax exempt organizations, and tax planning and controversy. Mr. Douglas has successfully settled a contested succession with $1 Million paid to Lowe Stein’s clients, organized a regional magazine and obtained a 501(c)(3) for an American fundraising arm of a Thai nonprofit organization....

Our firm focuses on lemon law cases. Even if your car isn't covered under your lemon law, there are other state and federal laws that may allow you to recover money or get a buyback. If we can take your matter there's no upfront retainer and You don't pay any costs or expenses if we can't settle your claim. Ben holds a JD from Mississippi College in Jackson, Mississippi and a BS in Marine Transportation from the United States Merchant Marine Academy. He is admitted in various Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, Arkansas, and Michigan courts. His career includes experience with diverse...

Melanie Lockett is an experienced litigator in diverse areas of law including insurance coverage and defense, education, commercial litigation, employment law, professional liability, and family law. She has litigated a vast array of legal issues in Louisiana state and federal courts. She has also successfully appealed cases to Louisiana Courts of Appeal and Louisiana Supreme Court. Melanie’s innovative and diligent approach to representing clients has led to notable successes for insurance companies, insurance agents, tenured professors, university students, and victims of discrimination. Melanie is an involved member of several professional organizations. She is an active member...

A native New Orleanian, Leo graduated from Holy Cross High School, later obtained his Bachelor of Science in Business from the University of New Orleans, and then his Juris Doctorate from Loyola Law School, where he served as the Study Body President, Lead Attorney in the American Trial Lawyers Association Trial Competition, and member of the Clinic Program, successfully trying and winning cases on behalf of individuals’ rights. After graduating from Loyola School of Law, Leo opened the Palazzo Law Firm. Leo is admitted to practice in all state and appellate courts throughout Louisiana, the Federal Western, Middle, and Eastern Districts,...

Licensed to practice in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, Justin Chopin is the owner and managing attorney of The Chopin Law Firm LLC. Born and raised in New Orleans, Justin is thoroughly familiar with the legal challenges that individuals and businesses face along the Gulf Coast. The firm represents individuals who have suffered personal injury, as well as small businesses. Prior to founding his own firm, Justin worked for one of the largest defense firms in America, as well as for some of the most highly regarded regional firms.

Mr. Kingsdorf graduated from Tulane University in 1971 and from Tulane University School of Law in 1974. He clerked at the Louisiana Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal for Judges Peter Beer and Ernest N. Morial and then clerked at the Louisiana Supreme Court for Justice Albert Tate, Jr. In 1980, he became a partner in the firm of Cleveland, Barrios, Kingsdorf & Casteix where he remained until 1995 when he co-founded the firm of Barrios, Kingsdorf & Casteix, LLP. In addition to serving as faculty member at numerous seminars, he has lectured at the Tulane University School of Law...

Craig Mordock is a veteran criminal defense attorney in New Orleans. He was named one of top 100 criminal defense lawyers in Louisiana by the National Trial Lawyers Association, selected by Super Lawyers as a Top Criminal Defense Attorney, as a Top Lawyer in the Global Directory of Who’s Who, a Top Criminal Defense and DUI Attorney by Expertise and a Top Defense Attorney by New Orleans Magazine Craig Mordock is an experienced New Orleans criminal defense attorney with over 20 years of experience. Craig solely focuses on criminal defense providing him with in-depth knowledge of each type of crime...

Jill Gautreaux is special counsel to the New Orleans office of Kean Miller. She joined the firm in 2015 and practices in the real estate, business, and commercial litigation groups. Jill assists clients with corporate matters, real estate, liquor licensing, and business transactions in the hospitality, technology, retail, and professional services sectors. She handles corporate transactional matters including business formation, buy/sell agreements, mergers and acquisitions, and dissolution/liquidation. Jill also represents individuals and companies in contractual disputes and shareholder litigation in Federal and State courts.

She helps her clients in a wide variety of legal and transactional matters including leases, sales, mortgages,...

