Local Counsel Services in New Orleans, Louisiana
When national and out-of-state law firms bring litigation into Louisiana, they often need trusted local counsel who understands the courts, judges, procedural rules, procedures, and local customs unique to this state. At our Bloom Legal Network, our attorneys are capable of handling a wide range of legal matters as local counsel and are familiar with local legal issues and court procedures.
We are committed to supporting clients and lead counsel, leveraging our expertise in navigating Louisiana’s legal system to ensure cases move smoothly through Louisiana’s federal and state courts.
Why Local Counsel Matters in Louisiana
Louisiana stands apart from most U.S. jurisdictions because it is rooted in civil law traditions and unique laws rather than common law. Combined with strict local rules, nuanced filing requirements, and court-specific practices, a thorough understanding of Louisiana’s legal system and court procedures is essential. Out-of-state attorneys can easily encounter obstacles without local support.
Local counsel is not just a formality. The challenges that out-of-state attorneys face when litigating in Louisiana can make the process difficult for those unfamiliar with the state’s legal environment. Judges and court staff expect filings to be prepared according to Louisiana’s standards.
Errors or delays can harm a case, but with Bloom Legal Network on your team, you gain a critical partner for navigating these challenges:
- Guidance on state and federal procedure specific to Louisiana.
- Attorneys who know the judges and courts in New Orleans and beyond.
- A partner who can respond quickly to urgent filings or hearings.
Who We Serve
We work with:
- National law firms with matters pending in Louisiana courts.
- Regional and boutique firms that need local representation in New Orleans.
- Solo practitioners and individual attorneys or clients seeking pro hac vice sponsorship.
- Corporate legal departments that require Louisiana counsel for litigation or regulatory matters.
Whether your case is civil, criminal, or commercial, we tailor our support to fit the role you need, focusing on each client’s unique needs and providing personalized service for every person or entity we represent. Contact us today!
Scope of Services
Our local counsel services include, but are not limited to:
- Court filings & compliance with Louisiana’s procedural rules.
- Court appearances in federal and state courts throughout New Orleans.
- Advising on Louisiana law and its civil law distinctions.
- Handling discovery & motion practice as delegated by lead counsel.
- Pro hac vice sponsorship and filings for out-of-state attorneys.
- Case coordination with local courts, clerks, and opposing counsel.
- Assistance for out-of-state attorneys, providing guidance on local procedures and legal requirements.
- Trial preparation support, advising on local ordinances, litigation requirements, and readiness for trial in Louisiana.
- Use of advanced tools to streamline litigation, case management, and optimize legal operations.
- Proactive action in managing legal matters to ensure efficient progress and measurable value for clients.
- Focus on achieving favorable case resolution and complete outcomes for our clients.
We adapt our level of involvement to meet the expectations of lead counsel.
Courts We Cover
Seth J. Bloom, Esq., founder and CEO of Bloom Legal Network, is licensed to practice in both state and federal courts across Louisiana and Texas. These admissions reflect our ability to serve as effective local counsel throughout the Gulf South region:
- Louisiana (2003)
- Texas (2015)
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana
- U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana
- U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
Pro Hac Vice Guidance
Most Louisiana courts require out-of-state attorneys to apply for pro hac vice admission, which must be sponsored by local counsel. Bloom Legal Network assists with:
- Drafting, filing, and submitting pro hac vice motions and forms.
- Coordinating with the Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA) and maintaining strong relationships with the LSBA and local courts.
- Ensuring compliance with all court deadlines and requirements.
Ethical Considerations
Serving as local counsel is more than signing a name to pleadings. As attorneys, we remain bound by Louisiana’s Rules of Professional Conduct and are accountable for filings we sign. Bloom Legal Network approaches each engagement with care and a proven track record of ethical service, ensuring clarity about:
- Division of responsibilities when working as co-counsel with lead attorneys.
- Compliance with LSBA rules on advertising and representation.
- Transparency in communication and billing.
This protects both our clients and our lead counsel partners.
Turnaround & Responsiveness
Litigation often moves quickly, especially in federal court. Out-of-state firms choose Bloom Legal Network because we are known for our success in delivering timely legal services:
- Prompt turnaround on filings and procedural steps.
- Direct communication with lead counsel.
- Efficient scheduling with Louisiana courts.
- Achieving favorable outcome for clients through local expertise.
When you need a responsive local partner, you can feel confident relying on our local counsel services.
Pricing & Engagement
Every matter is different. We provide flexible engagement options, including:
- Hourly billing for ongoing representation.
- Flat fees for discrete services such as pro hac vice filings or motion practice.
- Customized engagement letters that outline exactly what we handle versus what remains with lead counsel.
As a Louisiana Law Firm in New Orleans, we are equipped to assist clients and co-counsel from various locations.
Our experience includes handling finance and securities matters, and we can work with or as an LLC for specific legal needs. We strive to develop strong client relationships to ensure effective collaboration and successful outcomes.
This clarity avoids misunderstandings and gives out-of-state firms predictable cost management.
Contact Us
Ready to partner with a knowledgeable and reliable local counsel in New Orleans? Contact Bloom Legal Network to discuss your case and discover how we can help your team navigate Louisiana’s legal system with confidence.
📞 Telephone: 504-599-9997
📩 Email: info@bloomlegal.com
Local Counsel FAQs
Why do I need local counsel in Louisiana if I’m already licensed elsewhere?
Louisiana’s legal system is unique in the U.S. because it’s based on the civil code, a legacy of French and Spanish colonial rule. In contrast, the other 49 states operate under common law. This distinction impacts everything from procedural rules to contract and property law, making local knowledge essential.
What exactly will Bloom Legal Network handle as local counsel?
Our role is flexible and depends on the needs of lead counsel. At a minimum, we handle pro hac vice sponsorship and ensure filings comply with Louisiana’s procedural rules. Beyond that, we can:
- File pleadings and motions.
- Appear in hearings and conferences on your behalf.
- Provide strategic guidance on Louisiana’s unique civil law doctrines.
- Coordinate with opposing counsel and local clerks.
- Handle discovery, motion practice, and evidentiary issues as delegated.
We always clarify roles up front in the engagement letter so you know exactly what we’ll handle.
Can you appear in both federal and state courts?
Yes. Bloom Legal Network attorneys are admitted in all Louisiana state courts, the Louisiana Supreme Court, and all three federal district courts: Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of Louisiana (EDLA, MDLA, and WDLA). This means that whether your case is pending in New Orleans or elsewhere in the state, we can serve as your local counsel.
How quickly can you help with pro hac vice admission?
We understand the urgency of pro hac vice filings. Once we have the necessary information, we can typically draft and file the motion within a few business days. We work diligently to minimize delays and help lead counsel get admitted as quickly as the court’s process allows.
Do you only work with large firms, or do you also support solo and boutique practices?
We are a versatile legal partner. While we regularly assist large national firms with complex cases, we also work closely with solo and boutique practices. Our services are scalable to the size and scope of your case, whether it’s a high-stakes commercial dispute or a single, urgent motion hearing. We invite attorneys from all backgrounds to reach out and see how we can support your practice.
