Paul J. Masinter

Representative Matters

Representing a major securities firm in securities litigation in both state and federal courts in New Orleans.

Representing a family owned investment company in a securities claim in a FINRA arbitration in Memphis over the loss of millions of dollars invested in a bond fund.

Successfully resolved claims against an investment advisory firm and some of the company's principals in securities litigation arising from the failure of Morgan Keegan's Bond Funds filed in Louisiana state court in Baton Rouge.  The case not only involved allegations of securities law violations, breach of fiduciary duty and fraud but also complex issues concerning indemnity and contribution.

Successfully represented a major national research university in Louisiana state court in New Orleans in litigation concerning zoning issues over the construction of an on-campus stadium.  Also assisting the university in its negotiations concerning the new athletic stadium with the City of New Orleans and other parties.

Successfully represented a major national university in Louisiana state court in New Orleans in a zoning dispute concerning the redevelopment of a portion of its property in New Orleans. 

Represented an international liquid bulk storage company in a product liability dispute in federal court for the Southern District of Ohio (Cincinnati).  The claims involved allegations that a transfer hose failed, causing damages to the facility as well as causing the company to incur significant environmental clean-up costs.

Represented an international bulk liquids trading company in an international arbitration in New York in which a judgment was obtained for all damages suffered by the client as well as attorneys' fees and costs.

Obtained a successful settlement for a regional hospital and other businesses in their Hurricane Katrina business interruption insurance claims.

Represented a major independent oil and gas company in the dismissal of a multimillion dollar oil and gas royalty and tort case tried in Louisiana state court in Vermilion Parish.

Represented a real estate developer in a Clean Water Act, mail fraud and conspiracy claims in the federal court for the Southern District of Mississippi (Gulfport).

Represented a major manufacturer of telecommunications equipment in a breach of contract/fraud action where plaintiff alleged the destruction of its business and $2 billion in damages plus punitive damages.  Case filed in the federal court for the Eastern District of Louisiana.

Represented clients in FINRA arbitrations of securities law, breach of contract and unfair trade practices claims.  Represented brokers in FINRA and Louisiana state regulatory investigations and proceedings.

Represented in Louisiana state court in Baton Rouge a regional banking corporation in a $15 million claim against a Louisiana based accounting firm alleging negligent auditing work by the accounting firm.

Represented in state and federal courts in Louisiana a major alumina refining company in the defense of class action and personal injury claims and a government investigation arising from an explosion at its plant.  The representation also involved asserting claims on behalf of the manufacturer against third parties.

Prosecuted and defended claims for breach of employment contracts, including claims to enforce non-competition, anti-raiding and confidentiality claims.

Honors & Awards

• In 2011, Mr. Masinter was named as a Leader in Law by New Orleans CityBusiness.  Mr. Masinter was again named to Louisiana Super Lawyers, and has his rated AV by Martindale-Hubbell.  He also was listed in New Orleans Magazine as a Top Lawyer.

Professional and Civic Activities

Mr. Masinter served as law clerk to the Honorable James L. Dennis of the Louisiana Supreme Court, 1987-88.  He is a member of the American Bar Association Sections of Litigation and Business Law, and he is the Co-Chair of the Programs Subcommittee for the Business and Corporate Litigation Committee of the ABA Business Law Section.  He is also the former Newsletter Chair of the Committee as well as the former Co-Chair of the Business Torts Subcommittee of the Committee.  He has spoken at ABA meetings on arbitration topics and has acted as an instructor for the National Institute for Trial Advocacy.  Mr. Masinter also is a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association, and has joined the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association.

Mr. Masinter is the former President of the Board of Commissioners of the New Orleans City Park Improvement Association (which manages a more than 150 year old, 1,300 acre park in the City of New Orleans).  He continues to serve as a Commissioner and is a member of its Legal Committee.  He also currently serves on the Board of Trustees of the New Orleans Museum of Art and the Board of Trustees of Trinity Episcopal School.  During his service on the Trinity Board, Mr. Masinter acted as Vice-Chairman.  Mr. Masinter also serves on the Board of Commissioners of the Hurstville Security and Neighborhood Improvement District.  Recently, Mr. Masinter was asked to rejoin the Board of Directors of the Lighthouse for the Blind in New Orleans, Inc.  Mr. Masinter is a past president and board member of Save Our Cemeteries, Inc.