Erich P. Rapp

"Client needs are my focus. My work for them is only about them. I strive to shield clients from legal challenges – particularly high-stakes litigation – so they can focus on business."

Now at the pinnacle of his career, Erich Rapp brings a track record of extraordinary results to Louisiana's petrochemical and energy industries. He advises on litigation and transactional matters, making him a sought-after member of every client team. His veteran skill and insight, built from extensive experience, are displayed in the successful resolution of complex toxic tort litigation for industrial premises defendants.

Erich is among an elite group of Louisiana lawyers defending occupational exposure and other toxic tort cases, including asbestos litigation – a legal discipline that requires not only a nuanced understanding of the law but also tremendous scientific and technical acumen.

Second to none in the region, Erich’s esteemed reputation, longevity of practice, intellectual prowess, and practical approach to advising clients are manifest in his continued focus on defending large national and multinational industrial clients in cases involving human exposure to hazardous chemicals and large-scale environmental contamination. He brings this specialized know-how to resolving the manifold challenges associated with litigation involving vinyl chloride, benzene, asbestos, ethylene dichloride, and other toxic chemicals.

Erich guides clients through a wide variety of state and federal court litigation, including mass torts, toxic torts, occupational chemical exposure litigation, and other commercial disputes. He also navigates clients through complex, document-intensive industrial espionage scenarios, including depositions, trial testimony, investigator conduct issues, and other highly confidential corporate matters. Additionally, Erich represents national and multi-national companies in state and local tax disputes in Louisiana. After more than three decades of practice, Erich is a proven litigation strategist who goes out of his way to streamline solutions and conserve client resources.

As a transactional and regulatory advisor, Erich navigates clients through contract negotiations – with an emphasis on construction and technology issues. He also guides clients through the process of acquiring state and local tax and government incentives. A succinct oral and written communicator who proves time and again his ability to align difficult personalities with the right result, Erich remains steadfastly focused on making each client’s objectives his own.

An in-depth understanding of the law, absolute responsiveness, even-keel temperament, and the ability to get to the point quickly are among the many reasons Erich is a go-to litigator and transactional counselor today. He is known and valued for picking his battles carefully and purposefully and for delivering well-reasoned, comprehensive solutions that support each client’s objectives.