Zelma Murray Frederick

Zelma Murray Frederick serves a diverse client base in all aspects of litigation in state or federal court and in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) with a focus on complex commercial litigation. Her experience includes guiding firm clients through a wide array of disputes, including bank lending practices, construction matters, landlord/tenant disputes, as well as consumer and commercial collections.

The construction-related component of Zelma’s practice includes a wide variety of litigation for owners and subcontractors, including delay and defective work claims, bid disputes, and lien rights under the Public and Private Works Acts. She also litigates governmental disputes, commercial and consumer collection matters, class actions, and landlord/tenant disputes, and she defends financial institutions in bank lending disputes.

Zelma has represented financial institutions on a wide variety of issues, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), the Truth in Lending Act (TILA), Regulation Z, and state unfair trade practices laws, among others.

An important and highly specific component of Zelma’s practice involves enforcement of the Louisiana Lease of Movables Act, which governs recovery of leased collateral in Louisiana and Additional Default Remedies Act, which governs recovery of certain other collateral. Such collateral may include consumer vehicles, construction equipment, or leased fleets. Zelma’s deep understanding of the applicable statutes helps her expedite the process, enforcing clients’ recovery rights quickly and cost-effectively.

An astute student of the role each participant plays in a dispute — the client, the judge, opposing counsel, staff members, and third parties — and a dedicated researcher, Zelma finds the process of managing all the working and ever-moving parts rewarding as she develops each case and guides her client toward their best outcome.

• Junior League of Baton Rouge, Board Member (2023-24), Sustaining Advisor (2022-present), Community Advisory Board (2019–2020), President (2018–2019)
• The Emerge Center, Board of Directors (2020–present)
• The Emerge Foundation, Board of Directors (2025-present)
• Our Lady of Mercy School Advisory Board (2021 – present)