Stone Pigman Walther Wittmann L.L.C.

Bankruptcy

Stone Pigman has substantial experience in all aspects of bankruptcy, financial restructurings and the enforcement of creditors' rights.  We regularly represent creditors, debtors and committees in proceedings throughout Louisiana. The firm's involvement in complex reorganization and liquidation cases has included the prosecution and defense of significant bankruptcy-related claims.

We frequently represent secured lenders in Chapter 11 proceedings.  Our Bankruptcy Practice Group has obtained Chapter 11 relief for publicly-traded entities and other corporations.  We have also defeated attempts by bond holders and others to bring involuntary bankruptcy proceedings against publicly-traded companies.  We have also been retained to enforce our clients' rights to payment under confirmed Chapter 11 plans.

We have represented lender groups in construction loan mortgage disputes, and have also successfully defended our clients against multi-million dollar lender liability claims. We also defend clients against preference claims brought by bankruptcy trustees and liquidating agents.

Outside of bankruptcy, firm lawyers regularly represent both debtors and creditors in connection with out-of-court restructurings, and we often provide counseling in transactional matters with respect to actual and potential insolvency issues. We also represent local and national lenders and landlords in the protection and enforcement of their contract rights, including the prosecution of foreclosure and eviction actions in state and federal courts.  Our attorneys have regularly represented lenders in foreclosure proceedings to enforce mortgage and security interests in hotels, commercial office buildings, multifamily apartments, and other real estate. We also assist clients in exercise rights in equipment and other collateral under the Louisiana UCC.

In view of the diverse nature of the issues that can arise in all of these areas, the firm utilizes a "team" approach in most engagements. This approach permits the firm, when necessary, to supplement the experience of its bankruptcy and business litigation lawyers with that of lawyers practicing in other areas, including banking, construction, corporate and securities, environmental, finance, intellectual property, real estate and tax.

Some representative matters our Bankruptcy Practice Group has handled include:

• The firm represented the interests of an officer and co-founder (who was also a substantial creditor and equity owner) of a publicly-traded company in a Chapter 11 bankruptcy which involved a "loan to own" lender and numerous adversary proceedings involving our client.  The firm successfully opposed confirmation of the initial plan after a week-long confirmation hearing.
• The firm represented a local tourism company through its Chapter 11 filing, handling debtors and litigation relating to the company's tour, hotel, and airport shuttle businesses.
• The firm represented a national business finance company in connection with a Chapter 11 case filed by a national lighting service company. After extensive litigation concerning the client's collateral, which consisted of approximately $60 million in payment rights under several thousand lighting service contracts, the case was resolved through confirmation of a consensual plan of reorganization. Since the resolution of the Chapter 11 case, the firm has continued to represent this client in enforcing its rights under many of the lighting service contracts.
• The firm was retained to protect and enforce the rights of a national construction company in connection with the Chapter 11 filing of the owner/developer of a $100 million luxury hotel. Through hard-fought litigation concerning the validity of the client's security interest in the hotel property, this client's claim was resolved by a favorable settlement.

Criminal Defense and Government Investigations

Stone Pigman's Criminal Defense and Government Investigations Practice Group represents individuals and businesses identified as witnesses, targets, victims, or defendants in criminal and regulatory enforcement matters, including SEC investigations.  Whether assisting in responding to a grand jury subpoena, mounting a defense, or defending a client at trial, the firm has worked with federal and state enforcement agencies and beyond to assist clients in navigating the criminal justice system.

Our knowledge of the white collar criminal defense practice can assist individuals and businesses targeted by government investigations, including those charged with securities fraud, corruption, mail or wire fraud, money laundering, health care fraud, racketeering, environmental crimes, and maritime offenses.  We assist clients during grand jury proceedings, immunity negotiations, plea negotiations, trial, and appeal.  We have managed complex federal and state court litigation related to criminal investigations.  We have experience representing clients in cases initiated by federal agencies, including the United States Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as by various state agencies, U.S. Attorney's Offices, state Attorneys' General, and local district attorneys. 

