William J. "Bill" Riviere, Maritime Attorney in New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans, LA
Trusted maritime attorney serving New Orleans.
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
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Quick answer
William J. "Bill" Riviere is an attorney based in New Orleans, LOUISIANA. The practice focuses on Maritime.
- Based in
- New Orleans, LOUISIANA
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Maritime
- Handles Maritime matters from New Orleans, LOUISIANA.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Admiralty and Maritime Law (2026).
About William J. "Bill" Riviere: William J. "Bill" Riviere is an attorney based in New Orleans, LOUISIANA. The practice focuses on Maritime.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by William J. "Bill" Riviere
William concentrates on maritime. Each area below outlines the kind of case William handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Maritime cases in New Orleans, Louisiana
William takes maritime 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 William agrees to represent you.
Biography
About William J. "Bill" Riviere — Attorney of Louisiana maritime experience
William J. "Bill" Riviere is an attorney based in New Orleans, LOUISIANA. The practice focuses on Maritime.
Bill Riviere practices in the areas of collision, maritime personal injury, terminal/installation damage, pollution, fire, salvage, maritime lien matters, oilfield indemnity and insurance coverage disputes, and appellate matters. He represents maritime employers, vessel owners, energy interests and their underwriters in personal injury defense litigation, including Jones Act and Longshore and Harbor Worker’s Compensation Act claims, and represents vessel owners, operators, dock and terminal owners, and their underwriters in connection with collisions, allisions, wavewash/surge damage, groundings and salvage matters. He also represents general liability and marine underwriters with respect to coverage issues involving a range of marine, general liability and excess forms of coverage.
Bill has attended numerous legal continuing education seminars focusing on civil litigation and the trial process, with a concentration primarily on admiralty matters. Included in this continuing training was a seminar presented at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at King’s Point focusing on collision and fire at sea.
William's approach to maritime cases
Bill Riviere practices in the areas of collision, maritime personal injury, terminal/installation damage, pollution, fire, salvage, maritime lien matters, oilfield indemnity and insurance coverage disputes, and appellate matters. He represents maritime employers, vessel owners, energy interests and their underwriters in personal injury defense litigation, including Jones Act and Longshore and…
Clients William works with
William reviews new inquiries case-by-case for maritime matters in New Orleans and the surrounding Louisiana area.
Credentials
William J. "Bill" Riviere's legal education and bar admissions
Georgetown University
J.D. · 1990
Georgetown University
J.D. · 1990
Nicholls State University
B.S. · 1987
Jurisdictions
William's state bar admissions
Louisiana, Louisiana
ACTIVE
William studied at J.D. in Georgetown University, J.D. in Georgetown University, and B.S. in Nicholls State University.
Law school and academic background
William completed J.D. in Georgetown University, J.D. in Georgetown University, and B.S. in Nicholls State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice William runs in Louisiana is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of William J. "Bill" Riviere
William has received 20 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Admiralty and Maritime Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — AV Preeminent Peer Review,
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Martindale
2026
Best Lawyers in America — -
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Hubbell
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Admiralty and Maritime Law,
2026
Best Lawyers in America — The
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Best
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Lawyers
2026
Best Lawyers in America — in
2026
Best Lawyers in America — America
2026
Best Lawyers in America — (2015-2021)
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Louisiana Super Lawyers list,
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Super
2026
Best Lawyers in America — (2007-2019)
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Top New Orleans Lawyers: Admiralty,
2026
Best Lawyers in America — New
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Orleans
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Magazine
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Admiralty and Maritime Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — AV Preeminent Peer Review, (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Martindale (2026). Best Lawyers in America — - (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Hubbell (2026).
Locations
William J. "Bill" Riviere's office in New Orleans
William's primary office is at 365 Canal Street, Suite 2000, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70130-6534. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of William J. "Bill" Riviere
William has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire William J. "Bill" Riviere — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new maritime attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with William usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
William charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain William'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; William will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a maritime attorney in New Orleans, Louisiana
A short list to run through before you commit: How many maritime 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 William
William discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in maritime practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every maritime 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. William confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
William's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many maritime practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about William J. "Bill" Riviere
How much does it cost to hire William for a maritime case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. William walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does William offer a free consultation?
William charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain William's office. Some maritime attorneys offer free consults — check William's current terms during booking.
How long do maritime cases in Louisiana typically take?
Simple maritime 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. William gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can William take my case if I'm outside New Orleans?
William 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 — William 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 William?
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. William will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is William accepting new maritime clients right now?
William's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Maritime attorneys serving New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Metairie in Louisiana
William handles maritime matters throughout Louisiana. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified maritime attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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If William's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these maritime attorneys in New Orleans handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





