In a courtroom or around a negotiating table, I can be quite adamant when I need to be to advance my clients’ objectives. But I also know when it’s time to pull back and tell my clients, “We’ve gotten as much as we can. We need to pass on this issue because we’re not going to win this one.” When I argue a case or negotiate a deal, I take a well-planned approach that uses a combination of assertion, strategy and reason.
Christopher Kane maintains a multifaceted practice, counseling clients on economic development projects, transportation law, construction law, regulatory and government relations, disaster recovery, and highly specific litigation matters.
In some ways, these areas overlap, and Chris’ regional, national, and international clients benefit from his broad-based experience working at the intersection of business and government. For example, many of Chris’ clients rely on his experience to chart a regulatory strategy, assist with the implementation of that strategy, and provide project leadership.
Recognized for his work on many economic development projects, Chris channels a convergence of people, factors, and revenue streams to help public-private partnerships produce new enterprises or expand existing ones, as well as to create solid and sustainable jobs. He and his team handle government relations work, design and negotiate incentive packages, provide legal advice on financing, help with construction and architect contracts, and deal with virtually any issue that arises.
With extensive port and logistics experience, Chris counsels clients on transportation issues. He works with regional and national trucking and logistics companies to conduct federal regulatory work and assists with public transit issues. Clients say they appreciate how Chris understands the nuances of how both private companies and government agencies operate.
Chris’ litigation practice stems from his experience with transportation, construction, and commercial matters. Chris has successfully defended and prosecuted claims ranging from fatal motor carrier accidents to multimillion-dollar cargo damage disputes. Chris also has a niche practice involving professional athlete injury claims.
Chris is well respected within the political, business, and community circles in Louisiana and across the Southeast United States. He has earned the trust of local, state, and federal political leaders and public agencies, and this helps him provide advice that best manages the interplay between law and politics.
Chris has helped organizations with recovery and related legal issues since the 2005 hurricanes. He co-founded a nonprofit corporation designed to assist small business recovery, Desire NOLA, which has been nominated for numerous service awards and recognized by community leaders. Desire NOLA helped assist numerous New Orleans businesses with their return post-Hurricane Katrina.
Chris’ experience with disaster recovery informs his volunteer work for a number of chambers of commerce and economic development organizations as they help members manage COVID-19 response. Chris has assisted hundreds of businesses with CARES Act and PPP-related guidance. His podcast, BOOM! The Southeastern Commerce Podcast, brings together regional business, government, and legal leaders to discuss what's new and what's next for commerce in the Southeast.
“ Over the past ten years, I have built a practice around public-private partnerships in Louisiana. It is rewarding not only because I take professional satisfaction in accomplishing my clients’ objectives and goals, but because I can tangibly show my young daughter a meaningful difference our firm is making in the community. ”
Education
Bar Admissions
Areas of Practice
Acknowledgements
- Christian Brothers University Distinguished Young Alumnus Award, 2006
- Louisiana Rising Stars® (by Thomson Reuters) Business Litigation 2012-2018
- Leadership in Law, New Orleans CityBusiness, 2012, 2021
- Best Lawyers® - Economic Development Law
Professional Affiliations & Memberships
- Greater New Orleans Inc., Board Chair (2024); Board of Directors (2018 – Present); Executive Committee (2020 - Present)
- NextGen Council (2015-2017)
- Algiers Economic Development Foundation, President (2009-2011)
- Desire NOLA, Co-Founder, President (2005-2007)
- New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute (2011-2012)
- Norman C. Francis Institute Fellow (2014-2015)
- Institute of Politics, Fellow (2006)
- Trade Capacity Building Institute, Board of Directors (2007-2009)
- World Trade Center of New Orleans, Board Member (2007-2008)
- Young Leadership Council, Secretary/ General Counsel (2007-2008)
Related Knowledge
News
Related Podcasts
Related Events
- "Before the Storm - Tips on Business Preparation for Hurricane Season," Adams and Reese Crisis Preparedness and Response Client Alert, May 30, 2024
- "Wharf and Peace: A Review of Wharfinger Liability," published in The Transportation Lawyer, April 2024
- "New Louisiana Laws That May Affect You in 2024," published in New Orleans CityBusiness, Feb. 5, 2024
- "FEMA Rule Changes Target Flexible, Faster Access to Disaster Relief Benefits," Adams and Reese Crisis Preparedness and Response Client Alert, Jan. 24, 2024
- "Top 10 Tips for Businesses to Prepare for Peak of Hurricane Season," published in Law.com/Daily Business Review, Aug. 29, 2023
- "More Businesses Now Eligible for Employee Retention Credit (ERC) - Do You Qualify," Adams and Reese Crisis Preparedness and Response Client Alert, Aug. 12, 2022
- "Eligibility for CARES Act ERC Program Worth a Second Look for Many Small Businesses," Adams and Reese Crisis Preparedness and Response Client Alert, June 29, 2022
- "Disaster Assistance in the Wake of Hurricane Ida: Low-Interest SBA Loans for Businesses and Individuals," Adams and Reese Crisis Preparedness and Response Client Alert, Sept. 17, 2021
- "Business Continuity in a Natural Disaster: First Steps on the Road to Recovery," Adams and Reese Crisis Preparedness and Response Client Alert, Aug. 31, 2021
- "Post-Hurricane Checklist for Individuals and Businesses," Adams and Reese Crisis Preparedness and Response Client Alert, Aug. 31, 2021
- "Federal Grant Relief Earmarks Billions for Shuttered Venues," Adams and Reese GR Alert, Dec. 28, 2020
- "PPP Reboot is Good News for Small Businesses," Adams and Reese Crisis Preparedness and Response Client Alert, Dec. 23, 2020
- "Four Things to Know About Louisiana's Hurricane Delta Tax Relief," Adams and Reese Crisis Preparedness and Response Client Alert, Oct. 12, 2020
- "Prosper Jefferson: Doing Business with Government," Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission webinar, September 16, 2020
- "The Big EZ? SBA Forgiveness Applications Are Revised, Not Revamped," Adams and Reese Crisis Preparedness and Response Client Alert, June 23, 2020
- "Road Work Ahead: The Federal Reserve Updates Main Street," Adams and Reese GTTL Client Alert, June 12, 2020
- "Game Changer: New Paycheck Protection Program Rules Give Much Needed Options and Flexibility to Small Businesses," Adams and Reese L&E/GR Client Alert, June 4, 2020
- "Navigating Through Severe Business Disruption," Homebuilders Association of Greater New Orleans and Professional Women in Building, Webinar, April 2020
- "Overview of the Paycheck Protection Program," Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce Webinar, April 2020
- "How the Stimulus Package Affects Your Business," JEDCO Webinar, March 2020