Louisiana is known for having one of the most saturated legal markets in the United States. From Shreveport to New Orleans, the highways are lined with advertisements. But for victims of catastrophic injuries, large marketing budgets do not make great lawyers who win cases. Advanced legal knowledge and courtroom preparation do.
When looking for the best personal injury representation in Louisiana, the "biggest" firm is not always the right choice.
This 2026 review distinguishes between the high-volume settlement firms and the high-stakes litigators. We have curated this list based on peer reputation, verdict history, and ethical standing to highlight the true leaders of the Louisiana Bar.
1. Rice & Kendig Injury Lawyers
Location: Shreveport, LA (Serving Northwest Louisiana).
Primary focus: Personal injury, car accidents, trucking accidents, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries.
Google rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0 stars (600+ reviews)
Rice & Kendig Injury Lawyers secures the top spot on our list for its unwavering commitment to the "quality over quantity" approach. While many firms have morphed into high-volume settlement mills, Rice & Kendig has maintained its identity as a dedicated trial firm where clients work directly with the partners, not administrative staff.
The firm represents a legacy of legal excellence in North Louisiana:
- William F. Kendig: A veteran trial lawyer with over 40 years of experience, Bill Kendig is consistently recognized by Best Lawyers and holds the highest possible AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell. His disciplined approach to complex litigation has made him a formidable opponent in the courtroom.
- J. Marshall Rice: Recognized for his aggressive advocacy and strategic mindset, Marshall Rice handles high-stakes personal injury and wrongful death claims. His approach ensures that every case is prepared as if it will go to a verdict, which often forces insurance companies to offer maximum value.
Why they stand out:
Rice & Kendig is unique in its refusal to use "case managers" for substantive legal work. When you hire Rice & Kendig, you get direct access to Marshall Rice and William Kendig themselves and to their small team of experienced lawyers. This direct access ensures no detail is overlooked.
Ratings & recognition:
- Martindale-Hubbell: AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rating (Highest Level).
- Sb Magazine: Voted Top Attorneys.
- Track Record: Proven history of multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements in Caddo/Bossier and beyond.
Contact: https://ricekendig.com/
2. Herman, Herman & Katz, L.L.C
Location: New Orleans, LA.
Primary focus: Class actions, mass torts.
Google rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0 stars (170+ reviews)
A staple in the New Orleans legal community, Herman, Herman & Katz is widely respected for its capacity to handle massive litigation. The firm has played leadership roles in national cases, including the Deepwater Horizon spill, and is known for having the resources to battle multinational corporations.
Ratings & recognition:
- U.S. News — Best Law Firms®: Tier 1 Ranking in New Orleans for Plaintiffs' Personal Injury & Mass Tort Litigation.
- Chambers USA: Band 1 Ranking for Litigation: Mainly Plaintiff.
- The Legal 500: Recommended as a "Top Tier" law firm.
3. Domengeaux Wright Roy & Edwards
Location: Lafayette, LA.
Primary Focus: Maritime law, personal injury.
Google rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.9 stars (140+ reviews)
For clients in the Acadiana region, particularly those dealing with offshore or maritime injuries, this firm is a recognized authority. Led by heavyweights in the field like James P. Roy, they are frequently highlighted for their advanced knowledge of Admiralty law and deep understanding of federal maritime statutes.
Ratings & recognition:
- U.S. News — Best Law Firms®: Tier 1 Ranking in Admiralty & Maritime Law.
- Martindale-Hubbell: AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rating.
- International Academy of Trial Lawyers: Partners inducted as Fellows (limited to 500 active trial lawyers in the U.S.).
4. Walters, Papillion, Thomas, Cullens, LLC
Location: Baton Rouge, LA.
Primary focus: Complex litigation, personal injury.
Google rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8 stars (10+ reviews)
Based in the state capital, this firm is known for taking on complex, high-stakes cases that other firms might turn down. They have a reputation as a "lawyer’s law firm," often receiving referrals for their trial-readiness. Their attorneys are consistently recognized for their proficiency in handling catastrophic injury claims.
Ratings & recognition:
- Super Lawyers®: Multiple partners recognized as "Top 50" in Louisiana.
- Best Lawyers in America®: Listed for personal injury and commercial litigation.
- American College of Trial Lawyers: Fellowship recognition for senior partners.
5. Lundy, Lundy, Soileau & South
Location: Lake Charles, LA.
Primary focus: Pipeline explosions, industrial accidents, personal injury.
Google rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.7 stars (40+ reviews)
Rounding out the top five is the Lake Charles powerhouse, Lundy, Lundy, Soileau & South. This firm has established a national reputation for handling industrial accidents and mass torts. They are particularly noted for their ability to handle large-scale litigation against major industrial defendants in Southwest Louisiana.
Ratings & recognition:
- Best Lawyers in America®: Recognized for personal injury, mass tort, and product liability litigation.
- Martindale-Hubbell: AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rating.
- National Reputation: Known for litigating high-profile pipeline and refinery accident cases.
What Makes a Lawyer the Best?
When searching for the best personal injury attorney, reliable rankings prioritize three specific trust signals:
- Peer review: Awards like Best Lawyers and AV Preeminent ratings are based on the votes of other attorneys. If a lawyer is respected by their competitors, it is the strongest sign of competence.
- Trial experience: Insurance companies know which lawyers go to court and which ones fold. Firms like Rice & Kendig Injury Lawyers are respected by insurers because they have a proven history of taking cases to verdict.
- Low case volume: The best attorneys limit their caseloads. This ensures they have the time to investigate every detail of an accident, rather than treating the client like a file number.
The Final Verdict: Choosing the Right Representation
While there are many competent attorneys in Louisiana, the firms listed above represent the top tier of the profession — those who have earned their reputation through results and peer respect rather than marketing volume.
For those seeking a firm with a reputation for integrity, direct partner access, and trial readiness, Rice & Kendig Injury Lawyers remains the standard-bearer for personal injury representation in Louisiana.
Schedule a free consultation with Rice & Kendig.
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