Experienced lawyer with expertise in litigation, strategic planning, research, contract negotiation, and drafting various commercial agreements. Proficient in case analysis, generating viable options, and executing strategic plans. Recognized for creating innovative solutions to overcome complex challenges.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Attonney
Litchfield Cavo LLP
New Orleans, Louisiana
03.2024 - Current
Represented a nationally recognized elevator/escalator manufacturer, a casino operator, trucking companies, and insurers regarding liability claims against them
Evaluated federal regulations, and rendered coverage analyses and opinions
Successfully negotiated a multimillion-dollar claim in which liability was at issue down to a $100,000.00 resolution of the case
Handled a merchant liability action where liability was likely to be found against client by drafting a motion for summary judgment addressing and analyzing negative governing jurisprudence, challenging its validity under proper analysis, and resolved the case for less than the claimant’s medical expenses
Successfully convinced the chief judge of a United States District Court to reverse the court’s own precedent rendered only a short time earlier involving the same factual situation.
Attorney
Koeppel, L.L.C.
New Orleans, Louisiana
04.2022 - 03.2024
Defended professional liability actions, including those against, architects, engineers, attorneys, insurance agencies, and appraisers, among others
Developed and implemented strategies for optimum resolution of cases
Researched for and drafted dispositive motions, supporting memoranda, writ applications, and appeals
Drafted and responded to discovery
Reported to clients on status of cases and plans for resolution
Analyzed data to identify relevant evidence and its implication and significance.
Of Counsel
Boggs, Avellino, Lach & Boggs, L.L.C.
Saint Louis, Missouri
02.2022 - 04.2022
Drafted pleadings
Researched legal issues
Prepared motions and supporting memoranda
Analyzed legal and factual issues in order to determine the best arguments to obtain the desired result
Prepared deposition outlines and analyzed transcripts for evidence relevant to case issues
Participated in drafting and editing agreements among parties in mass tort cases.
General Counsel
Bulte Company
Saint Louis, Missouri
09.2020 - 01.2022
Negotiated and drafted contracts and change orders for construction projects
Created and implemented risk management policies and procedures
Ensured compliance with bid procedures
Developed and maintained comprehensive insurance program
Managed outside counsel in matters being litigated
Assisted in handling day-to-day business issues.
Attorney
Loeb Law Firm
Mandeville, Louisiana
11.2018 - 06.2020
Drafted all types of pleadings, including petitions, answers, motions, memoranda, and briefs
Conducted depositions and participated in mediations
Argued motions before the court
Drafted reports to clients explaining key issues, evaluating risks, and recommending a plans of action
Researched legal issues for use in evaluation of cases and determination of the best course of action for resolution
Developed strategies and arguments in preparation for presentation of cases
Negotiated and drafted contracts for the development of a medium-sized residential development
Created and implemented novel theories in order to overcome problematic existing jurisprudence and law including, but not limited to developed and novel and unique theory to overcome the preemption period for a legal malpractice action against a nationally prominent firm resulting in a virtually immediate and extremely favorable outcome for client.
Attorney
Houck & Riggle, L.L.C.
Ruston, LA
10.2005 - 10.2018
Drafted pleadings, including petitions, complaints, motions, memoranda, and briefs
Argued motions in both state and federal court
Conducted depositions of parties, witnesses, and experts
Conducted jury trials in both state and federal courts always as first-chair counsel
Drafted post-trial pleadings and appellate briefs
Investigated and analyzed issues and physical evidence, and developed expertise in the prosecution of products liability cases involving automobiles and heavy equipment/machinery, among others
Researched technical issues, and studied and comprehended data to obtain technical knowledge of subject matter to develop best case strategy and provide experts with novel theories and strategies not previously contemplated
Negotiated favorable settlements on behalf of clients
Tried a complex eleven-day product liability case to a jury in Virginia on two weeks notice without any prior knowledge of the case
Had two jury verdicts reduced by the trial judge, sua sponte, under threat of ordering a new trial.
Conducted depositions of parties, witnesses, and experts
Argued motions before federal and state courts
Tried cases in both federal and state courts in Louisiana and Alabama
Drafted appellate briefs and post-trial pleadings
Argued appeals in federal and state courts
Represented sureties, contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers in construction disputes
Represented musicians and motion picture producers in contract disputes and copyright infringement cases
Represented parties in the motion picture business regarding tax credit issues
Main brief writer when complex issues were involved or post-trial motions where favorable verdicts may have been adversely affected
Prevented a $10,000,000.00+ verdict due to be rendered against client within a matter of days by successfully moving the court to extend all deadlines, enrolling in the case and taking it over from then present counsel, conducting an extensive and thorough investigation of the case, deposing parties, witnesses and experts, and ultimately prevailing on motion for summary judgment dismissing the action
Successfully obtained a dismissal of an investment banker from a $20,000,000.00+ securities fraud action involving approximately 40 parties without the necessity of filing a motion or the payment of any funds by client through strategic negotiation with plaintiffs’ counsel.
