OB&S lawyers come from diverse backgrounds and experience to bring real-world solutions to complex problems. We have experience in state and federal courts throughout Louisiana and beyond. Acknowledged by our peers and clients as thoughtful, talented, and resourceful, OB&S lawyers pride themselves on building lasting relationships with clients.
Ms. Schnabel is the managing director of OB&S, and a past president of both the New Orleans Bar Association and the Louisiana State Bar Association. She has been recognized by Super Lawyers as one of Louisiana’s Top 25 Women Litigators.
Kevin O’Bryon is a seasoned litigator whose success has been recognized both by Super Lawyers and an AV rating in Martindale. He advises corporate and insurance clients on business and litigation matters. A past president of the New Orleans Association of Defense Counsel, he is a frequent lecturer on insurance coverage, professional malpractice, and toxic tort issues. He is the chair of the LSBA Legal Malpractice Insurance Committee.
William Africk a partner with the firm focuses on litigating matters in the areas of casualty and personal injury, products liability, toxic exposures and environmental losses. With experience handling expert testimony, Mr. Africk excels at applying the law to the pertinent facts while disregarding other inflammatory information which requires nimble questioning, overpreparation and cost-conscious creative problem solving. He utilizes his background as a Public Defender and a law clerk in the Civil District Court for the Parish of New Orleans to advise his clients on the most practical, cost effective, and successful outcome.
Alvin ‘Al’ Bordelon became “Of Counsel” after a storied career in the law. Having clerked in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, Al joined Monroe & Lemann, where he became a partner. In 1981, he founded Walker & Bordelon, which grew to become Bordelon, Hamlin & Theriot. After Hurricane Katrina, the firm reconstituted as Bordelon, Theriot & Abrams until 2019, when Al and his partner, Andrew Abrams, joined O’Bryon & Schnabel.
After twenty eight years of representing the State of Louisiana, Sherry Watters returned to private practice in 2013 and joined OB&S. Before and during her state service, she practiced in criminal, civil and juvenile courts, with a particular emphasis in appellate practice.
Jean Melançon has been "Of Counsel" to O'Bryon & Schnabel since 2012, bringing his vast experience in maritime and tort litigation, as well as real property development law to the firm. He is a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association and the Maritime Law Association of the United States.