Jones Walker LLP

History and Founding

Jones Walker LLP was founded in May 1937 in New Orleans by three Tulane Law School graduates: Joseph Merrick Jones, Sr., William B. Dreux, and A.J. Waechter. The firm opened during the Great Depression and steadily expanded its geographic footprint, opening a Baton Rouge office in 1980 and later adding offices across the southern U.S. and in major cities like Chicago, Dallas, Houston, New York, and Washington, D.C. Today, the firm operates from 20 offices in 12 states and the District of Columbia.

Leadership and Governance

The firm is led by Managing Partner Bill Hines, who sets strategic direction and oversees day-to-day operations. Governance is provided by a board of directors; in 2025, partners Richard Cortizas (who also serves as Chief Culture & Inclusion Officer) and Rivers Lelong were reelected to four-year terms on the board. The firm's organizational structure includes practice groups covering corporate and transactional law; litigation; real estate, land use, and zoning; labor and employment; energy, environmental, and natural resources; tax and benefits; and intellectual property. Industry-focused teams serve banking, construction, energy, gaming, healthcare, hospitality, technology, and telecommunications.

Practice Areas and Platforms

Jones Walker offers a broad range of legal services. Notable platforms include the AI Law and Policy Navigator, a curated resource for businesses and policymakers navigating artificial intelligence regulation. The Privacy, Data Strategy, and Artificial Intelligence Practice provides incident response, regulatory compliance, contract support, and litigation related to data breaches and AI governance. The Gaming Industry Team is consistently ranked Tier 1 nationally by Chambers and Partners for gambling and gaming, advising on licensing, regulatory compliance, M&A, commercial contracts, and dispute resolution for casino, sports betting, and iGaming clients. The Products Liability Practice counsels on compliance, labeling, and distribution risks. The Project Development & Finance Group handles structured financing, joint ventures, and public-private partnerships. The Corporate Practice Group leads on M&A, securities, venture capital, and corporate governance.

Market Position and Recognition

Jones Walker ranks among the 140 largest U.S. law firms by attorney count and is recognized by Chambers USA, U.S. News – Best Lawyers, and other ranking organizations. National Tier 1 rankings include Admiralty and Maritime Law, Construction Law, and Litigation – Construction (U.S. News – Best Lawyers 2026). Multiple metropolitan Tier 1 distinctions also apply. The firm's client base includes Fortune 500 corporations, money-center banks, worldwide insurers, and emerging companies. Competitors include other large regional and national firms with strong Gulf Coast and gaming practices.

Recent Developments and Community Engagement

In 2025, the firm elected 12 new partners and strengthened its board leadership. Jones Walker continues to expand its technology and data privacy capabilities in response to the rapid growth of AI regulation. The firm is deeply engaged in community service, with partners and associates serving on nonprofit boards, providing pro bono legal services, and supporting arts, education, and health initiatives across its footprint.