About Richard
Richard Cortizas: Leading Land Use and Zoning Attorney in New Orleans
Richard Cortizas is a seasoned and highly respected attorney specializing in complex land use and zoning matters, public finance, and economic development projects. As a Partner in the Corporate Practice Group and a member of the Jones Walker board of directors, Mr. Cortizas brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight to his clients, navigating the intricacies of local and state regulations with a deep understanding of the legal landscape.
Mr. Cortizas’s expertise extends across a broad range of transactions, representing corporate clients, developers, and individuals before local planning commissions, boards of zoning adjustments, and governing authorities throughout Louisiana. He is a trusted legal counsel for businesses seeking to develop new projects, secure necessary approvals, and achieve their strategic objectives. His ability to effectively advocate for clients in diverse settings – from regulatory hearings to negotiations – has established him as a recognized leader in his field.
Beyond his traditional transactional work, Mr. Cortizas possesses a unique and invaluable perspective shaped by his extensive public service roles. Prior to returning to Jones Walker in 2013, he served as Executive Counsel to New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu from 2010 to 2011, providing critical legal support and strategic guidance. He further honed his skills as City Attorney for the City of New Orleans for three years, directly managing legal affairs and playing a pivotal role in the negotiation of the landmark New Orleans Police Department consent decree – a testament to his collaborative approach and dedication to achieving favorable outcomes.
Mr. Cortizas’s commitment to fostering a positive and productive legal environment is further demonstrated by his role as the firm’s Chief Diversity Officer. He collaborates closely with firm leadership and the Jones Walker Diversity Committee, a threefold organization dedicated to increasing awareness of diversity within the firm, fostering mutual respect and appreciation for diverse perspectives, and developing and implementing strategies to recruit, retain, and advance lawyers and staff from diverse backgrounds. This focus reflects his belief in the power of a diverse legal team to deliver superior results for clients.
With over six years of experience at Jones Walker prior to his return, combined with his significant public service, Mr. Cortizas offers a uniquely informed and comprehensive approach to legal representation. He is consistently recognized for his expertise and dedication, evidenced by his multiple accolades, including Lawyer of the Year awards for Land Use and Zoning Law in New Orleans (2026 and 2023), and recognition in Best Attorney USA since 2020. His strategic counsel and hands-on involvement are instrumental in securing favorable outcomes for his clients.
Key Practice Areas:
Land Use and Zoning Law – Expert legal representation in all aspects of land use regulations, zoning ordinances, and development approvals.
Public Finance – Strategic guidance on financing initiatives and regulatory matters pertaining to public projects.
Economic Development Projects – Support for businesses and developers in navigating complex regulatory environments and securing incentives.
Governmental Matters – Representation before local and state regulatory bodies on a wide range of legal issues.
Awards and Recognition:
Lawyer of the Year: Land Use and Zoning Law, New Orleans (2026)
Lawyer of the Year: Land Use and Zoning Law, New Orleans (2023)
Recognized: Land Use and Zoning Law – Regularly recognized by Best Attorney USA since 2020.
Education and Credentials:
- Affiliations: Recognized Since: Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2020
- City: New Orleans
- State: Louisiana
- Country: United States
Bar Admissions: Bar of Louisiana
Richard Cortizas is dedicated to providing exceptional legal services and building long-term relationships with his clients. His experience, expertise, and commitment to achieving successful outcomes make him a valuable asset to any organization seeking to navigate the complexities of land use and zoning law, public finance, or economic development.
