James A. Prather

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James A. Prather: Attorney with Galloway, Johnson, Tompkins, Burr & Smith
Attorney Awards
About Attorney Awards

Biography

With more than 30 years of experience, James Prather quickly evaluates a case, sees the end game, then develops a litigation strategy to achieve the desired outcome. Sometimes that means obtaining an early settlement; other times it requires taking the matter to trial. James has the experience and skills to do both, always aligning his strategy with his clients’ business goals.

James started his practice with a focus on property and casualty defense litigation and has grown his practice to include insurance coverage, construction defects, product liability defense, and defense of the transportation industry. He also works with clients to develop policy forms for commercial and personal lines policies. James represents insurers and their insureds in first- and third-party bodily injury and property claims.

James has devoted his practice to preserving business and insurance interests in Louisiana. He serves as General Counsel for the Louisiana Surplus Lines Association and has been honored by his colleagues in the bar and members of the bench with an “AV” rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest rating available to practicing attorneys. James has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America each year since 2019.

Awards & Recognitions

The Best Lawyers in America - Construction Law, Insurance Law, Leisure and Hospitality Law, Litigation - Construction, 2026

RELATED NEWS

71 Galloway Attorneys Recognized in 2026 Best Lawyers in America

71 Galloway Attorneys Recognized in 2026 Best Lawyers in America

Louisiana Lawyers Secure Summary Dismissal of Insured’s Claims for Coverage

Louisiana Lawyers Secure Summary Dismissal of Insured’s Claims for Coverage

Galloway Attorneys Named to 2025 Best Lawyers in America

Galloway Attorneys Named to 2025 Best Lawyers in America

Insurance Law Alert: Louisiana Amends Claims Handling Process for Insurers and Insureds

Insurance Law Alert: Louisiana Amends Claims Handling Process for Insurers and Insureds

31 Galloway Attorneys Recognized in the 30th Edition of Best Lawyers in America

31 Galloway Attorneys Recognized in the 30th Edition of Best Lawyers in America

Areas of Practice (9)

  • Construction Litigation
  • Insurance Defense & Coverage
  • Product Liability
  • Real Estate & Property
  • Regulatory & Compliance
  • Trucking
  • Construction
  • Retail & Restaurant
  • Transportation

Education & Credentials

University Attended:
Northeast Louisiana University, B.A., 1986
Law School Attended:
Loyola University School of Law in New Orleans, Louisiana, J.D., 1990
Year of First Admission:
1991
Admission:
1991, Louisiana; All Louisiana Trial and Appellate Courts; U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana; U.S. District Court, Middle District of Louisiana; U.S. District Court, Western District of Louisiana; U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit; U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
Memberships:

Associations

•American Trucking Association
•Claims and Litigation Management Alliance
•Defense Research Institute
•Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel
•Louisiana Bar Association
•Louisiana Claims Association New Orleans and North Shore Chapters
•Louisiana Surplus Lines Advisory Council
•Louisiana Surplus Lines Association
•Maritime Law Association of the United States
•Professional Insurance Agents of Louisiana
•Wholesale & Specialty Insurance Association, Legislative Affairs Committee

Reported Cases:
Representative Matters: Helped uncover a fraud ring related to commercial trucking, which the media dubbed as 'Operation Sideswipe.' Our client was sued by three claimants seeking personal injury damages. All three had spine surgery and demanded more than two million dollars. We proved the accident was staged, ultimately resulting in federal criminal convictions of the plaintiffs and their attorney for his role in the crime.; Obtained a favorable ruling for a client, reducing a medical expense claim from more than $700,000 to $232,000 by exposing a medical funding scheme.; Successfully litigated multiple wrongful death suits involving hunting accidents in several states, many resulting in defense verdicts.
ISLN:
901445825

Peer Reviews

4.7/5.0 (5 reviews)
Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent Rating Badge
  • Legal Knowledge

    4.7/5.0
  • Analytical Capability

    4.7/5.0
  • Judgment

    4.7/5.0
  • Communication

    4.7/5.0
  • Legal Experience

    4.7/5.0
Peer reviews submitted prior to 2008 are not displayed.

Client Reviews Write a Review

Location

Contact James A. Prather

Contact Information:

504-406-2406  Phone

985-674-6681  Fax

www.gallowaylawfirm.com

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