Firm Overview

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History

Degan, Blanchard & Nash has grown from its founding in 1991 under the leadership of Sidney W. Degan III to one of the preeminent law firms in the state of Louisiana, with 55 attorneys practicing across 28 legal areas, recognized internationally as a leading resource in defense litigation. Our founding principles of service, collaboration, and a commitment to exceptional outcomes remain at the core of our practice as we continue to grow into the future.

Our Philosophy

At Degan, Blanchard & Nash, we take great pride in cultivating enduring relationships with our
clients, rooted in the principle that timely, effective communication is essential to fostering trust and delivering superior legal outcomes. While we consistently provide regular updates on the status of every matter entrusted to us, we see our role as extending far beyond the mere reporting of developments. We firmly believe that the most effective advocacy arises from collaboration, encouraging clients to take an active role in the decision-making process for every matter we handle.

To support this approach, we deliver precise, well-informed assessments of all available options, accompanied by comprehensive legal analysis and strategic evaluations aligned with our clients’ objectives. Through close consultation, we partner with our clients to develop and execute tailored strategies designed to achieve their desired outcomes.

Our clients are more than customers; they are valued collaborators whose engagement we view as essential to our shared success. We take equal pride in the quality of our work and in the participation and satisfaction of those we represent. Their interests are intrinsically linked with our own, and we are fully committed to advancing them.

Our philosophy is straightforward: to provide the highest caliber of legal services in a cost-effective and efficient manner, regardless of the size or complexity of the matter. We demand nothing short of excellence in our practice and hold our attorneys to the highest professional standards. By leveraging our medium size and staffing flexibility, we offer personalized legal services tailored to the unique needs of each client, ensuring an agile, responsive, and results-driven approach.

Industry Recognition

The Firm and its attorneys have been recognized as industry leaders by numerous trade publications and legal organizations. These awards and recognitions include:

  • Martindale Hubbell Law Directory AV rating
  • A Listing in Best’s Directory of Recommended Insurance Attorneys and Adjusters
  • Acceptance as a member of the prestigious groups of the International Society of Primerus Law Firms (Defense Litigation Group)
  • Member of the NWCDN (National Workers’ Compensation Defense Network)
  • Member of the Professional Liability Defense Federation
  • Individual recognition of multiple attorneys as “Super Lawyers” and “Rising Stars” by Super Lawyers Magazine

Leadership

Degan, Blanchard & Nash is guided by the leadership of Managing Partner Sidney W. Degan III and Named Partner Foster P. Nash. Under their stewardship, the firm has cultivated an approach founded on our philosophy that our clients’ interests are paramount, and we are dedicated to advancing them with the utmost diligence and care. To learn more about the expertise and backgrounds of our individual attorneys, please click here.

Commitment to Diversity

Diversity stands as a fundamental pillar of Degan, Blanchard & Nash’s core values. We take pride in our efforts to recruit, retain, and cultivate the careers of individuals from a wide range ofbackgrounds. Our commitment to diversity is grounded in the belief that the most effective legal representation reflects the richness of the communities we serve.

As part of this commitment, we continue to participate in the Midsize Mansfield Rule Initiative. Through this initiative, the Firm pledges to consider an intentionally broad pool of candidates when selecting individuals for leadership roles, recruiting entry-level and lateral attorneys, and assembling teams for client engagements. In alignment with the initiative, we also strive for transparency in our internal governance, including the publication of clear guidelines and selection criteria for management positions and committees.

We firmly believe that diversity strengthens our organization, enhances our ability to serve our clients, and deepens our understanding of their needs. Our ongoing efforts focus on developing policies and programs to ensure we continue to have a meaningful impact on the communities in which we work.

Our Diversity and Inclusion Committee, led by Partner Keith A. Kornman and “Of Counsel” Jena W. Smith, is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and supporting team members from diverse backgrounds. The committee also includes Managing Partner Sidney W. Degan III and Partners Foster P. Nash, Catherine M. Landry, and John Futrell, reflecting the Firm’s leadership commitment to these values.

As part of our mission, we have established the Degan, Blanchard & Nash Scholarship Fund at the University of New Orleans. This endowed scholarship will be awarded to a minority student for whom a college education would be a financial hardship and who is a member of an underrepresented group.

At Degan, Blanchard & Nash, we remain committed to building an inclusive and diverse environment, both within our firm and throughout the communities we serve.