Georges M. Legrand

Senior Counsel Georges Legrand is one of the founding members of MBLB. He has more than 44 years of experience as a litigator. As a leader of the firm’s Admiralty and Maritime law practice, he has been part of forging a team of attorneys who have developed a depth of expertise that rivals larger firms.

His practice focuses on defense of maritime personal injury and property damage claims on the river and offshore, as well as insurance, transportation, and contractual matters. His experience includes all aspects of brown water and offshore marine operations. He routinely defends serious personal injury and death claims arising under the Jones Act, the General Maritime Law, Section 905(b) of the Longshore and Harbor Worker’s Compensation Act, the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, and the Death on the High Seas Act. He also handles collision cases, pipeline damage cases, fleet breakaways, multiple types of marine and construction contracts, both inland and offshore, and marine insurance issues.

Georges’ clients have ranged from international Fortune 50 companies to national insurers to local businesses. He represents barge owners and operators, towboat companies, line haul operators, stevedores, fleets, terminals and pipeline construction companies as well as marine underwriters. His offshore clients have included natural resource exploration companies, vessel operators, and construction companies. Georges regularly makes presentations to his insurance and commercial clients on risk management, insurance coverage and contractual liability.

As supported by the peer honors he has received, including Super Lawyers, The Best Lawyers in America, New Orleans CityBusiness Leadership in Law Hall of Fame and New Orleans Magazine Top Lawyers, Georges has developed a reputation as one of the top attorneys in admiralty and maritime law and transportation law. He has held a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rating from his peers for more than 30 years. He also holds a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rating from the Judiciary, the highest honor the organization bestows on an attorney based on the confidential opinions of members of the judiciary familiar with their work.

Born and raised in New Orleans, as one of nine children Georges learned the value of conscientiousness and teamwork at an early age. He worked in the offshore boat industry during college, giving him insight into common issues that can arise from marine transportation. He is known for representing his clients with integrity and professionalism, and goes above and beyond to resolve their issues on the best possible terms. “Given the unexpected in the marine industry, I am available 24/7 to my clients and take the time to develop long-term relationships with them. Their business is important to me.”

Georges is a member of the American Bar Association and Past Vice Chair of the ABA Admiralty and Maritime Law Committee of the Torts and Insurance Practice Section. He served as a founder and Chairman of the Offshore Marine Service Association’s industry seminar from 1995-2015. Over the years, he has spoken at maritime and casualty law seminars throughout the country, including the U.S. Coast Guard Open Forum and Greater New Orleans Barge Fleeting Association.

He believes that being a member of the community is an important part of his practice of law. He has been highly involved with his church and in 2005 received the Order of St. Louis Medallion, awarded by the Archdiocese of New Orleans for outstanding service. He continues to be involved in various ministries. In his spare time, he enjoys many activities, including following college football and spending time and travelling with his wife, their four children, their spouses, and his grandchildren.