Best's Recommended Insurance Attorneys - General Defense

André J. Mouledoux

New Orleans, LA

• E-Mail: amouledoux@mblb.com

Years of Experience: 41

Practice Areas

• Admiralty and Maritime Law
• General Casualty
• Insurance Defense
• Commercial Law
• Commercial Transactions
• Transportation

Admitted

• Louisiana, 1977
• U.S. District Court, Eastern, Middle and Western Districts of Louisiana
• U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Arkansas
• U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth and Sixth Circuits
• U.S. Supreme Court

A firm founder, Senior Counsel André Mouledoux's practice focuses on maritime, insurance and transportation defense and commercial law. André has successfully litigated serious commercial disputes and catastrophic tort cases for clients across the globe for more than 40 years. He has tried and won defense verdicts in a number of wrongful death, spinal injury and brain damage cases in state and federal courts. As supported by the peer honors he has received, including Super Lawyers and New Orleans Magazine Top Lawyers, André has developed a reputation as one of the top attorneys in admiralty and maritime law and transportation. "I have a personal connection with my clients, who appreciate my loyalty and the ability to communicate and devise a strategy that they can support in a fair and honest manner to minimize costs and maximize benefit."

Memberships:

• Louisiana State Bar Association (House of Delegates)
• New Orleans Board of Trade
• Claims and Litigation Management Alliance
• Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel
• The Maritime Law Association of the United States
• Defense Research Institute

Awards

• Top 50, New Orleans Super Lawyers (2016, 2019-2020)
• Super Lawyers, Transportation/Maritime (2011-2025)
• Best Lawyers 2025 “Lawyer of the Year” for Admiralty/Maritime
• The Best Lawyers in America: Admiralty & Maritime Law (2021-2026)
• New Orleans Bar Association Distinguished Maritime Lawyer Award for 2021
• Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent
• New Orleans Magazine Top Lawyers: Admiralty & Maritime Law, Transportation Law (2015-2025)

Education:

• Loyola University New Orleans, B.A., 1972
• Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, J.D., 1977

Born: 1951

Wilton E. Bland, III

New Orleans, LA

• E-Mail: wbland@mblb.com

Practice Areas

• Maritime Law
• General Litigation
• Transportation

Admitted

• Louisiana, 1975
• U.S. District Court, Eastern, Middle and Western Districts of Louisiana
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
• U.S. Supreme Court

Senior Counsel Will Bland, III, one of the founding members of the firm, has more than 49 years of experience as a litigator. Will's practice focuses on maritime personal injury defense, maritime collision and property damage insurance coverage, contractual indemnity, longshore matters, transportation defense, and general litigation. He regularly represents vessel operators, both brown water and offshore, oilfield operators, and their insurers in matters involving personal injury, collisions, sinkings, products liability, toxic torts, and contractual disputes. As supported by the peer honors he has received, including Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent and New Orleans Magazine Top Lawyers, Will has developed a reputation as one of the top attorneys in admiralty and maritime law. He is known for being thorough in his approach to each case. "There are a ton of good attorneys out there, but it is all about the evidence, witnesses, and finding the facts. I am a good investigator. I am able to communicate with people whether they are a deckhand or in management. I have the respect of the judges and attorneys I've been up against. This is what I do and I am good at it."

Memberships:

• Louisiana State Bar Association
• Maritime Law Association of the United States, Proctor Member
• Risk Insurance Management Society, Associate Member
• Mariners Club of the Port of New Orleans
• Ports Association of Louisiana
• Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel

Awards

• The Best Lawyers in America: Admiralty & Maritime Law (2021-2026)
• Louisiana Super Lawyers, Transportation/Maritime (2018-2025)
• Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent
• New Orleans Magazine Top Lawyers, Admiralty & Maritime Law (2015-2021, 2023)

Education:

• Tulane University, B.A., 1973
• Tulane University, J.D., 1975

Born: 1950

Georges M. Legrand

New Orleans, LA

• E-Mail: glegrand@mblb.com

Practice Areas

• Admiralty and Maritime Law
• Transportation
• Insurance Coverage & Defense

Admitted

• Louisiana, 1979
• U.S. District Court, Eastern, Middle and Western Districts of Louisiana
• U.S. District Court, Eastern and Southern Districts of Texas
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
• U.S. Supreme Court

