Franklin Employment Lawyers

David started his legal career by working for the Honorable Judge Richard Haik of the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana and the Honorable Judge Ellis Daigle at the 27th Court in Opelousas, Louisiana. David then worked for a prominent firm in Lafayette prior to opening his own legal practice. David Rutledge primarily practices law in the areas of Employment Law, Personal Injury, Contracts, Maritime, and Worker's Compensation. David graduated from Loyola New Orleans College of Law in 2010 earning his Juris Doctorate in both Common and Civil Law. While in law school, David participated...

JOHN R. WALKER is a Partner in SBSB's Houston office. For the past almost twenty-five years, it has been my privilege to represent insurance and employer interests focusing on the defense of claims brought under the Longshore and Harbor Act, the Defense Base (DBA), the Non-Appropriated Funds (NAF) Instrumentalities Act, the Jones Act, and General Maritime and Admiralty Law. Additionally, John also has extensive experience in First Party Insurance Defense matters, representing employers, insurance carriers, and third parties in State, Federal and Appellate courts. Prior to joining the firm, John handled First Party Insurance Defense,...

Charles Stiegler is an experienced labor and employment attorney who has fought cases involving allegations of discrimination, retaliation, and unpaid wages in state and federal courts throughout the country.  After graduating with honors from LSU law school, Mr. Stiegler worked for high-end law firms based in Silicon Valley and New York City before starting his own practice here in New Orleans, Louisiana.

He specializes his practice in claims of unpaid overtime, unpaid wages, and unpaid commissions, but also practices in all other aspects of employment law including non-compete agreements, trade secret claims, False Claims Act lawsuits, and claims involving workplace...

Brad Harrigan focuses on intellectual property and insurance defense. As part of his intellectual property practice, Mr. Harrigan has managed trademark portfolios for Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, and individuals consisting of hundreds of domestic and international trademark applications and registrations.

Mr. Harrigan has significant experience representing clients in trademark prosecution matters such as USPTO Office Actions, TTAB proceedings, and ICANN UDRP arbitrations. Mr. Harrigan has also represented clients in IP litigation matters throughout the country, including state and federal disputes concerning trademark, copyright, trade secret, and unfair competition issues. His defense work includes a broad range of experience in property...

Scott Wilson has handled more than 185 cases in federal district courts, 35 appeals to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, three petitions for writs to the Supreme Court of the United States, and numerous trials and appeals in Louisiana district and appellate courts. In a landmark ruling, I obtained a reversal from the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals of a summary judgment granted by the district court in the first Family and Medical Leave Act case heard by any federal appellate court. See Manuel v. Westlake Polymers Corp., 66 F.3d 758 (5th Cir. 1995)....

Hugh Lambert founded The Lambert Firm (now Lambert Zainey Smith & Soso) in 1977 and has since grown the firm to one of the most prestigious and well respected firms in New Orleans, representing individuals and businesses alike in a wide range of legal matters. In addition to his legal representation, Hugh Lambert is a frequent lecturer across the United States on class actions and mass torts. He has also authored and published legal articles. He has held a broad range of leadership positions in many organizations devoted to law, civic and charitable pursuits. He is a member in good...

Melanie Lockett is an experienced litigator in diverse areas of law including insurance coverage and defense, education, commercial litigation, employment law, professional liability, and family law. She has litigated a vast array of legal issues in Louisiana state and federal courts. She has also successfully appealed cases to Louisiana Courts of Appeal and Louisiana Supreme Court. Melanie’s innovative and diligent approach to representing clients has led to notable successes for insurance companies, insurance agents, tenured professors, university students, and victims of discrimination. Melanie is an involved member of several professional organizations. She is an active member...

Jacob K. Weixler is a dedicated attorney who represents clients in federal criminal proceedings, civil lawsuits, and professional disciplinary proceedings. He also provides counsel on business law matters. He has represented a diverse range of clients facing various challenges, including defending the first amendment rights of a national civil rights figure, assisting a former military official facing fraud and conspiracy charges, fighting for the rights of cheated investors, and seeking justice for incarcerated individuals. Prior to establishing Weixler Law LLC, Jacob gained valuable experience as an attorney at Schonekas Evans McGoey & McEachin, LLC, a respected New Orleans-based boutique law firm...

Licensed to practice in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, Justin Chopin is the owner and managing attorney of The Chopin Law Firm LLC. Born and raised in New Orleans, Justin is thoroughly familiar with the legal challenges that individuals and businesses face along the Gulf Coast. The firm represents individuals who have suffered personal injury, as well as small businesses. Prior to founding his own firm, Justin worked for one of the largest defense firms in America, as well as for some of the most highly regarded regional firms.

Marynell Piglia exudes confidence in her practice and epitomizes the effectiveness of hard work and tenacity. Practicing civil litigation, family law, and employment law, she represents clients in matters such as discrimination, sexual harassment, workers’ compensation, divorce, and related family law matters. Ms. Piglia earned her undergraduate degree from Southeastern Louisiana University, magna cum laud. She was the recipient of a President’s Medal for Academic Excellence. She went on to receive her law degree from Loyola University, where she served on the Loyola Law Review, as chair of the Moot Court Board, and a member of the Moot Court teaching...