Overview

Firm Overview: Lugenbuhl serves clients across Louisiana, the Texas Gulf Coast and beyond through experienced attorneys dedicated to solving its clients’ complex legal issues. With offices located in New Orleans, Houston, Baton Rouge and Gulfport, Lugenbuhl is positioned to effectively and efficiently address the needs of its clients. The firm’s diverse group of attorneys has roots across the nation and degrees from top-tier college and law schools. Lugenbuhl attorneys regularly speak and publish on cutting-edge issues in their respective fields of practice. This array of experiences and perspectives allows the firm to respond to clients with a focus traditionally found in larger firms.

Lugenbuhl provides unmatched litigation experience, grown from the its attorneys’ service as lead counsel in complex cases in state and federal courts across the Gulf Coast. The firm provides a full spectrum of transactional and commercial services for industry leaders, small businesses, and individuals alike. The firm specialties include bankruptcy/restructuring, insurance law coverage, commercial litigation, admi­ralty and maritime, along with general commercial law, civil litigation and real estate practices.

Founded:
1986
Size:
45
Magnifying glass with star icon
Practice Areas:
50
Person outline with Best Lawyers logo
Best Lawyers Recognized:
22

Rankings

National

Tier
2
National Ranking
Admiralty and Maritime Law

Regional

Houston

Tier
2
Houston
Admiralty and Maritime Law

New Orleans

Tier
1
New Orleans
Admiralty and Maritime Law
Tier
1
New Orleans
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Tier
1
New Orleans
Commercial Litigation
Tier
1
New Orleans
Insurance Law
Tier
1
New Orleans
Litigation - Bankruptcy

Firm Leadership

Donna Thomisee
Shareholder

Highlighted Client Comments

These featured testimonials reflect a sampling of client experiences. As every legal matter is unique—comments are personal opinions, not guarantees of future results.
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
I have been a client of Lugenbuhl, Wheaton, Peck, Rankin & Hubbard for over 20 years. The firm has provided excellent and cost effective legal services to me and my various ventures. They have provided valuable counsel and legal guidance for my activities in pursuing assets held in bankruptcy.
Larry Rigdon
Tidewater Inc.
Real Estate Law
My experience is all with the real estate group at Lugenbuhl, Wheaton, Peck, Rankin & Hubbard and primarily Rose LeBreton and Anne Raymond, who are both excellent.
 
Real Estate Law
Rose LeBreton has stuck with TLC Properties on a very difficult matter that has been appealed and remanded. She understands the importance of the matter to both her client and to Louisiana law. Rose has a deep understanding of the La. Civil Code and has been able to use her knowledge to our advantage and to discredit illogical arguments made by the opposing party.
Wendi Loup
Lamar Advertising Co.
Real Estate Law
pleased to recommend the firm!
Richard Levin
Grossberg Yochelson Fox Beyda
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
They have served as my attorneys since 2017. Not only are they knowledgeable in the law but understand business and how it operates.
Kenneth Lefoldt
Matthew, Cutrer and Lindsay, P.A.
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Prepared to work along with you to deal with unusual Issues. Very helpful at all times.
Gabriel Henn
LAlumina, LLC
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
The attorneys in Lugenbuhl's New Orleans office are great to work with. I find the team to be practical, creative and great communicators.
John Baumgartner
Grant Thornton
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Stewart Peck is a knowledgeable attorney in Offshore Bankruptcy matters when working with Baker Hughes.
 
Admiralty and Maritime Law
I find Lugenbuhl, Wheaton, Peck, Rankin & Hubbard to be very responsive to our needs. They understand our business and the contractual issues involved. Litigation involves a lot of work with my field employees, and they make them comfortable and responsive. They are very conscious of the costs involved in both the investigation of accidents and the lawsuits that follow.
Julie Slocum
ENSCO Offshore Company
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
I have used Lugenbuhl, Wheaton, Peck, Rankin & Hubbard extensively in regards rights of Owners in Bankruptcy as well as the advantages and drawbacks to filing bankruptcy. I have used them to investigate purchasing bankrupt companies and taking over construction contracts from Bankrupt competitors. They have given me great advice on a timely basis that helped my companies succeed.
John Dane
Trinity Yachts, LLC
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Lugenbuhl, Wheaton, Peck, Rankin & Hubbard has provided my primary legal representation since 2001. They have provided excellent services and will admit when they do not have the necessary capabilities in house, which is rare. They are cost effective in their work and provide great and valuable business advice when appropriate. They have worked with me on mergers and acquisitions, sale of a business, formation of new businesses and joint ventures and assisted in strategy and bidding on assets offered in bankruptcy proceedings. This is an excellent firm in all ways.
Larry Rigdon
Tidewater Inc.

