Thomas J. Smith, Business Attorney in New Orleans, Louisiana
Over 42 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Energy, and Environmental · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
DirectoratGalloway, Johnson, Tompkins, Burr & Smith
New Orleans, LA
Practicing business in New Orleans since 1984.
- 42+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 9
- Bar admissions
Are you Thomas J. Smith?
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Quick answer
Thomas J. Smith is a director based in New Orleans, LA. The practice focuses on Business, Energy, and Environmental. Thomas has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Galloway, Johnson, Tompkins, Burr & Smith. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- New Orleans, LA
- Experience
- over 42 years
- Known for
- Business · Energy · Environmental
- Handles Business, Energy, and Environmental matters from New Orleans, LA.
- Over 42 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Thomas J. Smith: Thomas J. Smith is a director based in New Orleans, LA. The practice focuses on Business, Energy, and Environmental. Thomas has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Galloway, Johnson, Tompkins, Burr & Smith. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Thomas's practice areas in New Orleans
Thomas concentrates on business, energy, environmental, general, and insurance. Each area below outlines the kind of case Thomas handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Energy
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Environmental
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General
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Insurance
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Maritime
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Product Liability
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Class Action
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Business cases in New Orleans, Louisiana
Thomas takes business 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.
Energy cases in New Orleans, Louisiana
Thomas takes energy 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.
Environmental cases in New Orleans, Louisiana
Thomas takes environmental 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.
General cases in New Orleans, Louisiana
Thomas 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.
Insurance cases in New Orleans, Louisiana
Thomas 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.
Biography
Thomas J. Smith, business attorney serving New Orleans
Thomas J. Smith is a director based in New Orleans, LA. The practice focuses on Business, Energy, and Environmental. Thomas has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Galloway, Johnson, Tompkins, Burr & Smith. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. Thomas works from New Orleans, Louisiana and takes on business matters across the region.
Tommy Smith has always recognized that a successful litigator achieves the client’s goals in a cost-effective and timely fashion while keeping the client both informed and in control. For the past thirty-seven years Tommy’s aggressive, analytical, and flexible approach to litigation has led to the attainment of those goals in close to one hundred jury, bench, and administrative trials and arbitrations, as well as appeals. In addition to successfully trying cases, Tommy knows when to guide a client toward a resolution that minimizes the risks inherent in litigation, such as settlement, arbitration, or mediation.
Focused on efficient, economic dispute resolution, Tommy realizes that litigation is frequently not the best or only path to the best possible results. As an experienced litigator and certified mediator, Tommy understands that the opportunity for parties to air their grievances often sets the stage for an acceptable compromise that addresses the interests of all parties. However, the assistance of an experienced litigator who has negotiated many hundreds of settlements often proves indispensable. Tommy has worked with clients to implement and utilize arbitration programs applicable to claims asserted by their employees and other contractors.
As a former New Orleans police officer, Tommy appreciates the importance of having a long-term strategy and adapting tactics to the often-changing positions of opponents. His analysis and precision have helped obtain successful verdicts, dismissals, and settlements for clients, including international drilling companies, oilfield service providers, pipeline transportation and energy storage companies, regional oil and gas exploration firms, one of the world’s largest platform and rig companies, nursing home and long-term care providers, as well as their underwriters and other insurance companies.
Tommy has earned an “AV Preeminent” rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the directory’s highest rating for attorneys. He has been a speaker at seminars for the Jones Act, Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, claims handling and investigation, and employment practices. Tommy is a member of the Texas and Louisiana state bar associations, and the Louisiana and Texas Associations of Defense Counsel. Tommy has also been selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America for Admiralty and Maritime Law since 2019.
Awards & Recognitions
•The Best Lawyers in America - Admiralty and Maritime Law, Litigation - Insurance, 2026
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Working with Thomas on a business matter
Tommy Smith has always recognized that a successful litigator achieves the client’s goals in a cost-effective and timely fashion while keeping the client both informed and in control. For the past thirty-seven years Tommy’s aggressive, analytical, and flexible approach to litigation has led to the attainment of those goals in close to one hundred jury, bench, and administrative trials and…
Clients Thomas works with
Thomas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, energy, and environmental matters in New Orleans and the surrounding Louisiana area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Thomas studied and practices
Tulane University School of Law
J.D. · 1985
Loyola University of the South
B.C.J. · 1981
Jurisdictions
Thomas's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court
2022 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court
2016 · ACTIVE
Supreme Court of the
2002 · ACTIVE
Texas
1993 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Courts
1993 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court
1987 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Courts
1985 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1984 · ACTIVE
Louisiana
1984 · ACTIVE
Thomas studied at J.D. in Tulane University School of Law and B.C.J. in Loyola University of the South.
Law school and academic background
Thomas completed J.D. in Tulane University School of Law and B.C.J. in Loyola University of the South. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Thomas runs in Louisiana is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Thomas's legal honors and published work
Thomas has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Thomas's professional memberships and bar associations
Associations •State Bar of Texas •Louisiana State Bar Association •Texas Association of Defense Counsel •Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel •Claims and Litigation Management Alliance •Houston Claims Association •Houston Mariners Club
membership
Locations
Thomas J. Smith's office in New Orleans
Thomas'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 Thomas J. Smith — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Thomas. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in New Orleans.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Thomas J. Smith claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Thomas J. Smith — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Thomas usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Thomas charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Thomas'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; Thomas will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in New Orleans, Louisiana
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business 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 Thomas
Thomas discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business 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. Thomas confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Thomas's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Thomas J. Smith
How much does it cost to hire Thomas for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Thomas walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Thomas offer a free consultation?
Thomas charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Thomas's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Thomas's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Louisiana typically take?
Simple business 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. Thomas gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Thomas take my case if I'm outside New Orleans?
Thomas 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 — Thomas 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 Thomas?
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. Thomas will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Thomas accepting new business clients right now?
Thomas's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Metairie in Louisiana
Thomas handles business matters throughout Louisiana. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
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