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A criminal defense attorney fighting for you
Facing any level of criminal charge can be nerve-wracking. With so much at stake, you need a guide who will help you understand the process and fight zealously for your rights. That is what The Barry S. Ranshi Law Firm, LLC was built to do.
Barry S. Ranshi has more than a decade of experience as a criminal trial attorney. He worked as a prosecutor and as a public defender before going into private practice, so he understands the process from both sides of the courtroom. He also understands what you and your family are going through.
Why does a former prosecutor make a difference?
Before opening his own firm, Barry worked as a staff attorney to an Orleans Parish criminal court judge, then as an Assistant District Attorney in the Orleans Parish District Attorney's Office, and then as a defense attorney with the 17th Judicial District Court Public Defender's Office. He also worked as a trial and appeals attorney at one of the largest criminal defense firms in New Orleans.
That path taught him how the government builds cases and courtroom strategies. Early in his career, he evaluated court filings and advised the court on procedure and evidence. He learned to review the government's case with a meticulous eye and to find the weak points. He believes the government and law enforcement must be held accountable to a high standard, and he works to make sure his clients are not railroaded by the system.
Read Barry's full background on his attorney profile.
Serving our clients and our community
Barry is a native Louisianan who grew up and went to school in the New Orleans area. He sees his clients as his neighbors and is here to help them through a hard time.
He gives back to the community in other ways, too. He has served with the City of New Orleans Civic Leadership Academy, a program that helps residents build leadership skills so they can advocate for their neighborhoods in local government and improve neighborhood life. He also volunteers as a presiding judge in the Louisiana State Bar Association's High School Mock Trial Competition.
In Barry's experience, many people facing DWI, drug or other substance-related charges are good people who made a mistake. He treats every client with empathy and works to help them keep their dignity while dealing with criminal charges.
Honest. Experienced. Zealous.
The attorney-client relationship is built on trust. You need to know your lawyer has your best interests at heart and is there for you. These values guide how we work:
- Honest. We tell you where your case stands, including the risks, and we never promise outcomes.
- Experienced. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how cases are investigated, charged and tried.
- Zealous. We stand by you at every step, answer your questions and fight for your rights.
- Available. Arrests do not wait for business hours, so we answer calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (504) 905-8399.
Who is on our team?
- Barry S. Ranshi, Managing Partner. Former Orleans Parish Assistant District Attorney and public defender.
- John J. Mason, J.D., Ph.D., Senior Partner. State and federal criminal defense, licensed in Louisiana and Texas.
- Patricio Ramos, Associate Attorney. Former prosecutor and U.S. Navy veteran.
- Brian Medus, Administrative Assistant.
- Viviana A. Rayon Chavero, Paralegal.
Meet everyone on our team page.
What cases do we handle?
We focus exclusively on criminal defense, for both felonies and misdemeanors. That includes DWI and DUI, drug charges, federal crimes, assault and violent crimes, domestic violence, theft, white collar crimes, juvenile defense and expungement. See all of our practice areas.
Where do we practice?
Our office is in Kenner, in Jefferson Parish. We represent clients across Greater New Orleans and the surrounding region, including Orleans, Jefferson, St. Tammany, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. John the Baptist, Plaquemines, Tangipahoa, Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes. Barry is also admitted to practice in the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Louisiana and the Southern District of Texas.
Recognition
Barry S. Ranshi and the firm have received the following recognition:
- Super Lawyers (selected 2024)
- The National Trial Lawyers Top 100
- The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40
- America's Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys
- NACDA Nation's Premier Top Ten 2023
- Raising the Bar Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorney 2025 (Attorney and Practice Magazine)
- Member, DUI Defense Lawyers Association
- Expertise.com Best DUI Lawyers in Kenner 2022 and 2023
- BusinessRate Best of 2026 Award Winner, Criminal Justice Attorney, Kenner
Awards and memberships are not a guarantee of results in any case.
What clients say
These reviews were posted on Avvo and are quoted exactly as written:
- "He kept My friend out of jail. This attorney goes above and beyond. He drove quite aways to attend court hearing." (Patti)
- "Barry Ranshi and John Mason worked tirelessly in my defense, were very accessible, and assured a most acceptable resolution. I highly recommend Barry and John for any legal needs." (John)
Every case is different, and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Start with a free consultation
We offer a free, confidential initial consultation to everyone. It lets you make sure we are the right fit before you hire us, with no obligation. Consultations are available in person at our Kenner office or remotely. Call (504) 905-8399 any time, day or night, or visit our contact page.