Rankings

National

Tier
2
National Ranking
Admiralty and Maritime Law

Regional

Houston

Tier
2
Houston
Admiralty and Maritime Law

New Orleans

Tier
1
New Orleans
Admiralty and Maritime Law
Tier
1
New Orleans
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Tier
1
New Orleans
Commercial Litigation
Tier
1
New Orleans
Insurance Law
Tier
1
New Orleans
Litigation - Bankruptcy
Tier
1
New Orleans
Litigation - Insurance
Tier
1
New Orleans
Litigation - Real Estate
Tier
1
New Orleans
Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
Tier
1
New Orleans
Real Estate Law
Tier
2
New Orleans
Land Use and Zoning Law
Tier
2
New Orleans
Trusts and Estates
Tier
3
New Orleans
Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
Tier
3
New Orleans
Railroad Law

Practice Areas

Lugenbuhl, Wheaton, Peck, Rankin & Hubbard has been ranked by Best Law Firms for excellence in 13 specialties, reflecting the firm's commitment to delivering outstanding legal services.
Additionally, the firm provides services in these practice areas:
  • Admiralty and Maritime Law
  • Appellate Practice
  • Arbitration
  • Banking and Finance Law
  • Bankruptcy
  • Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
  • Commercial
  • Commercial Finance Law
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Commercial Transactions / UCC Law
  • Community Association Law
  • Construction Law
  • Contract
  • Corporate Law
  • Employment Law - Individuals
  • Employment Law - Management
  • Energy Law
  • Environmental Law
  • Equipment Finance Law
  • Family Law
  • Foreclosures
  • Immigration Law
  • Insurance Law
  • Land Use
  • Land Use and Zoning Law
  • Litigation - Banking and Finance
  • Litigation - Bankruptcy
  • Litigation - Construction
  • Litigation - Insurance
  • Litigation - Land Use and Zoning
  • Litigation - Mergers and Acquisitions
  • Litigation - Real Estate
  • Litigation - Trusts and Estates
  • Litigation and Controversy - Tax
  • Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
  • Mediation
  • Mergers and Acquisitions Law
  • Natural Resources Law
  • Nonprofit / Charities Law
  • Oil and Gas Law
  • Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
  • Railroad Law
  • Real Estate Law
  • Real Property Law
  • Ship Financing
  • Tax Law
  • Title Matters
  • Transactions
  • Transportation Law
  • Trusts and Estates

Individuals Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America®

Lugenbuhl, Wheaton, Peck, Rankin & Hubbard proudly has 22 lawyers recognized for their outstanding professional performance in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. This peer-reviewed honor highlights individual excellence and directly qualifies the firm for consideration in the prestigious Best Law Firms rankings. For over four decades, Best Lawyers has been the gold standard for recognizing top legal talent, serving as the cornerstone for Best Law Firms awards. Learn more about our rigorous Best Lawyers research and selection process.
Spinning circle
{{ practiceAreaName }}
{{ lawyer.FirstName[0] }}{{ lawyer.LastName[0] }}
{{ lawyer.Locations[0].City }}{{lawyer.Locations[0].StateCode ? ', ' + lawyer.Locations[0].StateCode : '' }}

Client Comments

A strong relationship between a client and their law firm is key to achieving the best possible outcomes. Open communication, trust, and collaboration ensure that attorneys understand each client’s unique goals and needs. Choosing the right firm means finding a team with the experience, knowledge, and dedication to guide you through every stage of the legal process.
Client comments reflect personal opinions and individual experiences. Every case is different, and outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances. Past results and testimonials do not guarantee similar outcomes in future matters. For personalized legal advice, consult directly with an experienced attorney who can evaluate your specific situation and provide tailored guidance.
Spinning circle
 

Firm News

Spinning circle
February 29, 2024
Lugenbuhl Announces Four New Shareholders
Read Article Lugenbuhl Announces Four New Shareholders
February 22, 2024
Lugenbuhl’s Delos Flint Selected to 2024 Lawdragon 500 Leading Energy Lawyers
Read Article Lugenbuhl’s Delos Flint Selected to 2024 Lawdragon 500 Leading Energy Lawyers
December 28, 2023
Lugenbuhl Attorneys Recognized in 2024 Louisiana Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
Read Article Lugenbuhl Attorneys Recognized in 2024 Louisiana Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
November 7, 2023
Lugenbuhl’s Managing Partner, Benjamin Kadden, Named One of CityBusiness’ “Power 50 Most Influential People” in the Greater New Orleans Area
Read Article Lugenbuhl’s Managing Partner, Benjamin Kadden, Named One of CityBusiness’ “Power 50 Most Influential People” in the Greater New Orleans Area
November 2, 2023
Lugenbuhl, Wheaton, Peck, Rankin & Hubbard Ranked by Best Law Firms® in 2024
Read Article Lugenbuhl, Wheaton, Peck, Rankin & Hubbard Ranked by Best Law Firms® in 2024
August 17, 2023
Thirty-Seven Lugenbuhl Attorneys Included in 2024 ‘Best Lawyers’ and ‘Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch’ Editions
Read Article Thirty-Seven Lugenbuhl Attorneys Included in 2024 ‘Best Lawyers’ and ‘Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch’ Editions
... ...

