Meet The Team
John D. Ray is the owner and operator of The Ray Firm, LLC. He has practiced law for over 25 years and specializes in workers’ compensation. John opened his law firm in Baton Rouge in 2016 after years of working for New Orleans and Lafayette based defense firms. During this time he served as Assistant Attorney General for the Louisiana Department of Justice and then served as the Section Chief of Workers’ Compensation Section of LDJ. In addition to his role as Section Chief, he served as an in-house legal advisor to the Office of Risk Management and the Louisiana Department of Justice regarding legal matters relating to workers’ compensation.
JOHN D. RAY
John came from humble beginnings, growing up in a very rural and poor part of central Louisiana. From an early age, John learned that a solid work ethic was critical to move forward and succeed. His dream was to open his own law practice and represent the working-class people he had grown up around. Today, John’s dream is a reality.
He represents individuals in Greater Baton Rouge and surrounding areas. Along with John’s passion for justice, he also supports the Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area’s Walk to Remember. The Ray Firm, LLC was founded on John’s ambition and hard work. His story is a reminder that no one should be embarrassed of where they came from because it's hard work and perseverance that will get you to where you want to be.
EDUCATION
- B.S., Psychology from Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, LA
- J.D. from Southern University Law Center, Baton Rouge, LA
ADMITTED
State of Louisiana; U.S. Eastern and Middle District, U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal
CERTIFICATIONS/TRAINING
- Former Certified Civil Mediator, Louisiana.
- Past approved by Louisiana Insurance Guarantee Association (LIGA) to represent it in the defense of workers’ compensation claims.
- Completed all four modules of the Louisiana Certified Workers’ Compensation Professional (LWCP) certification course.
Experience
Owner, The Ray Firm, LLC
Plaintiff-focused law practice based in Baton Rouge, LA, focusing in the areas of workers’ compensation, Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, Defense Based Act, Jones Act and personal injury.
Former Section Chief, Louisiana Department of Justice, Litigation Division, Workers' Compensation Section
Former Assistant Attorney General, Louisiana Department of Justice, Litigation Division, Workers' Compensation Section.
Former Senior Associate Attorney at Johnson, Johnson, Barrios & Yacoubian in New Orleans, LA, with a specialization in workers’ compensation litigation.
Former Associate Attorney at Hurlburt, Privat & Monrose in Lafayette, LA, specializing in workers’ compensation litigation, including worker’s compensation defense.
Former Mediator at the Department of Labor Office of Workers’ Compensation
District 02
Former Mediator at the Department of Labor Office of Workers’ Compensation
District 04
Former Law Clerk with the Ninth Judicial District Court of Louisiana
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
- Louisiana State Bar Association
- American Bar Association – Former Vice-Chair, Workers’ Compensation & Employers’ Liability Law Committee, 2006 – 2008.
- Baton Rouge Bar Association (BRBA) - Workers’ Compensation Section
- Baton Rouge Bench Bar Committee member, 2004 – 2009
- New Orleans Bar Association
- Worker’ Injury Law & Advocacy Group
- Louisiana Workers’ Advocate
- Jefferson Parish Bar Association
- Louisiana Association for Justice. (LAJ)
PUBLISHED CASES
- Sartin v. LSU/Bogalusa Medical Center, 2007-1367 (La.App. 1 Cir.); 2008 WL 399755
- Garrett v. Boh Bros. Const. Co., LLC, 04-804 (La.App. 5 Cir. 1/11/05); 894 So.2d 366
LECTURES
- Presenter/Panelist - Settlement Days, a presentation on mediation and settlement, Louisiana Association of Self-Insured Employers, November 3, 2021.
- Co-Chair – Louisiana Bar Association, Annual Workers’ Compensation Continuing Legal Education Seminar, 2019 - Present.
- Presenter – Art of Settlement Negotiation, National Business Association, Workers’ Compensation: Critical Essentials From Both Sides of the Aisle, December 3, 2019.
