Stephen S. Kreller

Bar / Professional Activity

• Louisiana Association for Justice, Board of Governors, 2003 – Present
• Trial Lawyer College, Ranch Club Member, 2011 – Present
• Academy of New Orleans Trial Lawyers, 2003 – Present, Vice President (2010 – 2011), President (2012 – 2014)
• American Association for Justice, Member, 2010 - Present

Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)

• James Kieff, et al. v. Sea Brook Marine, LLC, et al., Orleans Parish CDC, Docket No. 2023-11951. Stephen S. Kreller/The Kreller Law Firm secured a $913,000 recovery against Sea Brook Marine, LLC, Sea Brook Harbor, LLC, and its liability insurer Atlantic Specialty Insurance Company for the property damage to a 65-foot Hatteras sport fishing vessel that was destroyed in a marina fire on Nov. 13, 2022. After a 2 week trial, a Jury awarded the vessel owner $913,000, which was everything that he asked them to award.  Additionally, the Jury found that Atlantic Specialty Insurance Company acted in bad faith, which entitled Mr. Kieff to penalties, attorney fees, and costs.  After the Jury returned its verdict but before the Court signed the judgment, the Sea Brook defendants and its insurer quickly settled the case for a confidential amount., 2025
• George R. Rockwood v. Maison Vue, LLC, Barto's Appliance, White Consolidated Industries, Inc., and Electrolux Home Products, Inc.  Orleans Parish CDC, Docket No. 2023-11951. Stephen S. Kreller/The Kreller Law Firm secured a confidential multi-million dollar settlement from the insurer of an apartment complex and the seller and manufacturer of a Frigidaire freestanding electric range installed without anti-tip brackets.  The range tipped over during use and pinned Mr. Rockwood against the floor causing a traumatic brain injury, sever burn injuries, and permanent disfigurement to more than 34 percent of his body.  After losing nearly every pre-trial motion, the defendants quickly settled the case for a confidential amount two weeks before trial., 2024
• Marty Melerine and Oyster Fisheries, Inc. v. Tom's Marine & Salvage, LLC, et al., 34th JDC, St. Bernard Parish, Docket No. 17-0472. Stephen S. Kreller/The Kreller Law Firm secured a $6.1mm recovery against Tom's Marine & Salvage, LLC and AGCS Marine Insurance Company for substantial damage to two highly productive oyster bedding grounds in Christmas Camp Lake. After an 8-day trial, a St. Bernard Jury awarded the oyster farmers $6.1mm for damage to the oyster reef substrate and standing oyster stocks., 2019
• Pero Cibilic and Mary Ann Cibilic v. Cox Operating, LLC, 34th JDC, St. Bernard Parish, Docket No. 13-0591.  Stephen S. Kreller/The Kreller Law Firm secured a $5.14mm recovery against Cox Operating, LLC for substantial damages to two highly productive oyster bedding grounds in Lake Eloi. After a three day trial, the Trial Court awarded the oyster farmer $5.14mm for damage to the oyster reef substrate and standing oyster stocks, which apparently "shocked the conscious” of the Court of Appeals, who reduced the award to $3.1mm. The Louisiana Supreme Court denied all writ applications confirming the Court of Appeals reduced award., 2018
• Hong Van Truong, et al. v. BP America Production Company, et al., U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, Docket No. 11-2766 (c/w 10-MD-2179).  The Kreller Law Firm, along with co-counsel Faegre Baker Daniels LLP and Langston & Lott, PA, represent more than 900 boat owners who participated in the Vessels of Opportunity oil spill clean-up program following the explosion of the April 20, 2010 explosion of the MODU Deepwater Horizon and subsequent oil contamination of the Gulf of Mexico.  Mr. Kreller was instrumental in helping to secure a settlement of $500 million for the boat owners., 2012
• Muth v. Allstate Insurance Company, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, Docket No. 13-05070.  An insurance property damage and bad faith action against Allstate Insurance Company relative to wind and flood damages to an insured property in Barataria, LA.  After a three day trial, Jury awarded $125,000.00 in additional benefits to the Muth family for the property damage to their home caused by Hurricane Isaac., 2014
• Thanh Hai, Inc., et al. v. BP America Production Company, et al., U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, Docket No. 11-3180 (c/w 10-MD-2179).  The Kreller Law Firm, along with co-counsel, Faegre Baker Daniels LLP and Langston & Lott, PA, represent more than 2,000 commercial fishermen and related businesses devastated by the April 20, 2010 explosion of the MODU Deepwater Horizon, which killed 11 individuals, and caused the worst oil disaster in world history, flowing uncontrolled for 87 days.  Mr. Kreller was instrumental in helping to secure the historic $7.8 billion global settlement.  Our clients include oyster farmers, permitted and non-permitted shrimpers, crabbers, and fin fisherman.  And, our client base of shrimpers account for more than one-third of the shrimp caught in the Gulf of Mexico and our oyster farmers account for more than 15,000 acres of oyster grounds., 2012
• In Re: Chemical Release at Bogalusa, Louisiana, 22nd JDC, WashingtonParish, Docket No. 73341.  A class action against Gaylord Chemical Corporation for personal injuries sustained by Louisiana residents as a result of their exposure to nitrogen tetroxide.  Member of trial team that litigated damages in more than 150 bench trials in a five-week period of time; personally tried 25 cases., 2005
• Escapades Condominium Owners' Association v. Crump Insurance Services, Inc., Underwriters at Lloyd's, London, et. al., Baldwin County, Civil Action No. 08-900685.  An insurance property damage and bad faith action against Crump Insurance Services, Inc. and Underwriters at Lloyd's, London relative to damage to an insured property in Gulf Shores, AL. Mr. Kreller secured a confidential settlement for the COA., 2010
• Burnett v. Dunbar Armored, Inc., et al., 24th JDC, Jefferson Parish, Docket No. 664-388, Division “H”. An automobile accident involving an armored truck that caused substantial personal injuries to Mr. Burnett.  On the second day of trial, Mr. Kreller secured a $395,000 settlement for Mr. Burnett for his personal injuries and economic losses., 2011

