Jared Elijah-Akeem Nelson

Jared Elijah-Akeem Nelson is a trial attorney and nationally recognized bar leader whose impact spans the courtroom, legal profession, and community. He is an Associate Attorney at Galloway, Johnson, Tompkins, Burr & Smith, LLP in Lafayette, Louisiana, where his practice focuses on workers’ compensation, medical malpractice, commercial litigation, and personal injury defense.

Before entering private practice, Jared served as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Louisiana, representing state agencies in civil rights and tort litigation. He previously spent seven years as a State Probation and Parole Officer, an experience that continues to shape his practical and service-oriented approach to advocacy.

Beyond the courtroom, Jared is an active leader in the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division (“ABA YLD”), Louisiana State Bar Association, Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel, and Lafayette Bar Association.

At the 2026 ABA Annual Conference, Jared was elected 2026–2027 ABA YLD Assembly Clerk, a national leadership position within the Division’s policymaking Assembly. At the 2027 ABA Annual Conference, he will become ABA YLD Assembly Speaker, making history as the first Louisiana attorney to serve in that role. As Speaker, he will preside over the YLD Assembly and help guide its deliberative and policymaking process.

Jared’s honors include the ABA YLD On the Rise – Top 40 Young Lawyers Award, National Bar Association YLD Lendon J. Alexander Advocacy & Leadership Award, National Bar Association 40 under 40 – Nation’s Best Advocates Award, Louisiana Super Lawyers Rising Star, Best Lawyers® “One to Watch,” National Black Lawyers Top 40 Under 40, and Acadiana Profile Top Lawyer.

A graduate of Southern University Law Center, Jared is committed to advancing the profession through advocacy, service, mentorship, and leadership. A New York City native, he enjoys sports, traveling, and spending time with his wife, Joelle, and daughter, Joi Elizabeth.