Attorney Ian Atkinson

Black and white photo of partner Ian Atkinson

Practice Focus

Litigation Practice Appellate Group Tax

About

Ian Atkinson is an experienced trial and appellate lawyer whose varied practice includes commercial litigation, white collar criminal defense, and tax litigation.

In his civil practice, Ian represents both plaintiffs and defendants in all manner of commercial litigation. He is a member of the firm’s sophisticated plaintiff-oriented practice, where he focuses on suits involving financial misconduct, fiduciary breaches, and a range of other subject areas.

As a criminal defense attorney, Ian advises clients on complex white-collar matters, including health-care fraud, tax, money laundering, wire and mail fraud allegations, and other investigations. Ian also represents professionals and students in disciplinary and misconduct proceedings.

Experience

Successfully obtained probation for many clients accused of crimes calling for significant jail time.
Obtained reversals of student disciplinary findings, including Title IX findings of responsibility, through disciplinary appeals and federal litigation.
Resolved criminal investigations without indictment or through favorable plea bargains.
Litigated numerous successful appeals of civil and criminal matters before the Fifth Circuit, Louisiana appellate courts, and the Louisiana Supreme Court.

Professional Activities & Community Involvement

Federal Bar Association – New Orleans Chapter: Member, 2025-2026 Board of Directors; Former Chair, Criminal Division

Recognitions

The Best Lawyers in America®: Commercial Litigation and Tax Law, since 2024
Benchmark Litigation: Future Star
Benchmark Litigation: 40 & Under List - South
Super Lawyers: Criminal Defense and Business Litigation, 2017-2018; 2020-23
New Orleans Magazine: Top Lawyers, White Collar & Non-White Collar Criminal Defense
St. Charles Avenue Magazine: Top Attorneys

Credentials

L.L.M. Taxation from New York University School of Law, 2024
J.D. from University of Virginia School of Law, 2008
- Member of the Virginia Law Review
- Order of the Coif
B.A. from Tulane University, 2005

The Honorable Edith Brown Clement of the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, 2009-2010
The Honorable Sarah Vance of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, 2008-2009