On the coverage side, Jonathan routinely handles matters involving subcontractor default, fidelity, D&O, CGL, professional liability, and property coverage lines. His specialty includes defending insurers in high-stakes coverage matters involving construction, oil and gas, and bad faith claims.
On the surety side, Jonathan handles performance and payment bond matters through the lifecycle of the claim, with a particular focus on the oil and gas and construction sectors. As part of this practice, he regularly handles bankruptcy creditor claims and indemnity actions.
Jonathan’s practice also includes representation of contractors, engineers, and architects in construction liability claims.
Regardless of the nature of the case, his focus is on providing his clients with impeccable legal services while ensuring that their goals are accomplished in the most efficient way possible.
Prior to becoming a lawyer, Jonathan earned a Ph.D. in Applied Biopsychology, where his research focused on the assessment of brain injury and chronic pain claimants involved in litigation. When not practicing law, he enjoys staying active and spending time with his family.
J.D., magna cum laude, Tulane University Law School
Ph.D., Applied Biopsychology, University of New Orleans
B.S., Evergreen State
All Louisiana State Courts
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
U.S. District Courts for the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of Louisiana
U.S. District Court for the Northern and Southern District of Texas
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
Corvias Construction, LLC; Corvias Construction Partners, LLC; and Airborne Communities, LLC v. Steadfast Insurance Company (AAA CASE NO. 01-23-0002-4401). Defense of a subcontractor default insurer on a claim seeking over $5 million in relation to construction of military housing on Fort Bragg. Jonathan served as lead trial counsel for a 3-day arbitration that resulted in complete exoneration of Steadfast.
Patriot Construction, LLC v. Herc Solutions USA, et al. (113th JDC, Harris County, TX 2023). Defense of a surety against a lawsuit brought by the project owner and subcontractors seeking in excess of $20 million on performance and payment bond claims in connection with alleged defaults on a mixed commercial and residential project in Houston, Texas. After a six-week trial, the parties reached a favorable settlement on the performance bond claims.
Plenary Infrastructure Belle Chase v. Aspen American Insurance Company (E.D. La.). Lead trial counsel for defense of a surety on a performance bond claim where the obligee was demanding over $2 million. After successful motion practice on behalf of Aspen the matter was resolved on very favorable terms for the defense.
Museum Plaza, LLC, v. Steadfast Insurance Company, et al., (Case No. CGC09490976, San Francisco, CA 2024). Defense of a subcontractor default insurer on a claim seeking over $6 million. The matter was resolved ahead of trial for a favorable settlement.
Washington Gardens, LLC v. General Star Indemnity Company (EDLA 23-7088). Served as lead trial counsel defending an insurer on a property coverage claim involving a partial collapse of an apartment building seeking over $2 million. The matter was resolved before trial on a favorable settlement.
Cane River Waterway Comm. v. Womack & Sons Construction Group, Inc. et al. (10th JDC, La. 2018). Defense of a surety against a lawsuit brought by the project owner seeking over $5.8 million on claims that a high-volume river water pump and filtration system did not perform as intended. Jonathan served as lead trial counsel and took the lead on addressing engineering design issues and obtained a favorable settlement resulting in no loss to the surety.
Opelousas Hotel Group, LLC v. DDG Construction, Inc., et al. (W.D. La. 2018). Defense of a structural engineer against claims brought by a project owner seeking over $7 million in damages for alleged defects in design and construction of a hotel. The matter was resolved with a favorable settlement resulting in no loss to the structural engineer.
Ochsner Clinic Found. v. Lexington Ins. Co., Civ. Action No. 15-2313 (E.D. La. 2016). Defense of an insurer in a complex first-party claim seeking over $20 million for property damages, loss of revenue, and bad faith arising from the collapse of a building being renovated into a primary care facility for the hospital. A settlement was reached after the court granted partial summary judgment in favor of Lexington.
Myers v. Welch, 233 So.3d 49 (La. App. 1 Cir. 2017). Defense of an insurer against a $4 million wrongful death claim. The court granted summary judgment on coverage and dismissed all claims, with the ruling affirmed on appeal.
Petroplex Int’l, LLC v. St. James Parish et al., 158 F. Supp. 3d 537 (E.D. La. 2016). Defense of St. James Parish against challenges to the constitutionality of a land use ordinance and claims of due process violations in connection with a proposed $800 million oil tank farm facility. The court granted summary judgment affirming the validity of land use ordinance and denied a preliminary injunction against the Parish after a three-day bench trial.
Washington v. South Gateway Tire, Civ. Action No. 2012-7943 (12th JDC, La. 2012). Defense of a claim for over $10 million relating to alleged injuries and punitive damages following a rollover accident. The court partially dismissed the punitive damage claim on summary judgment and the jury returned a favorable verdict after a one-week trial.
American Bar Association
Louisiana State Bar Association
New Orleans Bar Association