In addition to responding to and assisting with all types of government investigations, we also coordinate and conduct internal investigations.  We work with clients on risk assessments and compliance programs, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, in order to reduce the risk of civil litigation and criminal exposure. 

The Stone Pigman Employment Group represents major corporations, regional companies, local businesses, and public employers. On behalf of both private and public entities, we have appeared in a broad variety of judicial and arbitral bodies, as well as regulatory and agency tribunals including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission, the United States Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division, Labor Arbitrators and the Louisiana Civil Service Commission.

Our primary services include (1) the representation and defense of employers in adversarial proceedings relating to Title VII, discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination, wrongful discipline and related torts; (2) advising clients regarding employment policies, wage and hour matters, hiring, firing, employee discipline and leaves of absence, Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and workplace investigations; and (3) drafting, negotiating and advising clients regarding employment agreements, consulting agreements, non-competition agreements, confidentiality agreements, intellectual property rights agreements and employee manuals/handbooks.

We have a record of successful representation in all three service areas.  Representative matters include:

• Defense of Railway Company of Claim by EEOC. Defending a railway company against a $5 million claim brought by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on behalf of current and former employees alleging race discrimination and retaliation in violation of Title VII and the Civil Rights Act of 1991.
• Defense of Multiple Nursing Homes in Simultaneous Proceedings. Representing a group of seven nursing homes and related parties in simultaneously-running administrative and judicial proceedings brought by the Department of Labor for alleged violations of the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
• Defense of Public Agency. Defending a public employer in lawsuits brought by former employees alleging constitutional violations, Family Medical Leave Act violations, Louisiana Whistleblower Act claims and Louisiana Wage Payment Law claims.
• Defense of Military Equipment Manufacturer. Defending a military equipment manufacturer in a breach of contract suit brought by a former sales executive.
• Defense of Major Shipping Company. Representing a major shipping company in a collective action asserting violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
• Defense of Civil Service Claims. Defending a public employer in numerous employee appeals to the Louisiana Civil Service Commission and in state court.
• Defense of EEOC Claims. Advising and defending numerous clients in responding to charges of discrimination brought before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
• Defense of OSHA Claims. Representing a variety of health care companies and a building management company before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
• Defense of ERISA Claims. Defending Employment Retirement Income Security Act claims seeking to recover monies allegedly due under the terms of defined benefit plans.
• Defense of Various Other Types of Employers Against Various Claims. Representing various employers, including an automobile dealer, a health care center, law firms, a sports team and others, in lawsuits alleging constructive discharge or violations of the Family Medical Leave Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Louisiana Whistleblower Statute or the Louisiana Wage Penalty laws.
• Drafting of Incentive Compensation Plan for Public Company. Drafting an employee (and non-employee director) incentive compensation plan for a publicly-held company.
• Drafting and Negotiating Employment Contracts. Drafting and negotiating employment contracts, including executive employment contracts, for employers in various industries, including oil and gas exploration, containerized transportation, continuing care retirement and others.
• Drafting and Negotiating Other Employment-Related Contracts. Drafting and negotiating non-competition, non-solicitation, non-interference, non-disclosure/confidentiality and intellectual property rights provisions in employment, consulting and other agreements for employers in a variety of industries.
• Employment Advice Across Numerous Industries. Routinely advising various employers regarding employment contracts, employment policies, work place investigations and discharge practices and issues.

Intellectual property is a dynamic and complex area of the law. Cutting-edge IP practice requires the kind of acumen and depth of experience that Stone Pigman lawyers bring to the table. Our practice encompasses virtually every aspect of trademark, unfair competition, copyright, trade secret and false advertising law, applied to new technology as well as in more traditional contexts. We also represent clients in a broad array of matters relating to patent rights. Whether litigating claims of infringement or licensing disputes, negotiating and drafting licenses and other contracts, or assisting in decision-making about and protection and enhancement of IP assets, Stone Pigman's Intellectual Property Practice Group provides the highest quality legal service.

