Black Lawyers in New Orleans

History, Legacy, and Advocacy

New Orleans has one of the most significant traditions of Black lawyers in the United States. For more than 150 years, Black attorneys in New Orleans have played a central role in advancing civil rights, protecting workers, and expanding access to justice. Today, that legacy continues through attorneys who represent injured workers, accident victims, and individuals seeking Social Security Disability benefits.

If you’re searching for Black lawyers in New Orleans, you’re likely looking for more than legal representation; you’re looking for someone you can trust with something personal. At Mitchell & Associates, we represent injured workers and accident victims across New Orleans and surrounding areas, providing guidance, clarity, and support when it matters most.

Early Black Lawyers in New Orleans – A Long Tradition of Black Legal Advocacy in New Orleans

Following the Civil War, Reconstruction created new opportunities for African Americans to enter the legal profession. New Orleans quickly became one of the leading centers of Black legal advocacy in the South.

During this period, Black lawyers were not simply practicing law—they were helping define what equal protection under the law would mean in the United States.

Among the earliest pioneers was Louis A. Martinet, a New Orleans attorney, journalist, and civil rights leader who played a central role in organizing legal resistance to segregation.

Martinet worked with other Black lawyers and civil rights leaders to challenge discriminatory laws throughout Louisiana and to build a coordinated legal strategy against racial segregation.

This early generation of Black attorneys established a foundation of advocacy that would influence civil rights litigation for decades.

The Plessy Challenge and Black Lawyers in New Orleans

One of the most important chapters in the history of Black lawyers in New Orleans came when local civil rights leaders organized a legal challenge to Louisiana’s Separate Car Act of 1890. Louis A. Martinet helped organize the Citizens’ Committee of New Orleans, which created a strategic legal test to challenge segregation. The resulting case became Plessy v. Ferguson, one of the most significant decisions in United States constitutional law.

Although the Supreme Court upheld segregation under the doctrine of separate but equal, the legal challenge organized by Black lawyers in New Orleans represented one of the earliest coordinated civil rights strategies in American history. That same constitutional framework would later be used to overturn segregation in the twentieth century.

Notable Black Lawyers From New Orleans

Black legal history in New Orleans includes a number of influential attorneys and judges, including Louis A. Martinet, Rodolphe Desdunes, A. P. Tureaud, Israel Augustine Jr., Ernest Nathan Morial, Revius Ortique Jr., Bernette Joshua Johnson, and Dana Douglas. Their careers reflect the long-standing role Black attorneys have played in civil rights, public leadership, mentoring, and expanding access to justice in Louisiana.

Louis A. Martinet

Civil rights lawyer and organizer of the Citizens’ Committee that challenged segregation laws in Louisiana.

Rodolphe Desdunes

A lawyer, historian, and civil rights leader involved in organizing opposition to segregation and documenting the history of Black civil rights efforts in Louisiana.

P. Tureaud

One of the most influential civil rights lawyers in Louisiana history and chief counsel for the NAACP in Louisiana. He litigated numerous desegregation cases that helped dismantle segregation.

Israel Augustine Jr.

A prominent New Orleans attorney who later served as a judge and played an important role mentoring younger Black lawyers.

Ernest Nathan Morial

Civil rights attorney who later became the first Black mayor of New Orleans. His career reflects the transition of Black lawyers into positions of public leadership.

Revius Ortique Jr.

New Orleans attorney who became the first Black justice on the Louisiana Supreme Court.

Bernette Joshua Johnson

New Orleans attorney who became the first Black woman to serve on the Louisiana Supreme Court and later Chief Justice.

Dana Douglas

New Orleans attorney who became the first Black woman from Louisiana appointed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

Black Bar Associations and Legal Organizations in New Orleans

Louis A. Martinet Legal Society

The Louis A. Martinet Legal Society is the primary association of Black attorneys in the New Orleans area. Named after civil rights lawyer Louis A. Martinet, the organization promotes professional excellence among African American lawyers and works to expand access to justice.