Senior Counsel Georges Legrand is one of the founding members of MBLB. He has more than 44 years of experience as a litigator. As a leader of the firm’s Admiralty and Maritime law practice, he has been part of forging a team of attorneys who have developed a depth of expertise that rivals larger firms. Georges's practice focuses on maritime defense of personal injury and property damage on the river and offshore, as well as insurance, transportation, and contractual matters. Georges has litigated claims for clients ranging from international Fortune 500 companies to national insurers to local boat operators. As supported by the many peer honors he has received, including Super Lawyers, Leadership in Law, and New Orleans Magazine Top Lawyers, Georges has developed a reputation as one of the top attorneys in admiralty and maritime law and transportation. He is known for representing his clients with integrity and professionalism, and goes above and beyond to resolve their issues on the best possible terms. "Clients should be entitled to know that they are going to get a first-class work product. I am always prepared and I am always sensitive to accomplishing their goals expeditiously and cost-effectively."

Memberships:

• Federal, American (Past Vice Chair, Admiralty and Maritime Law Committee of the Torts and Insurance Practice Section) and Louisiana State Bar Associations
• Offshore Marine Service Association (Chairman, Legal Subcommittee, 1995-2015)
• Louisiana Association of Business and Industry
• Louisiana Association of Self-Insured Employers
• Mariner’s Club Port of New Orleans
• Louisiana Bar Foundation, Fellow
• The Maritime Law Association of the United States
• Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel

Awards

• Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent
• Louisiana Super Lawyers, Transportation/Maritime (2014-2025)
• The Best Lawyers in America, Admiralty & Maritime Law (2023-2026)
• New Orleans CityBusiness “Leadership in Law” (2007, 2017, 2021); Hall of Fame (2021)
• New Orleans Magazine Top Lawyers, Admiralty and Maritime Law (2016, 2018-2021)

Education:

• The University of New Orleans, B.S., 1976
• Loyola University, J.D., 1979

Born: 1954

Alan G. Brackett

New Orleans, LA

• E-Mail: abrackett@mblb.com

Years of Experience: 34

Practice Areas

• Admiralty and Maritime Law
• Workers' Compensation
• Insurance Coverage & Defense
• Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation
• Defense Base Act
• Harbor Workers' Compensation Act

Admitted

• Louisiana, 1984
• U.S. District Court, Eastern, Middle and Western Districts of Louisiana
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth, Ninth and Eleventh Circuits
• U.S. Supreme Court

Additional Biographical Details:

Loyola University College of Law, Annual Longshore Conference, Chairman (1998-Present); Advisory Board Member (1998-Present); Seminar Moderator (1998-Present); Greater New Orleans Barge Fleeting Association, Inc., Advisory Board Member and General Counsel (1994-2009)

Alan G. Brackett is one of the founders and is the Managing Member of the firm. His practice focuses on the defense of claims arising under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, Defense Base Act and War Hazards Compensation Act as well as Jones Act and maritime injuries. Alan litigates claims nationwide for large corporations and insurance companies, including Chubb and American Longshore Mutual Association.. As supported by the many peer honors he has received, Alan has developed a reputation as an extremely skilled litigation attorney, who maintains the highest standards of professionalism, qualities that have attributed to him being widely recognized as one of the top litigators in the industry. He is known for being personally invested in his clients. "I am a facilitator by nature. I like listening to people and solving problems. My goal is always to clearly understand the objectives of who I am representing, so everything can move toward that result on the best terms possible." Alan has served as Chairman of the Advisory Committee and Seminar Moderator for the Loyola University College of Law Annual Longshore Conference since 1998.

