Atty. John Philip Graf

Atty. John Philip Graf

John Philip (“J.P.”) Graf represents clients in commercial disputes and litigation, including energy, construction, banking, property, and general commercial litigation. He is also experienced in product liability, premises liability, industrial accidents, and maritime and offshore matters.

Lafayette Lafayette 9 yrs experience 9 year
Call (337) 237-0132 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About John Philip Graf at a glance

John Philip Graf is a business, litigation, and energy attorney based in Lafayette, Louisiana, practicing at Gordon Arata. They have 9+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 2017. Admitted to practice in Louisiana, Louisiana State Bar Association (2017). Educated at Louisiana State University (J.D., 2017). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Energy Law (2026). Serands clients in Lafayette, LA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • John Philip (“J.P.”) Graf represents clients in commercial disputes and litigation, including energy, construction, banking, property, and general commercial litigation
  • He is also experienced in product liability, premises liability, industrial accidents, and maritime and offshore matters
  • He has served as lead trial counsel and co-counsel, managing litigation matters from intake through trials and appeals, in state and federal courts throughout Louisiana. “If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough.” Albert Einstein
  • J.P. takes this approach to the courtroom, boiling down complex, fact-intensive matters into a simple and effective message
  • Additionally, J.P. utilizes his litigation experience to effectively represent and assist clients in the start-up, acquisition and divestiture of their businesses
  • Before graduating from law school, J.P. clerked for the Honorable Patrick J. Hanna, U.S
  • Magistrate Judge for the Western District of Louisiana
  • During law school, he interned at the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana
  • Moreover, while in law school, J.P. was published in the Journal of Energy Law and Resources
  • Apart from work, J.P. enjoys hunting, watching ULL and LSU sporting events, and attending local festivals with his family

Practice Areas Explained

John Philip Graf's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases John Philip Graf handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Business & Corporate Law

Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.

John Philip Graf is one of 501,317 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Louisiana →

Civil Litigation

Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.

John Philip Graf is one of 454,532 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in Louisiana →

Energy & Utilities Law

Energy attorneys for oil & gas, renewables, utility regulation, and energy sector transactions.

John Philip Graf is one of 36,230 energy attorneys indexed nationally. Browse energy attorneys in Louisiana →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Louisiana

Practicing law in Louisiana. Legal matters in Louisiana are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Lafayette are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Louisiana state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Louisiana brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Louisiana courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Louisiana attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Lafayette or all attorneys in Louisiana.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about John Philip Graf

Where is John Philip Graf's law office located?
John Philip Graf's law practice is located in Lafayette, Louisiana. The firm is Gordon Arata. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does John Philip Graf handle?
John Philip Graf focuses on business, litigation, energy. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Louisiana.
How long has John Philip Graf practiced law?
John Philip Graf has 9+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 2017.
Where did John Philip Graf go to law school?
John Philip Graf earned their education at (J.D., 2017).
How can I contact John Philip Graf for a consultation?
You can contact John Philip Graf directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has John Philip Graf received?
John Philip Graf's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships); Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation; Best Lawyers in America — Energy Law; Best Lawyers in America — Oil and Gas Law.

Education

J.D.
Louisiana State University
- 2017

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Energy Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Oil and Gas Law
- 2026

Bar Admissions

Louisiana, Louisiana State Bar Association
Admitted: 2017

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