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Paul M. Sterbcow, Maritime Attorney in New Orleans, Louisiana

Over 40 years of legal practice

Practicing maritime in New Orleans since 1986.

40+
Years practicing
1
Bar admission

Practices in

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Quick answer

Paul M. Sterbcow is an attorney based in New Orleans, LOUISIANA. The practice focuses on Maritime. Paul has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Lewis, Kullman, Sterbcow & Abramson LLC.

Based in
New Orleans, LOUISIANA
Experience
over 40 years
Known for
Maritime
  • Handles Maritime matters from New Orleans, LOUISIANA.
  • Over 40 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Admiralty and Maritime Law (New Orleans) (2026).

About Paul M. Sterbcow: Paul M. Sterbcow is an attorney based in New Orleans, LOUISIANA. The practice focuses on Maritime. Paul has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Lewis, Kullman, Sterbcow & Abramson LLC.

Areas of practice

Paul's practice areas in New Orleans

Paul concentrates on maritime. Each area below outlines the kind of case Paul handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Maritime cases in New Orleans, Louisiana

Paul takes maritime matters in New Orleans, Louisiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Paul agrees to represent you.

Biography

Paul M. Sterbcow, maritime attorney serving New Orleans

Paul M. Sterbcow is an attorney based in New Orleans, LOUISIANA. The practice focuses on Maritime. Paul has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Lewis, Kullman, Sterbcow & Abramson LLC. Paul works from New Orleans, Louisiana and takes on maritime matters across the region.

Paul Sterbcow is the managing member of Lewis, Kullman, Sterbcow & Abramson, LLC. Paul obtained a B.S. from Tulane University and a J.D. from Tulane University School of Law. Paul is licensed to practice in all Louisiana state and federal courts, along with the United States Supreme Court.

Paul’s primary practice area is admiralty and maritime law, an area in which he has been recognized as one of the best practitioners in the country. Paul was selected as a member of the Plaintiff’s Steering Committee for MDL 2179/Deepwater Horizon Litigation and served as the co-lead lawyer for the liability trial. He has authored numerous papers and given numerous speeches and presentations on assorted topics involving maritime law and civil trial practice.

Paul has received numerous awards and accolades, including being awarded Maritime Lawyer of the Year by the New Orleans Bar Association in 2018. Paul is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, as well as a member of the ABA, FBA, MLA, AAJ and several other legal organizations. Paul currently serves as the President of the Louisiana Association for Justice and on the Board of Directors for the New Orleans Bar Association.

Paul's approach to maritime cases

Paul Sterbcow is the managing member of Lewis, Kullman, Sterbcow & Abramson, LLC. Paul obtained a B.S. from Tulane University and a J.D. from Tulane University School of Law. Paul is licensed to practice in all Louisiana state and federal courts, along with the United States Supreme Court. Paul’s primary practice area is admiralty and maritime law, an area in which he has been recognized as one…

Clients Paul works with

Paul reviews new inquiries case-by-case for maritime matters in New Orleans and the surrounding Louisiana area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Paul studied and practices

  • Tulane University

    J.D. · 1986

  • Tulane University

    B.S. Political Science · 1982

Jurisdictions

Paul's state bar admissions

  • Louisiana

    1986 · ACTIVE

Paul studied at J.D. in Tulane University and B.S. Political Science in Tulane University.

Law school and academic background

Paul completed J.D. in Tulane University and B.S. Political Science in Tulane University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Paul runs in Louisiana is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Paul's legal honors and published work

Paul has received 16 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Lawyer of the Year — Admiralty and Maritime Law (New Orleans)

    2026

  • Lawyer of the Year — Admiralty and Maritime Law (New Orleans)

    2024

  • Lawyer of the Year — Admiralty and Maritime Law (New Orleans)

    2021

  • Lawyer of the Year — Admiralty and Maritime Law (New Orleans)

    2018

  • Best Lawyers in America — Admiralty and Maritime Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Aviation Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Awards:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Louisiana Association of Justice President's Award 2010-11

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — New Orleans Bar Association Maritime Lawyer of the Year Award 2017

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Louisiana Life Magazine Top Attorneys in Louisiana 2013-2018

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Louisiana Super Lawyers 2012- 2018

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Elite American Lawyers 2016

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Worldwide Who's Who Professional of the Year 2016-17

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Lawyer of the Year — Admiralty and Maritime Law (New Orleans) (2026). Lawyer of the Year — Admiralty and Maritime Law (New Orleans) (2024). Lawyer of the Year — Admiralty and Maritime Law (New Orleans) (2021). Lawyer of the Year — Admiralty and Maritime Law (New Orleans) (2018). Best Lawyers in America — Admiralty and Maritime Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026).

Locations

Paul M. Sterbcow's office in New Orleans

Paul's primary office is at 601 Poydras Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70130. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Lewis, Kullman, Sterbcow & Abramson LLC

601 Poydras Street

New Orleans, Louisiana 70130

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Paul M. Sterbcow

Paul has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Paul M. Sterbcow — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new maritime attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Paul usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Paul charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Paul's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Paul will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a maritime attorney in New Orleans, Louisiana

A short list to run through before you commit: How many maritime matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Paul

Paul discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in maritime practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every maritime matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Paul confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Paul's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many maritime practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Paul M. Sterbcow

  • How much does it cost to hire Paul for a maritime case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Paul walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Paul offer a free consultation?

    Paul charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Paul's office. Some maritime attorneys offer free consults — check Paul's current terms during booking.

  • How long do maritime cases in Louisiana typically take?

    Simple maritime matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Paul gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Paul take my case if I'm outside New Orleans?

    Paul is licensed in Louisiana. Matters governed by Louisiana law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Paul will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with Paul?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Paul will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Paul accepting new maritime clients right now?

    Paul's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Maritime attorneys serving New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Metairie in Louisiana

Paul handles maritime matters throughout Louisiana. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified maritime attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Paul's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these maritime attorneys in New Orleans handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.