Memberships:

• American (Sections: Tort and Insurance Practice, Business Law), Louisiana State and New Orleans Bar Associations
• State Bar of Texas
• The Maritime Law Association of the United States (Proctor)
• College of Workers Compensation Lawyers, Fellow
• Claims and Litigation Management Alliance (Fellow)
• Louisiana Bar Foundation: President (2022-2023); Vice President (2021-2022); Treasurer (2020-2021); Secretary (2019-2020); Board Member (2013-2024); Fellow
• DOL-Joint Bar Association (Board Member, 2010-2016); (President, 2012)
• Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel
• New Orleans Association of Defense Counsel
• Southeastern Admiralty Law Institute
• Defense Research Institute
• Fellow, American Bar Foundation

Awards

• Super Lawyers: Top 50 Lawyers in Louisiana (2020, 2023-2025), Top 50 Lawyers in New Orleans (2020, 2023-2025)
• Louisiana Super Lawyers: Workers' Compensation, Transportation/Maritime (2008-2025)
• The Best Lawyers in America, Admiralty/Maritime (2017-2026), Workers’ Compensation Law-Employers (2024-2026)
• Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent
• Louisiana Bar Foundation (President's Award, 2019, 2021)
• New Orleans Magazine Top Lawyers, Admiralty & Maritime Law (2017, 2019-2020, 2023, 2025), Workers' Compensation Law (2016-2018, 2020-2021, 2024)
• New Orleans CityBusiness "Leadership in Law" (2005, 2018, 2020), Hall of Fame (2020)
• Inside New Orleans' Readers' Favorite Elite Lawyers, Workers' Compensation (2022-2023)
• Louisiana Bar Foundation - President’s Award (2019, 2021)

Education:

• Tulane University, B.A., 1982
• Tulane University, J.D., 1984

Honors:

Delta Tau Delta Fraternity: International President (2010-2012); VP (2008-2010); Second VP (2004-2008); Secretary (2002-2004); Southern Division President (1999-2002); Director of the Educational Foundation (2002-2019)

Born: 1960

Patrick J. Babin

New Orleans, LA

• E-Mail: pbabin@mblb.com

Practice Areas

• Workers' Compensation
• Maritime
• Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation
• Jones Act
• Defense Base Act
• War Hazards Compensation Act

Admitted

• Louisiana, 2008
• U.S. District Court, Eastern, Middle and Western Districts of Louisiana
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit

Patrick J. Babin specializes in the defense of employers and insurance carriers in claims arising under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act, Section 905(b), Defense Base Act, War Hazards Compensation Act, Jones Act, and Louisiana Workers' Compensation Act. As supported by the peer recognition he has received, Patrick has developed a reputation as an extremely skilled attorney in workers compensation law. "Clients who have worked with me in the past know I have obtained favorable results and trust that I will do a good job. They know I am quick to respond to their questions and concerns. When we set out a plan of action, they know everything will be taken care of." 

Memberships:

• American, Louisiana State and New Orleans Bar Associations
• DOL-Joint Bar Association (President, Board Member)
• RIMS
• Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel

Awards

• Louisiana Super Lawyers Rising Stars, Workers' Compensation (2014-2023)
• New Orleans Magazine Top Lawyers, Workers' Compensation Law (2015-2019)
• Inside New Orleans Readers' Favorite Elite Lawyers, Admiralty & Maritime, Insurance Law and Workers' Compensation

Education:

• Tulane University, B.A., 2005
• Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, J.D., 2008

Born: 1983

Wilton E. Bland, IV

New Orleans, LA

• E-Mail: wblandiv@mblb.com

Years of Experience: 8

Practice Areas

• Insurance Defense
• Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation
• Asbestos Litigation
• Maritime

Admitted

• Louisiana, 2010
• U.S. District Court, Eastern, Middle and Western Districts of Louisiana
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit

Member Will Bland's practice includes the defense of employers and insurance carriers for claims arising under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act, Defense Base Act and War Hazards Compensation Act. He also specializes in maritime personal injury defense, insurance coverage and asbestos litigation. Will is known to be analytical and strategic in his approach to aggressively defending a claim through to resolution, paying attention to even the smallest detail and turning things around in a timely manner. He is highly personable and prides himself on his responsiveness to his clients' needs. "I am more than willing to answer any question my client has, even if it is not related to the matter at hand. I am always available to address any concerns."

