Clients across Louisiana’s energy, business, and industrial sectors rely on experienced counsel to navigate shifting markets, regulatory complexity, and complex disputes and transactions. That strength is reflected in Acadiana Profile’s 2026 Top Lawyers guide, where five Gordon Arata attorneys in Lafayette have been recognized in key areas.
The firm’s recognized attorneys include:
- Bob J. Duplantis – Natural Resources Law
Bob Duplantis has dedicated his entire career to the oil and gas industry. Prior to joining Gordon Arata in 1982 and establishing its Lafayette office, Bob spent more than a decade in in-house oil company legal departments including six years as a lobbyist in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Bob’s practice focuses on Louisiana oil and gas regulation and core oil and gas legal issues.
- Gregory G. Duplantis – Natural Resources Law
Greg Duplantis’ legal practice centers on oil and gas property title examination with an emphasis on analyzing and rendering opinions concerning complex land and mineral title. He has extensive experience drafting agreements and contractual provisions on behalf of both operating and non-operating working interest owners.
- John Philip “J.P.” Graf – Energy Law
J.P. Graf represents clients in commercial disputes and litigation, including energy, construction, banking, property, and general commercial litigation. He is also experienced in product liability, premises liability, industrial accidents, and maritime and offshore matters.
- Armistead M. Long – Bankruptcy & Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Army Long represents lenders, investors, and businesses in bankruptcy, creditors’ rights, and distressed transactions, with a focus on energy and commercial sectors, including representing clients in bankruptcy and restructuring matters in Lafayette and across Louisiana and Texas. He regularly guides clients through workouts, Chapter 11 proceedings, and related litigation, helping them stabilize operations and preserve value in uncertain conditions. In addition to his client work, Long serves as one of only eight active Subchapter V trustees appointed by the U.S. Department of Justice’s United States Trustee Program in Louisiana.
- Samuel E. Masur – Energy Law
Sam Masur’s practice is focused on oil and gas litigation, general commercial litigation, oil and gas titles, exploration company and oil field service company acquisitions and divestitures and general business acquisitions and divestitures.
The Top Lawyers list is based on a peer-review survey conducted by Professional Research Services (PRS), with honorees selected following verification of credentials and professional standing.
In addition to this local recognition, these attorneys are consistently recognized by leading national directories, including Chambers USA, Benchmark Litigation, Best Lawyers in America, and Super Lawyers, further reflecting the firm’s strength in handling complex business and energy matters.
The Lafayette team is part of a 40+ attorney firm spanning Louisiana and Texas, offering integrated capabilities across litigation, transactions, and regulatory matters for clients seeking experienced counsel in Lafayette and throughout the Gulf South. While Gordon Arata serves clients in a wide range of industries, energy and natural resources remains a core strength. The firm advises operators, investors, and service companies in the U.S., while also guiding lenders, businesses, and stakeholders in restructuring and distressed situations, helping clients navigate volatility, manage risk, and move forward with confidence.
To learn more about Gordon Arata’s Lafayette attorneys and their capabilities in energy, business, and bankruptcy law, please visit our Lafayette attorney profiles or contact the office at 337-237-0132.
About Gordon Arata
Gordon Arata is a full service, diversified business law firm servicing savvy clients in a range of industries across the Gulf South and beyond. Strategically located in Texas and Louisiana, the firm has a team of over forty regional and nationally recognized attorneys who manage both complex issues and small matters that impact businesses.