Our 200 Year Story
Due to a history of distinguished leaders, a team of talented attorneys, and hardworking professionals dedicated to achieving results for our clients, this is our story.
A Legacy of Service Since the 1820s
For two centuries, Chaffe McCall has been committed to serving leading businesses, organizations, and individuals with integrity, skill, and dedication. Our origins trace back to the early 1820s, making us the oldest continuously operating law firm in Louisiana and one of the most enduring firms in the nation.
From our earliest days, our attorneys shaped the legal landscape through their work in commercial, maritime, and appellate matters. Over time, the firm evolved through generations of respected lawyers whose leadership strengthened our reputation for excellence. By the early 1900s, the arrival of Henry Chaffe ushered in a modern era, expanding our capabilities into emerging industries such as oil and gas, while Harry McCall helped elevate the firm’s commitment to civic and professional service.
Throughout the 20th century, the firm continued to grow, adapt, and welcome new practice strengths, ultimately becoming known simply as Chaffe McCall in 2005.
That same year, Hurricane Katrina presented one of the greatest challenges in our history. Thanks to decisive planning and the dedication of our attorneys and staff, the firm remained fully operational within days, ensuring uninterrupted service to our clients. This experience helped shape Chaffe McCall’s robust emergency preparedness practices, which remain in place today.
Across generations, our defining principles have endured: professional excellence, steadfast client service, and meaningful contributions to our communities. Chaffe McCall attorneys continue to serve on civic, business, and nonprofit boards, and the firm has been honored as a Pro Bono Law Firm of the Year by the New Orleans Pro Bono Project.
As we celebrate our 200th anniversary, we remain committed to delivering exceptional counsel with the same dedication that has guided us since the beginning, adapting to our clients’ needs while honoring the legacy entrusted to us.