Robert M. Kallam

Partner

  • Lafayette
"I work hard every day to navigate my clients through complex and challenging disputes with serious financial consequences at stake. By accurately analyzing and reporting the risk and exposure early on, I always strive to optimize client resources and expedite resolution through aggressive direct negotiations or mediation to achieve a favorable resolution or to aggressively defend at trial and on appeal when necessary."

Robert Kallam is a formidable litigator with more than three decades of experience in state and federal courts, at trial, and on appeal. He defends marine, energy, transportation, insurance, and other companies involved in high-stakes, single, and multi-plaintiff litigation and general casualty defense litigation. He also advises on contractual arrangements and risk mitigation strategies, as well as serves as a mediator in matters pending in state and federal courts.

Appreciated for his focus, credibility, and authenticity, Robert defends serious and complex lawsuits involving marine and energy matters, insurance disputes, premises liability, casualty claims, contractual disputes, and other civil disputes. He is skilled in drafting and negotiating Master Service Agreements and related arrangements, including insurance, risk, loss, allocation, and indemnity.

Among Robert’s clients are marine, drilling, and energy service contractors, energy companies, vessel owners, insurance companies and other public and private entities – for whom he defends fatality, bodily injury, commercial, contract, property damage, and toxic tort litigation. Robert has successfully handled disputes involving drilling, energy service contractors, and operators in downhole oil and gas well failures, blowouts, and property damage.

In addition, Robert defends premises owners in litigation involving premises liability and other casualty matters, as well as energy sector clients in arbitration proceedings focused on commercial disputes and property damage losses. He serves as counsel for excess insurers of companies allegedly involved in life-altering explosions, marine and energy casualties, and transportation accidents, including catastrophic and brain injuries and death.

Known for being fair and objective, Robert brings an extensive command of litigation procedure and a deep bench of skill to analyzing the distinct legalities of specialized industries. As a result, he regularly serves as a mediator for disputes involving the energy, maritime, transportation, manufacturing, and insurance industries.

  • LSU Law Center, J.D., 1990
  • LSU, B.S., 1987

Bar Admissions

  • Louisiana
  • Texas

Courts

  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana
  • U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana
  • U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit
  • Louisiana Supreme Court
  • Texas Supreme Court
  • AV Preeminent-rated, Martindale-Hubbell
  • “Super Lawyers,” Louisiana Super Lawyers, 2008-2010, 2012-2026
  • “Top 50 Louisiana List,” Louisiana Super Lawyers, 2025-2026
  • “Best Lawyers,” The Best Lawyers in America, 2020-2026
  • “Lawyer of the Year,” The Best Lawyers in America, 2026
  • “Top Lawyers,” Acadiana Profile, 2014-2026
  • “Distinguished Alumni Award,” St. Thomas More Catholic High School, 2022
  • “Hall of Fame,” LSU Law Center, 1990
  • “Top 50 Lawyer,” Louisiana Super Lawyers, 2018-2020
  • “Lafayette Acadiana Chapter Professionalism Award,” Federal Bar Association, 2019