Stephen M. Larzelere, Of Counsel
Steve Larzelere has more than 30 years of experience as a defense attorney. His practice is primarily litigation-based, with an emphasis on admiralty and maritime law, oil and gas law (primarily personal injury and property damage claims), transportation law (trucking and automobile defense), and general casualty and insurance defense.
Steve has significant experience handling contractual defense and indemnity and additional insured issues under Louisiana and general maritime law, including issues in litigation and with drafting contracts containing such provisions (e.g., master service agreements, charter parties, vessel repair contracts, and agreements to purchase/sell oil and gas assets). He also has experience handling insurance coverage issues arising under marine, transportation, and homeowners policies.
He has had proven success achieving favorable judgments, advantageous settlements, case dismissals, and effective case evaluations, while maintaining an excellent reputation in the legal industry. His long-term clients include towing companies, vessel repair yards, marine construction companies, and a contract labor company.
Steve is a persuasive, organized, and dedicated litigator who passionately represents his clients’ interests. “I am ever-mindful of my clients’ concerns and desires, including costs of litigation, timely resolution of claims, my accessibility, and matters of principle.”
Steve was raised in New Orleans and lives in Metairie with his wife. In his personal time, he enjoys fishing, hunting, FSU and LSU sports, and visiting with his two adult sons.
Professional Activities
- Louisiana State Bar Association, Member
- Defense Research Institute, Member
- Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel, Member
Recognition
- Martindale-Hubbell – AV Preeminent
- Super Lawyers – Transportation/Maritime (2013-2014; 2017-2023; 2025)
Panels and Presentations
In-House Presentations and/or Analyses for Clients
- Important Considerations for the Training of “Green” Deckhands for Towing Companies to Minimize Future Exposure (2021)
- Maritime Principles of Law Concerning Hurricane IDA-Related Claims (2021)
- A New and More Definitive Jones Act Seaman Status Test (in the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals) – Sanchez v. Smart Fabricators of Texas, LLC (2021)
- Contractual Defense and Indemnity in the Oil Patch (2017)
- The New & Not-So-Improved Vessel Status Test Under the U.S. Supreme Court’s Lozman v. City of Riviera Beach Decision (2013)
- Recovery of Damages for Gross Negligence under the LHWCA (2013)
- Does the Collateral Source Rule Apply to the Recovery of Maintenance and Cure by a Jones Act Seaman? (2012)
- What Constitutes a “Vessel” under the LHWCA and Why is it Important for the Dual Capacity Doctrine? (2006)