Bernard Charbonnet NOLA Attorney

Experience & Qualifications

Bernard L. Charbonnet, Jr. has over forty (40) years of experience as an attorney, with an emphasis in the field of construction law.  Mr. Charbonnet likewise serves as the adjunct professor of construction law at the Southern University Law Center for nearly twenty (20) years.

Mr. Charbonnet has provided legal services and strategic advice for projects totaling more than $2.8 billion in construction.  He has a depth of experience in handling complex legal matters arising from construction law, including but not limited to matters as detailed below:

Orleans Parish Hospital Service District – District “A” d/b/a New Orleans East Hospital (New Orleans, LA)

  • General Counsel
  • Oversaw the $140 million construction of the New Orleans East Hospital;
  • Negotiated and drafted all construction management contracts, including but not limited to contracts with design professionals, construction contractors, and change orders.

New Orleans Aviation Board (New Orleans, LA)

  • Most recently participated in the review and advice to the Board in awarding the $1.2 billion construction management contract for the newly opened terminal;
  • Former General Counsel oversaw the $650 million expansion program to the former terminal and airside construction;
  • Negotiated and drafted all construction management contracts, including but not limited to contracts with design professionals, construction contractors, and change orders.

Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (St. Louis, MO)

  • Strategic Advisor and Consultant through sister firm Charbonnet and Associates Planners and Consultants to Lambert-St. Louis International Airport as part of the $1.3 billion runway construction (W1W);
  • Currently providing comprehensive environmental assessment as part of the analysis towards privatization.

District Attorney’s Office for the Parish of St. John the Baptist (St. John the Baptist Parish, LA)

  • Special Counsel regarding construction-related matters.

Orleans Parish School Board (Orleans Parish, LA)

  • Negotiated construction management contract for the Board’s $175 million capital improvement project;
  • Developed guidelines for the Board’s construction safety and contractor’s substance abuse policies, monitored the implementation of the Board’s owner controlled insurance program (OCIP), and monitored the Board’s bid process;
  • Directed the drafting of all architect/ engineer agreements and construction contracts for 305 separate projects for the Board’s Capital Improvement Program – III.

Harris County Housing Authority (Houston, TX)

  • Performed contract administration for Davis Bacon Compliance, interviewing laborers in the field, contractor, and sub-contractor weekly payroll documentation.

John the Baptist Parish Community Center (St. John the Baptist Parish, LA)

  • Construction and program management services for approximately $17 million worth of public facility improvements.

Special Master Appointments

In addition to his vast experience and expertise in the field of construction law, Mr. Charbonnet has also been appointed on multiple occasions as Special Master as detailed below:

Elias Membreno, et al. v. 1031 Canal Investments, LLC, et al. (Hard Rock Hotel collapse)

  • Hard Rock Hotel demolition in New Orleans
  • Civil District Court for the Parish of Orleans
  • Presiding Judge: Division L – Honorable Kern A. Reese
  • Determination of cost-allocation for the Evidence Preservation Protocol amongst the parties

Cargill, Incorporated, et al. v. Syngenta AG, et al.

  • 40th Judicial District Court
  • Presiding Judge: Division A – Honorable Madeline Jasmine
  • $550 million dispute alleging the negligent premature commercialization of a genetically modified trait (GMO).
  • Presided over all pre-trial matters, including but not limited to summary judgment, Daubert – Foret motions, and motions in limine.

Gootee Constructions, Inc. v. St. Mary’s Academy of the Holy Family, et al.

  • Civil District Court for Orleans Parish
  • Presiding Judge: Division B – Honorable Regina Woods
  • Contractor/ construction dispute regarding the rebuilding of St. Mary’s Academy.
  • Presided over pre-trial motions.

Michelle Marshall, et al. v. Air Liquide – Big Three, Inc. et al.

  • Civil District Court for Orleans Parish
  • Presiding Judge: Division M – Honorable Paulette Irons
  • Oversaw the disbursement of approximately $10 million settlement.