Andrew D. Mendez

Andy Mendez concentrates his practice in the areas of commercial litigation, complex litigation, family law, and bankruptcy. He has represented individuals, privately-held companies, and publicly-traded corporations in a wide variety of disputes as plaintiffs, defendants, debtors, and creditors. Andy began his career at the main office of a multi-national law firm before joining Stone Pigman.  He has substantial experience defending product liability and toxic tort personal injury claims, including mass and class actions. He has also represented both shareholders and corporations in securities law cases. In the area of insurance law, he represented an insured making a claim under a vessel title insurance policy, the first known claim of its type. He has also represented parties involved in disputes over control of some of the most prominent business in the city and state.

• Represented major oil company in multiple mass tort actions and putative class actions relating to alleged exposure to toxins from leaking pipeline.
• Defended company from claims brought by disgruntled investor alleging she had been fraudulently induced to make her investment.
• Defended principal from contribution claims brought by investor in failed restaurant venture.
• Represented owner and operator of oilfield waste disposal facilities in putative class action and mass tort actions relating to alleged exposure to toxins.
• Represented housing authority and officers in defense of contract and other claims brought by terminated developer and its officers.
• Represented telecommunications equipment manufacturer in contract and fraud suit brought by bankruptcy trustee of defunct regional service provider.
• Represented, as local counsel, major internet company sued for alleged trademark infringement.
• Represented city in claims brought by statewide retirement systems for statutory contributions.
• Represented, on a pro bono basis, local animal welfare agency in suit alleging property damage in the course of Hurricane Katrina animal rescue operations.
• Represented founder of publicly-traded company in company’s bankruptcy case and related adversary proceedings.
• Defended several major pharmaceutical companies in prescription drug product liability actions alleging fatalities and serious personal injuries.
• Representing out-of-state bank in asserting claim against title insurer under title insurance policies, in first known litigated case involving vessel title insurance.
• Represented commercial landlords and tenants in multiple lease disputes.
• Represented individuals suing painting contractor and its insurer for personal injuries and property damage resulting from lead paint hazard.
• Represented individual suing electrical contractor for property damage resulting from house fire.
• Represented multiple property owners in appeals of ad valorem property tax assessments.
• Representing manufacturer in suit against third party for damage to client’s natural gas pipeline.
• Represented shareholders asserting claims against publicly-traded companies for violations of federal and state securities laws.

• Louisiana State Bar Association member.
• New Orleans Bar Association member.
• Bayou Rebirth, a local non-profit environmental organization, Board Member.
• New Orleans Pro Bono Project volunteer.
• Andy is active in the fathers’ clubs of Academy of the Sacred Heart and St. Andrew’s Episcopal School.
• He is an officer of the local chapter of the University of Texas alumni association.

• Andy is an Adjunct Professor at Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, where he teaches a trial practice seminar in e-discovery and digital evidence.

• New Orleans Magazine "Top Lawyer" 2020 - 2022.

Presenter, "Ethical Issued in E-Discovery," 63rd Mineral Law Institute CLE program hosted by the Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center (April 1 2016).

Presenter, "Daubert Motions in State Court," Litigation for Lawyers, New Orleans Bar Association (September 27, 2012).

• "Every Counsel's Checklist:  Handling a Case Involving a Plaintiff Who Has Filed Bankruptcy," Louisiana Bar Journal (April/May 2012).
• Co-Author, Mendez, A. & Wehlen, N., "Unscheduled Debtor Assets:  A Risk to Purchasers in Good Faith?" American Bar Association Section of Real Property, Trust and Estate Law RPTE eReport (June 15, 2010).
• Co-Author, Superseding and Staying Judgments: A National Compendium (American Bar Association 2007) (Louisiana chapter).
• Co-Author, Mendez, A. & Lemaire, J., "Is a Cause of Action Against a Product Manufacturer for Negligent Training Barred by the LPLA?," Louisiana Bar Journal (Oct./Nov. 2006).
• Co-Author, Execution of Judgments, Louisiana Civil Practice Forms (Thompson West) (2001-2005).