Philip Hoffman

Phil Hoffman is an experienced attorney born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. Having practiced law in Louisiana for over 15 years, Phil brings a wide range of experience in Asbestos Law, Benzene Law, Personal Injury, Birth Defects, and Hurricane/Property Damage claims. Phil currently holds a position on the Hard Rock steering committee, working with other top litigators in the State fighting for individuals and businesses who were injured by the collapse of the Hard Rock Hotel.

In addition to recovering over $100,000,000 for his clients in settlement and verdicts, Phil has served as lead counsel in several jury trials, some resulting in jury verdicts, while others settled during trial. One case of particular note, was when Mr. Hoffman acquired a $4,400,000 verdict for an 81-year-old deceased mesothelioma victim’s family against Ford Motor Company. That case, Oddo v. Asbestos Corp. Ltd., 173 So.3d 1192 (La.App.4 Cir. 2015), was appealed and after successfully arguing the appeal, the Fourth Circuit upheld the verdict and issued a lengthy opinion which is now regularly cited at the trial court level. 

Phil has been cited in numerous national magazines, and every year beginning in 2014 he has been nominated as a Super Lawyer, a distinction reserved for the top Louisiana attorneys. He is licensed to practice in all state and federal courts in Louisiana, and is a member of the following professional organizations:

• Louisiana State Bar Association
• New Orleans Bar Association
• The American Bar Association
• Louisiana Association of Justice
• American Association of Justice
• A.P. Tureaud Inns of Court

Education: 

  • Tulane University Law School – J.D., Law, 2007

  • University of Wisconsin–Madison – B.A. Legal Studies, 2004

Accomplishments:
2022–2023, Super Lawyers
2014–2021, Super Lawyers Rising Stars
2021, New Orleans Magazine List of Top Lawyers

Super Lawyers

Dayal Reddy

Dayal has several years of experience across various areas of law, including civil and criminal matters, business litigation, personal injury, appellate law, and more. Dayal is not afraid of a tough legal challenge, and he diligently works to preserve and protect the rights of his clients.

Dayal's prior practice was always focused on directly and effectively assisting clients in identifying their legal needs and addressing those problems with a client-tailored, creative solution.

Dayal brings his experience and knowledge to The Law Office of Philip C. Hoffman to represent victims of asbestos and other toxic exposures, and clients seeking representation in personal injury, property damage claims, and other legal matters.

In addition to his law practice, Dayal's other activities include things like active involvement in a number of professional associations, organizations, and the community. Dayal serves as President of the board for the non-profit organization the Bayou Treme Center for Arts and Education. He is also an F.A.A. certified private pilot, and certified drone pilot operator, certified scuba diver, and speaks fluent Telugu.

Dayal Reddy is admitted to practice law in all courts in Louisiana and Texas, and the federal courts in Louisiana. He serves clients across Louisiana and Texas, including Orleans Parish, New Orleans, Jefferson Parish, St. Charles Parish, St. Tammany Parish, Tangipahoa Parish, St. Bernard Parish, Plaquemines Parish, St. John the Baptist Parish, and Lafourche Parish.

Education: 

  • Loyola New Orleans College of Law – J.D. Common Law, 2008

  • Georgetown University – M.S. Microbiology and Immunology with Specialization in Science Policy, 2004

  • University of New Orleans – M.S. Healthcare Management, 2014

  • Emory University – B.S. Biological Anthropology, 2003

Clay Fostel

Attorney Clay Fostel serves as Of Counsel as part of the firm’s litigation team. Clay was raised with the belief that helping people and serving his community are among the most important values a person can possess. Introduced to the legal profession at a young age, he spent significant time at his father's law firm, gaining insights into the law and understanding the impact an attorney can have on the lives of others, especially those in need.

With a clear desire to become an attorney, Clay enrolled at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, where he pursued an undergraduate degree in psychology with a minor in business. This educational choice aimed to equip him not only with the skills to manage the business aspects of being an attorney but also to prepare himself to handle the emotional side of legal casework.

After graduating from SMU in 1996, he gained admission to the South Texas College of Law in Houston, where he had the privilege of studying under some of the brightest legal minds in the state of Texas. After three years of dedicated effort, Clay earned his Juris Doctor in 1999 and subsequently passed the Texas State Bar. Armed with his degree and license to practice, he immediately began working as a personal injury attorney, specializing in cases involving mesothelioma—a rare form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure.

Over the last 20-plus years, Clay has focused on personal injury and civil litigation, accumulating valuable courtroom experience. As an experienced trial attorney, he has litigated numerous cases, both significant and minor, including securing one of the country's largest verdicts in 2004. His advocacy for victims of asbestos exposure has resulted in settlements totaling more than $500,000,000, primarily benefiting clients on the Louisiana and Texas Gulf Coast. Clay has established a strong reputation as a fair, knowledgeable, and results-oriented attorney who prioritizes the needs of every client.

In his leisure time, Clay enjoys coaching youth basketball and football, cooking, and passionately cheering on the LSU Tigers.


• Texas State Bar, 2001
• New Mexico State Bar, 2017

Education: 

  • South Texas College of Law – J.D. , 2009

  • Southern Methodist University – BA, Psychology