About

How We Can Help

Bivalacqua, Gelé + Ellis is a full-service New Orleans law firm representing clients throughout Louisiana and the Gulf South in business, real estate, political and government-related matters. The firm provides experienced legal counsel to individuals, small businesses, developers, entrepreneurs, insurers, elected officials, public servants, public interest organizations, and public entities, combining strategic insight with a results-oriented approach.

For decades, the partners of Bivalacqua, Gelé + Ellis have guided clients through the intersection of business, law, and government. The firm’s attorneys represent clients before municipal, state, and federal agencies; in state and federal courts; and in complex transactional and regulatory matters. Our work spans a broad spectrum of industries and sectors, including real estate development, construction, alcohol and hospitality, economic development, public procurement, public policy advocacy, and government.

The firm combines the responsiveness of a boutique practice with the capabilities of a full-service law office. This balance allows us to provide tailored representation, whether serving as outside general counsel to ongoing clients or addressing discrete litigation and regulatory challenges.

Bivalacqua, Gelé + Ellis is founded on the principle that legal counsel should advance both the client’s immediate and long-term objectives. Our attorneys bring a disciplined, analytical approach to each matter, grounded in thorough preparation and a clear understanding of the client’s business or operational framework.

We are committed to excellence in advocacy, efficiency in execution, and integrity in every aspect of representation.

Firm Services

Government: Federal, State & Local

  • Representation before boards and commissions
  • Land use and zoning
  • Permitting
  • Alcohol beverage permits
  • Code enforcement actions
  • Administrative hearings
  • Adjudication hearings
  • Lien removal
  • Economic development
  • Sales tax matters
  • Business licensing
  • Public bid & contracts
  • Disadvantage business entity
  • Litigation against public entities
  • General counsel
  • Government relations: 
    • United States Senate & Congress
      Federal Emergency Management Administration (“FEMA”)
    • State of Louisiana
      City of New Orleans
    • State of Texas
      City of Houston
      City of Austin
      City of San Antonio

Business / Corporate

  • Business strategy, formation, and governance
  • General counsel for businesses
  • Local, state, and federal compliance matters
  • Litigation
  • Crisis management