We remember the attorneys who came before us, whose legacy of legal excellence has made us better advocates and individuals. Each will be remembered and celebrated as a cherished colleague and friend. 

Michael Johnson (2001) was a founder of Galloway who infused the firm with his profound energy and urgency in serving clients with enthusiasm and skill. Mike showed us extraordinary courage, good humor, and unwavering dedication. 

Kevin Cole (2011) co-founded the firm’s Mandeville office, where he served as a Director. An incredible attorney and friend, Kevin was genuine, compassionate, and generous with his time and leadership throughout the legal community. 

John Valenti (2021), an Associate in our Tampa office, was a rising young attorney with a passion for the law. Though our time with John was brief, we remember him fondly, and those who worked with him will always recall his incredible kindness and humor.

Timothy Burr, Founding Partner, Director, 30 Years
A founding partner, Tim had a profound impact on his clients and the firm. He successfully litigated hundreds of cases and gained immense trial experience in state and federal courts throughout the Gulf South. In 1995, Tim was selected to become the Firm’s Managing Director. During his tenure, he was instrumental in diversifying the firm’s practice areas and expanding its footprint to seven new offices across five states in the Gulf South.

John Galloway, Founding Partner, Director, 30 Years
John primarily practiced in personal injury law, focusing on defense and professional liability for the transportation and maritime industries. From 2008 to 2018, he was recognized by his peers in Super Lawyers for his professional achievements. During his 30-year tenure at the firm, his reputation, professionalism, and unassuming leadership were instrumental in the success and expansion of Galloway Johnson Tompkins Burr & Smith, which now has 13 offices across the Gulf South and over 130 attorneys.

James M. “Jim” Tompkins, Founding Partner, Director, 30 Years
In 1987, Jim Tompkins became one of the four founding shareholders and the Managing Director of Galloway in New Orleans. Under Jim’s leadership, Galloway Houston opened its doors in 1993, where he took on the role of managing director. He also served as Managing Director of the entire firm from January 2006 for a three-year term. Jim was instrumental in creating an operational foundation to ensure the firm’s long-term success. His excellence in practice is recognized by a Martindale-Hubbell “AV Preeminent” rating, reflecting his highest level of professional skills and ethics.

Larry Canada, Director, 28 Years
Larry possessed an in-depth understanding of both sides of the litigation, having started his career representing injured plaintiffs before joining Galloway. He served as panel counsel for several insurance companies in Louisiana and South Mississippi in the areas of employment law, construction law, and professional malpractice defense. Larry was a frequent lecturer in the areas of commercial transactions,  insurance, employment, risk management, and construction law. He has been recognized by his peers in Super Lawyers four times during his exemplary career.

Joe Hassinger, Director, 18 Years
Known for building long-term client relationships and having excellent problem-solving skills, Joe earned a reputation for handling cases with maximum efficiency and effectiveness. He tried cases in every federal district in Louisiana as well as in parishes across the state – and also successfully litigated cases before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Joe also earned the prestigious Martindale-Hubbell “AV Preeminent” rating, which confirms his outstanding legal skills and commitment to professionalism.

Dave Jester, Director, 28 Years
During his time at Galloway, Dave was known for his unique ability to empathize with the concerns faced by his clients in litigation – and to then successfully attack the defense on the strength of those concerns. His areas of practice were wide-ranging, from workers’ comp to general casualty defense litigation, product liability, malpractice litigation, and labor law, to name a few. Dave had the honor of holding an “AV” rating (both from the judiciary and his lawyer peers) from Martindale-Hubbell – and was also recognized as a nationwide Lawyer of Distinction and a Top Lawyer.

Scott Traweek, Director, 21 Years
Prior to joining Galloway, Scott gained a great deal of experience in defending civil litigation claims, which provided him valuable insight into both sides of litigation. Over the years he represented numerous high-profile clients, while focusing on areas of practice including general casualty and insurance defense, construction defect litigation, automobile liability, product liability and wrongful death. Scott practiced at the state and federal level in both Alabama and Florida.