Wilson Elser Opens New Orleans Office with Lisa Africk at the Helm
National law firm Wilson Elser announced the opening of a New Orleans office, the firm’s 30th U.S. office and the fourth opened in the past 12 months.
Lisa Africk, formerly of Burleson LLP, has joined Am Law 200 firm Wilson Elser as regional managing partner of the new office, accompanied by Katherine May, a former Burleson associate.
“The opening of a New Orleans office is part of Wilson Elser’s strategic growth plan and a move to bolster all of our business lines,” said Daniel J. McMahon, Wilson Elser chairman. “We are committed to providing our clients with excellent lawyering and outstanding client service by staffing our offices with the most accomplished attorneys proximate to our clients nationwide.”
“A New Orleans office solidifies Wilson Elser’s foothold in the Gulf Coast Region, with recently enhanced offices in Dallas and Houston and new offices in Austin and Beaumont, Texas,” added McMahon. “With more than 60 services, the firm is well positioned to represent the thriving industry sectors indigenous to this region.”
Over the past five years, Wilson Elser has opened nine offices – Hartford, Connecticut; Louisville, Kentucky; Denver, Colorado; West Palm Beach, Florida; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Livonia, Michigan; Edwardsville, Illinois; and most recently, Austin and Beaumont, Texas.
“We are fortunate to have Lisa lead the firm’s expansion into Louisiana,” said Stratton Horres, regional managing partner of the Dallas office and the partner in charge of national lateral hiring. “With roots in New Orleans dating from her attendance at Tulane and a formidable reputation as a skilled attorney, she possesses the acumen of an effective leader and litigator.”
A practicing attorney for nearly two decades, Africk focuses on maritime, energy, construction litigation and employment. She has been named for inclusion in Louisiana Super Lawyers since 2013.
Africk is an active member of the New Orleans Bar Association board and is a member of the Louisiana Bar and Federal Bar associations, and the Tulane Law School American Inn of Court. She is committed to mentoring junior attorneys and law school students and has been involved in such programs with Tulane Law School and Louisiana State University Law School. Africk is an active community leader and dedicates time to pro bono work.
Africk graduated cum laude with her B.A. and J.D. degrees from Newcomb College of Tulane University (1984) and Tulane Law School (1999), respectively. She earned her M.S.W. degree from Tulane School of Social Work (1999).
