Selected through a competitive nationwide process, the American Bar Association (ABA) On the Rise program recognizes just 40 young lawyers each year whose professional accomplishments, leadership, and service are shaping the future of the legal profession. Waltman’s selection reflects his position as one of the Gulf South’s rising commercial litigators and Gordon Arata’s continued growth as a leading litigation firm throughout Louisiana, Texas, and the Gulf South.
“The ABA Young Lawyers Division brings together some of the most talented and engaged young lawyers in the country, and it has been an honor to serve alongside them,” said Waltman. “This recognition reflects the support of incredible mentors, colleagues, and clients throughout my career. I’m proud to represent Gordon Arata on a national stage and to help showcase the strength of the firm’s growing litigation practice across the Gulf South.”
Waltman has been actively involved in the ABA Young Lawyers Division for several years, serving in national leadership roles and contributing to initiatives focused on professional development, mentorship, and service to the legal profession.
“Jess has become an outstanding ambassador for both our firm and the Gulf South legal community,” said Phil Antis, Head of Litigation at Gordon Arata. “Through his work with clients, leadership within the ABA, and reputation as a commercial litigator, Jess is helping elevate Gordon Arata’s profile on a national stage. This recognition is a reflection of the impact he is making both within the profession and for the clients he serves.”
As a Member in Gordon Arata’s New Orleans office, Waltman represents clients in high-stakes commercial disputes involving banking and finance, bankruptcy and creditors’ rights, energy, construction, environmental matters, and other complex commercial litigation. Licensed in Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Arizona, he regularly guides clients through sophisticated disputes in state and federal courts across multiple jurisdictions, from initial case assessment through trial and appeal. His experience spans contract disputes, collections, bankruptcy-related litigation, land use and zoning issues, and other commercial disputes.
The recognition comes during a period of continued growth for Gordon Arata’s litigation practice which includes nearly 30 litigators across Louisiana and Texas and has earned recognition from Chambers USA, Legal 500, Benchmark Litigation, and Lawdragon, among others.
Waltman’s selection to the ABA On the Rise – Top 40 Young Lawyers list follows a series of professional honors recognizing his growing impact on the legal profession. He was recently named the 2026 Outstanding Young Lawyer by the Young Lawyers Division of The Mississippi Bar, received the Louisiana State Bar Association Young Lawyers Division’s Top 40 Young Lawyer award, and has been named to Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, Louisiana Super Lawyers Rising Star, and the 2026 Lawdragon 500 X – The Next Generation lists.
To learn more about Gerald “Jess” Waltman III, visit his profile or contact him at jwaltman@gordonarata.com or 504-582-1111. For media inquiries, contact Jennifer Bond at jbond@gordonarata.com or 504-679-9825.
About Gordon Arata
Gordon Arata is a full service, diversified business law firm serving clients across the Gulf South and beyond. With offices in Louisiana and Texas, the firm’s more than forty attorneys advise businesses on complex litigation, transactions, and regulatory matters across a broad range of industries.