Mr. Johnston practices in a number of areas, including marine, energy and environmental litigation, defense of casualty claims for primary and excess underwriters, and claims arising under insurance, intellectual property, construction and entertainment law. He has successfully tried numerous cases in both federal and state courts and has been lead counsel on multiple high dollar value arbitrations.
As a civil litigator Mr. Johnston has tried cases involving significant personal injuries as well as complex commercial cases involving business disputes. He has further tried cases arising under the Jones Act, the Longshore and Harbor Worker’s Compensation Act and General Maritime Law. He has additionally tried cases involving pollution, toxic torts, environmental claims, ship construction and insurance coverage issues. He has further litigated construction claims, cases involving vessel collisions, wreck removal and products liability.
Mr. Johnston has prosecuted complaints for exoneration from or limitation of liability involving major marine casualties and pollution events. He is highly experienced in matters involving maritime liens and arrests of vessels. He has also successfully litigated contractual disputes and intellectual property cases involving copyrights and trademarks. Mr. Johnston additionally has handled commercial transactions, including the negotiation of charter parties and berthing agreements. He has also negotiated recording contracts, producer contracts and management agreements for clients in the entertainment industry. He has assisted clients with copyright and trademark registration and protection, music publishing, and the formation of business entities.
Furthermore, Mr. Johnston routinely assists clients in a wide range of transactional matters, and is highly experienced in the review and negotiation of contracts, with a particular focus on agreements in the oil and gas industry.
Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, February 28, 1968. Education: University of Georgia (B.A., cum laude, with general honors, 1990). Tulane Law School (J.D., cum laude, 1993). Member: New Orleans, Louisiana State, Federal and American Bar Association.