Special Licenses / Certifications

• New York, 2008
• Alabama, 2006
• Georgia, 2006
• Louisiana, 2003
• U.S. District Courts for the Middle Districts of Louisiana, 2025
• U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, 2015
• U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, 2013
• U.S. District Court for the Western Districts of Louisiana, 2008
• U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, 2007
• U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Alabama, 2006
• U.S. District Court for the Eastern Districts of Louisiana, 2003

Educational Background

• University of South Alabama, B.S. in Business and Marketing, 1993-1998

Scholarly Lectures / Writings

• This course is designed to introduce students to the many impacts of the BP oil spill through a 90-minute documentary film and a panel discussion.  The panel will include a team of attorneys representing commercial fisherman and related businesses and a local commercial fisherman, who will discuss the many aspects of environmental litigation and impact to the community.  This is a rare opportunity to learn and interact with those in the community who have worked on the BP case., Instructor, The Impact of the BP Oil Spill, Loyola University School Law Skills and Experimental Learning, 2018
• This course is designed to introduce students to the many impacts of the BP oil spill through a 90-minute documentary film and a panel discussion.  The panel will include a team of attorneys representing commercial fisherman and related businesses and a local commercial fisherman, who will discuss the many aspects of environmental litigation and impact to the community.  This is a rare opportunity to learn and interact with those in the community who have worked on the BP case., Instructor, The Impact of the BP Oil Spill, Loyola University School Law Skills and Experimental Learning, 2015
• Author, Litigation Aspects of Credit Derivatives, Loyola University School of Law, 2002
• Casenote/Comment Editor, Loyola University School of Law Maritime Law Journal, 2001

Honors

• The Million Dollar Advocates Forum is recognized as one of the most prestigious groups of trial lawyers in the United States. Membership is limited to attorneys who have won million and multi-million dollar verdicts, awards and settlements. The organization was founded in 1993 and there are approximately 4000 members located throughout the country. Fewer than 1% of U.S. lawyers are members. Forum membership acknowledges excellence in advocacy, and provides members with a national network of experienced colleagues for professional referral and information exchange in major cases. Members must have acted as principal counsel in at least one case in which their client has received a verdict, award or settlement in the amount of one million dollars or more., Certified Member, The Million Dollar Advocates Forum, 2013
• CityBusiness Leadership in Law honors outstanding legal professionals whose successes in law and contributions to the community have set the pace for the local legal industry. , Leadership in Law Award, New Orleans CityBusiness, 2013
• Greater New Orleans Attorney at Law Magazine, Solo Practitioner of the Month., Solo Practitioner of the Month, Greater New Orleans Attorney at Law Magazine, 2013
• CityBusiness Leadership in Law honors outstanding legal professionals whose successes in law and contributions to the community have set the pace for the local legal industry. , Leadership in Law Award, New Orleans CityBusiness, 2012
• Top Young Attorney in Louisiana Rising Star, Louisiana Life Magazine, 2012
• Recipient of Law Excellence Award in Corporate Finance, Loyola University School of Law, 2002

Awards

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Platinum: This award is granted to attorneys who have received at least 10 client reviews, and have an average review score of 4.5 or higher.

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AV Preeminent®: This elite award is granted to attorneys who have been recognized by their peers for their very high ethical standards, with an average peer review score of 4.5 or higher.

Industry Groups

• Business Owners
• Commercial Fishing
• Maritime Employees
• Product Consumers
• Residential and Business Property Owners