Our clients are diverse, ranging from local start-ups to established international businesses, and coming from a wide array of industries, including manufacturing, wholesale distribution, entertainment, franchising, home furnishings, professional sports, higher education, medical research, alternative energy, insurance, banking, restaurant, software development, non-profit, and many others. 

 The firm's practice in this area spans four decades, but the following are representative examples of IP work we have accomplished for clients:

• New Orleans Saints. Represented the New Orleans Saints and the National Football League in a controversial case involving the ownership of the phrase "Who Dat."
• Coffee Trademark Infringement. Defended Green Mountain Coffee Roasters in a trademark infringement lawsuit brought by Community Coffee relating to Green Mountain's "Taste of Community" community spaces revitalization grant program.
• Pharmaceutical Licensing Issues.  Prosecuted litigation to successful settlement on behalf of a major national research university against pharmaceutical companies for breach of licensing and other agreements, correction of inventorship and related claims arising out of pharmaceutical research venture.
• Pizza Advertising.  Defended Papa John's® Pizza slogan in a false advertisement suit alleging that Papa John's advertising slogan violated the false advertising laws.
• Obtained by Consent Decree in federal court a permanent injunction prohibiting trade name/service mark infringement in litigation on behalf of Clockwork IP and Mister Sparky Franchising, national franchisors of electrical repair, installation and related contracting services for residential and commercial customers.
• Procured remand to state court of lawsuit removed based on a counterclaim seeking to assert claims for copyright infringement against C & C Boatworks based upon the use of allegedly copyrighted plans to manufacture ocean-going vessels and furnishing such plans to inspectors as required for regulatory purposes.
• Represented Shurfine Foods, in a federal lawsuit that resulted in entry of a consent judgment against the declaratory action plaintiff prohibiting it from (among other things) using the name SUREPHARMACY in connection with pharmacy services and any other marks confusingly similar to those of our client.
• Assisted an affiliate of LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, Inc. in resolving a trademark infringement dispute.
• Successfully obtained a permanent injunction in federal litigation on behalf of Goodwill International prohibiting trademark, service mark, and trademark infringement of its registered GOODWILL mark.
• Acted as intellectual property counsel for national franchisor of group art instruction outlets, Painting With a Twist and its affiliate, Corks N Canvas, from inception in 2008, as it has grown to over 60 franchises, furnishing trademark, copyright and related advice, trademark clearance, registration, policing, and copyright registration services, and representing the companies as plaintiffs in litigation relating to domain name, trademark, copyright, and false advertising issues.
• Served as local counsel in patent infringement litigation, representing Nordex, Inc., manufacturer of alternative energy devices, and Innovention, manufacturer of high-tech games.
• Defended Smart Deals, Inc. and JoJo Designs, national manufacturer and distributor of infant and toddler products, in federal trademark infringement litigation and successfully procured transfer of case to the client's domicile on grounds of forum non conveniens.
• Drafting and negotiating the following types of agreements on behalf of clients: software licenses, trademark and trade secret licenses, supply and product development agreements, and patent and trademark license agreements.

Stone Pigman's reputation was built in the courtroom. We have a long history of successfully representing businesses, both large and small, in a wide variety of lawsuits and claims, including disputes concerning contracts, real estate development and land use, landlord-tenant issues and property rights. We also have extensive experience in business tort cases involving RICO, unfair trade practices and trade secrets. Our practice of putting together teams of lawyers, including lawyers from our Business Section, has proved particularly useful to our clients engaged in defending or pursuing intra-company disputes.

Our experienced Business Litigation Group takes on many of the most significant and complex commercial litigation cases in the region.  Clients range from local business owners and individuals to Fortune 100 companies - and our trial experience ranges from contract disputes to the most complex commercial matters.  Our litigators' depth of knowledge and experience, preparation, and courtroom skills set us apart from the competition.

