Press Release

NEW ORLEANS—Richard F. Cortizas has rejoined Jones Walker LLP after three years of service as City Attorney for the City of New Orleans. Richard will practice as special counsel in the firm's Business & Commercial Transactions Practice Group in the New Orleans office.

"We are thrilled to have Richard return to Jones Walker. His legal reputation and experience overseeing economic development projects make him an invaluable asset to our firm and clients," said Managing Partner William H. Hines.

As City Attorney, Richard was responsible for directing and supervising legal affairs for the City of New Orleans and was part of the team that negotiated the New Orleans Police Department consent decrees. He also served as Executive Counsel to Mayor Mitch Landrieu from 2010 to 2011.

Prior to his service as City Attorney, Richard practiced law at Jones Walker for six years, where his practice was predominantly transactional. He represented corporate clients in complex land use and zoning matters, public finance, and economic development projects. Richard also represented several major developers on multi-million dollar commercial and residential development projects throughout the state of Louisiana.

Before practicing law, Mr. Cortizas was the Regional Director for U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu. He acted as the liaison between the Senator and state and local officials, and was the Senator's local community representative.

Richard earned his juris doctor degree from the Loyola University New Orleans College of Law and his undergraduate degree from Loyola University New Orleans.

Jones Walker LLP, with more than 375 attorneys, provides a comprehensive range of legal services to a national and international corporate client base through offices in Alabama, Arizona, California, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, New York, and Texas.

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