As Gordon Arata continues to grow its litigation practice across industries and throughout the Gulf South, two of the firm’s rising litigation stars have earned national recognition. Members John Philip “J.P.” Graf and Gerald “Jess” Waltman III have been selected to Benchmark Litigation’s 2026 40 & Under List in the South region. The national list recognizes leading litigators age 40 and younger throughout the United States.
Benchmark Litigation focuses exclusively on litigation and dispute resolution. Its research includes a review of recent casework and feedback from litigators, dispute resolution professionals, and clients. The 40 & Under List highlights accomplished young partners handling significant matters in their respective litigation communities.
Based in the firm’s Lafayette office, Graf represents businesses and individuals in commercial litigation involving energy, construction, banking, real estate, and other business disputes. He has served as lead counsel and co-counsel in state and federal courts throughout Louisiana, handling matters from initial strategy through trial and appeal.
Waltman, a member in the firm’s New Orleans office, represents clients in complex commercial litigation and bankruptcy matters involving banking and finance, energy, environmental issues, and other business sectors. Licensed in Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Arizona, he brings significant litigation experience in state and federal courts across the region.
Gordon Arata’s team of more than 25 litigators represents clients in routine and complex disputes across Louisiana, Texas, and the Gulf South. The firm’s experience encompasses corporate and commercial litigation, banking and energy disputes, real estate and construction conflicts, labor and employment matters, constitutional and civil rights cases, and environmental claims. Whether pursuing an early resolution or preparing a case for trial, Gordon Arata attorneys bring sound strategy and substantial courtroom experience to matters before state and federal courts, arbitration panels, and administrative agencies.
The firm and attorneys are regularly recognized for their litigation work, including Chambers USA, 2026 Benchmark Litigation, Legal 500, and Best Lawyers. Graf and Waltman’s selection to the 40 & Under List reflects the depth of the firm’s litigation capabilities and the next generation of talent helping drive the practice forward.
To learn more, contact J.P. Graf at jgraf@gordonarata.com and Jess Waltman at jwaltman@gordonarata.com