Fishman Haygood, L.L.P.
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Ian L. Atkinson

Partner

Partner

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Practice Focus

Litigation Practice Appellate Group Tax

About

Ian Atkinson is a seasoned trial and appellate lawyer whose practice spans complex commercial litigation, white-collar criminal defense, and tax litigation. He represents plaintiffs and defendants in high-stakes disputes in state and federal courts and has substantial experience handling matters through every stage of litigation, from pre-suit investigations and dispositive motion practice to trial and appeal.

Ian has served as lead counsel in bench and jury trials and is regularly entrusted with bet-the-company disputes, sensitive investigations, and matters carrying significant financial and reputational exposure. His courtroom experience includes commercial business disputes, fiduciary-duty and financial-misconduct claims, professional disciplinary proceedings, and criminal defense matters involving allegations of health care fraud, tax violations, money laundering, and wire and mail fraud.

A significant part of Ian’s practice is devoted to appellate advocacy. He has successfully litigated appeals before the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, the Louisiana Supreme Court, and Louisiana appellate courts, and has experience in matters involving the United States Supreme Court. Drawing on his background as both a federal trial-court and appellate-court law clerk, Ian brings a strategic, trial-focused perspective to appellate litigation and critical motion practice.

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, Board of Directors (2026-2027); Former Chair, Criminal Division

Recognitions

Media

  • Moderator, “A Peek Behind the Curtain at the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals: The Clerk and Circuit Judges Explain the Court’s Procedures and Preferences,” New Orleans Chapter of the Federal Bar Association and the Bar Association of the Fifth Federal Circuit CLE, Aug. 4, 2026.

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
  • State and Federal Courts of Louisiana

Notable Rankings

Best Lawyers 2026 badge recognizing Ian Atkinson2026 Benchmark Litigation Future Star seal