Atty. Peter Joseph Wanek

Atty. Peter Joseph Wanek

Peter brings nearly 25 years of litigation experience to his practice, focusing on general liability defense and insurance coverage. He has fought aggressively and successfully for clients in dozens of jury trials, bench trials, and arbitrations.

New Orleans New Orleans 32 yrs experience 32 year
Call (504) 507-8980 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Peter Joseph Wanek at a glance

Peter Joseph Wanek is a Partner based in New Orleans, Louisiana, practicing at Wanek Kirsch LLC. They have 32+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1994. Their practice focuses on breach of contract, construction, slip & fall, product liability, and civil rights. Admitted to practice in Louisiana (1994) and Mississippi (2022). Educated at Tulane University School of Law (J.D., 1994) and Washington and Lee University (B.A., 1990). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Active member of 1994), Texas (1995, Louisiana. Serands clients in New Orleans, LA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Peter brings nearly 25 years of litigation experience to his practice, focusing on general liability defense and insurance coverage
  • He has fought aggressively and successfully for clients in dozens of jury trials, bench trials, and arbitrations
  • Peter applies his knowledge and perspective as a litigator to all his work on behalf of clients
  • He believes that only through trial experience can a litigator truly understand and appreciate the value of cases and provide accurate risk assessment
  • Based on his trial work, Peter effectively advises clients on whether matters should be tried or settled, leading to cost-effective defense strategies with optimal outcomes
  • His clients entrust him to defend their cases throughout Louisiana in both state and federal courts
  • Prior to founding Wanek Kirsch Davies, Peter spent 20 years as a partner at a New Orleans defense firm, where he led the construction practice, as well as defended clients in a wide range of industries
  • A seasoned and skilled litigator, Peter tried his first case just one month after being sworn into the Louisiana Bar in 1994
  • Peter serves on the Board of Directors of the Federal Bar Association, New Orleans Chapter, where he is also editor of The Advocate, its quarterly newsletter
  • In addition, he serves as a board member and officer for The Blood Center of Louisiana, a non-profit community service organization
  • VICTORIES • Shonda Brennan v
  • United Services Automobile Assn/USAA CIC (24th JDC, Judge Stephen Grefer, Oct. 2017) • Larry Mitchell et al v
  • ACE Hardware Corp, USDC (Eastern District of LA, Hon. Mary Ann Lemmon, May 22-24, 2017) • Jessica Faust v
  • United Services Automobile Association (34th Judicial District Court/St
  • Bernard parish, Judge Jeanne Juneau, April 2017) • Gettys v
  • Joaquim Wong, MD, LSUHSC & Children’s Hospital (Civil District Court in New Orleans, Louisiana, Dec. 3, 2015) • John and Casie Dekerlegand v
  • John Arton d/b/a/ Chick-fil- A, et al (15th Judicial District Court, Lafayette Parish, Nov. 2013) • Ella Crosby v
  • Cajun Operating Co./Church’s Chicken (USDC, Eastern District of LA, Aug. 2013) • Loconte Partners, LLC v
  • Montgomery & Associates and Landmark American Ins
  • Co. (St
  • Bernard parish, Oct. 2011) • USAA obtains Zero Judgment on alleged vehicle theft claim (24th Judicial District Court for Jefferson Parish, April 2010) • One River Place Condominium Association, Inc. v
  • Axis Surplus Ins
  • Co. (Federal court in New Orleans, June 2009) MEMBERSHIPS • Defense Research Institute (DRI) • Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel (FDCC) • Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel (LADC) • National Retail and Restaurant Defense Association (NRRDA) • Former Co-Chair, US Law Network, Construction Practice Group, Spring Conference • Board of Directors, Federal Bar Association, New Orleans Chapter • Louisiana State Bar Association • Texas State Bar Association

Practice Areas Explained

Peter Joseph Wanek's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Peter Joseph Wanek handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Breach of Contract

Peter Joseph Wanek is one of 5,938 breach of contract attorneys indexed nationally. Browse breach of contract attorneys in Louisiana →

Construction Law

Peter Joseph Wanek is one of 40,689 construction attorneys indexed nationally. Browse construction attorneys in Louisiana →

Slip & Fall / Premises Liability

Peter Joseph Wanek is one of 29,473 slip & fall attorneys indexed nationally. Browse slip & fall attorneys in Louisiana →

Product Liability

Peter Joseph Wanek is one of 66,193 product liability attorneys indexed nationally. Browse product liability attorneys in Louisiana →

Civil Rights

Civil rights attorneys for discrimination, police misconduct, constitutional rights, and civil liberties cases.

Peter Joseph Wanek is one of 70,245 civil rights attorneys indexed nationally. Browse civil rights 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 New Orleans 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 New Orleans or all attorneys in Louisiana.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Peter Joseph Wanek

Where is Peter Joseph Wanek's law office located?
Peter Joseph Wanek's law practice is located in New Orleans, Louisiana. The firm is Wanek Kirsch LLC. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Peter Joseph Wanek handle?
Peter Joseph Wanek focuses on breach of contract, construction, slip & fall, product liability, civil rights. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Louisiana.
How long has Peter Joseph Wanek practiced law?
Peter Joseph Wanek has 32+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1994.
Where did Peter Joseph Wanek go to law school?
Peter Joseph Wanek earned their education at (J.D., 1994); (B.A., 1990).
How can I contact Peter Joseph Wanek for a consultation?
You can contact Peter Joseph Wanek 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 Peter Joseph Wanek received?
Peter Joseph Wanek's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Education

J.D.
Tulane University School of Law
- 1994
B.A.
Washington and Lee University
- 1990

Awards

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions

Louisiana
Admitted: 1994
Mississippi
Admitted: 2022

Reviews

4.5
3 Review
5 0
4 0
3 0
2 0
1 0
These reviews belong to platform users; they do not constitute advertisement or promotion for the attorney. Opinions are published for informational purposes only.

No reviews yet.