Pat received a B.A. degree from McNeese State University in Liberal Arts, and a graduate degree in philosophy from Louisiana State University. He entered law school after working several years for the Lake Charles American Press as an editor and a reporter covering local and state government. At Tulane Law School, Pat served as a managing editor of the Tulane Law Review, and was elected to membership in the Order of the Coif. He received his J.D. degree in 1985.
Pat’s practice is primarily devoted to trial work. Since joining the firm, he has handled lawsuits involving a wide variety of legal fields, including disputes relating to oil and gas exploration and production activities, products liability claims, disputes over ownership of real property, railroad crossing accidents, maritime tort claims under the Jones Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act, environmental claims under the Clean Air Act, claims under the Federal Employers Liability Act, and construction contract disputes.
In recent years, much of Pat’s work has focused on oil and gas matters. He has been involved in lawsuits involving oil and gas leases and exploration agreements, mineral severance tax disputes with governmental taxing authorities, landowner royalty claims, mineral title disputes, and commercial disputes relating to offshore exploration agreements. Pat has handled such claims in state and federal courts as well as in arbitration proceedings. Pat presently represents oil and gas producers in a number of oilfield cleanup suits brought by landowners claiming land contamination. Pat has participated in continuing legal education programs relating to oilfield cleanup claims.
Representative Experience
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Obtained $30 million jury award for breach of reassignment obligation in mineral lease farmout agreement. Amoco Production Company v. Texaco, Inc., 2003-240 (La. App. 3 Cir. 1/21/03); 838 So. 2d 821.
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Successfully defended refinery whose air discharge permit was attacked by environmental group. In Re: Westlake Petrochemicals Corporation Ethylene Plant, 769 So. 2d 1278 (La. App. 1st Cir. 2000).
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Obtained cancellation of mineral lease because of breach of surface use restriction. Amoco Production Company v. Texas Meridian Resources Exploration, Inc., 180 F.3d 664 (5th Cir. 1999).
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Defense verdict in trial of personal injury claim asserted by crewman on vessel used to sandblast offshore platforms. Manuel v. Cameron Offshore Boats, Inc., 103 F.3d 31 (5th Cir. 1997).
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Successful defense of product liability claim against gunpowder manufacturer. Hines v. Remington Arms Co., 648 So. 2d 331 (La. 1994).
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Successful defense of railroad employee’s personal injury claims asserted under Federal Employees Liability Act. Jackson v. Kansas City Southern Railway, 619 So. 2d 851 (La. App. 3d Cir. 1993).
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Obtained defense jury verdict in claim against car manufacturer alleging defective seatbelt. Shilts v. City of DeRidder, State of Louisiana, and Ford Motor Company. (No. C-9125, Louisiana 36th Judicial District Court).
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Obtained judgment recognizing existence of mineral servitude entitling clients to interest in production from gas well. Lyons v. Fisher, 847 F.2d 1158 (5th Cir. 1988), appeal after remand, 888 F.2d 1071 (5th Cir. 1989).
Admissions
All Louisiana state and federal courts
United States Supreme Court.
Professional Associations and Memberships
American Bar Association
Louisiana State Bar Association
Southwest Louisiana Bar Association (past chairman of ethics and grievance committee; current chairman of publication committee)
Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel
Southwest Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel (past Secretary-Treasurer)
Fellow of Louisiana Bar Foundation.
Publications
Comment, Revision of the Civil Code Provisions on Liberative Prescription, 60 Tul. L. Rev. 379 (1985).
Community Service
Calcasieu Kiwanis Club, Member and Past President
Diocese of Immaculate Conception Finance Committee Member
Born: November 10, 1952
Personal: Pat enjoys spending time with his family, geology, camping, fly fishing, hiking and playing guitar. He and his wife, Paula, are the parents of two children, Kate and Aidan.
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