Awards

Lugenbuhl, Wheaton, Peck, Rankin & Hubbard is honored to be recognized for excellence by Best Law Firms and other leading legal industry organizations. Our rankings and awards reflect the dedication, skill, and results our attorneys deliver across a wide range of practice areas. In addition to our Best Law Firms awards, Lugenbuhl, Wheaton, Peck, Rankin & Hubbard has earned accolades from respected national and regional publications for outstanding legal service and professional achievement. Explore our awards below to learn more about how Lugenbuhl, Wheaton, Peck, Rankin & Hubbard continues to set the standard for quality legal representation.
Best Lawyers® - “Best Law Firms”

Chambers and Partners USA Guide

 

Offices & Contacts

New Orleans, LA
Pan-American Life Center, Suite 2775
601 Poydras Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
United States
Baton Rouge, LA
9311 Bluebonnet Boulevard, Suite A
Baton Rouge, LA 70810
United States
Gulfport, MS
2501 Fourteenth Street, Suite 202
Gulfport, MS 39501
United States
Houston, TX

Significant Matters

- Main Areas of Practice -

Bankruptcy, Restructuring & Creditors’ Rights:

Contact: Stewart Peck | 504 568 1990 | speck@lawla.com Contact: Benjamin Kadden | 504 568 1990 | bkadden@lawla.com

  • Represented significant land rig operator in the out-of-court restructuring of approximately $120m of secured debt and $50m of unsecured debt
  • Debtors’ Lead Counsel for Gulf Fleet Holdings, Inc., as well as 10 of its subsidiaries and affiliates in Chapter 11 with over $35m in assets and approximately $65m in claims
  • Debtor’s Lead Counsel for Bender Shipbuilding & Repair Co., Inc. in Chapter 11 with over $100m in assets and $100m in claims
  • Debtor’s Lead Counsel for Torch Offshore, Inc. in a Chapter 11 proceeding with over $125,000,000 in claims and $100m in assets
  • Debtor’s Lead Counsel for East Cameron Partners, LP in Chapter 11 proceeding with assets of over $100m and debt of approximately $185m
  • Debtor’s Lead Counsel for Conmaco/Rector, LP in a Chapter 11 proceeding.
  • Debtor’s Lead Counsel for Sun Drilling Products Corporation in Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Case
  • Lead or Special Unsecured Creditors’ Committee in the Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Cases of Burkhalter Rigging, Inc., Midway Oilfield Constructors, Inc., Saratoga Resources, Inc., Trico Marine Group, Force Energy, Equinox Energy, Virgin Oil Company, Inc., as well as others
  • Representation of Citicorp North America, Inc. in the foreclosure of Oakwood Mall, a shopping mall in metropolitan New Orleans
  • Represented Secured Creditors in numerous Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Cases


Admiralty & Maritime:

Contact: Delos Flint, Jr. | 504 568 1990 | dflint@lawla.com

  • NuStar Energy Services v. M/V Cosco Auckland, 760 Fed. Appx. 245 (5th Cir. 2019)
  • Chenevert v. Travelers Indemnity Co., 746 F.3d 581 (5th Cir. 2014)
  • Canal Barge Co. v. Torco Oil Co., 220 F.3d 370 (5th Cir. 2000)
  • Trico Marine Operators, Inc. v. Falcon Drilling Co., 116 F.3d 159 (5th Cir. 1997)
  • In re ENSCO Offshore Company, as Owners of the MODU ENSCO 74 for Exoneration from or Limitation of Liability, No. 09-cv-02838 (S.D. Texas – Houston)

Insurance Law - Insurance Coverage & Liability:

Contact: Seth Schmeeckle | 504 568 1990 | sschmeeckle@lawla.com

  • La. United Bus. Ass’n. Casualty Ins. Co. v. J&J Maintenance, Inc. et al., (E.D. La. 10/13/16), 2016 WL 6038031
  • Maldonado v. Kiewet Louisiana Co., (La. App. 1st Cir. 3/24/14), 2014 WL 120744
  • Weinstein, et al, LLC v. Anthony Hinyard D/B/A Acadian Paint Contracting, et al, (La. 3rd Cir. 3/11/13), unpublished
  • Burrows v. Executive Property Management Co., (La. App. 4th Cir. 3/12/14), 2014 WL 1028541)
  • In re Jillian Morrison, L.L.C., (5th Cir. 6/4/12), 482 Fed. Appx. 872
  • Leaming v. Century Vina, Inc., (La. App. 4th Cir. 6/1/05), 908 So. 2d 21
  • Little v. USAA Cas. Ins. Co., (5th Cir. 4/2/10) St. Paul Fire & Marine Ins. Co. v. Board of Com’rs of Port of New Orleans, (5th Cir. 3/15/11)


Find the Best Law Firms
Search for a Law Firm
Search our directory of over 16,000 firms across the Globe.
Search
Is Your Law Firm Ranked?
Enhance your firm's reputation and visibility with our marketing opportunities.
Marketing Opportunities
Ranked Practice Areas
See the practice areas included in our Best Law Firms research.
Practice Areas