HUGH “SKIP” LAMBERT

Over 40+ years of exceptional strategic trial experience.

Hugh “Skip” Lambert, a founding partner of Lambert Zainey Smith & Soso, is a highly respected trial lawyer with a career spanning more than four decades. His unique background as a mechanical engineer combined with his formidable legal skill has made him a powerful advocate for individuals harmed in complex maritime, environmental, and industrial cases. Known for his skill, candor, and resilience, Skip has built a legacy of fighting for the rights of workers and families against some of the largest corporations in the world.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of Michigan, Skip began his career as a production process engineer and general foreman at General Motors. This hands-on industrial experience gave him a practical understanding of complex machinery and operations — knowledge he has leveraged throughout his legal career.

He moved to New Orleans to attend Loyola Law School, where he excelled, serving as Lead Article Editor of the Loyola Law Review. Following his graduation in 1973, he clerked for a United States District Judge and then became the protégé of the renowned maritime lawyer, Frederick J. Gisevius, Jr. In 1977, he founded what is now Lambert Zainey Smith & Soso, quickly establishing it as one of the most successful maritime injury law firms in New Orleans.

Under his leadership, the firm has grown to become a national leader in mass torts, class actions, multi-district litigation, and environmental contamination lawsuits, all while maintaining its core commitment to representing individuals in the maritime and oil & gas world.

Hugh’s awards & accolades

Community Leadership Lawyer Legion Lambert Zainey

A Record of Success in High-Stakes Litigation

Skip has tried hundreds of cases, many of which have gained national and international attention. His ability to unravel complex technical and engineering issues has been instrumental in securing justice for his clients.

Hanford Nuclear Site Whistleblower Case: As a key attorney, Skip was successful in obtaining a $125,000,000 settlement against major government contractors in a False Claims Act (qui tam) case. Working closely with the Department of Justice, he represented former employees who alleged that the defendants billed the government for deficient nuclear-quality materials and services at the Hanford nuclear site in Washington.
ARCO Platform Explosion: Following a catastrophic explosion on a cryogenic platform in the Gulf of Mexico, Hugh Lambert acted as co-lead counsel. He was instrumental in determining the complex engineering causes of the explosion, leading to the assignment of liability to the responsible parties and securing a multi-million-dollar resolution for the firm’s clients in just over a year.

Education

Loyola Law School
Juris Doctorate, 1973
Lead Article Editor, Loyola Law Review
University of Michigan
Bachelor of Science in Engineering, 1969

Teaching & Instructing

Guest Instructor, Maritime Torts
Tulane University Law School
Guest Instructor, Environmental Law
Texas A&M University School of Law
Duke University School of Law
The University of Mississippi School of Law
Instructor, Legal Research and Writing
Loyola Law School

Honors, Awards & Professional Leadership

Skip’s dedication to his clients and the legal profession has been recognized with numerous honors.

Louisiana Super Lawyers: 2007 – 2025
The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 Trial Lawyers (2022-2025)
Martindale-Hubbell: Distinguished® Peer Rated
America’s Top 100 Attorneys®
American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys: 10 Best Client Satisfaction Award
Lawyer Legion: Recognized for Community Leadership & Professional Involvement
AVVO: Rated 10/10 “Superb”
Leadership Roles:
Member, Board of Governors – American Association for Justice
Member, Leaders Forum – American Association for Justice
Former Member, Board of Governors – Louisiana Association for Justice
Former President’s Club Member – American Trial Lawyers Association
Member: The Class Action Trial Lawyers, Public Justice Foundation, Louisiana Bar Foundation, and numerous local and federal bar associations.

Bar Admissions

Louisiana
Michigan
U.S. Fifth, Ninth & Eleventh Circuit Courts of Appeals
Multiple U.S. District Courts
U.S. Tax Court

Unique Qualifications

Federal Law Clerk: Served Hon. R. Blake West, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana (1973-1975)
Commercial Pilot: Airplane Multi-engine Instrument – Jet Rating

Pro Hac Vice Appearances

Skip has represented clients in state and federal courts across the country, including Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Indiana, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Tennessee, Washington, Washington D.C., and West Virginia.

Select Publications & Presentations

Skip is a frequent speaker and author on complex legal topics, sharing his knowledge with fellow attorneys across the nation.

“Seacor Power: The Complexities of a Mass Maritime Disaster”, La. Assoc. for Justice, High Stakes on the High Seas Maritime Law Conference, 2022
“Maritime Updates”, La. Assoc. for Justice, High Stakes on the High Seas Maritime Law Conference, 2016
“Professionalism in Settlement Negotiations”, New Orleans Bar Association, 2016
“Settlement Dynamics and Considerations in Multi-Party Cases“, La. State Bar Assoc. MDL Conference, 2014
“Panel Discussion on Recent Developments in Products Liability” with Judge Lance M. Africk, New Orleans Bar Association, 2014
“Whistleblower Bounty Programs and their Crossover with Retaliation Claims”, La. Assoc. for Justice, 2014
“Class Action Update: Today’s Trends & Strategies for Success”, National Business Institute, 2006
“Environment Law: Qui Tam Actions Under the Refuse Act”, Loyola Law Review, 1971

Contact Hugh “Skip” Lambert

If you are facing a complex maritime, environmental, or industrial injury case, you need an attorney with the technical knowledge and trial experience to fight for you. Contact Skip Lambert for a free, confidential consultation.

free case review form (800) 521-1750