When you need reliable, efficient attorneys to handle your routine business matters, we can ably fulfill that need.  And when you need counsel for unique and high-risk matters, our litigation team can provide that representation.  We focus on your business objectives while quickly and efficiently representing your legal interests.  This may call for negotiation and mediation, or for aggressive and proactive discovery and motion practice.  We will work with you to defend your interests, prosecute claims on your behalf, and represent you vigorously at all stages of the litigation.

We recognize that litigation means lost time and profits for our clients.  We focus on avoiding drawn-out disputes, and instead focus on targeted discovery and meaningful substantive motions, settlement opportunities, and alternative dispute resolution choices.

Some representative matters our Commercial and Complex Litigation attorneys have handled include:

Defended Consulting Service Group, L.L.C. ("CSG") and a former member/investment advisor in a complex securities law dispute filed by three public service Louisiana pension funds. CSG formerly served as the investment consultant for the pension funds, which asserted breach of contract and unfair trade practices claims against CSG due to a collective $100 million loss arising from investments in a hedge fund. Following extensive litigation over jurisdictional issues, the firm secured a summary judgment to dismiss the plaintiff's claim six weeks before a jury trial was set to commence.

Represented the New Orleans Building Corporation ("NOBC") in a lawsuit over an award of a contract to redevelop the New Orleans World Trade Center building. A losing bidder sued the NOBC and the City of New Orleans, seeking a TRO, injunction and declaratory judgment to prevent the award to the winning bidder. The trial court denied plaintiff's motion for preliminary injunction, and the Louisiana Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal affirmed that judgment in April 2016. In November 2016, after further proceedings in the trial court, the judge dismissed the remaining claims and the Fourth Circuit unanimously affirmed the dismissal.

• Successfully represented a national computer network services company in a suit for breach of a $200+ million public contract governed by the Federal Acquisition Regulations filed by the State of Louisiana with the ultimate result of a dismissal of the State's $17 million counterclaim, an agreement on a termination for convenience claim and a $25+ million arbitration award in favor of the client.

Represented Auto Auctions Corporation ("IAA"), which auctions total lost vehicles, in a negligent spoliation of evidence claim. The plaintiff was injured in a car accident and asserted a products liability claim against the manufacturer of his vehicle and negligent spoliation of evidence claims against his insurer and IAA, alleging they failed to preserve his car for use as evidence. Secured a dismissal of the claim against IAA in the district court, which was affirmed by the Louisiana 1st Circuit Court of Appeal. Due to conflicting decisions in the state appellate courts on the negligent spoliation of evidence, the Louisiana Supreme Court granted writs to determine the issue. Successfully argued that recognition of an independent tort cause of action based on spoliation of evidence would be inconsistent with the evolution of state jurisprudence and undesirable for a number of public policy reasons. The Supreme Court agreed and held that there is no cause of action for negligent spoliation of evidence in LA.

Represented Sid-Mar’s, a long-established restaurant, in a takings case arising from the State’s 2006 commandeering of the land on which the restaurant sat for construction of a hurricane protection project in New Orleans. State court issued judgments in favor of our clients, awarding nearly $4 million in compensation for the taking, including attorneys’ fees and costs, plus interest.

Appointed liaison counsel for major homebuilders who were sued and who themselves have claims against Chinese manufacturers of drywall. The firm also represented numerous individual builders and installers and an international home improvement retailer in the multi-district litigation in the Eastern District of Louisiana.