Memberships:

• Federal and Louisiana State Bar Associations
• Department of Labor - Joint Bar Association
• Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel
• Defense Research Institute
• The Maritime Law Association of the United States

Awards

• Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, Workers’ Compensation Law-Employers (2023-2026)

Education:

• The University of the South, B.A., 2004
• Louisiana State University, Paul M. Hebert Law Center, J.D., 2010

Born: 1981

Trevor M. Cutaiar

New Orleans, LA

• E-Mail: tcutaiar@mblb.com

Practice Areas

• Admiralty and Maritime Law
• Insurance Defense
• Asbestos Litigation
• Municipal Liability
• Contract Disputes

Admitted

• Louisiana, 2010
• U.S. District Court, Eastern, Middle and Western Districts of Louisiana
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit

Additional Biographical Details:

Greater New Orleans Barge Fleeting Association, Inc. (Advisory Board, Legal Adviser)

Member Trevor Cutaiar’s practice focuses on admiralty and maritime litigation and insurance defense. Trevor has significant experience in handling asbestos exposure cases involving a unique combination of Louisiana tort law, federal constitutional law, multi-district litigation and state and federal workers’ compensation schemes. His practice also includes premises liability cases, contractual disputes, and municipal liability. He has represented a wide range of clients, including municipalities, local boat companies, and national and international corporations. Trevor likes to solve problems and obtain the best results for his clients. "My undergraduate degree in journalism, gives me a unique perspective on fact-finding and the questions that need to be asked. I really enjoy working with my clients and like to listen. But I don't tell them what they want to hear, I tell them what they need to hear."

Memberships:

• Federal and Louisiana State Bar Associations
• Mariner’s Club of the Port of New Orleans
• Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel
• The Maritime Law Association of the United States
• Defense Research Institute
• New Orleans Association of Defense Counsel

Certifications:

• Certificate in International Legal Studies, Loyola University New Orleans College of Law

Awards

• Best Lawyers Ones to Watch, Insurance Law (2021-2025)
• Super Lawyers Rising Star, Civil Litigation, Defense (2014-2024)
• New Orleans CityBusiness, Ones to Watch: Law (2021)

Education:

• St. Bonaventure University, B.A., 2006
• Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, J.D., 2010

Law Review:

Casenote/Comment Editor, Loyola Law Review

Clerkship:

Judicial Extern, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, Hon. Judge Carl J. Barbier (August 2009-May 2010)

Born: 1984

Gerard J. Dragna

New Orleans, LA

• E-Mail: gdragna@mblb.com

Practice Areas

• Trucking Industry Defense
• Insurance Defense
• Insurance Coverage Litigation
• Premises Liability
• Product Liability

Admitted

• Louisiana, 1994
• Mississippi, 2012

Member Gerard J. Dragna focuses his practice on transportation, trucking and automobile defense and litigation, and has extensive experience handling catastrophic accident cases. He has represented Fortune 500 companies, motor carriers, trucking and transportation companies and their insurers in legal matters throughout Louisiana and Mississippi. He has successfully litigated hundreds of cases in state and federal courts at the trial and appellate levels. As supported by the peer honors he has received, including Louisiana Super Lawyers, Gerard has developed a reputation as one of the top litigators in transportation law. "Whether it is a catastrophic accident investigation, or an answer to a simple legal question, when my clients need me, they find me."

Memberships:

• Louisiana State (Budget Committee) and New Orleans Bar Associations
• The Mississippi Bar
• Defense Research Institute (Trucking and Insurance Committees)
• Louisiana Motor Transportation Association
• Trucking Industry Defense Association
• Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel
• New Orleans Association of Defense Counsel

Awards

• Louisiana Super Lawyers, Transportation/Maritime (2013-2025)
• The Best Lawyers in America - Transportation Law (2025-2026)
• New Orleans Magazine Top Lawyers: Transportation Law (2015-2023, 2025); Insurance Law (2020-2021, 2025)
• Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished

Education:

• The University of Oklahoma, B.A., 1991
• Louisiana State University, J.D., 1994

