Andrew M. Stakelum

• Represented contractor in the construction of a heated pipeline system in Louisiana involving delay and defect claims
• Defended Louisiana manufacturing facility in 16 related lawsuits asserting environmental claims involving TCE and obtained complete defense verdicts at bellwether trials of first two plaintiffs
• Represented oil and gas company in recovering in excess of $100 million under surety bonds securing the decommissioning offshore facilities
• Defended multiple oil and gas companies against environmental lawsuits across Louisiana asserting claims for property damage due to historical oilfield operations
• Represented owner of renewable diesel facility in the successful recovery of significant damages due to delay and breaches of warranty obligations, while defeating contractor's claims for additional costs
• Represented multiple oil and gas companies in disputes involving joint operating agreements, including issues related to preferential rights, withdrawal and surrender rights, and audit rights
• Defended services company against breach of warranty and negligence claims arising out of the hydraulic fracturing of wells in the Willison and Delaware Basins
• Defended services company against the attempted confirmation of a purported $18 billion foreign arbitral award involving historical oilfield concessions in the Middle East
• Represented multiple oil and gas companies assess and mitigate risk to legacy decommissioning obligations for onshore and offshore wells, facilities, and mines
• Represented pipeline operator in cost recovery action under the Oil Pollution Act
• Represented vessel owner in the chartering of accommodation vessels in Brazil, Guyana, and West Africa.
• Defended oil and gas company alleged to have wrongfully redelivered a tanker vessel in breach of the vessel charter
• Represented oil and gas company in dispute involving early termination rights under an offshore drilling contract

Andrew Stakelum has represented clients in complex commercial and high-stakes tort disputes for the past 20 years. Andrew blends his first-chair trial lawyer experience with his keen business judgement to obtain results in the courtroom and the boardroom. He is recognized for helping clients in highly regulated industries, especially the energy industry spanning the oil and gas, power, and renewables sectors. He is a leading authority on decommissioning issues helping clients assess and mitigate risk through complex security arrangements and cost recovery.

Andrew frequently litigates onshore and offshore disputes involving operators, project developers, working interest owners, service companies, landowners, and governmental authorities.  His matters frequently involve the intersection of contract and tort law, and involve claims for economic, environmental, and other property damages.  Andrew regularly draws upon his extensive experience in maritime law and Louisiana’s civil law regime in the energy and refining industries.

Andrew approaches his matters with problem-solving mindset marrying industry experience, business judgment, first-chair trial experience.  Andrew’s national practice spans the U.S. in state and federal courts and arbitrations. He frequently speaks on energy and decommissioning related topics.