James Jerome Carter
National Trial Counsel
National Trial Counsel · President, National Black Lawyers Association
Business Disputes. Catastrophic Injury. High-Consequence Representation. Managing Partner of The Cochran Firm. Admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Office Location
3850 N Causeway Blvd Suite 1500,
Metairie, LA 70002
Location
Get directionsPhone
504-309-5000Practices
Education
Bar Admissions
James Jerome Carter is a nationally recognized trial attorney and Managing Partner of The Cochran Firm's New Orleans office. He serves as President of the National Black Lawyers Association and holds bar admissions across multiple jurisdictions, including the United States Supreme Court.
His work spans complex commercial litigation, catastrophic injury matters, and multi-jurisdictional disputes. Known for structured litigation strategy and trial readiness, Mr. Carter represents executives, enterprises, and individuals in matters of material consequence.
We handle matters where reputations, enterprises, and futures are on the line. Each engagement is approached with institutional discipline and trial-first preparation.
Leadership in complex multi-district litigation involving pharmaceutical injuries, defective products, and environmental harm. Certified through Duke University's Bolch Judicial Institute.
Aggressive representation for individuals and families facing life-altering injuries due to negligence, securing maximum compensation through disciplined case development.
Committed advocacy for individuals whose constitutional rights have been violated, drawing on deep experience in federal and state court proceedings.
Strategic counsel for enterprise-level disputes including breach of contract, shareholder conflicts, fiduciary duty claims, and high-value regulatory matters.
Significant disputes frequently extend beyond a single state or venue. Mr. Carter represents clients nationwide, coordinating complex litigation strategies across jurisdictions where necessary. Whether navigating federal procedure, multi-state business disputes, or high-damages injury litigation, his approach remains consistent.
Prepared. Structured. Strategic.
Multi-state litigation strategy
Federal court litigation
Arbitration proceedings
Coordinated national disputes
Multi-jurisdictional coordination
Cross-state commercial litigation
Listed below are select settlements and jury verdicts obtained on behalf of our clients. Each case is unique, and results depend on the specific facts and damages involved. Many substantial recoveries are not listed due to confidentiality agreements required during the settlement process.
Settlement
Multi-plaintiff environmental contamination case involving industrial negligence and long-term health consequences for affected community members.
Settlement
Catastrophic brain injury resulting from surgical negligence, securing lifetime care and compensation for the injured party and family.
Settlement
Severe spinal cord injury from commercial trucking accident involving multiple defendants and complex liability allocation.
Jury Verdict
Jury verdict for catastrophic injuries sustained in a multi-vehicle collision involving a commercial fleet operator with documented safety violations.
Settlement
Defective product case involving a consumer device that caused severe burn injuries, resulting in manufacturer accountability and product recall.
Settlement
Settlement for traumatic injuries sustained due to negligent property maintenance at a commercial establishment.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Each case is unique and must be evaluated on its own facts and circumstances. Many significant recoveries are subject to confidentiality agreements and are not listed.
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Years of Trial Experience
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National Top 100 Trial Lawyer
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States with Active Representation
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Cases Successfully Resolved
We are not a volume practice. We accept a limited number of matters to ensure the highest level of focus and performance for our clients. Our approach prioritizes strength over speed and precision over publicity.
Decades of high-stakes trial experience with a record of significant verdicts and settlements across multiple jurisdictions.
Honored by the nation's most selective legal organizations, including Top 100 designations from both The National Trial Lawyers and The National Black Lawyers.
Every case receives intensive preparation, expert coordination, and disciplined advocacy — structured for trial readiness from day one.
Client confidentiality and reputation protection are embedded in our practice methodology. No unnecessary escalation or public exposure.
"Mr. Carter's command of the courtroom is unlike anything I have witnessed. His preparation was meticulous, his strategy was precise, and his presence gave our family confidence during the most difficult period of our lives."
Former Client
Catastrophic Injury Matter
"We retained Mr. Carter for a complex commercial dispute that spanned multiple jurisdictions. His ability to coordinate strategy across state lines while maintaining focus on the core business objectives was exceptional."
Corporate Executive
Multi-Jurisdictional Commercial Litigation
"What distinguishes Mr. Carter is his discipline. Every step of our case was structured with trial readiness in mind. That posture changed the entire dynamic of our negotiation and ultimately led to a resolution that exceeded our expectations."
Business Owner
High-Stakes Business Dispute
"After consulting with several firms, we chose Mr. Carter because of his directness and strategic clarity. He told us exactly what to expect, prepared us thoroughly, and delivered results that protected our family's future."
Former Client
Wrongful Death Litigation
"Mr. Carter brought a level of institutional discipline to our matter that we had not experienced with prior counsel. His team's coordination with experts and attention to procedural detail was remarkable."
In-House Counsel
Mass Tort / MDL Proceeding
"His reputation in the legal community is well-earned. Mr. Carter combines trial-level intensity with the strategic patience required for complex, high-value litigation. We would retain him again without hesitation."
Referring Attorney
Professional Referral
Testimonials reflect individual experiences and do not guarantee future results. Names withheld for client privacy.