Born: 1969

Mark E. Hanna

New Orleans, LA

• E-Mail: mhanna@mblb.com

Practice Areas

• Municipal Liability
• Governmental Liability
• Maritime Law
• Insurance Litigation
• Transportation
• Class Actions
• Commercial Litigation
• Construction Litigation
• Toxic Torts
• Asbestos Litigation

Admitted

• Louisiana, 1989
• U.S. District Court, Eastern, Middle and Western Districts of Louisiana
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit

Member Mark Hanna has more than 30 years of experience as a litigator. Mark's practice focuses on government and municipal liability, maritime and insurance litigation, automobile and transportation defense and litigation, defense of class action litigation, products liability, SIU/insurance fraud litigation and commercial/construction litigation. As supported by the peer honors he has received, including Super Lawyers and New Orleans Magazine Top Lawyers, Mark has developed a reputation as one of the top attorneys in civil litigation, municipal law and alternative dispute resolution. Mark has developed a reputation for being driven to achieve the goals of his clients. "A lot of success in the law is being more prepared than the other guy. I am persuasive in crafting arguments, and knowledgeable about statutory law and jurisprudence that is advantageous to the position of my client. This greatly increases the chance of a favorable outcome."

Memberships:

• Louisiana State , New Orleans and Jefferson Bar Associations
• Louisiana Bar Foundation (Past Member, Development Committee)
• Defense Research Institute: (Civil Rights and Governmental Tort Liability Committee; Chair: Land Use SLG, 2019; Program, 2017; Membership, 2011-2013; Program Vice Chair, 2015-2016)
• Claims and Litigation Management Alliance
• Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel

Awards

• Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent
• Louisiana Super Lawyers, Civil Litigation-Defense (2017-2024); Insurance Coverage (2025)
• New Orleans Magazine Top Lawyers: Municipal Law (2016-2023); Alternative Dispute Resolution (2016); Insurance Law (2020-2021, 2025)

Education:

• Creighton University, B.A., 1985
• Tulane University Law School, J.D., 1988

Born: 1963

Daniel J. Hoerner

Lafayette, LA

• E-Mail: dhoerner@mblb.com

Years of Experience: 26

Practice Areas

• Admiralty and Maritime Law
• Insurance Defense

Admitted

• Louisiana, 1992
• U.S. District Court, Eastern, Middle and Western Districts of Louisiana
• U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Arkansas
• U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
• U.S. Supreme Court

Dan Hoerner anchors the firm's Lafayette, Louisiana office. His practice is primarily litigation-based, with emphasis on admiralty and maritime law, general casualty and insurance defense, personal injury defense, property damage claims, employer and premises liability, and contract negotiations and disputes. He has successfully represented his clients in state and federal district and appellate courts and before various governmental agencies. As supported by his Super Lawyers peer honor, Dan has developed a reputation as a skilled litigation attorney in the transportation and maritime industries. He is known for his goal-oriented approach to litigation. "I have a depth of experience in the areas of law in which I practice and have developed long-standing relationships within the judicial system, which enables me resolve my clients' cases favorably."

Memberships:

• American, Louisiana State and Lafayette Bar Associations
• American Inn of Court of Acadiana
• Propeller Club, Port of New Orleans (Past Member of the Board of Governors)
• Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel

Awards

• The Best Lawyers in America, Admiralty & Maritime Law (2021-2026)
• Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent
• Super Lawyers, Transportation/Maritime (2013-2020, 2022)
• New Orleans Magazine Top Lawyers - Admiralty & Maritime Law, Transportation Law (2022, 2023)

Education:

• The University of New Orleans, B.A., 1989
• Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, J.D., 1992

Fraternity Information:

Phi Delta Phi

Born: 1964

JoAnn H. John

New Orleans, LA

• E-Mail: jjohn@mblb.com

Practice Areas

• Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation
• Defense Base Act
• War Hazards Compensation Act

Admitted

• Louisiana, 2015
• U.S. District Court, Eastern, Middle and Western Districts of Louisiana

Member JoAnn John’s areas of practice include the defense of employers and insurance carriers for claims arising under the Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Act, Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, Defense Base Act, and War Hazards Compensation Act.

