Jay M. Jalenak, Jr.

"I battle diligently for my clients but also understand mitigating risk and leveraging the best result. Preparation and determination are critical whether the course is a negotiated settlement or trial. I understand that success must be more than just a moral victory, but also one that is commercially beneficial."

Jay Jalenak is a formidable and recognized advocate who vigorously defends single- and multi-plaintiff high-stakes environmental, personal injury, products liability, and occupational exposure claims – often valued into the tens of millions of dollars at stake. He serves as both lead and local litigation counsel to major businesses in Louisiana and across the country faced with serious, complex state and federal court litigation, including class actions and mass torts.

As a top-tier litigator, Jay focuses on realizing the most favorable outcome imaginable – in or out of court. As a Martindale Hubble AV-rated attorney, Jay brings impressive litigation prowess and tactical negotiation and settlement skills to the defense of major class actions, mass toxic torts, and individual asbestos and chemical exposure claims. Given his more than three decades of hard-earned defense experience, Jay knows how to successfully navigate, manage, supervise, and favorably resolve litigation dockets that can involve thousands of claims and class participants.

At the core of Jay’s litigation abilities is a commitment to vigorous preparation and advocacy while being mindful of conserving client resources. Jay is valued by everyone around him for his realistic assessment of each client’s case strengths and weaknesses and specific tolerance for risk – a testament to his advocacy skill and a quality that has earned him the trust that brings clients back again and again.

Jay continues to prove his dexterity, effectiveness, and proficiency in defending difficult, single, and multiparty claims involving industrial and petrochemical facilities, asbestos, and premise and product liability litigation. He provides comprehensive solutions and actionable paths to resolution for businesses faced with hardline litigation that is often unique and multi-faceted in terms of legal acuity and technological know-how.