Randy Opotowsky is a highly experienced real estate attorney and commercial litigator, who is held in high regard by his colleagues in New Orleans. He has more than 44 years of experience in residential and commercial real estate law, and business and corporate law, including 25 years as a litigator. His practice areas include residential and commercial closings, condominium creation and conversion, multi-family and subdivision development, and representation of condominium homeowner associations. Randy has developed a reputation for providing high quality legal counsel to condominium owners, developers and associations in condominium conversions of existing buildings, condominium collections, ground-up condominium development,...

Rob was born in Traverse City, MI and raised in El Paso, TX. He is a graduate of Tulane University in New Orleans and Loyola University of Chicago School of Law. Rob enjoys fishing, reading, golf and automobile racing. He loves to cook with his family and is an avid Major League Baseball and NFL fan.

EDUCATION
Tulane University – B.A. English
Loyola University Chicago School of Law – J.D.
Frankfurt International School
ROB’S LEGAL ASSISTANTS
Magdalene Bedi
Eyona Nelson

MEMBER
Colorado Bar Association
Louisiana Bar Association
New Orleans Bar Association
Mississippi Bar Association

ADMITTED TO PRACTICE LAW IN
Colorado
Louisiana
Mississippi

A graduate of Tulane University School of Law, an avid gardener, and a history buff, Louis lives in New Orleans, Louisiana. He enjoys speaking French and is an advocate for French language and culture in Louisiana. Bringing more than 50 years of legal experience to the table, Louis R. Koerner, Jr. can assist you with complex litigation and appeals related to maritime and personal injury cases. Certified by the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization.

Robert Toale is the founder of the Law Office of Robert S. Toale, a practice focusing exclusively on criminal defense. He works on state, federal, and juvenile criminal cases throughout Southeast Louisiana. He has tried over 100 jury trials and represented over 5,000 clients.

He is a Life Member of NACDL, which he joined in 1986. He currently serves as Vice Chair of the Public Defense Committee. Mr. Toale is a member of NACDL’s Budget and Death Penalty Committees. In addition to his contributions to NACDL, Mr. Toale is a Lifetime Member of NACDL's affiliate, the Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense...

James Graham has worked as an educator in New Orleans. He then served in executive positions in real estate and education. After earning a degree from Loyola Law School, Mr. Graham sought to use his real world experience to benefit clients in his community. He is a member of the New Orleans Bar Association and the American Bar Association. Mr. Graham is admitted to practice before state and district courts in Louisiana.

A shining moment for Mr. Graham came when he assisted his first client to secure incorporation papers so that he could legally operate his new business in Louisiana. Another...

My current practice is focused on antitrust class action litigation, primarily in the pharmaceutical industry. I have broad litigation experience in antitrust, intellectual property, complex commercial disputes, criminal investigations and defense, and other complex commercial litigation matters, as well as deep FDA regulatory knowledge as it pertains to filing and maintaining applications for new drugs and their generic equivalents.

I have represented clients in numerous billion dollar antitrust disputes, as well as co-authored multiple successful appellate briefs before various federal appellate courts.

Additionally, I have represented clients who were under investigation or being prosecuted by the Department of Justice or...

Jacob K. Weixler is a dedicated attorney who represents clients in federal criminal proceedings, civil lawsuits, and professional disciplinary proceedings. He also provides counsel on business law matters. He has represented a diverse range of clients facing various challenges, including defending the first amendment rights of a national civil rights figure, assisting a former military official facing fraud and conspiracy charges, fighting for the rights of cheated investors, and seeking justice for incarcerated individuals. Prior to establishing Weixler Law LLC, Jacob gained valuable experience as an attorney at Schonekas Evans McGoey & McEachin, LLC, a respected New Orleans-based boutique law firm...

