Phone: (504) 830-4417
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Philip is a seasoned litigator, backed by over 15 years of experience handling a myriad of matters across several practice areas in state and federal court. Although his practice includes the defense of a broad range of insurance and commercial litigation matters, Philip focuses primarily on class actions, construction defect claims, product liability, and premises liability claims. He is trusted counsel to clients ranging from local contractors to Fortune 100 companies, and he serves as exclusive Louisiana counsel to the world’s largest movie theater chain. He has successfully defended both the world’s largest powersport manufacturer and one of the nation’s largest independent grocers against major class-action lawsuits with tens, if not hundreds, of millions of dollars at stake. In multiple jury and bench trials throughout Louisiana courts, he has secured a number of favorable defense verdicts on behalf of insurers and their insureds. Whether handling the defense strategy of a complex, high-profile class action matter or advising his clients of innovative ways to protect against future litigation, Philip’s clients laud his clear, direct communication skills, as well as his uniquely attentive level of responsiveness and accessibility.

Philip’s practice includes the defense of general contractors; subcontractors of various trades; highway contractors (asphalt, heavy highway, etc.); product manufacturers; worldwide entertainment corporations; retailers; and the insurers of those risks. In addition to his litigation experience with general liability, personal injury, and workers’ compensation matters, Philip has also served as lead counsel in a number of high-profile class-action matters where he has favorably advocated on behalf of elder care facilities, general contractors, retailers, and global manufacturing corporations.

His construction practice entails commercial construction defect cases, New Home Warranty Act matters, Private Works Act liens, ultrahazardous and strict liability claims, and third-party risk transfer matters. He is well-versed in Louisiana’s construction anti-indemnity statutes, and he routinely advises clients on how to navigate through any potential roadblocks and exposure. Philip understands that the results of these cases can have critical implications for the financial fate of the companies and insureds he represents, as well as their reputation. He tackles each case with a keen eye toward the balance of his client’s success both inside and outside of the courtroom. As a testament to his legal achievements and trusted client partnerships within the sector, Philip has been named one of New Orleans CityBusiness’ “Ones to Watch” in the construction industry.

Philip is licensed to practice in all Louisiana state and federal courts. He is a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association, the Federal Bar Association, and the Jefferson Parish Bar Association.

Originally from Houma, Louisiana, Philip grew up with family members who both worked in the practice of law and presided over it. After graduating magna cum laude from Loyola University of New Orleans, Philip cemented his passion for a career in law after working for a legal services clinic in Montana as a volunteer with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. Philip received an academic scholarship from Tulane University’s School of Law, where he went on to earn his Juris Doctor, cum laude. While at Tulane, Philip was the managing editor for the Tulane Environmental Law Journal, a student attorney for the Juvenile Law Clinic, and a member of the Tulane Inn of Court. He lives in New Orleans with his wife and two children.

The Prematurity Defense to Contractual Indemnity Claims in Louisiana, Louisiana Bar Journal (Feb/March 2016)

Note, The Mass Action Provision of CAFA: Where Defendants Fear to Tread?, DRI’s “For The Defense” (April 2009)

Note, United States v. General Battery Corp.: The Third Circuit Applies Federal Common Law Rather Than State Law To Determine Successor Liability Under CERCLA, Despite Opposing Results in Other Circuits – But Are the Splitting Circuits Really Just Splitting Hairs?, 20 TUL. ENVTL. L.J. 219 (Winter 2006).

Recent Development, In re The Exxon Valdez, 20 TUL. ENVTL. L.J. 459 (Summer 2007)