Attorney J. Christopher Zainey, Jr. Named One of the "Top 100 Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyers in Louisiana"

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J. CHRISTOPHER “CHRIS” ZAINEY, JR.

A Tireless Advocate for His Clients and Community.

J. Christopher “Chris” Zainey, Jr. is a passionate and tireless protector of his clients’ rights. He believes it is an honor to serve as an advocate for those who may be unable to speak up for themselves, dedicating his practice to ensuring that injury victims and others in need receive the access to justice they deserve. For Chris, a case is successful when he has positively impacted a person’s life, and his commitment to securing a just result for every client is without compromise.

Chris focuses his practice on complex legal battles, including maritime law and Jones Act cases, catastrophic personal injury, wrongful death claims, and motor vehicle accidents. He is also highly experienced in multi-district litigation (MDL), governmental representation, and business disputes.

This breadth of experience is built on a strong foundation. Prior to his career in private practice, Chris had the honor of serving as a Federal Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable James J. Brady in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana, giving him invaluable insight into the workings of the federal court system.

Experience in High-Profile & Complex Litigation

While he has successfully litigated hundreds of diverse cases, a select few of Chris’s most notable matters include:

  • Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill (MDL-2179): Served with the Plaintiff’s Steering Committee’s Trial and Deposition Teams, playing a key role in the multi-district litigation following the largest offshore oil spill in U.S. history.
  • National Opiate Litigation (MDL-2804): Represented multiple governmental entities in their fight against opioid manufacturers and distributors for their role in the national opioid crisis.
  • Jonathan Vilma vs. NFL: Represented New Orleans Saints legend Jonathan Vilma in his high-profile pursuit for justice against the National Football League and its commissioner.

CHRIS’ awards & accolades

The National Trial Lawyer Top 100
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AAJ
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Education

  • Loyola University New Orleans School of Law
  • Juris Doctorate
  • Law Excellence Award, Highest Grade in Maritime Personal Injury
  • The University of Mississippi
  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Magna Cum Laude
  • Jesuit High School

Honors, Awards & Professional Leadership

Chris is highly respected by his peers and is a recognized leader in numerous legal organizations.

  • 2025 New Orleans City Business Leadership in Law Honoree
  • The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 Trial Lawyers (2021-present)
  • Louisiana Super Lawyers: (2019-2024)
  • Louisiana Super Lawyers: Rising Stars (2015-2018)
  • The Best Lawyers in America®: Personal Injury Law (2021-present)
  • Loyola University New Orleans School of Law Alumni Board of Directors
  • Federal Bar Association – New Orleans Chapter:
  • Board of Directors (2022-Present)
  • Young Lawyers Division Board of Directors (2013-2022)
  • Louisiana Association for Justice (LAJ):
  • 2023-2024 LAJ President’s Award Recipient
  • New Lawyers Division Chairman (2017-2021)
  • Membership Committee Co-Chairman (2019-Present)
  • Board of Governors (2019-present)
  • Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA):
  • 2025 LSBA President’s Award Recipient
  • Wellness in the Profession Task Force Chairman
  • Tort, Admiralty and Insurance Section Chairman
  • LSBA Admiralty Symposium Co-Chairman
  • Board of Governors (Past Member)
  • House of Delegates (Past Member)
  • Nominating Committee, Community Action Committee Chairman, and more

Bar Admissions

  • Louisiana
  • 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. District Court, Southern District of Texas
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit

Community Involvement & Pro Bono

  • St. Andrew’s Village: Board of Directors
  • Miracle League of Greater New Orleans: Coach / Buddy
  • Homeless Experience Legal Protection (HELP): Volunteer
  • SOLACE Program: Volunteer
  • Pro Bono Project: Volunteer
  • Covenant House “Sleep Out” Participant
  • Loyola University Institute of Politics: Fellow

Pro Hac Vice Appearances

  • Chris has represented clients in courts across the country and beyond, including in Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Ohio, Texas, and the United States Virgin Islands.

Select Presentations & Teaching

As a frequent guest lecturer, Chris is committed to educating the next generation of lawyers and sharing his expertise with his peers on complex legal topics.

  • Annual Guest Lecturer: Louisiana State Bar Association’s Summer School (Admiralty Update) & Admiralty Symposium
  • Regular Guest Lecturer: Loyola University Law School, Tulane University Law School, and LSU Law Center on topics including Federal Practice, Oral Advocacy, Trial Advocacy, and Environmental Torts.
  • Frequent CLE Speaker: For the Louisiana Association for Justice, Louisiana State Bar Association, and other legal organizations on topics including Ethics and Professionalism.

Contact Chris Zainey

If you are facing a serious injury or a complex legal dispute, contact Chris Zainey for a free, confidential consultation to learn how he can help you.

free case review form (800) 521-1750

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