James A. Prather, Construction Attorney in New Orleans, Louisiana
Over 35 years of legal practice · focused on Construction, General, and Insurance · 4.7/5 rating from 5 verified client reviews
DirectoratGalloway, Johnson, Tompkins, Burr & Smith
New Orleans, LA
Practicing construction in New Orleans since 1991.
- 35+
- Years practicing
- 4.7 ★
- 5 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you James A. Prather?
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Quick answer
James A. Prather is a director based in New Orleans, LA. The practice focuses on Construction, General, and Insurance. James has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Galloway, Johnson, Tompkins, Burr & Smith. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 5 client reviews.
- Based in
- New Orleans, LA
- Experience
- over 35 years
- Known for
- Construction · General · Insurance
- Handles Construction, General, and Insurance matters from New Orleans, LA.
- Over 35 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About James A. Prather: James A. Prather is a director based in New Orleans, LA. The practice focuses on Construction, General, and Insurance. James has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Galloway, Johnson, Tompkins, Burr & Smith. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 5 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters James takes on
James concentrates on construction, general, insurance, product liability, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Construction
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General
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Insurance
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Product Liability
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Real Estate
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Construction cases in New Orleans, Louisiana
James takes construction 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 James agrees to represent you.
General cases in New Orleans, Louisiana
James takes general 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 James agrees to represent you.
Insurance cases in New Orleans, Louisiana
James takes insurance 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 James agrees to represent you.
Product Liability cases in New Orleans, Louisiana
James takes product liability 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 James agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in New Orleans, Louisiana
James takes real estate 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 James agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet James A. Prather — construction lawyer in New Orleans
James A. Prather is a director based in New Orleans, LA. The practice focuses on Construction, General, and Insurance. James has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Galloway, Johnson, Tompkins, Burr & Smith. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 5 client reviews.
With more than 30 years of experience, James Prather quickly evaluates a case, sees the end game, then develops a litigation strategy to achieve the desired outcome. Sometimes that means obtaining an early settlement; other times it requires taking the matter to trial. James has the experience and skills to do both, always aligning his strategy with his clients’ business goals.
James started his practice with a focus on property and casualty defense litigation and has grown his practice to include insurance coverage, construction defects, product liability defense, and defense of the transportation industry. He also works with clients to develop policy forms for commercial and personal lines policies. James represents insurers and their insureds in first- and third-party bodily injury and property claims.
James has devoted his practice to preserving business and insurance interests in Louisiana. He serves as General Counsel for the Louisiana Surplus Lines Association and has been honored by his colleagues in the bar and members of the bench with an “AV” rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest rating available to practicing attorneys. James has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America each year since 2019.
Awards & Recognitions
•The Best Lawyers in America - Construction Law, Insurance Law, Leisure and Hospitality Law, Litigation - Construction, 2026
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How James handles construction matters
With more than 30 years of experience, James Prather quickly evaluates a case, sees the end game, then develops a litigation strategy to achieve the desired outcome. Sometimes that means obtaining an early settlement; other times it requires taking the matter to trial. James has the experience and skills to do both, always aligning his strategy with his clients’ business goals. James started his…
The kind of cases James takes
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for construction, general, and insurance matters in New Orleans and the surrounding Louisiana area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Loyola University School of Law in New Orleans, Louisiana
J.D. · 1990
Northeast Louisiana University
B.A. · 1986
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
Louisiana All Louisi
1991 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in Loyola University School of Law in New Orleans, Louisiana and B.A. in Northeast Louisiana University.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in Loyola University School of Law in New Orleans, Louisiana and B.A. in Northeast Louisiana University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Louisiana is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
James has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
James A. Prather's office in New Orleans
James's primary office is at Hancock Whitney Center, 701 Poydras Street, 40th Floor, New Orleans, LA, 70139. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Galloway, Johnson, Tompkins, Burr & Smith
Hancock Whitney Center, 701 Poydras Street, 40th Floor
New Orleans, LA 70139
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of James A. Prather — 4.7/5 rating from 5 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of James. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing construction attorneys in New Orleans.
4.7
5 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James A. Prather claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James A. Prather — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new construction attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with James usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
James charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain James'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; James will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a construction attorney in New Orleans, Louisiana
A short list to run through before you commit: How many construction 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 James
James discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in construction practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every construction 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. James confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
James's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many construction practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about James A. Prather
How much does it cost to hire James for a construction case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. James walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does James offer a free consultation?
James charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office. Some construction attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do construction cases in Louisiana typically take?
Simple construction 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. James gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can James take my case if I'm outside New Orleans?
James 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 — James 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 James?
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. James will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is James accepting new construction clients right now?
James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Construction attorneys serving New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Metairie in Louisiana
James handles construction matters throughout Louisiana. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified construction attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these construction attorneys in New Orleans handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.