Caitlin Rita Byars

Throughout my legal career, I have had the good fortune of representing an array of clients, from Fortune 500 companies, to my next-door neighbor. Thanks to the trust and confidence of these clients, I’ve been able to gain invaluable legal experience, from personal injury litigation to business litigation… and everything in between, including the unique, and often misunderstood, area of maritime law. What started with my first pair of steel-toed boots and a vessel inspection has, over time, developed into a specialized focus on maritime-based claims, including those arising under the Jones Act, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, and the Defense Base Act.

And while I have gained significant experience handling maritime-related claims, I also have extensive experience handling a variety of claims, including personal injury, construction, business, property and casualty loss, and employment related matters (including workers’ compensation). Above and beyond my technical knowledge and skill set though, I have learned the most valuable lesson of all- that the personal component of practicing law is often the most rewarding.

I am a New Orleans native who has lived and worked in the Gulf South region my entire life. After graduating from Louisiana State University, I was drawn back to New Orleans to pursue my legal degree at Loyola University School of Law, where I excelled in the nationally recognized Moot Court Program and graduated with multiple designations. I am a member of several organizations that I feel are important to the betterment of New Orleans and our community. I’m on the board of the Association of Woman Attorneys, an active member of St. Thomas Moore Inn of Courts- a legal honor society- the Louisiana Association for Justice, and the Workers Injury Law and Advocacy Group. I also volunteer with the Covenant House and Eden House and serve as an adjunct professor with the Loyola Trial Advocacy Program. I’ve graciously accepted peer recognition as a Super Lawyer Rising Star since 2017, and as a New Orleans City Business as One to Watch.

While I am proud of these accolades, it’s the trust and recognition of my clients, friends, and family that means the most to me. I credit my husband, Sean, and two sons, Ryan and Bodin for continuing to motivate me to do my best, both professionally and personally.