Chaffe McCall Mourns the Passing of Long-Time Partner Robert Rooth

The attorneys and staff of Chaffe McCall, L.L.P. are deeply saddened by the passing of our esteemed colleague, mentor, and friend, Robert S. Rooth.  A respected figure in New Orleans’ legal community, Bob devoted more than 45 years to the practice of law, all of them at Chaffe McCall. Throughout his distinguished tenure with the firm, he served in several leadership roles, including Managing Partner in the 1990s, legal counsel to the firm, and ultimately as a senior partner in our Commercial Litigation Section.

Bob was a wise and steady presence whose generosity knew no bounds. He was always eager to guide younger attorneys, sharing his time, insight, brilliance, and deep knowledge of his practice with patience and enthusiasm. He particularly cherished participating in the firm’s Summer Associate Program, where he was known for welcoming students into meaningful conversations and offering thoughtful mentorship as they entered the legal profession.

“Bob was a natural at starting a conversation with anyone and brought warmth and wit to our halls,” said Managing Partner Doug Holmes. “He had such a profound impact on the firm and on each of us personally, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who knew him.”

Bob’s legal career was marked by significant achievements. He focused his practice on securities, corporate finance, and commercial litigation, and presented at numerous seminars throughout his career. He earned his B.A. from Princeton University in 1971 and his J.D. from Tulane University School of Law in 1977, where he served on the Tulane Law Review’s Board of Editors. He was admitted to practice in multiple federal courts, including the United States Supreme Court.

Bob was consistently recognized for his professional excellence, having been selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers in America for Commercial Litigation and Banking/Finance Litigation, Louisiana Super Lawyers for Securities and Corporate Finance, and as a Top Lawyer by New Orleans Magazine. He was also named a Top Rated Lawyer by American Lawyer Media and Martindale-Hubbell, and was a CityBusiness Leadership in Law honoree. He served as an arbitrator for FINRA Dispute Resolution and the National Arbitration Forum.

Beyond his outstanding professional accomplishments, Bob was actively involved in many community and civic organizations. He was a charter member of the Louisiana Bar Foundation; and he held leadership positions in several private foundations. Bob also served as Past President of the American Heart Association’s New Orleans Chapter and as Secretary for Southern Repertory Theatre. Earlier in his career, he served as director of Ferruzzi Finance U.S.A., Inc., an international finance company.

We join Bob’s family, friends, and the many members of the legal community in mourning this tremendous loss. We extend our heartfelt condolences to all who loved him and to everyone whose lives he touched throughout his remarkable career.