Ralph B Chustz, Sr., Business Attorney in New Roads, Louisiana
Over 50 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Energy, and Estate Planning · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatKearney, Smith & Chustz
New Roads, LA
Practicing business in New Roads since 1976.
- 50+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Ralph B Chustz, Sr.?
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Quick answer
Ralph B Chustz, Sr. is a member based in New Roads, LA. The practice focuses on Business, Energy, and Estate Planning. Ralph has over 50 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Kearney, Smith & Chustz. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- New Roads, LA
- Experience
- over 50 years
- Known for
- Business · Energy · Estate Planning
- Handles Business, Energy, and Estate Planning matters from New Roads, LA.
- Over 50 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Ralph B Chustz, Sr.: Ralph B Chustz, Sr. is a member based in New Roads, LA. The practice focuses on Business, Energy, and Estate Planning. Ralph has over 50 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Kearney, Smith & Chustz. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Ralph takes on
Ralph concentrates on business, energy, estate planning, trusts, and wills. Each area below outlines the kind of case Ralph handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Energy
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Estate Planning
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Trusts
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Wills
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Business cases in New Roads, Louisiana
Ralph takes business matters in New Roads, 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 Ralph agrees to represent you.
Energy cases in New Roads, Louisiana
Ralph takes energy matters in New Roads, 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 Ralph agrees to represent you.
Estate Planning cases in New Roads, Louisiana
Ralph takes estate planning matters in New Roads, 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 Ralph agrees to represent you.
Trusts cases in New Roads, Louisiana
Ralph takes trusts matters in New Roads, 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 Ralph agrees to represent you.
Wills cases in New Roads, Louisiana
Ralph takes wills matters in New Roads, 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 Ralph agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Ralph B Chustz, Sr. — business lawyer in New Roads
Ralph B Chustz, Sr. is a member based in New Roads, LA. The practice focuses on Business, Energy, and Estate Planning. Ralph has over 50 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Kearney, Smith & Chustz. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Ralph B Chustz, Sr. is a lawyer practicing oil and gas law, business law, trusts and estates and 2 other areas of law. Ralph received a B.S. degree from Louisiana State University in 1969, and has been licensed for 50 years. Ralph practices at Kearney, Smith & Chustz in New Roads, LA.
Ralph's approach to business cases
Ralph B Chustz, Sr. is a lawyer practicing oil and gas law, business law, trusts and estates and 2 other areas of law. Ralph received a B.S. degree from Louisiana State University in 1969, and has been licensed for 50 years. Ralph practices at Kearney, Smith & Chustz in New Roads, LA.
Clients Ralph works with
Ralph reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, energy, and estate planning matters in New Roads and the surrounding Louisiana area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Louisiana State University
J.D. · 1976
Louisiana State University
B.S. · 1969
Jurisdictions
Ralph's state bar admissions
Louisiana
1976 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1976 · ACTIVE
Ralph studied at J.D. in Louisiana State University and B.S. in Louisiana State University.
Law school and academic background
Ralph completed J.D. in Louisiana State University and B.S. in Louisiana State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Ralph runs in Louisiana is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Ralph has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Ralph's professional memberships and bar associations
18th Judicial District and Louisiana State (Member, Mineral Law Section) Bar Associations Louisiana Society of Certified Public Accountants
membership
Locations
Ralph B Chustz, Sr.'s office in New Roads
Ralph's primary office is at 154 E. Main St., New Roads, LA, 70760-3592. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Ralph B Chustz, Sr. — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Ralph. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in New Roads.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Ralph B Chustz, Sr. claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Ralph B Chustz, Sr. — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Ralph usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Ralph charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Ralph'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; Ralph will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in New Roads, 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 Ralph
Ralph 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. Ralph confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Ralph'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 Ralph B Chustz, Sr.
How much does it cost to hire Ralph for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Ralph walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Ralph offer a free consultation?
Ralph charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Ralph's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Ralph'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. Ralph gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Ralph take my case if I'm outside New Roads?
Ralph 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 — Ralph 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 Ralph?
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. Ralph will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Ralph accepting new business clients right now?
Ralph'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 Roads, New Orleans and Baton Rouge in Louisiana
Ralph handles business matters throughout Louisiana. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated business attorneys in Louisiana
If Ralph's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in New Roads handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





