Nicole C. Katz

Nicole “Nikki” Katz is a Partner in Chaffe McCall’s New Orleans office who works with clients in the areas of civil and commercial litigation.  Her practice is focused on bankruptcy, business litigation, real estate, and succession disputes.  In particular, Nikki is experienced in handling various aspects of litigation and has been involved in all phases of disputes, ranging from the pre-trial stage through appeals.

Nikki’s experience in trial advocacy, alternative dispute resolution, and risk management enables her to creatively and successfully assess resolutions that align with each client’s goals. She has demonstrated success in bringing cases both at trial and through settlements to the satisfaction of clients. From 2021 to the present, Nikki has been selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers in America® “Ones to Watch” in Commercial Litigation, Real Estate, and Transportation Law. In 2026, she was additionally recognized in Best Lawyers in America® “Ones to Watch” for Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law. She also serves on the executive committee of the Jerry A. Brown Louisiana Bankruptcy Inn of Court.  Prior to joining the firm, Nikki worked for an international management consulting firm based in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Nikki graduated cum laude from Tulane University Law School, where she earned a Juris Doctor and a Civil Law Certificate. While attending law school, she also served as Managing Editor for the Tulane Journal of International and Comparative Law. Nicole graduated with distinction from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree with majors in Journalism and Spanish. She is fluent in Spanish.

PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS

• “Jurisdictional Immunities of the State (Ger. v. It.: Greece Intervening),” 21 Tul. J. Int’l & Comp. L. 579 (2013).

HONORS AND AWARDS

• Selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers in America® “Ones to Watch” for Commercial Litigation, Transportation Law, and Real Estate Law, 2021-2026
• Selected for inclusion in 2026 Best Lawyers in America® “Ones to Watch” for Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law, 2026
• Selected for inclusion in Louisiana Super Lawyers as a “Rising Star,” 2022 -2023
• Received the Walter J. Suthon, Jr. Award for achieving the highest grade in Civil Law Security Devices
• Received the David L. Herman Award for achieving the highest grade in Legal Profession
• Received ‘CALI’ Awards for the top grade in courses, including Louisiana Civil Procedure and Tax Policy

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

• Adjunct Professor at Loyola University New Orleans Law School, Bankruptcy Law and Creditors’ Rights
• Founding Executive Committee Member and Vice President, Jerry A. Brown Louisiana Bankruptcy Inn of Court
• Member of 2018 Class of Emerging Philanthropists of New Orleans

• Successfully reached a resolution of more than 25 avoidance claims on behalf of Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Trustees
• Defended executrix in significant Louisiana state court litigation that challenged an elderly man’s lifetime gifts to a non-relative and attacked his will
• Assisted in the negotiation and drafting of multibillion-dollar pharmacy benefits management contracts, involving multiple parties and stakeholders
• Obtained partial summary judgment on an insurance coverage issue in a professional liability and personal injury matter for an insurance company client, achieving a significant turnaround in the litigation and a favorable settlement for both insurer and insured alike
• Participated in discovery in a prescription medicine multi-district litigation remand case, where she reviewed extensive medical records and took plaintiff depositions
• Served on the legal team defending a large cement company against claims by a governmental entity for more than $400 million in alleged property damage
• Served as second chair in a three-day bench trial in Louisiana state court in a dispute among four entities; entities involved in hosting a seminar on foreign territory, and  achieved a ruling favorable to the client
• Deposed and defended numerous fact witnesses and assisted in the selection and workup of experts