Lee H. Ayres

Lee H. Ayres is an experienced trial lawyer with more than 35 years of civil litigation practice in Louisiana. He represents businesses, insurers, and professionals in complex lawsuits and disputes involving commercial claims, energy and oil and gas matters, products liability, trucking defense, and insurance coverage at Ayres, Shelton, Williams, Benson & Paine, LLC. He appears in state and federal courts and handles cases from investigation through trial and appeal, always focused on clear strategy, strong preparation, and practical results for clients. He guides clients through high-stakes litigation matters.

Lee earned his J.D. in 1988 from the Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center, where he was a member of the Louisiana Law Review and the Order of the Coif, graduating in the top 10% of his class, ranking fourth. He also received a B.S. in Business Administration in 1985 from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, building a strong foundation in business principles. His academic training supports his careful legal analysis and advocacy in complex disputes.

Lee is admitted to practice in all Louisiana district and appellate courts, the Louisiana Supreme Court, the federal district courts in Louisiana, and the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Over his career, he has defended clients in cases involving fraud claims, professional malpractice, premises liability, and natural resources disputes. He works closely with clients to evaluate risk, develop strategy, and present strong arguments in court. His courtroom experience helps clients resolve challenging, complex value conflicts efficiently and fairly.

Lee H. Ayres is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and a Senior Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America, honors that reflect his skill and professionalism. He also serves in leadership roles within national and state defense organizations, including committees focused on environmental, energy, and natural resources litigation. Through these roles, he supports the development of young lawyers and promotes high standards in trial practice and ethical advocacy. Clients benefit from his steady guidance and commitment to excellence.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Ayres, Shelton, Williams, Benson & Paine, LLC
• Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers
• Senior Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America
• Member, National Association of Distinguished Counsel
• Member, Louisiana State Bar Association
• Member, Bar Association of the Fifth Federal Circuit
• Member, New Orleans Bar Association
• Member, Shreveport Bar Association
• Member, International Association of Defense Counsel
• Member, Defense Research Institute
• Chairman, Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel, Environmental & Energy Law Practice Group (2024–2025)

Licensed State

• Louisiana

Education

• Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Louisiana State University
  BS in Business Administration

Awards & Badges