Memberships:

• Louisiana State and New Orleans Bar Associations

Awards

• Louisiana Super Lawyers Rising Stars, Workers Compensation (2022, 2024-2025)
• Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch - Workers’ Compensation Law – Employers (2024-2026)
• New Orleans CityBusiness, Ones to Watch: Law (2022)

Education:

• Louisiana State University, B.A., 2012
• Louisiana State University, Paul M. Hebert Law Center, J.D., 2015

Samantha H. Kaplan

Chicago, IL

• E-Mail: skaplan@mblb.com

Practice Areas

• Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation
• Defense Base Act
• War Hazards Compensation Act

Admitted

• Illinois, 2016
• U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois

Member Samantha Kaplan’s practice focuses on defending employers and insurance carriers for claims arising under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, Defense Base Act, and War Hazards Compensation Act. Samantha began her career in state and federal civil litigation defense and has years of experience defending LHWCA, DBA and WHCA claims, as well as employment law, medical malpractice and premises liability cases.

Memberships:

• Chicago Bar Association
• DOL-Joint Bar Association

Education:

• Indiana Wesleyan University, B.A. (Dean's List), 2011
• University of Illinois at Chicago, J.D., 2016

Andrew J. Miner

New Orleans, LA

• E-Mail: aminer@mblb.com

Admitted

• Louisiana, 2012
• Mississippi
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
• Supreme Court of the United States

Andrew Miner’s practice is devoted to defending individuals and businesses in a wide range of litigation matters. His experience spans automobile and trucking casualty defense, maritime incidents, medical malpractice, and state and federal workers’ compensation claims. His clients trust him to manage their litigation needs with efficiency and reliability. Andrew has more than a decade of experience managing complex legal matters from early investigations through the appeals process. He regularly tries cases across Louisiana and Mississippi.

Memberships:

• Federal (New Orleans Chapter) American and Louisiana State Bar Associations
• The Mississippi Bar
• Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel
• Mississippi Defense Lawyers Association

Education:

• Miami University, B.A., History (Departmental Honors), 2009
• Tulane University Law School, J.D., 2012

George Nalley

New Orleans, LA

• E-Mail: gnalley@mblb.com

Practice Areas

• Insurance Defense
• Maritime
• Federal and State Workers’ Compensation

Admitted

• Louisiana, 1981
• Texas
• U.S. District Court, Eastern, Middle and Western Districts of Louisiana
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth, Ninth and Eleventh Circuits
• Supreme Court of the United States

George Nalley has more than 40 years of experience as a litigator. His practice focuses on casualty litigation, including products liability, federal and state workers’ compensation, land and maritime personal injury, asbestos, and environmental and employment issues. George actively practices in Louisiana and Texas and has also handled cases on a pro hac vice status in Mississippi, Florida, Tennessee, Ohio, and Washington.

Memberships:

• America and Louisiana State Bar Associations
• State Bar of Texas
• Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel
• American Trial Lawyers Association

Education:

• University of Notre Dame, B.A., 1976
• Louisiana State University Law Center, J.D., 1981

Michael T. Neuner

New Orleans, LA

• E-Mail: mneuner@mblb.com

Practice Areas

• Admiralty and Maritime Law
• Insurance Defense

Admitted

• Louisiana, 2015
• U.S. District Court, Eastern, Middle and Western Districts of Louisiana

Member Michael Neuner’s practice focuses on admiralty and maritime litigation and insurance defense. Prior to joining Mouledoux, Bland, Legrand & Brackett, Michael gained significant experience handling a variety of cases for both plaintiffs and the defense, including premises liability, environmental disasters, personal injury, and class action settlements.

