Chaffe McCall Expands Admiralty and Litigation Practices with Addition of Esteemed New Orleans Attorneys

Posted on Friday, January 10th, 2025 | Posted in Acknowledgements & Press Releases

New Orleans, LA – Chaffe McCall proudly announces the addition of four accomplished attorneys—Julie M. Araujo, David S. Bland, Elton Foster, and Rachel Bland Starring—to its New Orleans office. These seasoned professionals bring a wealth of experience and expertise, significantly enhancing the firm’s capabilities in admiralty, litigation, and insurance law across the Southeast.

 

About Julie M. Araujo

Julie M. Araujo joins Chaffe McCall as a Partner in the Admiralty practice. With over 20 years of litigation experience, Julie has successfully handled complex matters in general casualty, marine, energy (oil & gas), shipbuilding/repair, construction, shipping, and engineering industries. Her distinguished career includes representing clients in transactional and contractual claims in state, federal, international, and arbitral forums, as well as crafting innovative “out-of-court” resolutions. Julie is a 1999 Tulane Law School graduate who was admitted to practice in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.

About David S. Bland

David S. Bland joins as a Partner focusing in our Litigation and Admiralty & Maritime practices. A highly regarded attorney, David’s practice spans complex construction, marine, energy, commercial, and insurance matters. He has extensive experience representing clients in federal, state, and appellate courts, including cases involving the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Navy Sea Systems Command, and state departments of transportation. David is a 1982 graduate of Louisiana State University Law School and is admitted to practice in Louisiana and Texas.

About Elton Foster

Elton Foster brings over 30 years of first-chair trial experience to his role as a Partner in the Admiralty & Maritime practice. He has served as litigation and coverage counsel for vessel owners, shipyards, marine insurers, and businesses, navigating high-stakes cases in state and federal courts in Louisiana and Texas, as well as before the U.S. Department of Labor. His experience includes marine casualties, Jones Act claims, Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act cases, and Defense Base Act matters. Elton is a 1990 graduate of Tulane Law School and is admitted to practice in Louisiana and Texas.

About Rachel Starring Bland

Rachel Bland Starring joins Chaffe McCall as an Associate, contributing her extensive knowledge of marine casualty, Jones Act, and general maritime law. Rachel has successfully defended shipyards, shipbuilders, marine insurers, subcontractors, and other clients in state and federal courts in Louisiana and Texas. Additionally, she has significant experience in complex construction matters, advising clients through every phase of a project, from inception to completion. Rachel’s practice includes public and private construction and development agreements. She further strengthens Chaffe McCall’s robust admiralty and construction teams.

A Bright Future at Chaffe McCall

“We are delighted to welcome Julie, David, Elton, and Rachel to our team,” said Douglas Holmes, Firm Managing Partner. “Their depth of experience and diverse backgrounds enhance our ability to meet the complex needs of our clients across multiple industries. Their addition reflects Chaffe McCall’s commitment to excellence and growth.”

About Chaffe McCall

Chaffe McCall provides comprehensive legal services to national and international corporate clients through its offices in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Houston. With a strong focus on admiralty, litigation, insurance, and energy law, the firm is dedicated to delivering exceptional legal representation.

For more information, please visit www.chaffe.com.