Rick Yelton

Rick is an accomplished attorney who is committed to achieving justice for his clients. Rick represents plaintiffs in a variety of high-stakes matters against several of the world’s largest companies. He is a tireless advocate who enjoys finding solutions to thorny legal issues and communicating them to courts and opposing counsel. Rick is motivated by the pursuit of the common good and by ensuring that his clients’ voices are heard. 

Rick has a varied practice. He has successfully prosecuted a novel class action on behalf of content moderators who review social media content. He currently manages several complex dockets involving both personal injury and property damage. In addition, Rick is a central part of the Burns Charest team representing hospitals in actions against opioid producers and distributors for their role in creating the opioid epidemic. Rick also has experience in insurance coverage and frequently uses that knowledge to help clients in coverage-related matters. Rick has been recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star for 2020-2024. 

Before becoming a lawyer, Rick had an entirely different career as a music therapist and vocational specialist. In those roles, he helped vulnerable individuals find stability through his ability to listen, advocate, and help foster growth. Rick uses these skills on a daily basis at Burns Charest. Because of this previous experience, Rick is uniquely attuned to his clients’ interests and singularly focused on achieving them. 

Rick lives with his wife and daughter in New Orleans. He enjoys spending time with the family, crawfish boils, music festivals, and cheering on the Saints.

 

 

Education

Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, J.D., magna cum laude, 2016
Editor in Chief, Loyola Law Review
University of New Orleans, M.S., Urban Studies, 2008
Loyola University New Orleans, B.A., Music Therapy, 2005
Clerk to the Honorable Carl J. Barbier, Eastern District of Louisiana

Admissions & Honors

Louisiana
Texas
Virgin Islands
Eastern District of Louisiana
Middle District of Louisiana
Western District of Louisiana
Southern District of Texas
Texas Super Lawyers, Rising Stars, Thompson Reuters, 2020-2024
Lawdragon 500X - The Next Generation, 2023
Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch, 2024

Memberships 

Thomas More Inn of Court