Jim Letten

Practice Areas

Consults and provides representation on corporate criminal and regulatory investigations by government agencies, internal corporate investigations, liaison with federal military and investigative agencies and international trade and regulatory issues, including establishment of corporate compliance and integrity programs.

Career

Prior to his 8+ years with Butler Snow, Jim previously served 34-years as a decorated prosecutor—30 years of it with the United States Department of Justice, initially with the Organized Crime Strike Force; and thereafter as an Assistant U.S, Attorney (including Organized crime Chief, First Assistant) and United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana. Prior to his retirement in 2012, he was the longest-serving United States Attorney in the nation, and one of only three U.S. Attorneys appointed to the position by successive presidents from different parties. In all, he spent nearly 12 continuous years as the United States Attorney in Southeast Louisiana. During his 45-year legal career, Jim has litigated literally hundreds of jury and bench trials in both federal and state courts.

As the United States Attorney, Jim served on the Attorney General's Advisory Committee (AGAC), co-chaired the AGAC subcommittees on Violent and Organized Crime, and co-chaired the Attorney General's Special Policy Review Working Group on Capital Punishment. He also served on the AGAC subcommittees on Terrorism and National Security, as well as Environmental Issues.

Following his retirement in 2012, Jim served as the first Assistant Dean for Experiential Learning at Tulane University Law School. He is also a retired Navy Commander, having served for 20 years as an intelligence officer (with 12 years as a credentialed NCIS agent).

Professional Memberships

American Bar Association, Louisiana Bar, Court-appointed member of the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board, National Association of Former United States Attorneys (Board Member), President of the Greater New Orleans Council of the Navy League of the U.S., Military Order of Foreign Wars, Metropolitan Crime Commission of Greater New Orleans, Crime Stoppers of New Orleans, and many others.

Personal

University of New Orleans, B.A. Communications, 1976; Tulane University School of Law, J.D., 1979.