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504-569-2030

Smart. Aggressive. Business-Focused.

For over 25 years, Benjamin R. Grau has actively partnered with commercial, construction, insurance, and individual clients to manage risk, reduce future claims, and excel in high-stakes disputes across Louisiana, Texas, and national arbitration venues. As a member of the Governing Committee at Simon, Peragine, Smith & Redfearn, he helps shape the strategic vision of a firm widely respected for its construction, insurance, and commercial litigation prowess throughout the Gulf South.

Ben’s unique blend of legal acumen and technical fluency allows him to quickly grasp complex design, construction, or other technical concepts, equipping him to challenge opposing experts and present intricate issues clearly to judges and juries. Clients rely on his early fact development and proactive risk mitigation strategies, which align legal tactics with core business objectives at every stage of litigation.

His approach is “Results-Driven and Risk-Conscious.”

  • Swift Risk Assessment
    Ben’s philosophy centers on early fact development, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and cost-effective discovery needs. He empowers clients with transparent analysis—complete with recommended strategies that align with their core values and long-term goals.
  • Industry Insight & Technical Mastery
    Whether it’s an engineering defect, complex policy interpretation, or multifaceted construction dispute, Ben invests the time to understand client processes beyond purely legal concepts.
  • Aligned With Business Objectives:
    From achieving a prompt resolution to securing a definitive trial victory, Ben tailors his approach to meet client needs—all while managing costs, preserving reputations, and safeguarding future business prospects.
  • Transparent Communication
    Clients value his clear, frequent updates, allowing them to make informed, strategic decisions at every turn.

His Practice & Industry Focus include:

  • Construction & Defect Litigation
    Skilled in prosecuting and defending multi-million-dollar claims, often involving highly technical engineering issues
  • Commercial Contract Disputes
    Acts as a trusted adviser to companies, aligning legal strategies with core business drivers.
  • Products Liability, Toxic-Tort, & Premises Liability
    Defends manufacturers, distributors, and property owners in complex, high-exposure cases, including class actions and multidistrict litigation.
  • Insurance Coverage & Business Interruption
    Provides strategic counseling and robust representation for carriers and policyholders, minimizing exposure.
  • Maritime & Offshore Energy Litigation
    Offers specialized insight as a Tulane Admiralty Law graduate, combined with a deep understanding of Gulf Coast industries.
  • Estate Planning & Administration
    Designs comprehensive strategies for estate planning, while adeptly resolving probate and trust disputes to safeguard beneficiaries’ interests and family relationships.

Ben is committed to staying accessible and informative. Connect with him on LinkedIn for the latest on emerging trends in construction, risk mitigation, and insurance coverage.

Representative Matters

Ben has been involved in significant litigation for the last 25 years including several recent matters:

  • Pat O’Brien’s Bar (2023):
    • Achieved a directed verdict dismissing $10 million in nuisance claims after a week-long jury trial.
    • Invalidated a municipal noise ordinance under constitutional grounds.
    • Secured judgment for over $116,000 in cost-shifting.
    • Coverage featured on NOLA.com (June 2023).
  • Tracey’s Bar (2024):
    • Obtained a Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction in a closely watched intellectual property dispute.
    • Preserved the client’s goodwill, branding, and market position.
    • Coverage featured on FOX 8 Live (March 14, 2024).
  • Command Construction (2023):
    • Secured partial summary judgment for concealed insurance overcharges, resulting in a favorable resolution on fraud, breach of contract, and civil conversion claims.
  • Clean Pro Carpet & Upholstery Care (2023):
    • Recovered nearly $1 million plus fees in arbitration disputes for unpaid hurricane remediation invoices.

Bar Admissions

  • Louisiana
  • Texas
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana
  • U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Federal Claims

Education

  • Certificate of Specialization in Admiralty Law, Tulane University School of Law
  • J.D., Tulane University School of Law
  • B.A., Tulane University

Memberships

  • American Bar Association
  • Federal Bar Association 
  • Louisiana State Bar Association
  • State Bar of Texas
  • New Orleans Bar Association
  • Dallas Bar Association

Publications

  • Workplace Safety Claims, American Builders and Contractors, 2011

Professional Recognition

  • AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
  • Best Lawyers in America – Construction Law, Litigation – Construction
  • Louisiana Super Lawyers – Business Litigation 
  • New Orleans Magazine “Top Lawyers List,” Construction Law, 2023

Community Involvement

  • Past President, St. Pius X School Board
  • Past President, St. Pius X Men’s Club

News

SPSR Lawyers Named to the 2025 Best Lawyers in America and Ones to Watch Lists; 1 Singled Out as Lawyer of the Year for Her Practice Area

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Four Lawyers Named to New Orleans Magazine’s “Best in New Orleans: Lawyers” List

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SPSR Lawyers Selected for Inclusion in the 2024 Louisiana Super Lawyers Publication

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