John Philip (“J.P.”) Graf represents clients in commercial disputes and litigation, including energy, natural resources, oil and gas, and general commercial litigation. He is also experienced in product liability, premises liability, industrial accidents, and maritime and offshore matters. He has served as lead trial counsel and co-counsel, managing litigation matters from intake through trials and appeals, in state and federal courts throughout Louisiana. Additionally, J.P. represents and assists clients in the start-up, acquisition and divestiture of their businesses.
Before graduating from law school, J.P. clerked for the Honorable Patrick J. Hanna, U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Western District of Louisiana. During law school, he interned at the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana. Moreover, while in law school, J.P. was published in the Journal of Energy Law and Resources.
Apart from work, J.P. enjoys hunting, watching ULL and LSU sporting events, and attending local festivals. He and his wife Carli reside in Lafayette with their daughter Annie.
PRACTICES
Arbitration and Mediation
Bankruptcy, Restructuring and Creditors' Rights
Business Transactions and Entity Formation and Governance
Commercial Litigation
Insurance
Oil, Gas and Energy Litigation and Arbitration
Oil, Gas and Energy Transactions
Oilfield Service Company Transactions and Litigation
Real Estate and Commercial Leasing
EXPERIENCE
Counsel for plaintiff in insurance coverage dispute which was appealed to the Louisiana Supreme Court
Counsel for national commercial restoration company in connection with commercial litigation matters
Counsel for Louisiana agriculture, real estate, and trucking companies in connection with formation and development
Counsel for numerous oil and gas companies in commercial and business disputes
AFFILIATIONS
Member, Louisiana State Bar Association
Member, Lafayette Parish Bar Association
Committee Chair, Lafayette Parish Young Lawyers Association
RECOGNITION
Selected for inclusion as a Louisiana Super Lawyers – Rising Star, 2020 to Present
Listed in The National Trial Lawyers: Top 40 Under 40, 2020 – 2022
Recognized in Top Lawyers in Acadiana – 2021 - 2022
Paul M. Hebert Scholar
Dean Scholar
CALI Award for Excellence
-Legal Research and Writing
-Estate Planning