Memberships:

• Louisiana State and New Orleans Bar Associations
• Mariners Club of the Port of New Orleans (Board Member)
• Greater New Orleans Barge Fleeting Association
• Louisiana Bar Foundation, Fellow

Certifications:

• Graduate Certificate in Energy Law and Policy, Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center

Awards

• Louisiana Super Lawyers Rising Stars - Transportation/Maritime (2024, 2025)
• Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, Insurance Law (2023-2026)
• New Orleans Magazine Top Lawyers - Admiralty & Maritime Law (2023, 2025)
• New Orleans CityBusiness - Ones to Watch: Law (2023)

Education:

• Louisiana State University, E. J. Ourso College of Business, B.S., 2009
• Louisiana State University, Paul M. Hebert Law Center, J.D., 2015

Clerkship:

Judicial Extern, Magistrate Judge Patrick Hanna, U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana in Lafayette

C. Michael Parks

New Orleans, LA

• E-Mail: mparks@mblb.com

Practice Areas

• Trucking Industry Defense
• Trucking Litigation
• Transportation
• Admiralty and Maritime Law
• Premises Liability
• Product Liability

Admitted

• Louisiana, 1989
• U.S. District Court, Eastern, Middle and Western Districts of Louisiana
• U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit

Additional Biographical Details:

Guest Speaker, Arkansas Transportation Seminar

Member Mike Parks has more than 25 years of experience in trucking, transportation and automobile defense, general casualty and insurance defense, premises liability, products liability, and maritime litigation. He has tried numerous state and federal jury and judge trials throughout Louisiana. Member Mike Parks has more than 25 years of experience in trucking, transportation and automobile defense, general casualty and insurance defense, premises liability, products liability, and maritime litigation. 

Mike really enjoys working with his clients and solving their problems. “I am very results-oriented. From inception, I focus on the true issues of the case in an effort to obtain an outcome that will best serve the needs of my client. That includes telling my client what she or he needs to hear early on rather than waiting to tell them what they don’t want to hear late in the case.”

Memberships:

• Louisiana State and New Orleans Bar Associations
• New Orleans Association of Defense Counsel (Board of Directors, 2005-2013)
• Trucking Industry Defense Association
• Defense Research Institute
• Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel
• International Association of Defense Counsel

Awards

• Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent
• Super Lawyers, Transportation/Maritime Law (2013-2025)
• The Best Lawyers in America - Transportation Law (2024-2026)
• New Orleans Magazine Top Lawyers, Transportation Law (2009, 2015-2025)
• New Orleans CityBusiness Leadership in Law (2022)

Education:

• Louisiana State University, B.S., 1985
• Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, J.D., 1989

Born: 1963

Robert N. Popich

New Orleans, LA

• E-Mail: rpopich@mblb.com

Practice Areas

• Maritime Law
• Asbestos Litigation
• Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation
• Defense Base Act

Admitted

• Louisiana, 2004
• U.S. District Court, Eastern, Middle and Western Districts of Louisiana
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth and Ninth Circuits

Member Rob Popich's practice focuses on personal injury defense. He is highly experienced in defending claims arising under the Longshore Harbor Workers' Compensation Act and Defense Base Act as well as in maritime and asbestos litigation. As supported by his Super Lawyers Rising Star and Super Lawyers peer honors, Rob has developed a reputation as a skilled litigation attorney in workers' compensation law and personal injury-defense. He has represented clients ranging from local shipyard companies to employers and insurance carriers nationwide to overseas contractors and routinely travels across the U.S. to take depositions or do mediation. "I put my clients first. If my clients need to close out three claims I make it happen. I am relentless in accomplishing their goals in the most efficient and cost-effective way."

Memberships:

• Federal, American, Louisiana State and New Orleans Bar Associations
• Department of Labor - Joint Bar Association
• Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel

Awards

• Super Lawyers, Personal Injury-Defense (2019, 2021-2022)
• Super Lawyers Rising Star, Workers’ Compensation (2014-2018)
• New Orleans Magazine Top Lawyers, Workers’ Compensation Law (2013, 2016, 2019-2020, 2023, 2025)

Education:

• University of Louisiana at Lafayette, B.A., 2000
• Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, J.D., 2004

Born: 1977

Matthew L. Stedman

New Orleans, LA

• E-Mail: mstedman@mblb.com

Practice Areas

• Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation
• Defense Base Act
• War Hazards Compensation Act
• Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Law
• Maritime Personal Injury Defense

Admitted

• Louisiana, 2008

Member Matthew L. Stedman has a wide array of valuable experience defending employers and insurance carriers against various claims brought under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, Jones Act, Louisiana Workers Compensation Act, General Maritime Law, and General Tort Law. Matthew has focused his career on defending employers and carriers against claims brought under the Defense Base Act (DBA). He was an integral part of AIG’s DBA mass mediation team, wherein numerous cases were resolved at each of the five mass mediations completed throughout his tenure, allowing him to gain substantial knowledge in this particular area of law.

