The Kohnke name has been on Louisiana pleadings for fifty years.

Richard Kohnke Jr. is the managing attorney of Kohnke Law, LLC, a New Orleans firm representing individuals and families who have been injured through the fault of others. His practice includes automobile collisions, commercial vehicle accidents, uninsured and underinsured motorist claims, premises liability, insurance disputes, and other serious injury matters.

Richard began his legal career at one of Louisiana's largest personal injury firms, where he gained extensive experience handling cases from the initial investigation through litigation and trial preparation. After several years there, he has returned to work alongside his father, Richard Kohnke Sr., continuing a family practice built on more than fifty years of service to clients throughout Louisiana. Today, Richard leads Kohnke Law from its Magazine Street office while continuing to work closely with his father, who remains with the firm as of counsel.

Richard believes clients deserve more than occasional updates and impersonal case management. He takes a direct, hands-on approach, making sure clients understand what is happening, why it matters, and what comes next. He is committed to thoroughly developing each case, holding insurance companies accountable, and pursuing the best possible result without losing sight of the person behind the claim.

A New Orleans native, Richard played both football and basketball in college before earning his law degree from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, where he was named "Best Plaintiff's Attorney." He is proud to represent people in the community where he was raised. His approach reflects the principles on which the firm was built: preparation, persistence, honesty, and treating every client with personal attention and respect.

Richard "Rick" Kohnke Sr. has practiced law in New Orleans for more than 40 years. He began his career as an Assistant District Attorney in Orleans Parish, later worked for several years at a defense firm, and opened his own practice in the 1990s.

Known as an aggressive attorney who fights hard for his clients, Rick built his practice through personal relationships, repeat clients, and generations of referrals. To him, clients are not simply cases. They become part of the Kohnke Law family.

A former Tulane basketball player, Rick remains a devoted Tulane and New Orleans Saints fan. He and his wife, Kaki, are the proud parents of Richard, Helen, and Sam, and grandparents to Sonny and Vance. He continues to serve Kohnke Law, LLC as of counsel, working alongside his son and the firm's longtime team.

Ned Kohnke has spent more than five decades trying cases before juries in courtrooms across Louisiana and throughout the United States. A New Orleans native and 1973 graduate of Tulane University Law School, Ned represents both plaintiffs and defendants and has tried well over 100 jury trials to verdict in state and federal courts.

Over the course of his career, Ned has tried cases in 18 states, including New York and California, and has handled virtually every major area of civil litigation. His trial experience includes complex product liability, wrongful death, automobile, Jones Act and admiralty, oil and gas, antitrust, labor and employment, lender liability, breach of contract, and criminal matters.

Ned's reputation and success in the courtroom have led some of the country's largest companies to call on him for significant litigation. Rheem Manufacturing selected him as National Counsel for its flammable vapor litigation, while Emerson Electric, Louisville Ladder, and Texaco selected him as Regional Counsel. He has also represented Exxon, Nintendo, Transocean in litigation arising from the Deepwater Horizon disaster, ODECO, Bay Drilling, Vulcan Chemicals, International Paper, Madere & Sons Towing, and numerous other companies throughout Louisiana and the United States.

His standing as a trial lawyer has also been recognized by his peers. Ned is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and has been recognized by Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, and other professional organizations. His experience in the courtroom has also made him a frequent lecturer at law schools and legal seminars, where he has taught attorneys and law students about trial practice, litigation strategy, and the finer points of trying cases before a jury.

Throughout his career, judges have also appointed Ned to represent criminal defendants pro bono in serious criminal matters, including death penalty cases.

After more than 50 years of practice, Ned remains what he has been throughout his career: a trial lawyer. His experience on both sides of the courtroom gives him a perspective few attorneys possess and an understanding of how cases are evaluated, defended, presented, and ultimately decided by a jury.

Raquel Munoz has been a dedicated member of the firm since 2016, when she began working alongside Richard Kohnke Sr. She remained with the firm through its transition to Kohnke Law, LLC, and now works closely with both Richard Sr. and Richard Jr. With more than a decade of legal experience, Raquel plays an essential role at every stage of a case, from the initial investigation through discovery, trial preparation, and trial.

Raquel cares deeply about the firm's clients and is fiercely committed to protecting their interests and helping their cases move forward. Her leadership, attention to detail, and ability to keep cases moving forward make her an invaluable part of the team. Just as importantly, she provides clients with guidance, reassurance, and support during some of the most difficult periods of their lives.

Raquel earned her degree in business before discovering her passion for the legal profession. She found that advocating for others and helping build a firm centered on integrity, service, and personal attention aligned closely with her own values. Those values extend beyond the office through her strong faith and commitment to her community. She coaches youth recreational sports and serves as a catechist, helping educate young people through her church.

Outside of work and community service, Raquel enjoys spending time with her loved ones, practicing her faith, and cheering on the New Orleans Saints. Who Dat!

Vanessa Girard has been a valued member of the firm since May 2020. She began her career with the firm assisting attorneys and clients with criminal and traffic matters before expanding her role in 2022 to include pre-litigation personal injury and property damage claims.

As the firm's Pre-Litigation Paralegal, Vanessa is often the first person clients meet when they visit the office and one of the first people they speak with after an accident. She helps ensure that every client is welcomed, heard, and supported from the beginning of the process.

Vanessa has extensive experience handling property damage claims and has become the firm's primary resource for resolving the many issues that can arise after a vehicle is damaged. She works closely with clients, insurance carriers, adjusters, repair facilities, rental companies, towing facilities, lienholders, and other involved parties to keep claims moving and address problems as quickly as possible. She also continues to assist the firm's attorneys with criminal and traffic matters.

Vanessa is committed to providing attentive, compassionate, and professional service. She understands that clients are often dealing with transportation problems, insurance delays, and unfamiliar procedures at an already stressful time. She takes pride in guiding them through that process, protecting their interests, and helping restore a sense of order after an accident.

Karla R. Martinez serves as Of Counsel to Kohnke Law, LLC, where she represents clients in personal injury matters, with a particular focus on serving the firm's Spanish speaking clients. In addition to her work with the firm, Karla continues to represent individuals and families in immigration matters, including family based petitions, humanitarian relief, removal defense, and Special Immigrant Juvenile cases.

Throughout her legal career, Karla has focused on advocating for individuals and families during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. She began her legal career in immigration law in 2014 as a legal assistant before earning her law degree from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law. After graduating, Karla served as an Assistant Public Defender with the 24th Judicial District Court, where she gained valuable courtroom experience representing clients in criminal proceedings. She later returned to immigration law, continuing her work with individuals and families navigating complex legal challenges. Karla also serves as a court appointed Curator Ad Hoc in juvenile court proceedings involving Special Immigrant Juvenile findings and adoption proceedings.

With more than a decade of experience in immigration law and a background in courtroom advocacy, Karla understands that legal issues often impact every aspect of a person's life. She believes every client deserves honest guidance, clear communication, and dedicated advocacy. Fluent in English and Spanish, Karla is committed to ensuring that every client understands the legal process and feels informed, respected, and supported throughout their case.

Outside of the office, Karla enjoys spending time with her husband and children and remains committed to serving the Greater New Orleans community through her legal work and advocacy for individuals and families.