• In state court, represented the managing partners and 50% owners of a $100+ million retail, commercial and residential development in a suit brought by the other partner for dissolution of the partnership and for damages alleged to have resulted from mismanagement.
• Successfully defended a major motion picture actor/director/producer in a federal jury trial involving $18 million claims of securities law violations and fraud brought by investors, including actor Stephen Baldwin, in an oil-spill-remediation technology corporation.
• Represented a Louisiana Succession in several litigation matters relating to significant land and mineral interests in northwest Louisiana in the Haynesville Shale area.  The firm has represented the Succession in successfully sustaining on appeal a multi-million dollar judgment nullifying certain business transactions affecting hundreds of acres of land and mineral interests and certain corporate and LLC membership interests. The firm continues to represent the Succession in ongoing disputes relating to those interests, involving claims of fraud, breach of fiduciary duty and mismanagement, as well as, challenging an excessive attorney fee arrangement with their former counsel.
• In federal court, Stone Pigman obtained summary judgment in favor of a national law firm in a $5 million lawsuit by a former client alleging civil RICO and state-law claims.
• Represented an investment consulting firm in a lawsuit in Louisiana arising out of the failure of a Morgan Keegan bond fund. The litigation involved claims of securities law violations as well as state law claims of fraud, deceptive trade practices, negligence and detrimental reliance.
• In the Louisiana trial and lower appellate courts as well as the Louisiana Supreme Court, Stone Pigman successfully represented a major national research university in a dispute that arose out of the university's decision to merge its seven undergraduate colleges into a unified undergraduate college.
• Represented a local apartment complex owner in litigation with contractors following disputes regarding contractual performance and interpretation of payment clauses in multi-million dollar repair contracts following hurricane damages to the complex.

The Real Estate Practice Group offers a full range of services for all aspects of real estate acquisitions and dispositions, financing, leasing, land use, construction, environmental law, insurance, and tax.  Our clients benefit from our lawyers' significant experience in structuring, documenting, and concluding complex projects and, when necessary, litigating on their behalf.  Seasoned Stone Pigman lawyers have used their talents to help clients with traditional office and retail projects, mixed-use developments, industrial, utility and port facilities, sports, hospitality and leisure projects, residential developments, and public/private partnerships.

Stone Pigman lawyers have an in-depth understanding of the unique issues of Louisiana law and how to achieve the desired results under local law.  For that reason, Stone Pigman is frequently the local counsel of choice for national and international businesses coming into Louisiana to develop or finance projects involving real estate, and the firm is often called on to serve as local counsel to borrowers and lenders in multi-state lending transactions.  In addition, members of the Real Estate Practice Group often team up with members of the Bankruptcy and Creditors' Rights Practice Group to represent clients in loan work-outs, restructuring, foreclosures, insolvency matters, and acquisitions of distressed properties.

Representative projects of the Real Estate Practice Group include:

