A founding member of the firm, John Hainkel is Chairman of the firm's Management Committee and leads the Mass Tort & Class Actions Practice Area. In addition to his leadership role at the Firm, Mr. Hainkel participates in numerous civil and community service organizations. 

With his unsurpassed expertise in the defense of claims involving asbestos and other toxic exposures, Mr. Hainkel often handles cases involving multi-party claims and understands the complexities of mass tort occupational disease and products liability litigation. Serving as lead counsel in numerous cases, Mr. Hainkel has led the firm in coordinating discovery, developing overall litigation and settlement strategy and coordinating the activities of local counsel around the country. He has tried many cases to verdict and has participated in significant Louisiana appeals relating to asbestos and other occupational exposures. Because of his extensive background and experience in defending mass tort claims, Mr. Hainkel is able to provide clients with early strategic thinking, vigorous defense and efficient litigation management. With a unique combination of administrative and accomplished trial skills, Mr. Hainkel has gained a strong reputation as a leading advisor in mass tort/complex litigation.