Scott Vicknair Law - Estate & Probate Division

Bios

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  Caitlin Carrigan

  Attorney

  Throughout my legal career, I have had the good fortune of representing an array of clients, from Fortune 500 companies, to my next-door neighbor. Thanks to the trust and confidence of these clients, I’ve been able to gain invaluable legal experience, from personal injury litigation to business litigation… and everything in between, including the unique, and often misunderstood, area of maritime law. What started with my first pair of steel-toed boots and a vessel inspection has, over time, developed into a specialized focus on maritime-based claims, including those arising under the Jones Act, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, and the Defense Base Act. And while I have gained significant experience handling maritime-related claims, I also have extensive experience handling a variety of claims, including personal injury, construction, business, property and casualty loss, and employment related matters (including workers’ compensation). Above and beyond my technical knowledge and skill set though, I have learned the most valuable lesson of all- that the personal component of practicing law is often the most rewarding. I am a New Orleans native who has lived and worked in the Gulf South region my entire life. After graduating from Louisiana State University, I was drawn back to New Orleans to pursue my legal degree at Loyola University School of Law, where I excelled in the nationally recognized Moot Court Program and graduated with multiple designations. I am a member of several organizations that I feel are important to the betterment of New Orleans and our community. I’m on the board of the Association of Woman Attorneys, an active member of St. Thomas Moore Inn of Courts- a legal honor society- the Louisiana Association for Justice, and the Workers Injury Law and Advocacy Group. I also volunteer with the Covenant House and Eden House and serve as an adjunct professor with the Loyola Trial Advocacy Program. I’ve graciously accepted peer recognition as a Super Lawyer Rising Star since 2017, and as a New Orleans City Business as One to Watch. While I am proud of these accolades, it’s the trust and recognition of my clients, friends, and family that means the most to me. I credit my husband, Sean, and two sons, Ryan and Bodin for continuing to motivate me to do my best, both professionally and personally.

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  Hope Hughes

  Attorney

  I started my legal career in 2014 at Acadiana Legal Services Corporation in Lafayette, Louisiana, representing foster children who were placed in Louisiana’s “Child in Need of Care” court program due abusive or neglectful situations at home. I consider it one of the hardest but most rewarding experiences of my life. Every single one of these resilient children impacted me and I consider myself honored to have been able to be a voice for each one of them. This experience also gave me immediate exposure in the courtroom in sixteen juvenile courts across South Louisiana. Loving the courtroom experience and always wanting to be a litigator, I moved back to New Orleans and on to a clerkship at the 24th Judicial District Court in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, where I spent just over three years serving as law clerk for Judges John J. Molaison, Jr., and Frank A. Brindisi. I gained invaluable experience learning how the best trial attorneys write, argue a case, select a jury panel, and prepare a case for trial. As a current trial attorney at Scott Vicknair, LLC, I have used those experiences in Court to develop my trial skills. I have learned along the way that giving each case time and attention to detail is crucial to its success, and I work hard to ensure each case I handle gets the time and attention it deserves. I also believe that being personally accessible to my clients is important and will always be available for questions and updates. In my practice, I primarily represent individuals who have suffered personal injuries due to car and trucking collisions, individuals who have experienced damage to their home or land and cannot resolve the claim with their insurance company, and wrongful death claims. I have also handled employment law and wage disputes and have successfully litigated breach of contract claims and real estate disputes. I truly enjoy engaging with a jury and navigating the judicial system, and I am grateful when clients trust me with the issues that matter most to them. Initially from Lafayette, I attended college at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette where I graduated magna cum laude in business administration in 2011. I then moved to New Orleans where I earned my juris doctor from the University of Loyola College of Law in 2014. I am admitted to practice law before all state and federal courts in Louisiana. I am a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association, the New Orleans Bar Association, the Jefferson Bar Association, and the St. Thomas Moore Inn of Court. In my spare time, I enjoy design, oil painting, and diving into research on antiques. I also love being on the water and spending time with my wonderful parents, numerous siblings, and friends.

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  James Montgomery

  Attorney

  I was born and raised in Lafayette, Louisiana, where my interest in law initially began. As a child of two attorneys, it was hard to imagine a career in anything but the law. At my family’s law practice, I observed the complexity and necessity of the law in our community. I learned to cherish the opportunity to create long-lasting relationships with clients. After graduating from Louisiana State University in 2018 with a degree in Marketing, I earned my Juris Doctor in May 2022 from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law. During law school, I worked as a Rule XX Student Practitioner for the Family Violence Unit of the 24th Judicial District of Jefferson Parish. There I garnered experience working with victims and developing case theories pursuant to various bench and jury trials. Additionally, I worked for a District Judge in the Western District of Louisiana, gaining invaluable experience in the Federal court system. Notably, I was exposed to various matters regarding personal injury, premises liability, and class action lawsuits. During this time, I was also an associate member of Loyola’s Maritime Law Journal, as well as a staff member of Loyola’s Trial Advocacy team. I was hired by Scott Vicknair as an associate attorney working in the personal injury division, specializing in motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, and wrongful death actions. In my personal life, I prioritize spending time with my family and friends. I enjoy fishing, golfing, and tennis (basically anything outdoors). Also, I am an avid fan of the Saints and LSU football.