Together, Graf and Waltman represent Gordon Arata’s strength in commercial litigation, trial advocacy, bankruptcy and restructuring, energy-related disputes, and multifaceted business litigation throughout Louisiana and the Gulf South. Graf and Waltman are two of only 13 Louisiana attorneys selected to the list.
Based in the firm’s Lafayette office, Graf represents businesses and individuals in commercial litigation, energy, construction, banking, real estate, and other business disputes. He has served as lead trial counsel and co-counsel in state and federal courts throughout Louisiana, managing matters through trial and appeal.
Graf has earned numerous professional distinctions, including selection to Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America®, Louisiana Super Lawyers Rising Star; and selection as a Top 40 Under 40 attorney by The National Trial Lawyers. He currently serves as President of the Lafayette Bar Association Young Lawyers Section and was previously recognized as the Outstanding Young Lawyer by the Lafayette Bar Association and a Top 40 Honoree by the Louisiana State Bar Association Young Lawyers Division.
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, and other business sectors. Licensed in Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Arizona, he has successfully represented clients in state and federal courts and is recognized for his litigation and trial experience across the region.
In addition to his legal practice, Waltman has distinguished himself as a leader within the profession. He was recently named the 2026 Outstanding Young Lawyer by the Mississippi Bar Young Lawyers Division, a Louisiana State Bar Association Young Lawyers Division’s Top 40 Young Lawyers distinction, and previously served as President of the Young Lawyers Division of The Mississippi Bar. He has been recognized in the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America® and Louisiana Super Lawyers – Rising Star lists. Waltman is also active in numerous state and national bar organizations.
Their inclusion in the 2026 Lawdragon 500 X – The Next Generation reflects both their professional achievements and the depth of talent that continues to strengthen Gordon Arata’s next generation of legal leadership.
To learn more about J.P. Graf and Jess Waltman, visit gordonarata.com or contact Jennifer Bond at jbond@gordonarata.com or 504-679-9825. Follow us on LinkedIn.
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.