In another recognition that highlights the Firm’s geographic footprint and deep roster of experienced lawyers, Biz New Orleans has included twelve Galloway Johnson Tompkins Burr & Smith attorneys in their annual list of Best Lawyers in New Orleans. The magazine honors those attorneys who have been voted by their peers as The Best Lawyers in America®.
In the 2026 edition, 71 Galloway attorneys were named The Best Lawyers in America® and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America. Following this outstanding achievement, Galloway was ranked by Best Law Firms both nationally and regionally. The New Orleans offices has been ranked in Tier 1 for eight practice areas, in Tier 2 for two practice areas, and in Tier 3 for three practice areas.
Galloway was founded in New Orleans and the city remains a central hub for the Firm’s growth and client service. Evidenced by this recognition, Galloway attorneys remain a fixture in the civic and legal community of New Orleans.
View the Biz New Orleans list in its February 2026 issue.
Andrea Albert
Andrea Albert focuses her practice on defense litigation and is a member of Galloway’s 24/7 Emergency Response Team for transportation matters. Her clients value her keen attention to detail and vision for long-term strategy towards results. Andrea was recognized for Insurance Law and Litigation – Construction.
Heather Angelico
Focusing on maritime, Longshore, and Defense Base Act matters, Heather Angelico efficiently evaluates claims so her clients can decide the best course of action, whether early resolution or trial. She was recognized for Admiralty and Maritime Law, and Environmental Law.
Doris Bobadilla
Doris Bobadilla leads Galloway’s employment law practice team and maintains an active practice across the Gulf South. She is a uniquely dedicated professional who works tirelessly to pave the way for others by paying it forward in the legal profession. Doris was recognized for Commercial Litigation, Employment Law – Management, Insurance Law, and Litigation – Insurance.
Kelsey Bonnaffons
A New Orleans native, Kelsey Bonnaffons delivers effective communication, business-specific goal assessment, and crafted case strategy for her clients. She primarily focuses on insurance defense and coverage for construction and maritime clients. Kelsey was recognized by Best Lawyers for Insurance Law.
Kathleen Charvet
Kathleen Charvet has more than 25 years of experience representing and advising employer and contractor clients in a collaborative and effective method to attain optimum results. She focuses her practice on maritime, Longshore, and Defense Base Act matters. In 2026 Best Lawyers, Kathleen was recognized for Admiralty and Maritime Law, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, and Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs.
Richard Duplantier
Rick Duplantier is a highly respected trial lawyer and an accomplished business consultant with significant expertise in both litigation and transactional matters. He focuses his commercial litigation practice on professional liability, construction, environmental, and insurance defense. Rick was recognized for Commercial Litigation, Construction Law, Environmental Law, Insurance Law, Litigation – Construction, Litigation – Insurance, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants, and Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants.
Timothy Hassinger
With almost three decades of experience, Tim Hassinger represents comapnies and insurers in personal injury, commercial, and insurance coverage litigation. His clients value his targeted approach to efficiently resolve litigation through early case assessment, motion practice, or trial. Tim was recognized by Best Lawyers for Admiralty and Maritime Law, Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law, Litigation – Construction, Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Defendants, and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants.
John “Trip” McCormick
John “Trip” McCormick diligently protects each client’s legal interests while helping grow and develop the client’s business. His practice is focused on his clients’ business success in commercial and construction litigation, and his clients value the partnership he forges in pursuit of their business prosperity. Trip was recognized for Commercial Litigation, Construction Law, Litigation – Construction, and Litigation – Insurance.
James Prather
James Prather develops litigation strategy with the end game in mind, aligning his approach with his clients’ business objectives and backed by 35 years of experience. He focuses his practice on property and casualty defense litigation, insurance coverage, and transportation defense. James was recognized by Best Lawyers for Construction Law, Insurance Law, Leisure and Hospitality Law, and Litigation – Construction.
Suzette Marie Smith
Suzette Marie Smith exclusively practices in the area of family. Beginning her 40th year of practice, she is a Family Law Specialist certified by the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization and counsels clients in all facets of family law. Suzette was recognized for Family Law.
Frederick “Billy” Swaim
Managing Director of the Greater New Orleans offices, Frederick “Billy” Swaim is an experienced litigator who honed his legal habits early, with his parents and sister all lawyers. His practice is primarily focused, domestically and internationally, on maritime, construction, property, and transactional law. Billy was recognized for Admiralty and Maritime Law, Commercial Litigation, and Litigation – Insurance.
Jason Waguespack
Jason Waguespack serves as Firm Managing Director while maintaining an active maritime and international law practice, providing his clients with excellent service and sound business advice. His practice includes litigation and arbitration related to all aspects of maritime and international law while also advising clients in corporate law and insurance defense.