• Saints/Benson Tower/Champions Square.  Stone Pigman has served as lead counsel to the New Orleans Saints and Zelia, LLC, an entity owned by the family of team owner Tom Benson, in connection with the team's leases for the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and its suburban training facility and the acquisition and redevelopment of a mixed-use office and retail project adjacent to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.  The firm represented the team in renegotiating its Superdome lease for an extended term (so as to permit the award of the 2013 Super Bowl to the City of New Orleans).  The firm also represented Zelia in connection with the acquisition and redevelopment of the mixed-use project now known as Benson Tower and Champions Square.  Since that time, the firm has continued to represent both the team and Zelia in ongoing negotiations with the Mercedes-Benz Superdome governing authority and the financing, redevelopment and leasing of Benson Tower and Champions Square, a fan gathering area and entertainment zone that is an adjunct to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and the New Orleans Arena.  As part of the complex financial structure of the project, Zelia entered into a payment in lieu of taxes sale and leaseback transaction and two new markets tax credit loans.
• Pelicans.  Stone Pigman represented the purchaser of the New Orleans Hornets (now renamed the New Orleans Pelicans) National Basketball Association franchise in lease negotiations with the New Orleans Arena.  The lease was restated to extend its term, address upgrades to the Arena, provide funding for a new team training facility and modify the parties' rights with respect to advertising and signage. The firm continues to represent the Hornets in various matters.
• University Stadium.  Through a multi-disciplinary real estate and litigation team, Stone Pigman represented a major national research university in connection with its new on-campus stadium.
• Saenger Theatre.  The firm represented the Canal Street Development Corporation ("CSDC"), a public benefit corporation owned by the City of New Orleans, in the financing and redevelopment of the historic Saenger Theatre in downtown New Orleans.  The financing for this unique project combined HUD Community Development Block Grant funds loaned by the CSDC, federal new markets tax credits, federal and state historic rehabilitation tax credits and Louisiana live performing arts tax credits, and the project received HUD approval for "lump sum" CDBG funding to leverage new markets tax credits. The firm continues to represent CSDC in connection with ongoing matters related to the ownership, leasing and redevelopment of the property.
• Historic Retail.  Members of the practice group represented Circle Food Stores, Inc. in connection with the redevelopment of one of New Orleans' iconic institutions.  The financing of the redevelopment of the store was a complex mix of governmental grants and loans, a New Markets Tax Credit loan, federal and state historic tax credit investments and traditional bank financing.  Members of the Tax Practice Group brought their expertise to this project, as well.
• Plant Sale. Through a cross-disciplinary real estate and litigation team, Stone Pigman represented a Finnish company in its sale of a decommissioned plant in Shreveport, Louisiana.
• Hospitality.  The firm represented an affiliate of Laurus Corp., a California real estate investment and development firm, in its purchase of the Ramada Inn and Suites near the New Orleans airport. The firm represented the buyer, which rebranded the hotel as a Holiday Inn Express.
• Parking. Members of the practice group represented the owner of the prime, multi-block parking facility in the French Quarter in connection with the refinancing of its mortgage loan from a life insurance company.
• Terminaling Facility. The firm served as local counsel to an international letter of credit bank in connection with the bond financing for the acquisition and redevelopment of a terminaling facility on the Mississippi River in Ascension Parish.
• Retail Lending. Stone Pigman represented a large national lender in connection with a construction loan and mezzanine loan for the expansion of a regional shopping center in suburban New Orleans.
• Hospitality.  The firm has served as lead counsel to an ownership and development company in the acquisition, redevelopment and financing of several of the major hotels in the New Orleans market, including the Windsor Court Hotel, Royal Orleans Hotel, Loews New Orleans Hotel and Wyndham Riverfront Hotel.
• Construction.  Stone Pigman represents a third-generation heavy construction business based in Southeast Louisiana in a variety of real-estate related matters necessary for the company's operations.  Most recently, members of the practice group have been working with the company to regularize its process for securing gravel rights over extensive acreage in rural Louisiana, including crafting a series of form documents for use by the company and troubleshooting lease negotiations. In addition, members of the practice group have represented an affiliate of the company in disposing of properties along the Intracoastal Waterway.
• Gaming. Stone Pigman has represented an international casino operator in real estate acquisition, financing, land use, construction and development of riverboat casino and related properties throughout Louisiana, including Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, Bossier City and Harvey.
• Fast Food. The firm represents the owners of real estate underlying 99 Burger King® restaurants in five Gulf Coast states, plus the Kansas City market, and a number of Chili's® restaurants in western states in a variety of financing, lease and expropriation matters.
