Rick Yelton

Rick Yelton


Burns Charest LLP

Recognized since 2024

New Orleans, Louisiana

Practice Areas

Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs

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Rick is an accomplished attorney who is committed to achieving justice for his clients. Rick represents plaintiffs in a variety of high-stakes matters against several of the world’s largest companies. He is a tireless advocate who enjoys finding solutions to thorny legal issues and communicating them to courts and opposing counsel. Rick is motivated by the pursuit of the common good and by ensuring that his clients’ voices are heard.

Rick has a varied practice. He has successfully prosecuted a novel class action on behalf of content moderators who review social media content. He currently manages several complex dockets involving both personal injury and property damage. In addition, Rick is a central part of the Burns Charest team representing hospitals in actions against opioid producers and distributors for their role in creating the opioid epidemic. Rick also has experience in insurance coverage and frequently uses that knowledge to help clients in coverage-related matters. Rick has been recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2020 and 2021.

Before becoming a lawyer, Rick had an entirely different career as a music therapist and vocational specialist. In those roles, he helped vulnerable individuals find stability through his ability to listen, advocate, and help foster growth. Rick uses these skills on a daily basis at Burns Charest. Because of this previous experience, Rick is uniquely attuned to his clients’ interests and singularly focused on achieving them.

Rick lives with his wife and daughter in New Orleans. He enjoys spending time with the family, crawfish boils, music festivals, and cheering on the Saints.

Location
  • 201 Saint Charles Avenue, Suite 2900
    New Orleans, LA 70170
Education
  • Loyola University New Orleans, B.A., graduated 2005
  • University of New Orleans, M.S. , graduated 2008
  • Loyola University New Orleans, J.D. (graduated magna cum laude), graduated 2016
Bar Admissions
  • U.S. Virgin Islands, Virgin Islands Bar Association
  • Texas, State Bar of Texas
  • Louisiana, Louisiana State Bar Association
Affiliations
  • Thomas Moore Inn of Court - Member
Court Admissions
  • United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas
  • United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana
  • United States District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana
  • United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana

Burns Charest LLP
New Orleans, Louisiana

5 The Best Lawyers in America® awards

4 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America awards

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Recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America 2025 for work in:
  • Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs
Awards:
  • Best Lawyers in America, Ones to Watch, 2024-2025

  • Texas Super Lawyers, Rising Stars, Thompson Reuters, 2020-2024

  • Lawdragon 500 X - The Next Generation, 2023-2024

Publications

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