- Presenter – Pre-hearing Conferences (1 hr.) and Preparing for and Presenting at the Trial (1 hr.), National Business Institute, Workers’ Compensation Fundamentals, Continuing Legal Education Seminar, June 24, 2019
- Presenter – Status of Fraud Defense, Louisiana State Bar Associations Annual Workers’ Comp Continuing Legal Education Seminar, November 2, 2018.
- Presenter – Recent Jurisprudence and Legislative Developments in Workers’ Compensation, Louisiana Department of Justice Annual Continuing Legal Education Seminar, 2012.
- Distinguished Alumni Speaker – Northwestern State University, Pre-Law Club, April 15, 2015.
- Presenter – “Initial Handling of Case File & Potential Witnesses; Develop & Analyze Case Theory,” Louisiana Department of Justice Annual Continuing Legal Education Seminar, 2004.
Commendations and awards
- AV Preeminent rating 4.8/5, Martindale-Hubbell, Peer Rating for Highest Level of Professional Excellence, 2017 – Present.
- American Bar Association – Former Vice-Chair, Workers’ Compensation & Employers’ Liability Law Committee, 2006 – 2008.
- Received letter of commendation from the Attorney General of Louisiana for work done regarding workers’ compensation law as it applies to land-based casinos located on Native American reservations, 2006
- Recipient, Louisiana Department of Labor, Office of Workers’ Compensation, Outstanding Service Award, 2001
- Member of Psi Chi National Honor Society for Psychology, 1993
- Accredited Better Business Bureau member (A+ rating).
BEKA Ray
Office Manager
Beka Ray is the office manager of The Ray Firm and a Notary Public. She is originally from Slidell, Louisiana but moved to Baton Rouge to attend Louisiana State University where she obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science with a minor in Business Administration.
Beka is a vital asset to the team and oversees medical care coordination, client relations, and other administrative aspects of our client’s cases. Apart from her job here at the firm, she is an avid LSU fan and enjoys spending time with her husband, John Ray, family, and friends.
NADYA GODOY
Paralegal
Nadya was born and raised in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, and holds a background in Industrial Engineering along with a Master’s degree in Business Management. Her career journey spans from industry expertise and independent consulting to her current role as a Paralegal at The Ray Firm, LLC.
She is passionate about efficiency, continuous learning, and using her skills to support others. With strong experience in customer service, team leadership, and high-pressure environments, she is known for her adaptability, work ethic, and commitment to excellence.
Outside of her professional life, she enjoys quality time with family and friends, finds peace in music and television, and treasures her dogs as part of her family.
ANNIKA WAGENECHT
LEGAL ASSISTANT
Annika is a Baton Rouge native and graduate of Louisiana State University with a diverse academic background in the social sciences. With extensive experience in customer service and client relations, she is passionate about helping others, simplifying complex processes, and providing dependable support. Currently working in the legal field, Annika brings strong communication skills, a calm presence under pressure, and a genuine commitment to making a positive impact. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, staying curious, and giving back to her community.
ACCREDITATIONS
What Our customers Are Saying
"I want to express my deep gratitude to Mr. John Ray and his law firm for their exceptional service during one of the most difficult times in my life. After suffering a work-related injury and facing my wife's cancer diagnosis just a month later, I was overwhelmed—especially with navigating the workers' compensation process.
Mr. Ray’s professionalism, expertise, and down-to-earth attitude brought me much-needed peace of mind. Thanks to his dedication, we were able to secure a favorable outcome, and I will always be grateful for his guidance and support.
I also want to sincerely thank his incredible staff—Mrs. Beka, Mrs. Annika, and Mrs. Nadya. Their professionalism, positive attitudes, and willingness to help made a tough journey a little easier. They were truly a pleasure to work with.
Thank you all for being there when I needed it most. I highly recommend The Ray Law Firm for your WC needs."
-Travis.
"I was referred to the firm by another attorney. My experience was great. I had read Mr. Ray's bio before even calling. His actions speak louder than words. Our first meeting was not rushed. The office is very organized, and his staff is very friendly and professional. He fought for my case. I was updated on any status changes. I highly recommend him for all of your Worker's Comp needs."
-Yolanda.
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