• Hydroelectric Plant. Stone Pigman represents the developer, lessee and operator of a hydroelectric plant on the Old River Control Structure of the Mississippi River in ongoing financing and participant issues.
• Preservation.  Stone Pigman has served as lead counsel for the owners of Cat Island off the coast of Gulfport, Mississippi.  The firm represented the sellers in a series of transactions resulting in the sale of approximately half of the island to a national conservation organization. That portion of the island was then re-conveyed to the National Park Service and is now part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore.  The firm also represented the sellers in another transaction in which BP bought a large portion of the remainder of Cat Island. That transaction included payment for release of Cat Island damage claims arising out of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
• Natural Resources.  The firm represented a forest products company in its sale of approximately 91,000 acres of timberlands in Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas, with a reservation of timber harvesting rights and a multi-layer reservation of mineral rights. The firm is continuing to represent the company in the management and leasing of its reserved minerals.
• Retail. Stone Pigman represented the developer in the purchase and financing of property on which a dark Wal-Mart store is located and the negotiation of a lease agreement with Walgreens for the development of a new store on the site, subject to termination of the existing Wal-Mart lease.
• Financing.  Members of the practice group served as Louisiana counsel to the bank group in a transportation company's restructuring of approximately $1.65 billion in debt owed to the bank group, its union pension funds and other lenders. The transaction involved three tiers of mortgage loans encumbering properties throughout the United States, five of which are located in Louisiana.
• Non-Profit.  Stone Pigman represented Lighthouse for the Blind in its $1.6 million purchase of a 7.8-acre manufacturing facility in Baton Rouge.  At least 50% of the manufacturing jobs will be held by the legally blind. Stone Pigman also assisted the client in obtaining a $1.5 million loan from the City of Baton Rouge and a $1.5 million grant from the State of Louisiana used for the acquisition, renovation and equipping of the site.
• Insurance and Environmental.  A cross-disciplinary team of litigation and real estate lawyers obtained a judgment on behalf of Icahn Enterprises, formerly known as American Real Estate Holdings, requiring its lessee, Entergy, to grant AREH access to the leased premises to conduct Phase II environmental site assessments.  The judgment also awarded AREH nearly $900,000 for the Katrina-related damage to one of the leased premises Entergy self-insured under the lease. In addition, the judgment awarded AREH interest, attorneys' fees, expenses and costs.
• Senior Living.  With members from both the Real Estate Practice Group and Health Care Practice Group, Stone Pigman recently represented an owner and operator of senior care facilities in its acquisition and financing of two assisted living facilities in the suburban New Orleans Northshore area. Firm members assisted the client not only with the real estate acquisition and financing, but also the licensing application and review process.
• Utilities.  Stone Pigman represented St. Tammany Parish in its acquisition of the sewerage and water system operated by Southeast Louisiana Water & Sewer Co., L.L.C.  This acquisition was an important second step in achieving the Parish's goal of regionalizing sewer and water service in unincorporated St. Tammany and improving environmental quality.  The purchase price was $36 million, and the cost of the acquisition and related expenses were financed with approximately $40 million in utility bonds issued by the Parish.  The acquired systems serve about 8,200 water customers and about 6,500 sewer customers.  The assets purchased by the Parish included 19 fee owned parcels, approximately 225 recorded servitude agreements, 27 active water wells, 31 sewer treatment plants and platted rights and facilities in roughly 135 subdivisions and service areas, in addition to facilities serving commercial customers. As part of the closing transactions, SELA was required to satisfy a federal plea agreement and significant fines due to both the EPA and DEQ.
• Utilities.  Before the SELA transaction, Stone Pigman represented the Parish of St. Tammany in the acquisition of the water and sewer treatment systems owned by Cross Gates, Inc. and its affiliates.  Previously, the Parish had been operating the system under a lease arrangement.  Financing for the acquisition was done through the issuance of bonds. A significant amount of title curative work was required before the sale could be concluded.
• Energy.  The firm has served as lead counsel to a Canadian energy company in connection with the development of proposed natural gas storage projects in southwest Louisiana and southeast Texas. The work has involved acquisition of the main sites and corresponding pipeline and related easements, due diligence, permitting and financing.
• Residential.  Stone Pigman has represented, as lead counsel, one of the region's leading single-family home builders in land acquisition, site development, financing and related matters.
• Bankruptcy. Stone Pigman served as lead counsel to a secured creditor in a Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding of an ethanol plant.
• Industrial. The firm represented the Pioneer chlorine plant and pipeline in Ascension and Iberville Parishes, Louisiana in connection with its financing matters.
• Industrial. The firm served as local counsel to a venture capital fund in its investment in a start-up company proposing to build electric cars in a former GM facility in Shreveport, Louisiana.