O’Bryon Schnabel & Africk 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, OS&A lawyers pride themselves on building lasting relationships with clients.
Ms. Schnabel is the managing director of OS&A, 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.
Born and raised in the River Parishes, Geoffrey Michel is a 2007 graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business. He obtained his Juris Doctorate degree in 2010 from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law. Upon admission to the bar in October of 2010, he was offered and accepted a position as a judicial law clerk in the Fortieth Judicial District for the Honorable Mary Hotard Becnel. During his time as a law clerk, he researched civil and criminal matters as well as drafted rulings, judgments, orders, and opinions.
After twenty eight years of representing the State of Louisiana, Sherry Watters returned to private practice in 2013 and joined OS&A. Before and during her state service, she practiced in criminal, civil and juvenile courts, with a particular emphasis in appellate practice.
McKenna brings a passion for excellence to our firm. Her dedication to providing exceptional legal services aligns perfectly with our values, and we are confident that she will play a crucial role in contributing to the success of our clients.
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.