Alan J. Berteau

Alan Berteau defends major energy companies faced with complex and class action litigation involving damage claims allegedly resulting from oil and gas exploration and production operations, commercial disputes, chemical exposure claims, and industrial accidents. Over many decades of practice, Alan earned his impressive track record of favorable outcomes in defending class actions and mass torts asserting claims of long-term exposure, air releases, and groundwater and/or soil contamination.

Since legacy mitigation began nearly three decades ago, Alan has and continues to successfully defend these high-stakes claims – often valued from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars in dispute – for Fortune 5 to 500 companies. His longevity in defending legacy claims results in short- and long-term tactical legal strategy that often persuades judges and juries in his client’s favor, which then impacts the entire docket of the other legacy claims going forward. Alan is also actively involved in defending energy companies against the new wave of coastal claims involving Louisiana’s wetlands.

Regardless of the scope, size, or complexity of the legacy lawsuit at hand, Alan brings a level of experience and perspective to understanding the intricacies of these claims and can often provide spot-on analysis of potential outcomes.

In addition to legacy lawsuits, Alan has proven, again and again, his ability to defend major class actions and mass torts involving such issues as long-term exposure, air releases, and groundwater or soil contamination. As a litigation strategist, Alan brings particular skill to anticipating problems before they can occur. He believes in designing legal solutions that make sense for every distinct client he serves while also mitigating the potential for “surprises” through meticulous case planning and execution. Alan is very effective at trial and on appeal due to his vast experience in written and oral arguments. Over the course of his career, Alan has mastered the art of catching the court’s attention while also preserving the case for appeal if needed.

It is no surprise that Alan effectively leverages technology when managing complex lawsuits with many moving parts and constituents. From mapping and litigation support software to the management and prosecution of class actions with 10,000+ plaintiffs and other document-intensive litigation, Alan brings the requisite know-how to effectively streamline electronic discovery and compliance, electronically stored information (ESI), electronic information management, and retention and destructive policies and protocol.