The society also sponsors scholarships, professional development programs, and outreach initiatives designed to support the next generation of Black attorneys in Louisiana.

National Bar Association

Founded in 1925, the National Bar Association is the nation’s oldest and largest organization of predominantly Black lawyers, judges, and law professors.

Many attorneys from New Orleans have been active participants in the organization’s work advancing civil rights and promoting diversity within the legal profession.

The Continuing Role of Black Lawyers in New Orleans

Black lawyers in New Orleans have historically focused on representing individuals who face structural disadvantages within the legal system.

This includes advocating for injured workers, accident victims, and individuals seeking disability benefits—areas of law that directly impact working families.

That tradition continues today.

Modern Black attorneys in New Orleans represent clients in matters including:

• car accidents
• workers’ compensation claims
• personal injury cases
• Social Security Disability benefits

These practice areas reflect a long-standing commitment to ensuring that individuals have access to legal representation when facing powerful institutions such as insurance companies, employers, and government agencies.

Mitchell & Associates represents clients in matters involving workers’ compensation, Social Security Disability, auto accidents, and Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act claims. The firm’s focus is clear: helping people who are facing difficult circumstances and need someone they can trust.

Your Case Is Personal

“They treated me with respect and kindness… they GET THE JOB DONE!!!” — Amelia Rowe

At Mitchell & Associates, we’re a family firm serving clients throughout New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and surrounding areas.

When you call about your workers’ compensation case, you talk to founder Attorney Craig Mitchell or his wife, Attorney Kiana Aaron Mitchell. At some law firms, people never see their lawyer. Here, clients are invited to meet with Craig or Kiana.

Craig Mitchell explains it plainly: you need someone you can trust to make sense of the workers’ compensation paperwork, legal jargon, and people pulling you in different directions. If you are doing your research, understanding your options, and trying to avoid slick ads and fast talk, you are already taking an important step toward peace of mind.

How We Help

• Workers’ Compensation
• Social Security Disability
• Auto Accidents

What Clients Say

“These guys were Excellent and professional about taking care of me and my business.” — Tyrone Brown

“I would like to thank Mrs. Mitchell and her staff she will help you to the fullest and the best way she can to get the job done.” — Deknetra Lambert

“Had the best experience with this law firm, very attentive as if I were the only client… Would recommend to anyone in need of W/C representation.” — Terrence Eugene

With 100+ client reviews, Mitchell & Associates is known for treating every case with care, communication, and results that matter.

Choosing a Black Lawyer in New Orleans

For many clients, choosing a Black lawyer in New Orleans is about more than legal representation—it is about working with an attorney who understands the community and its history.

Black law firms in New Orleans continue a tradition of advocacy that has existed for more than a century, combining legal skill with a commitment to protecting clients’ rights.

When selecting an attorney, clients should look for experience, communication, and a demonstrated ability to handle complex legal matters.

FAQ About Black Lawyers in New Orleans

Who was one of the first Black lawyers in New Orleans?
Louis A. Martinet was one of the earliest and most influential Black lawyers practicing in New Orleans during the Reconstruction era.

What role did Black lawyers play in civil rights history in New Orleans?
Black attorneys helped organize legal challenges to segregation laws and were instrumental in early civil rights litigation, including the challenge that led to Plessy v. Ferguson.

Are there Black law firms in New Orleans today?
Yes. Black attorneys and law firms continue to represent clients throughout the New Orleans area in personal injury, workers’ compensation, and other legal matters.

Get a Free Case Review

If you are looking for Black lawyers in New Orleans with experience handling workers’ compensation, Social Security Disability, auto accident, and related claims, Mitchell & Associates offers a free case review and you pay nothing unless your case is successful. Fill out our contact form.
☎️ Call 844-TOO-HURT
📍 615 Baronne St., Suite 300, New Orleans, LA

The legacy of Black lawyers in New Orleans is rooted in advocacy, trust, and standing up for people when it matters most. That work continues today.