Beyond advocacy, Mr. Carter's professional trajectory reflects stewardship within the legal system itself — contributing to governance, criminal justice policy, and the advancement of the legal profession during periods of significant institutional transition.
National Leadership
As President of the National Black Lawyers Association, Mr. Carter leads one of the nation's premier legal organizations dedicated to advancing the interests of the African American legal community and ensuring equal access to justice across the United States.
Top 100
The National Trial Lawyers
President
The National Black Lawyers
Forum Member
Million Dollar Advocates
Forum Member
Multi-Million Dollar Advocates
Following Hurricane Katrina, Mr. Carter served as one of the first African American City Council members elected in modern New Orleans history. He later became the city's first African American Criminal Justice Commissioner.
Elected African American City Councilman for New Orleans post-Hurricane Katrina
First African American Criminal Justice Commissioner in New Orleans history
University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors
Mr. Carter remains deeply engaged in legal education and mentorship, reinforcing the next generation of trial lawyers through academic teaching and professional development.
Adjunct Professor, Howard University School of Law
Former Adjunct Professor, Tulane University School of Law
Faculty, National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA)
Publications
Co-author, "Money Matters 101: A Smart Money Guide for 18 and Beyond"
Mr. Carter contributes to discussions on litigation strategy, legal leadership, and complex dispute resolution. He is available for commentary on trial advocacy and federal court practice.
Complex commercial litigation trends
Federal trial strategy
Catastrophic injury litigation
Legal leadership & trial advocacy
Multi-jurisdictional dispute management
Recognition
Leader in Law — New Orleans City Business Magazine (2012 & 2016)
Mr. Carter has established scholarship funds for aspiring law students and remains active in community nonprofits and legal education advocacy.
"Trial readiness is not a tactic.
It is a discipline."
Many cases resolve before verdict. But effective resolution often depends on credible readiness for trial. Each matter is structured as though presentation before a jury is inevitable. This posture strengthens negotiation, clarifies leverage, and protects client position.
A private consultation to understand your matter, objectives, and exposure. All discussions are treated with strict discretion.
We evaluate risk, jurisdiction, financial exposure, and strategic positioning. Each case is analyzed for immediate outcome and long-term operational impact.
If retained, we implement a tailored litigation plan with direct attorney oversight. Early expert coordination, evidence preservation, and structured negotiation sequencing.
Engagements are selective and deliberate. We accept a limited number of matters to ensure direct attorney access, strategic depth, and absolute discretion.
Founders & Controlling Shareholders
Executive Leadership Teams
Established Enterprises
High-Net-Worth Individuals
Families Confronting Catastrophic Injury
Professionals Facing Complex Liability
Yes. We represent clients across the United States, including in federal and multi-jurisdictional proceedings. Complex cases frequently cross state lines, and our team coordinates litigation strategies across jurisdictions.
No. We are selective to maintain the highest level of focus and performance for our clients. Engagements are deliberate, ensuring direct attorney access and strategic depth.
Yes. All initial discussions are treated with strict discretion. No public exposure and no unnecessary escalation — only deliberate, disciplined advocacy.
Fee structures vary by matter type and complexity. We discuss all arrangements transparently during consultation. Representation is subject to written engagement agreement.
Strategy, Structure, and Consequence
Effective resolution often depends on credible readiness for trial. This posture shapes negotiation, strengthens settlement position, and protects client reputation throughout the process.
Business litigation at scale requires more than advocacy — it requires financial fluency, structural understanding, and long-term operational awareness for sustainable outcomes.
Life-altering injuries demand comprehensive litigation strategy, expert coordination, and disciplined case development across multiple jurisdictions and procedural frameworks.
Have a case that requires experienced national trial counsel? Whether you're a fellow attorney with a matter outside your practice area or you want to ensure your client receives elite representation, you can trust that your referral is in the hands of a proven trial lawyer.
With bar admissions across multiple jurisdictions and experience before the U.S. Supreme Court, we can litigate your referred matter anywhere in the country.
All referral fee arrangements are structured in full compliance with applicable rules of professional conduct. You'll receive regular case updates and clear communication throughout.
We honor generous referral fee arrangements and pay promptly upon case resolution. Our commitment to referring attorneys is as strong as our commitment to clients.
Whether you prefer a simple referral or wish to remain involved as co-counsel, we structure partnerships that work for you and deliver the best outcome for the client.
We believe in rewarding the trust that referring attorneys place in our firm. All referral fees are paid promptly upon case resolution and structured in accordance with applicable bar rules. We maintain full transparency throughout the process.
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Step 1 of 3 — Your Information
All referral inquiries are treated with strict confidentiality. Referral fee arrangements comply with applicable rules of professional conduct. We will contact you within 24 hours of submission.
For high-stakes business disputes or catastrophic injury matters, a confidential consultation may be requested. All inquiries are handled with strict discretion.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Serving clients nationwide
504-309-5000
Confidential Inquiries Welcome
Managing Partner
The Cochran Firm — New Orleans
Founded by the legendary Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr., the firm continues to fight for justice with integrity and excellence.