A Louisiana-Focused Firm Built Around Clear Advocacy

Attorney

David M. Abdullah is a seasoned trial attorney with over two decades of litigation experience in state and federal courts. His practice is devoted to representing individuals who have been injured or wronged by powerful companies, institutions, and individuals. David brings a depth of experience and a courtroom-tested approach to personal injury, mass torts, catastrophic injury, and complex civil litigation.

Before joining Hair Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, David was a founding partner of a multi-state plaintiff’s firm, where he litigated complex civil matters including catastrophic injury, product liability, wrongful death, civil rights, and mass torts. He also operated a successful solo practice focused on personal injury, civil rights litigation, industrial accidents, contract disputes, and select criminal matters. David has also gained valuable insight into defense strategy while serving as litigation counsel at two civil litigation firms representing major corporate clients in personal injury, transportation, toxic tort, and premises liability matters.

As a former prosecutor and seasoned trial lawyer, David has first-chaired numerous jury trials and has successfully litigated hundreds of cases from inception through verdict or resolution. His courtroom experience and strategic judgment give him a powerful edge in advocating for injured clients.

He frequently lectures on civil rights law and trial advocacy, and has served as a CLE instructor and featured speaker at professional and community events. His legal commentary has also been published in a local weekly news publication.

Committed to public service and advocacy, David has held leadership roles with nonprofit organizations, school boards, and community groups. He is a passionate and relentless advocate for justice, and he brings that dedication to every case he handles on behalf of his clients.

David is admitted to practice in all Louisiana state courts as well as the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern, Western, and Middle Districts of Louisiana.

Attorney

Justin Reese is a nationally recognized civil litigation and personal injury attorney, celebrated for his strategic legal mind, compassionate advocacy, and unwavering dedication to justice. With a distinguished track record in high-stakes litigation, Mr. Reese has recovered tens of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for individuals and families impacted by catastrophic injury, wrongful death, toxic torts, mesothelioma, maritime accidents, and auto collisions. His practice reflects a deep commitment to holding powerful entities accountable and securing meaningful outcomes for those navigating the most challenging chapters of their lives.

Admitted to the bar in 2011, Mr. Reese has been a key legal figure in several complex multi-district litigations, most notably the precedent-setting Chinese Drywall cases. His mastery of intricate legal frameworks, coupled with his courtroom poise, makes him a formidable advocate and respected thought leader within the plaintiff's bar.

A native of New Orleans, Mr. Reese holds a B.A. in Psychology from Morehouse College, where he was inducted into the Psi Chi National Honor Society for academic excellence. He earned his Juris Doctor from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law in 2008, distinguishing himself on nationally ranked trial advocacy teams, including the ABA John Marshall National Champion team (2007) and the South Central Regional Champion team (2008). He later pursued advanced legal training through an LL.M. in Trial Advocacy from Temple University’s Beasley School of Law. During his time in Philadelphia, he clerked for the Honorable Sandy L.V. Byrd and helped coach Quinnipiac University’s ABA Trial Team to national acclaim.

Mr. Reese began his career as a trial attorney with the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office, where he prosecuted felony drug cases and honed his skills in fast-paced courtroom settings. Today, in addition to his litigation practice, he serves as a certified mediator, facilitating dozens of complex case resolutions and championing alternative dispute resolution as a powerful tool for equitable outcomes.

Beyond the courtroom, Mr. Reese has leveraged his public platform—including his national visibility as a lead cast member on Bravo’s Southern Charm New Orleans—to promote integrity, civic engagement, and the importance of professional excellence. His authentic leadership and relatability have garnered widespread recognition across legal and cultural spaces alike.

Driven by a vision of justice that extends beyond legal representation, Mr. Reese is increasingly dedicating his time and expertise to philanthropic and nonprofit initiatives. With a particular focus on literacy, youth empowerment, and equitable healthcare access, he is committed to expanding his impact by supporting organizations that uplift underserved communities and close critical access gaps. His work reflects a belief that advocacy must be both legal and communal—serving people not just in courtrooms, but in classrooms, clinics, and neighborhoods.

Mr. Reese is a proud member of the Louisiana State Bar Association, the National Bar Association, and the Thurgood Marshall American Inn of Court. He accepts personal injury cases nationwide and remains a trusted advocate for justice, equity, and systemic change.

Attorney

After many years of practicing as a corporate defense attorney, Lori Waters has dedicated herself to protect the rights of injured Louisianans. The significance of having seen both sides in the courtroom makes her a valuable and respected asset to her clients. Her understanding of corporate defense has prepared her to take on the challenges of seeking justice for plaintiffs who require an experienced and empathic voice to represent them in their time of need.

As a skilled property casualty and personal injury trial attorney, Lori is both diligent in her practice of law and wholly committed to the legal profession. She currently practices in the following areas:

· Property Casualty

· Catastrophic Injuries

· 18-Wheeler Accidents

· Automobile Accidents

· Products and Premises Liability

Lori is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History, and a graduate of Seton Hall University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. In 2004, she earned her Juris Doctor from Loyola University School of Law in New Orleans. Lori began her legal career as a judicial law clerk at the Civil District Court for the Parish of Orleans. Subsequently, she practiced in the areas of toxic tort and environmental litigation, product and premise liability, commercial litigation, employment discrimination, insurance defense, insurance coverage, uninsured motorist coverage, medical malpractice, and redhibition defense.

Lori is admitted to practice before all state courts in Louisiana, the United States District Court for the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of Louisiana, as well as to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Lori is a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association, New Orleans Bar Association, American Bar Association, National Bar Association, DRI, A.P. Tureaud Inn of Court, the St. Thomas More Inn of Court, and National Association of Professional & Executive Women.

Lori is recognized as an AV Preeminent rated lawyer. She serves as a Member of the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board. Additionally, Lori is an Assistant Examiner for the Louisiana State Bar Committee on Bar Admissions.

Lori resides in the New Orleans metropolitan area with her husband, Erik, and their two daughters. When she’s not representing her clients, Lori spends time with her family and traveling the country with her youngest daughter who plays competitive tennis.