Louisiana

Fishman Haygood 

Fishman Haygood continues to distinguish itself in high-stakes litigation spanning environmental, international arbitration, financial fraud, securities, and insurance class actions.  

Lance McCardle serves as lead counsel to plaintiff John A. Adema in a significant environmental breach-of-contract matter. The case centers on expansive tracts of land in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, where the defendant allegedly dredged pipeline canals that far exceeded contractual width limits. This overreach has allegedly caused extensive damage and erosion to the plaintiff’s property, with McCardle spearheading efforts to hold the defendant accountable for these violations. In the international arbitration arena, Benjamin D. Reichard leads representation of a contractor in a dispute against the State of Libya. After prevailing in ICC arbitration with a $22.3 million award and defending it against challenges before the Swiss Federal Tribunal, the firm has successfully secured confirmation of the award in US courts. Reichard now guides post-judgment discovery to enforce the award domestically, reinforcing the firm’s prowess in cross-border disputes and sovereign enforcement actions. The firm also leads in an ongoing litigation fallout from the collapse of FTX. Partners James R. “Jim” Swanson and Kerry J. Miller filed one of the most comprehensive class actions to date on behalf of FTX customers. Their claims target banks, venture capital firms, accounting firms, and law firms alleged to have aided and abetted the massive fraud. The team’s February 2024 amended complaint was grounded in newly uncovered encrypted Telegram communications. Clients describe Swanson as “extremely competent and disciplined” who is “very dedicated to adding value to their clients.” Rebekka Veith represents Morris Bart in defending attorneys’ fee interests tied to hurricane cases previously handled by a now-suspended Texas firm. Veith has successfully established that this former firm is not entitled to fees due to its unauthorized Louisiana practice. Veith continues to defend Morris Bart in similar claims. Veith is described by a client as being “exceptionally responsive, clear, and solution-oriented” who “combines deep subject-matter knowledge with the ability to translate complex legal points into practical business guidance, and she builds strong rapport with both executives and technical teams. Her written work is crisp and persuasive, and she keeps stakeholders proactively informed at every stage.” Brent Barriere serves as lead counsel to Craig Jalbert, the liquidating trustee for German Pellets Louisiana and Louisiana Pellets. The case targets an underwriter of over $330 million in municipal bonds financing a failed wood pellet facility. Following the revelation of misrepresentations in the bond prospectuses, Barriere has overcome significant procedural challenges, including dismissal attempts and jurisdictional removals. The trial was scheduled for June 2025, marking a pivotal test of securities fraud accountability in the public finance sector. Kaja Elmer, along with Barriere, are co-lead counsel representing Phanindra Kilari and other stockholders of TS Innovation Acquisitions in a class action alleging TS Innovation Acquisitions’ board and sponsors breached fiduciary duties by pushing a conflicted merger with Latch, Inc., misleading investors and causing major losses; the case settled in December 2024. Elmer is described as “extremely smart and quick. She processes information quickly and uses it effectively. She is precise and persistent in depositions and gets what she needs.” Lori Mince defends GoAuto in a series of class actions challenging the insurer’s policy cancellation and total loss adjustment practices. One putative class action, involving over 400,000 members and potential damages exceeding $2 billion, was dismissed on the merits in September 2024, though plaintiffs have appealed. Mince also defends against additional class actions concerning adjustment methodologies and payment practices, each involving tens of millions of dollars in alleged liability. Her work underscores the firm’s strong approach to large-scale, high-exposure claims.