About L.
L. Etienne Balart: Leading Maritime and Construction Litigation Attorney in New Orleans
L. Etienne "Etienne" Balart is a seasoned and highly respected partner at a leading law firm, providing expert legal counsel in the complex areas of maritime law, energy law, and construction litigation. With over 25 years of experience – including a year as a law clerk to the Honorable W. Eugene Davis of the US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit – Etienne Balart is a trusted advisor and relentless advocate for his clients. He is a recognized leader within the firm, co-leading the firm’s extensive Latin America working group and consistently delivering exceptional results in high-stakes disputes.
Etienne’s deep expertise spans a wide range of legal challenges, from intricate commercial disputes and vessel seizures to complex limitation of liability actions and sophisticated indemnity disputes. He is adept at identifying and quantifying risks associated with litigation and negotiations, skillfully crafting strategies to achieve the most favorable outcomes for his clients. His comprehensive understanding of the energy and maritime industries, combined with his litigation expertise, makes him a uniquely qualified legal counsel.
Key Strengths & Experience: Etienne’s practice is built on a foundation of meticulous investigation, strategic thinking, and aggressive advocacy. He’s routinely involved in multi- and single-claim limitation of liability actions, third-party state and Outer Continental Shelf platform claims, vessel collisions and allisions, and a broad spectrum of commercial disputes. He’s particularly renowned for his proficiency in navigating the intricacies of anti-indemnity statutes and cargo claims, securing favorable resolutions for his clients.
Transactional Expertise: Beyond litigation, Etienne provides invaluable transactional support, drafting and meticulously reviewing critical contracts within the maritime and energy sectors. His experience encompasses a diverse portfolio of agreements, including master service contracts, drilling contracts, vessel charter parties, towage contracts, and vessel construction contracts. He also advises clients on crucial regulatory compliance matters, vessel documentation, certification issues, and related legal considerations, ensuring adherence to all applicable laws and regulations.
Construction Litigation Specialization: Etienne’s practice extends significantly into the construction industry, representing owners, general contractors, and subcontractors in a variety of complex litigation and commercial disputes. He is particularly well-versed in Louisiana Public Bid Law disputes, skillfully handling arbitrations and state and federal court cases involving common construction challenges such as cost overrun, design errors, defective specifications, delay in construction claims, change orders, and payment disputes. His proactive approach and deep understanding of construction practices ensure his clients receive the strongest possible defense.
Litigation Experience: Etienne’s litigation experience encompasses numerous areas, including:
- Commercial Disputes
- Insurance Coverage Issues
- Vessel Seizures
- Maritime Personal Injuries
- Multi- and Single-Claim Limitation of Liability Actions
- Third-Party State and Outer Continental Shelf Platform Claims
- Vessel Collisions and Allisions
- Indemnity Disputes and Applications of Anti-Indemnity Statutes
- Cargo Claims
Education & Credentials:
- Practice Areas: Admiralty and Maritime Law, Energy Law, Litigation - Construction, Transportation Law
- Awards & Recognition: Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2021; Recognized in Best Attorney USA for Admiralty and Maritime Law; Recognized in Best Attorney USA for Energy Law; Recognized in Best Attorney USA for Litigation – Construction; Recognized in Best Attorney USA for Transportation Law
- Bar Admissions: Admitted to the practice of law in Louisiana
- Education: Law Clerk, Honorable W. Eugene Davis, US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit (1997)
Contact Information: Etienne Balart is based in New Orleans, Louisiana, and serves clients throughout the United States. He is committed to providing strategic legal solutions and achieving successful outcomes for his clients. He is a dedicated and experienced legal professional focused on delivering exceptional service and achieving favorable results.