Hugh Lambert founded The Lambert Firm (now Lambert Zainey Smith & Soso) in 1977 and has since grown the firm to one of the most prestigious and well respected firms in New Orleans, representing individuals and businesses alike in a wide range of legal matters. In addition to his legal representation, Hugh Lambert is a frequent lecturer across the United States on class actions and mass torts. He has also authored and published legal articles. He has held a broad range of leadership positions in many organizations devoted to law, civic and charitable pursuits. He is a member in good...

Born and raised in the New Orleans area, Zachary concentrates his practice in the fields of litigation and general corporate counsel for clients ranging in size from individuals to multi-billion dollar hedge funds. He works on litigation matters large and small, from cases involving one individual to those where he works on behalf of 10,000+ people injured by a defective product. He also advises corporations without in-house lawyers on general business matters. He is also actively involved in the legal community as a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association's LGBT Diversity Committee and Chairman and Founder of...

Jeff’s practice includes representing major international oil and gas companies in a broad range of high-stakes lawsuits, primarily involving allegations that soil, sediment, groundwater, drinking water, and other types of environmental contamination were caused by oil and gas exploration and production activities. He has extensive experience drafting motions and briefs in federal and state courts at both the trial and appellate levels.

Prior to joining the firm in 2016, Jeff served as a law clerk for the Honorable Carl J. Barbier, of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, where he assisted in the disposition of numerous...

Ms. Cheek has extensive experience with cases involving asbestos-related illnesses, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. She also frequently handles cases involving other types of cancer, such as ovarian cancer. Her current practice is located in New Orleans, Louisiana, but she has also litigated extensively in numerous other jurisdictions, including Texas, Mississippi, Florida, California, West Virginia, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Utah, Washington, Illinois, and South Carolina. Ms. Cheek is an active member of the American Bar Association, Association of Women Attorneys, the State Bar of Texas, the State Bar of Louisiana, the State Bar of Pennsylvania, the Texas...

I started Mitchell & Associates because I wanted to be able to do more for my clients. Up until that point I worked at a prestigious law firm representing big, corporate and insurance industry type clients. My job was to defend them at all cost, even when they were wrong. I did my job, and I did my job well. In 1999 I walked out of the Firm with one file, a case where my client was seriously hurt in a car accident, determined to practice law the way I wanted to and for the clients I wanted...

Egenberg, APLC delivers courtroom success. We provide the high-quality counsel and representation needed to resolve your case. We serve clients throughout the states of Louisiana, Texas, and the Gulf Coast region. Our office proudly speaks English and Spanish.

Melvin Albritton obtained a degree in Political Economy from Tulane University. He was also the recipient of a Louisiana Legislative Scholarship. During his time at Tulane he was chosen to represent Tulane at American University’s Washington Semester. After college Mr. Albritton worked for an Internet startup, “babygift.com” drafting copy for the online catalog. In 1999 he was awarded the Wiener, Weiss & Madison Merit Scholarship Award to Tulane Law School. In law school, Mr. Albritton was selected to join the Ruby Vale Appellate Moot Court Team, which focuses on the area of corporate law. In addition, he wrote on to...

Attorney Martin Regan believes in the law and the right to the best defense. Any case, for all clients anywhere in the world: Homicide or Drug, Medical Malpractice, Federal Habeas Corpus and more. As the senior managing partner of Regan Law PLC who brings more than 40 years of success and experience to each case, Attorney Martin Regan is not only esteemed by judges and colleagues in any court of law, he is respected and revered, known as the attorney to watch and flanked by the strongest team of six professional attorneys prepared to support you....

Peter Diiorio began his career as an attorney in 2005 by handling hundreds of first-party insurance claims following Hurricane Katrina. One month before Katrina, Mr. Diiorio sat for the 2005 Louisiana bar exam in the Superdome of New Orleans, and he began handling property insurance claims as an attorney two months later. Today, Mr. Diiorio continues to focus his law practice on representing homeowners and small businesses in first-party insurance claims, with an emphasis on bad faith claims against insurers. If someone has been wronged by an insurance company, or has an insurance problem they can’t handle, Mr. Diiorio works tirelessly...