Jay Christopher Zainey, Jr. (“Chris”) is a tireless protector of his clients and the community at large. In his legal practice, Chris focuses on maritime law / Jones act cases, wrongful death cases, general personal injury cases, motor vehicle accidents, complex tort litigation (including Multi-District Litigation), governmental affairs / government representation and business disputes.
Prior to his career in the private sector, Chris served as a Federal Judicial Law Clerk to United States District Court Judge James J. Brady of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana.
Throughout his career, Chris has always focused on putting others first. For him, it is an honor to serve as an advocate for those who may be unable to speak up for themselves. He knows a case has been successful when he has positively impacted a person’s life and has given them the access to justice that they may have otherwise never received. Chris cares about his clients deeply, and his passion and commitment in ensuring that they receive a just result is without compromise.
While he has successfully litigated hundreds of diverse and complex cases over the course of his career, a select few of Chris’s most high-profile cases include his work with the Plaintiff’s Steering Committee’s Trial and Deposition Teams in MDL-2179 In re: Oil Spill by the Oil Rig “Deepwater Horizon” in the Gulf of Mexico, on April 20, 2010, his representation of multiple governmental entities against opioid manufacturers and distributors in MDL-2804 In re: National Prescription Opiate Litigation, as well as his pursuit for justice on behalf of New Orleans Saints legend Jonathan Vilma against the National Football League and Roger Goodell.
Chris is also passionate about providing legal options to those who are most in need. He is a long-time volunteer with Homeless Experience Legal Protection (or HELP), an organization that provides pro bono legal assistance to homeless individuals. Further, Chris serves on the Board of Directors of St. Andrew’s Village, a residential and working community for adults with developmental disabilities, in addition to serving as a coach / buddy for adults with special needs in the Miracle League New Orleans basketball and baseball programs.
Chris is driven by his compassion and strong work ethic which both positively impact each and every one of his clients. Additionally, as a frequent guest lecturer on maritime law and federal trial practice and procedure issues, among other areas of his litigation practice, Chris is frequently retained, and always enjoys the opportunity, to assist other attorneys in their time of need when handling their own complex matters and clients before them.
