Crystal D. BurkhalterSenior Counsel

"I assist clients in identifying, addressing, and overcoming a wide range of legal challenges in dispute resolution and complex state and federal court litigation. As a passionate and dedicated advocate, I prioritize meticulous attention to detail, effective teamwork, and the development of persuasive, plain language talking points. My approach combines a flexible legal strategy with a focus on achieving the right result at every stage of the litigation process."

For more than three decades, state and federal court litigator, Crystal Burkhalter, has resolved all types of commercial litigation claims. On attack or defense and in and out of court, Crystal is appreciated for her deep bench of earned skill in resolving litigation involving labor, insurance, construction, intellectual property, and business claims of all kinds. Among her clients are individuals, commercial developers, and public and private companies in the industrial and construction sectors that are faced with complex commercial litigation. She is experienced in resolving single and multi-plaintiff claims, Multi District Litigations, class actions, appeals, mediations, and arbitrations involving construction law issues and securities and insurance coverage matters.

In everything she does, Crystal is about staying ahead of the curve when it comes to problem-solving and ensuring every client’s veritable defense. She is appreciated for being proactive when it comes to discovery and anticipating roadblocks to progress – effectively navigating clients through and beyond even the most difficult litigations. Time and again, Crystal accurately assesses each client's specific tolerance for risk and incorporates legal solutions that reflect their ultimate goals and objectives for the lawsuit at hand.

Crystal is particularly effective before judges and juries due to her genuine and fact-based approach to developing the client’s best possible arguments and leveraging the most favorable result imaginable. Her candor is also appreciated inside the office, where she can communicate candid and challenging responses to client questions regarding the reality of their case and chances for success.

Crystal knows what does and does not work when it comes to preparing, managing, and defending complex litigation. Clients and colleagues alike rely upon Crystal for her judgment and leadership throughout the dispute resolution process. She is valued for providing persuasive and clear arguments grounded in sound legal theory that reflect the client’s case, industry, and specific strategic agenda. Crystal’s litigation diligence and courtroom capabilities regularly translate into favorable arbitration and ADR results as well.

In the event trial ensues, Crystal’s ability to support difficult, high-stakes, and mission-critical cases at hearings, identify the most persuasive elements of an argument, and present complex facts in layman’s terms is supported by her proven acumen for making smart choices that serve her client’s best interests at every turn. Crystal’s deep bench of experience is amplified by her intellectual acuity and research, writing, and presentation abilities – key components to helping clients realize the right result.

While in law school, Crystal served as a Law Clerk to the General Counsel of the Louisiana Public Service Commission. In this capacity and among many other job duties, she drafted appeals that went directly to the Louisiana Supreme Court, providing her with an extraordinary opportunity to hone her writing skills at the highest levels of practice at the very onset of her career. Prior to joining the firm, she practiced law in southern Louisiana for more than two decades.