About

Meet The Team

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John D. Ray is the owner and operator of The Ray Firm, LLC. He has practiced law for over 20 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.

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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.

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Education

  • B.S., Psychology from Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, LA

  • J.D. from Southern University Law Center, Baton Rouge, LA

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.

Admitted

State of Louisiana; U.S. Eastern and Middle District, U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal

Experience

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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.

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Former Louisiana Department of Justice, Litigation Division, Workers’ Compensation section

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Former Assistant Attorney General at the Louisiana Department of Justice Litigation Division Workers’ Compensation section

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Former Senior Associate Attorney at Johnson, Johnson, Barrios & Yacoubian in New Orleans, LA, with a specialization in workers’ compensation litigation.

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Former Associate Attorney at Hurlburt, Privat & Monrose in Lafayette, LA, specializing in workers’ compensation litigation, including worker’s compensation defense.

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Former Mediator at the Department of Labor Office of Workers’ Compensation

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Former Mediator at the Department of Labor Office of Workers’ Compensation

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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)

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.

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

Commendations & Rewards

  • 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).

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Beka

Beka is the Office Manager and Lead Paralegal at The Ray Firm, LLC and is committed to providing support to our staff, clients, and vendors. While her schooling and work experience led her down a path towards Veterinary Medicine, Beka decided to pursue a different career path. This landed her here at the firm and she has developed a deep passion for guiding clients through the claim process.

Beka is originally from Slidell, Louisiana but moved to Baton Rouge to attend LSU where she ultimately decided to make Baton Rouge her forever home. When Beka isn’t hard at work coordinating medical care or assisting clients, she seeks out any self-care she can find whether that’s a day at the spa or a night at home curled up with a good horror movie and some popcorn. However, between August through January, she can be found at any LSU or Saints home game.

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Nadya

Nadya was born and raised in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. With a background in Industrial Engineering and a Masters Degree in business management, she became an expert in her field before venturing into independent consulting, which opened numerous doors for her. Nadya now works as a Paralegal at The Ray Firm, LLC.

From a young age, Nadya had a keen interest in finding ways to improve efficiency. Her passion for optimizing resource utilization grew during college, where setting high standards became paramount in her life, driven by her desire to help others.

In her professional life, Nadya has honed her skills in customer service, personnel management, teamwork, and independent work even under intense pressure. She has pursued self-improvement and learning, becoming a self-taught expert in various aspects of her field. Reflecting on her journey, Nadya expresses gratitude for the opportunities and challenges that have shaped her into the person she is today.

In her personal life, Nadya finds immense joy in her hobbies and cherishes quality time spent with her parents and friends. She considers sleep not just a necessity, but as an escape from the demands of everyday life and a way to stay youthful. Nadya indulges in a world of series, finding solace in immersing herself in them. Music is a constant companion in her life. Lastly, her dogs are her family and treasured companions, akin to children.

Nadya takes great pride and joy in working at The Ray Firm, where John and Rebeka have welcomed her as part of their family. They are exceptional bosses who have provided her with thorough training, enabling her to excel in her role.

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Annika

Annika, born and raised in Baton Rouge, is a recent graduate of LSU with a diverse educational background in sociology, criminology, political science, and leadership and development. Her love for learning is matched by her passion for helping others and making a difference. Annika has been working in customer service positions full-time since the age of 15, and regardless of the field she works in, her ultimate goal remains to ensure quality care and help people understand their situations.

At The Ray Firm, Annika focuses on establishing and maintaining client relations to "help us help you." She understands that dealing with legal matters can be stressful, confusing, and frustrating, and she strives to alleviate those concerns on a daily basis. Annika's passion for the law was sparked in elementary school, and she has a particular fascination with crime shows, as well as the intricacies of law, forensics, psychology, and sociology. Watching shows like Forensic Files, Unsolved Mysteries, and Cold Case files before bed may seem unusual to some, but for Annika, it's like music to her ears.

On a different note, Annika is a self-proclaimed foodie who loves exploring different culinary experiences, except when it comes to bacon. Unlike the majority of people, bacon just doesn't have the same appeal to her, but potatoes certainly do. In her free time, Annika enjoys cooking, preferring to create meals from the heart rather than following recipes, although baking is not her strong suit.

A few fun facts about Annika: She was born on Halloween, which is one of her favorite traits about herself. She thrives under pressure and finds joy in multitasking. Additionally, she has received awards for her accomplishments in jump rope and volunteering, achieving an impressive 353 consecutive jumps and contributing 440 hours of volunteer work during high school.

What our customers are saying

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"I would highly recommend The Ray Firm for your legal needs. Mr. Ray and Bekka is awesome to work with. They kept us abreast of the changes and clear ideas of the process. The service provided is personal. And the results were great. He stick to his guns and will get you the best results. Mr. Ray and his staff and firm is the epitome of "We work for You! If you need legal help for WC, Personal injury this is the best firm around."

- Raven L

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"The Ray Firm is 1 of 1! Mr.Ray and his staff welcomed me with open arms, they handled my case to perfection! Every question or concern I had was answered in detail, and they never once became impatient. Beka is top tier, she communicates everything efficiently. The Ray Firm showed outstanding professionalism and care while representing me. I personally recommend The Ray Firm if you’re searching for someone who’s for you!"

- Adron F

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"The Ray Firm is the best! I was referred to him and his team & they treated me so kindly. Mr. Ray explained the whole process to me from beginning to end and Beka was great at communicating with me & keeping me up to date with everything! I’m so happy I chose them to represent me, I would definitely tell my friends and family to call Ray! I got more than expected and everything was easy and fast."

- Kevinisha T

Ready to get started?

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let us fight for your rights and justice.

Call Us: (225) 960-4449