Frederick William ('Billy') Swaim III, Business Attorney in New Orleans, Louisiana
Over 24 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Construction, and Energy
DirectoratGalloway, Johnson, Tompkins, Burr & Smith
New Orleans, LA
Practicing business in New Orleans since 2002.
- 24+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
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Quick answer
Frederick William ('Billy') Swaim III is a director based in New Orleans, LA. The practice focuses on Business, Construction, and Energy. Frederick has over 24 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Galloway, Johnson, Tompkins, Burr & Smith.
- Based in
- New Orleans, LA
- Experience
- over 24 years
- Known for
- Business · Construction · Energy
- Handles Business, Construction, and Energy matters from New Orleans, LA.
- Over 24 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Frederick William ('Billy') Swaim III: Frederick William ('Billy') Swaim III is a director based in New Orleans, LA. The practice focuses on Business, Construction, and Energy. Frederick has over 24 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Galloway, Johnson, Tompkins, Burr & Smith.
Areas of practice
Frederick's practice areas in New Orleans
Frederick concentrates on business, construction, energy, general, and insurance. Each area below outlines the kind of case Frederick handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Construction
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Energy
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General
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Insurance
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Litigation
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Maritime
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Product Liability
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Slip & Fall
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Business cases in New Orleans, Louisiana
Frederick takes business matters in New Orleans, Louisiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Frederick agrees to represent you.
Construction cases in New Orleans, Louisiana
Frederick takes construction matters in New Orleans, Louisiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Frederick agrees to represent you.
Energy cases in New Orleans, Louisiana
Frederick takes energy matters in New Orleans, Louisiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Frederick agrees to represent you.
General cases in New Orleans, Louisiana
Frederick takes general matters in New Orleans, Louisiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Frederick agrees to represent you.
Insurance cases in New Orleans, Louisiana
Frederick takes insurance matters in New Orleans, Louisiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Frederick agrees to represent you.
Biography
Frederick William ('Billy') Swaim III, business attorney serving New Orleans
Frederick William ('Billy') Swaim III is a director based in New Orleans, LA. The practice focuses on Business, Construction, and Energy. Frederick has over 24 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Galloway, Johnson, Tompkins, Burr & Smith. Frederick works from New Orleans, Louisiana and takes on business matters across the region.
Frederick William (“Billy”) Swaim III is a native New Orleanian who honed his legal habits early, born to a home where the language of law comprised the daily discourse with his dad and namesake a law professor for four decades, his mom a litigator, and his older sister a future prosecuting attorney.
After obtaining his Juris Doctor from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, Billy secured a Masters of Law (LL.M.) in Admiralty from Tulane University, with distinction. While in the LL.M. program, he published in Benedict on Admiralty. Billy joined Galloway soon after earning his degrees. He is licensed to practice law in Louisiana, is admitted to practice law in the federal courts in Louisiana and Texas, has handled many cases in other United States jurisdictions on a pro hac vice basis (Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, New York, Ohio, and beyond), and has been involved in several international arbitration and litigation matters.
He is an experienced litigator with a practice primarily focused, domestically and internationally, on maritime (blue and brown water), construction, property (including bad faith), coverage, and corporate / transactional law. Billy has presented on many topics around the world including moderating a panel at Energy Insurance London in 2020. He has also taught classes (as an adjunct / substitute professor) at Loyola University New Orleans, Tulane University A.B. Freeman School of Business, and Tulane University School of Law. He is a member of the Louisiana State, New Orleans, and Federal Bar Associations, as well as the Southeastern Admiralty Law Institute and the Maritime Law Association of the United States, among others.
Billy is married to Tara Carleton Swaim, who also obtained her Juris Doctor from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law. They have two amazing daughters, Sarah Cecelia and Claire Isabella.
Awards & Recognitions
•The Best Lawyers in America - Admiralty and Maritime Law, Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Insurance, 2026
•2021 CityBusiness Leadership in Law
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Frederick's approach to business cases
Frederick William (“Billy”) Swaim III is a native New Orleanian who honed his legal habits early, born to a home where the language of law comprised the daily discourse with his dad and namesake a law professor for four decades, his mom a litigator, and his older sister a future prosecuting attorney. After obtaining his Juris Doctor from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, Billy secured…
The kind of cases Frederick takes
Frederick reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, construction, and energy matters in New Orleans and the surrounding Louisiana area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Frederick studied and practices
Loyola University New Orleans School of Law
J.D. Tulane · 2002
Loyola University New Orleans
B.A. Political · 1999
Jurisdictions
Frederick's state bar admissions
Louisiana U.S. Court
2002 · ACTIVE
Frederick studied at J.D. Tulane in Loyola University New Orleans School of Law and B.A. Political in Loyola University New Orleans.
Law school and academic background
Frederick completed J.D. Tulane in Loyola University New Orleans School of Law and B.A. Political in Loyola University New Orleans. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Frederick runs in Louisiana is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Frederick William ('Billy') Swaim III's office in New Orleans
Frederick's primary office is at Hancock Whitney Center, 701 Poydras Street, 40th Floor, New Orleans, LA, 70139. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Galloway, Johnson, Tompkins, Burr & Smith
Hancock Whitney Center, 701 Poydras Street, 40th Floor
New Orleans, LA 70139
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Frederick William ('Billy') Swaim III — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Frederick usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Frederick charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Frederick's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Frederick will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in New Orleans, Louisiana
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Frederick
Frederick discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Frederick confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Frederick's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Frederick William ('Billy') Swaim III
How much does it cost to hire Frederick for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Frederick walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Frederick offer a free consultation?
Frederick charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Frederick's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Frederick's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Louisiana typically take?
Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Frederick gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Frederick take my case if I'm outside New Orleans?
Frederick is licensed in Louisiana. Matters governed by Louisiana law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Frederick will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Frederick?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Frederick will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Frederick accepting new business clients right now?
Frederick's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Metairie in Louisiana
Frederick handles business matters throughout Louisiana. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
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