Cosmich Simmons & Brown, PLLC Opens New Orleans Office
1.01.15
NEW ORLEANS – Cosmich Simmons & Brown, PLLC, is excited to announce its expansion into Louisiana and the addition of Kay Baxter as a partner to the firm. Kay will head the New Orleans office and brings with her associate attorneys, Georgia Ainsworth and Ashley Edwards. These attorneys exemplify Cosmich Simmons & Brown’s deep commitment to loyalty, integrity, and professionalism, and will advance the interests of our clients by expanding our geographical imprint and professional resources.
With over 20 years of experience, Kay Baxter’s knowledge and industry recognition will prove a valuable asset to the firm. Licensed in Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi and Texas, Kay represents clients both regionally and nationally. She represents premise owners, manufacturers, suppliers, contractors, executive officers, condominium associations, and property owners in cases involving, inter alia, construction, toxic torts, and environmental issues – from the small insureds to the international corporations. Kay has extensive experience in the defense of cases involving asbestos, benzene, silica, chemical solvents and noise.
While Kay has experience in many areas of law, in recent years she has specialized in toxic tort and environmental law in both state and federal courts. Her litigation practice focuses on the defense of toxic torts, occupational disease and environmental claims alleging personal injury, property damage, as well as issues involving various areas of construction litigation. These matters include individual claims as well as mass torts and class actions. Her defense in these areas has encompassed a wide range of industries, including public utilities, shipyards, chemical facilities, refineries, as well as local manufacturing and construction. Several Fortune 500 companies, one of which has selected her to be one of few female attorneys on their national trial team, retain Kay for their litigation programs.
Kay is a widely respected member of the legal community, and is dedicated to educating and supporting attorneys. She has been invited to speak at academic institutions and conferences throughout the world, and is an active mentor both to her associates and through her involvement in the Louisiana State Bar Association’s newly introduced mentorship program. She is a member of several organizations, including by-invitation only defense litigation associations. Kay is deeply involved in the New Orleans community, currently serving as the legal advisor to the newly formed French Quarter Advocates and as member of the enforcement committee of the legislatively created French Quarter Management District. She is also a member of the National Association of Women Lawyers and was recently named to the Leadership in Law Hall of Fame, having been named one of the Top 50 Leaders in Law three times by the publication New Orleans City Business. Kay is AV rated through Martindale-Hubbell.
Kay Baxter brings with her associates, Georgia Ainsworth and Ashely Edwards, with whom she worked with closely at her previous firm. Georgia and Ashley are both 2013 graduates of Tulane University Law School and members of the Louisiana Bar. Through Kay’s mentorship and professional guidance, Georgia and Ashley have excelled professionally and have already achieved tangible success both in and out of court. The addition of these promising young attorneys to Cosmich Simmons & Brown, PLLC, will ensure the continuing growth and longevity of the firm.
Since 2013, Georgia has worked with Kay in toxic torts, construction, and business litigation. Georgia has also assisted Kay with her work with the New Orleans community. Over the years, Georgia has dedicated considerable time to pro bono work both locally and internationally; working with artists and environmental groups in Louisiana, indigent populations in South Africa, and government entities in Cambodia. Her efforts have earned her numerous accolades and are an illustration of Cosmich Simmons & Brown, PLLC’s continued commitment to serving its community. Georgia’s professionalism, diligence, and enthusiastic advocacy on behalf of her clients will be a valuable asset to our firm.
Ashely has worked with Kay since 2014, after graduating from Tulane University with a combined Juris Doctor/Masters of Science in International Development degree. Prior to attending Tulane, Ashley worked in a large firm in Boston, where she gained an understanding of the procedural and organizational demands of complex litigation. She also worked for the United Nations war crimes tribunal in Cambodia, where she assisted in the prosecution of members of the Khmer Rouge. During law school, Ashely clerked at The ProBono Project in New Orleans and provided legal assistance for the New Orleans Title Clearing Collaborative. Ashley’s strong work ethic and diverse background compliments the ethos of Cosmich Simmons & Brown, PLLC, and she is a welcome addition to the firm.
Please join us in welcoming our new attorneys and in celebrating the expansion of Cosmich Simmons & Brown, PLLC.
More information on the lawyers and the office location is available on the Attorneys page and Contact Us page of the firm’s web site.