Memberships:

• Louisiana State and New Orleans Bar Associations
• DOL-Joint Bar Association

Education:

• Vanderbilt University, B.S./B.S., 2004
• Louisiana State University, Paul M. Hebert Law Center, J.D., 2007

Simone H. Yoder

New Orleans, LA

• E-Mail: syoder@mblb.com

Practice Areas

• Workers' Compensation
• Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation
• Defense Base Act

Admitted

• Louisiana, 2008
• U.S. District Court, Eastern, Middle and Western Districts of Louisiana
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit

Member Simone Yoder's practice focuses on the defense of employers and national insurance carriers for claims arising under Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act, Defense Base Act and Louisiana Workers' Compensation Act. As supported by the peer recognition she has received, including Louisiana Super Lawyers Rising Stars and Best Lawyers; Ones to Watch, Simone has developed a reputation as a skilled attorney in workers' compensation law. She has successfully argued motions and participated in conferences and hearings before the Department of Labor in both state and longshore matters, and also before District Court Judges throughout Louisiana. Simone has developed a particular expertise in her practice, which has allowed her to confidently advise her clients and obtain successful resolutions for them. "I am knowledgeable in this area of the law and enjoy devising a litigation strategy that affords my clients the best opportunity for a favorable outcome. I also enjoy developing relationships with my clients and working with them to achieve desired results."

Memberships:

• American, Louisiana State and New Orleans Bar Associations
• Department of Labor - Joint Bar Association
• Women's International Shipping and Trading Association

Awards

• Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, Workers' Compensation Law-Employers (2021-2025)
• Louisiana Super Lawyers Rising Stars, Workers' Compensation (2013-2021)
• New Orleans Magazine Top Lawyers, Workers' Compensation Law (2015-2019, 2023, 2025)

Education:

• Rhodes College, B.A., 2003
• Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, J.D., 2008

Born: 1981

Tyler S. Loga

New Orleans, LA

• E-Mail: tloga@mblb.com

Practice Areas

• Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation
• Workers' Compensation
• Defense Base Act
• War Hazards Compensation Act

Admitted

• Louisiana, 2018
• U.S. District Court, Eastern, Middle and Western Districts of Louisiana
• U.S. District Court, Eastern and Southern Districts of Texas
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit

Additional Biographical Details:

U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida (Pro Hac Vice)

Memberships:

• Federal and Louisiana State Bar Associations
• American Inns of Court: St. Thomas More Inn of Court
• Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel

Education:

• Louisiana State University, B.A., 2014
• Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, J.D., 2018

Phillip S. Prejean

New Orleans, LA

• E-Mail: pprejean@mblb.com

Practice Areas

• Insurance Defense
• Trucking
• Transportation

Admitted

• Louisiana, 2015
• U.S. District Court, Western District of Louisiana

Memberships:

• Louisiana State Bar Association

Awards

• LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center: Outstanding Contributions to Excellence in Advocacy Programs; Ira S. Flory Mock Trial Competition, Vice President (2014-2015)

Education:

• University of Southern California, B.S., 2007
• Louisiana State University, Paul M. Hebert Law Center, J.D., 2015

Chris B. Prudhomme

New Orleans, LA

• E-Mail: cprudhomme@mblb.com

Practice Areas

• Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation
• Workers' Compensation
• Defense Base Act
• War Hazards Compensation Act

Admitted

• Louisiana, 2018
• U.S. District Court, Eastern, Middle and Western Districts of Louisiana
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit

Memberships:

• Louisiana State and New Orleans Bar Associations
• Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel

Awards

• Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center (Board Member, Trial Advocacy and Moot Court Board)

Education:

• Louisiana State University, B.A. English, 2015
• Louisiana State University, Paul M. Hebert Law Center, J.D., 2018

Clerkship:

Judicial Extern, Justice Guy Holdridge, Louisiana Court of Appeal, First Circuit