I've Worked the Other Side. Now I Work for You.

One attorney, three careers most lawyers never have — insurance adjuster turned plaintiff's lawyer, disciplinary counsel to the Louisiana Board of Dentistry, and licensed general contractor since 2003. I don't learn how insurers, boards, or construction disputes work from the outside; I've lived inside all three.

Ornate beige corner building with balconies and dormer windows against a cloudy sky

Thirty-One Years, Built One Referral at a Time

I did not build this practice through advertising campaigns or volume intake. The majority of my clients come from people who have already worked with me — or from professionals and attorneys who have seen how I handle a case and felt comfortable putting their name behind the referral.


That kind of reputation takes time to build and is easy to lose. I have no interest in losing it. Every case that comes through this office gets my direct attention, from the first call through resolution. There are no associates to hand files off to, no junior attorneys learning on your matter. You hire me; I handle your case.

Gold scales of justice beside a laptop on a desk

What Thirty-One Years Looks Like in Practice

  • Former insurance adjuster — I know how carriers value claims before they make an offer.

  • Former insurance-defense attorney — I have argued the other side of personal injury cases in Louisiana courts.

  • Plaintiff's personal injury attorney — car accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, and serious injury claims across Jefferson, Orleans, and St. Tammany parishes.

  • Disciplinary counsel to the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry — I prosecute license violations, which means I understand exactly how to defend against them.

  • Licensed Louisiana general contractor since 2003 — I own and operate a general contracting company alongside my law practice.

  • Solo practitioner for 31 years — the attorney you speak with is the attorney who tries your case.

Three Practice Areas. One Attorney Who Has Lived All Three.

The cases I take are not random. Personal injury, professional license defense, and construction litigation are the three areas where my background gives me a real advantage — not just legal training, but firsthand experience on the other side of the dispute. If your situation falls into one of those categories, I would rather you understand exactly what that means before we talk.

Lee B.

Stacy W.

Ashley C.

Jessica H.

Trish B.

Charmaine O.

Blaine R.

Hayden A.

Brett 3.

Jessica T.

Constance D.

Ashley P.

Shannon M.

Caitlin C.

Daniel O.

Samantha W.

Sadie E.

Tiffany

Irisney G.

Charlee T.

Alistair C.

Mario A.

May C.

Henry D.

Denise L.

Allen J.

James T.

Dayton D.

Terry g.

Betsy B.

Amy B.

Sandra S.

Terrence U.

Krystal R.

Timothy A.

Robert J.

Jessica

Angie G.

Gene B.

Amanda J.

Shay

J C.

Matthew M.

Scott T.

Meet The Attorney

Peyton B. Burkhalter

Man in glasses wearing a gray suit and red tie, seated in an office with bookshelves behind him

Biography


Pete graduated from Loyola Law School, New Orleans, Louisiana, with honors in 1995. He was admitted to the Louisiana State Bar on October 6, 1995. He began his professional career in private practice in Jefferson Parish. During his early years in practice, Pete gained considerable trial experience in civil litigation by representing individuals in personal injury actions as well as insurance companies in defense of claims presented by injured parties. In addition, Pete successfully represents criminal defendants in multiple jurisdictions.


Pete represented North American, Republic Western, and Southern United Insurance Companies before turning his focus to representing individuals, only, in personal injury actions. The representation of both individuals and insurance companies in personal injury actions has given Pete the benefit of understanding personal injury claims from both perspectives. This experience gives Pete the ability to maximize your recovery.


After a short stint in the public sector as the Executive Director of the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry, Pete returned to private practice and started his own firm in Metairie, Louisiana. Since his return to private practice, Pete has devoted himself to representation of the individual whether it be in personal injury cases or criminal matters. His experience from administering professional licensure actions while working at the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry has given him insight and perspective to handle the defense of these cases.  Pete prides himself on taking on his client’s problems as his own, finding a solution and helping the client reach their desired result. Recently Pete opened a new office in Covington, Louisiana to better serve his clients on the Northshore.


Pete is presently admitted to practice before all Louisiana Courts as well as the Federal Courts in the Eastern, Middle and Western Districts of Louisiana. His practice areas include criminal defense, personal injury and general civil litigation.


Education


Loyola University New Orleans School of Law, New Orleans, Louisiana
  • Juris Doctor - 1995
  • Honors: Member of the Law Review; Member of Moot Court
  • Honors: Board Member for Moot Court
  • Honors: Participant in National Oralist Tournament
  • Honors: National First Amendment Moot Court Competition
  • Honors: New Orleans Bar Association; Inns of Courts
  • Honors: Justice-Loyola University Court of Review


McNeese State University
  • B.S. Biology - 1991
  • Honors: Recipient President's Leadership Award Scholarship
  • Honors: McNeese Foundation Honor Award Scholarship
  • Honors: Golf Team Member


Bar Admission


  • Louisiana, 1995
  • U.S. Court of Appeals 5th Circuit
  • U.S. District Court Eastern District of Louisiana
  • U.S. District Court Middle District of Louisiana
  • U.S. District Court Western District of Louisiana


Professional Associations


  • Louisiana State Bar Association
  • Federal Bar Association
  • American Bar Association
  • Jefferson Bar Association
  • New Orleans Bar Association

Ready to Talk Through Your Situation?

I take calls and consultations directly. Tell me what is going on and I will tell you plainly where you stand.