James R. Chastain, Jr.

James R. “Sonny” Chastain, Jr. is a distinguished partner at Kean Miller LLP in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, specializing in business litigation and intellectual property law. With a career of over three decades, Sonny has earned recognition for his exceptional legal acumen and dedication to his clients.

Sonny holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Louisiana State University and a J.D. from the LSU Law Center. After graduation, he served as a law clerk to Hon. Frank J. Polozola of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana, gaining invaluable insight into the judicial process.

Since joining Kean Miller in 2000, Sonny has represented clients in diverse matters, including contract disputes, intellectual property infringement, unfair trade practices, and antitrust issues. His expertise includes copyright and trademark registration, brand management, and arbitration agreements. Sonny also provides mediation services for disputes involving property damage, insurance coverage, and personal injury.

Sonny brings deep, real-world litigation experience to every matter he handles. He defends major financial institutions in arbitration disputes, represents designers in high-stakes copyright litigation, and protects manufacturers facing trade secret misappropriation claims. He has also successfully filed and managed numerous trademark applications and regularly represents clients in trademark opposition and cancellation proceedings before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB).

Highly regarded in his field, Sonny has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America (2015–2025) and Louisiana Super Lawyers (2016, 2022–2024). He was named Baton Rouge Lawyer of the Year in Trademark Law for 2018, 2021, 2023, and 2025. He also serves as a mediator with Perry Dampf Dispute Solutions.

Sonny’s dedication to providing strategic legal solutions has helped countless clients resolve complex disputes, protect intellectual property, and achieve favorable outcomes in litigation. His work exemplifies a commitment to excellence and professionalism in the legal field.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Kean Miller LLP
• Member, Louisiana State Bar, Intellectual Property Section
• Member, American Bar Association, Intellectual Property and Practice Management Sections

Licensed State

• Louisiana

Education

• Louisiana State University
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Louisiana State University
  Bachelor of Science (BS)

Awards & Badges