Best Lawyers in America: Eight Leake Andersson Attorneys Make the List

We are proud to announce that eight Leake Andersson attorneys have been recognized in the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers in America® and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch®, honoring both veteran leadership and the rising generation of legal talent.

Best Lawyers in America® – 2026 Edition

Dean M. Arruebarrena

Insurance Law; Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
Dean has been with Leake Andersson since 1995, rising from law clerk to principal partner while building a robust litigation practice spanning state and federal courts across Louisiana. His experience includes a wide range of complex matters in insurance coverage, casualty, trucking, and workers’ compensation. Recognized for his steady leadership and courtroom skill, Dean’s inclusion in Best Lawyers reflects nearly three decades of dedicated client service and results-driven advocacy. Learn more about Dean HERE.

Robert L. Bonnaffons

Litigation – Insurance
Rob brings nearly three decades of experience in personal injury and insurance defense to his litigation practice. Since joining Leake Andersson in 2016, he has continued to deliver strategic, results-oriented representation for insurers and their insureds. His recognition by Best Lawyers underscores his longstanding reputation for excellence in insurance litigation across Louisiana. Learn more about Rob HERE.

Craig Cousins

Litigation – Insurance; Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
A partner at Leake Andersson since 1997, Craig brings decades of trial experience in transportation, casualty, insurance defense, and premises liability matters. He has successfully represented clients in both state and federal courts as well as arbitration forums. As a member of the firm’s Management Committee, Craig combines leadership with a steady track record of litigation success—reflected in his well-earned dual recognition by Best Lawyers. Learn more about Craig HERE.

George D. Fagan

Insurance Law; Litigation – Labor and Employment
A founding partner of Leake Andersson, George leads the firm’s appellate, employment, insurance coverage, and professional liability practice groups. With more than 50 trials, 100 appeals, and 20 arbitration proceedings under his belt, he brings unmatched litigation experience to every matter. George advises a wide range of insurers and employers on complex disputes, including coverage, bad faith, and employment litigation. His national presence is further underscored by decades of leadership within ALFA International. His inclusion in Best Lawyers reflects both his deep expertise and lasting impact on the legal profession. Learn more about George HERE.

Edward T. Hayes

International Trade and Finance Law
Eddy Hayes is a partner at Leake Andersson and a nationally recognized leader in international trade and business law. He advises clients on cross-border transactions, regulatory compliance, freight and logistics, and global contract negotiations. His litigation practice spans commercial disputes, insurance coverage, and mass tort defense across the Gulf South. A frequent speaker and Adjunct Professor of Law at Tulane, Eddy also serves as Honorary Consul to Ukraine for Louisiana and was appointed by the U.S. Trade Representative to adjudicate disputes under the USMCA. His selection to Best Lawyers reflects his broad impact at the intersection of law, trade, and policy. Learn more about Eddy HERE.

Donald E. McKay, Jr.

Professional Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs; Workers’ Compensation Law – Employers
With Leake Andersson since its inception, Donald McKay has been a trusted advocate in general civil litigation for over three decades. He represents clients across Louisiana in state and federal courts, appellate proceedings, and arbitration, with a focus on workers’ compensation and professional malpractice matters. Donald is also deeply committed to public service, offering legal support through the New Orleans Pro Bono Project and Project HELP. His Best Lawyers recognition reflects both his legal skill and his dedication to serving the broader community. Learn more about Donald HERE.

Patrick M. Wartelle (Lafayette)

Insurance Law
Patrick Wartelle serves as Of Counsel and provides his expertise to Leake Andersson’s Lafayette office. With over 40 years of experience, Pat has successfully represented insurers, corporations, and government entities in a wide range of litigation. He has represented personal injury, property damage, employment, and maritime cases. He has tried numerous cases in both state and federal courts, handled appeals, and mediated over 250 disputes. Pat’s Best Lawyers recognition underscores his deep experience and respected standing in Louisiana’s legal community. Learn more about Patrick HERE.

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® (2026 Edition)

Courtney Troxclair

Alternative Dispute Resolution; Insurance Law; Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
Courtney Troxclair, an associate in Leake Andersson’s New Orleans office, has once again been named to Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch for her growing impact in insurance defense and litigation. Her practice focuses on casualty, premises liability, transportation, and trucking matters, where she represents insurers and businesses across Louisiana. Known for her strong advocacy and sharp legal instincts, Courtney brings both depth and compassion to her work. These qualities continue to earn her recognition among her peers. Learn more about Courtney HERE.

About the Award

Best Lawyers honors attorneys who demonstrate excellence in their practice, based entirely on peer review. The Ones to Watch list highlights promising attorneys early in their careers who are already making a meaningful impact.

We congratulate our recognized attorneys for this well-earned honor and thank our clients and colleagues for their continued trust.

To explore the different ways our award-winning attorneys can help you and your business, visit our Practice Areas webpage.