Omer F. Kuebel, III

Partner

504.558.5155

More ways to contact Omer F. “Rick” Kuebel III

Rick's leadership in corporate restructuring across diverse sectors and his experience with major energy restructurings make him a trusted advisor for complex financial and regulatory challenges.

Firm News

Locke Lord Named to Global Restructuring Review’s 2024 Top 100 Firms for Sixth Consecutive Year
Overview
Representative Matters
Insights
Awards

Rick brings extensive experience in corporate restructuring and bankruptcy solutions across various economic sectors, including energy, manufacturing, gaming, health care, and retail. He represents companies in business litigation, arbitration, and regulatory disputes, particularly in oil and gas exploration, development, transportation, refining, and marketing. Rick also advises on distressed transactions, including asset acquisitions, divestitures, joint operations, and regulatory implications.

Rick represents creditors in commercial collection litigation, property litigation, enforcement of security rights, and bankruptcy litigation. Additionally, he forms or represents unsecured creditor committees in numerous reorganizations, including Seadrill Limited, Diamond Offshore, and Yuma Exploration.

Rick’s clients, ranging from major energy companies to unsecured creditor committees, appreciate his ability to help navigate complex regulatory landscapes and his dedication to achieving outcomes in their favor. They often cite his strategic foresight and comprehensive understanding of financial risks. Rick’s involvement in high-profile cases like Macondo (Deepwater Horizon) and his work with regulatory bodies such as BOEM and BSEE underscore his capability to manage intricate legal challenges.

  • Represented Seadrill Limited in its Chapter 11 reorganization, involving over $7 billion in debt.
  • Represented Diamond Offshore in its Chapter 11 reorganization, involving over $2.6 billion in debt.
  • Represented Yuma Exploration in its Chapter 11 reorganization.
  • Represented creditors in the Macondo (Deepwater Horizon) litigation.
  • Advised major energy companies on regulatory compliance with BOEM and BSEE.
  • Represented unsecured creditor committees in numerous reorganizations.
  • Handled distressed transactions, including asset acquisitions and divestitures.
  • Global Restructuring Review 100 (2019, 2021-2024)
  • Super Lawyers®: Louisiana, Bankruptcy (2008-2024)
  • Best Lawyers in America®: Lawyer of the Year (New Orleans), Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (2022)
  • Best Lawyers in America®: Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (2022-2026)
  • Chambers USA: Bankruptcy/Restructuring (2010-2025)
  • New Orleans Magazine Top Lawyer in New Orleans, Bankruptcy Section (2009-2014)
Overview

Rick brings extensive experience in corporate restructuring and bankruptcy solutions across various economic sectors, including energy, manufacturing, gaming, health care, and retail. He represents companies in business litigation, arbitration, and regulatory disputes, particularly in oil and gas exploration, development, transportation, refining, and marketing. Rick also advises on distressed transactions, including asset acquisitions, divestitures, joint operations, and regulatory implications.

Rick represents creditors in commercial collection litigation, property litigation, enforcement of security rights, and bankruptcy litigation. Additionally, he forms or represents unsecured creditor committees in numerous reorganizations, including Seadrill Limited, Diamond Offshore, and Yuma Exploration.

Rick’s clients, ranging from major energy companies to unsecured creditor committees, appreciate his ability to help navigate complex regulatory landscapes and his dedication to achieving outcomes in their favor. They often cite his strategic foresight and comprehensive understanding of financial risks. Rick’s involvement in high-profile cases like Macondo (Deepwater Horizon) and his work with regulatory bodies such as BOEM and BSEE underscore his capability to manage intricate legal challenges.

Representation Matters
  • Represented Seadrill Limited in its Chapter 11 reorganization, involving over $7 billion in debt.
  • Represented Diamond Offshore in its Chapter 11 reorganization, involving over $2.6 billion in debt.
  • Represented Yuma Exploration in its Chapter 11 reorganization.
  • Represented creditors in the Macondo (Deepwater Horizon) litigation.
  • Advised major energy companies on regulatory compliance with BOEM and BSEE.
  • Represented unsecured creditor committees in numerous reorganizations.
  • Handled distressed transactions, including asset acquisitions and divestitures.
Insights

Firm News

Locke Lord Named to Global Restructuring Review’s 2024 Top 100 Firms for Sixth Consecutive Year

Firm News

179 Locke Lord Lawyers Named to The Best Lawyers in ‎America® ‎‎2025 List‎, 45 Recognized as Ones to Watch

Firm News

Chambers USA Recognizes 70 Locke Lord Lawyers and 30 Practice Areas in 2024 Edition

Articles + Publications

Locke Lord QuickStudy: Riding the Regulatory Wave: BOEM ‎Issues New Rules for Surfing the ‎Provision of Financial ‎Assurance

See all insights from Omer F. “Rick” Kuebel III

Awards
  • Global Restructuring Review 100 (2019, 2021-2024)
  • Super Lawyers®: Louisiana, Bankruptcy (2008-2024)
  • Best Lawyers in America®: Lawyer of the Year (New Orleans), Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (2022)
  • Best Lawyers in America®: Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (2022-2026)
  • Chambers USA: Bankruptcy/Restructuring (2010-2025)
  • New Orleans Magazine Top Lawyer in New Orleans, Bankruptcy Section (2009-2014)

Top areas of focus

  • Advisory board member, Institute for Energy Law
    • Chair, Programs Committee
  • Member, American Bankruptcy Institute
  • Member, Turnaround Management Association

Education

  • Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, J.D., 1992
  • Tulane University, B.A., 1986, economics

Bar Admissions

  • Louisiana

Court Admissions

  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Mississippi (pro hac vice)
  • U.S. District Court, District of Delaware (pro hac vice)
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York (pro hac vice)
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas
  • U.S. District Court, Middle District of Louisiana
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of Louisiana
  • Co-author, “Riding the Regulatory Wave: BOEM Issues New Rules for Surfing the Provision of Financial Assurance,” Locke Lord QuickStudy, April 25, 2024.
  • Co-author, “BOEM Wasn’t Built in a Day: After Three Years New Financial Regulations Are Nearing Finalization,” Locke Lord QuickStudy, July 11, 2023.