Developed strategies to resolve cases in client's best interest.
Negotiated settlements of disputes and litigation.
Developed legal strategies to protect client interests and resolve disputes.
Drafted and reviewed contracts for clients, ensuring accuracy and compliance with applicable laws while protecting their interests.
Presented compelling oral arguments in court hearings and trials that resulted in favorable rulings for clients.
Achieved successful case outcomes by researching legal issues and drafting persuasive arguments.
Developed strategies and arguments for hearings, trials and appeals.
Assisted in the development of legal strategies and arguments to secure favorable outcomes in contentious litigation matters.
Mentored junior attorneys to improve their legal knowledge, skills, and career growth potential.
Created and finalized contracts and other legal documents for clients.
Attorney
Koch & Rouse, L.L.C.
New Orleans, Louisiana
07.1992 - 05.2003
Drafted pleadings, motions, memoranda, and briefs
Conducted depositions of parties, witnesses, and experts
Argued motions before federal and state courts
Tried cases in federal court
Drafted appellate briefs and post-trial pleadings
Argued appeals in federal courts
Represented sureties, contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers in construction disputes
Negotiated and drafted a 400+ page lease with the City of New Orleans, the owner of the World Trade Center, and the hotel developer of the property
Represented a world-famous bar in all facets of its business, including litigation on its behalf, trademark matters, business development, contractual matters, and franchising
Represented real estate developers with respect to commercial and entertainment developments
Persuaded the United States Fifth Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit to alter the interpretation and application of a long-standing provision of the Louisiana Private Works Act
Persuaded the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit to vacate its long-standing interpretation of certain provisions of the Civil RICO statute in favor of client.
Researched and interpreted laws, rulings and regulations to advise clients on business and legal transactions.
Developed strategies to resolve cases in client's best interest.
Provided legal counsel to clients on diverse business, financial and civil matters.
Negotiated settlements of disputes and litigation.
Developed legal strategies to protect client interests and resolve disputes.
Drafted and reviewed contracts for clients, ensuring accuracy and compliance with applicable laws while protecting their interests.
Presented compelling oral arguments in court hearings and trials that resulted in favorable rulings for clients.
Drafted and reviewed contracts and other legal documents to support client needs.
Achieved successful case outcomes by researching legal issues and drafting persuasive arguments.
Developed strategies and arguments for hearings, trials and appeals.
Counseled clients on risk management strategies to minimize exposure to litigation liabilities.
Assisted in the development of legal strategies and arguments to secure favorable outcomes in contentious litigation matters.
Developed strategies for court proceedings and negotiations.
Counseled clients on potential outcomes of legal matters.
Represented clients in court hearings and in negotiations with other parties.
Reviewed and analyzed pertinent state and federal laws and legal precedents.
Created and finalized contracts and other legal documents for clients.
Analyzed legal documents and identified pertinent issues for clients.
Researched, wrote and filed motions, writs and briefs for each case.
Minimized risk exposure through careful advice on business operations and strategic plans.
Researched and wrote contracts, agreements and proposals.
Presented key evidence and exhibits during civil trials.
Education
J.D. -
Tulane University School Of Law
New Orleans, Louisiana
B.B.A. -
Loyola University
New Orleans, Louisiana
Skills
Extensive litigation experience, trying cases in state and federal court, and in three different states
Exceptional analytical thinker, writer, and communicator
Expertise in developing viable options to address problem or situation presented
Strategic planning and implementation
Vast experience in creating and implementing novel and unique theories in order to overcome problematic issues
Broad experience negotiating and drafting a wide variety of commercial agreements
Skilled at researching technical and complex issues and quickly comprehending data in order to develop expertise in subject matter to effectively communicate with experts and challenge the opinions of opposing experts
Superior writing/drafting abilities
Case Management
Trial experience
Legal writing
Investigation skills
Legal Research
Legal Advisory
Legal Drafting
Legal Analysis
Contract Negotiation
Oral advocacy
Business law
Settlement Negotiation
Litigation Management
Commercial litigation experience
Evaluating contracts
Negotiation
Litigation
Case analysis
Strategy Development
Drafting Legal Briefs
Creative and Critical Thinking
Courtroom Procedures
Hearings and Depositions
Contract Review and Negotiation
Litigation Experience
Judgement and Decision Making
Tort Law
Strategic Planning
Selectedareasofexperience
Personal injury litigation
Products liability litigation
Construction litigation
Civil RICO litigation
Contract disputes
Trade secret litigation
Unfair trade practices litigation
Non-Competition agreement litigation
Entertainment law and litigation
Franchise Law and litigation
Train accident litigation
Trucking accident litigation
Securities fraud litigation
Malicious prosecution litigation
Premises liability litigation
Civil whistleblower litigation
Copyright and trademark infringement litigation
Fidelity bond litigation
E & O/D & O liability and litigation
Negotiation and drafting of an extremely wide variety of commercial agreements
Negotiation of high stakes and high value matters to successful and advantageous resolution