Michael S. Koch (pronounced “Cook”) is a trial attorney with more than 36 years of experience representing individuals and families throughout Louisiana. Since joining Neblett, Beard & Arsenault following his graduation from Southern University Law Center in 1989, Mike has dedicated his practice primarily to representing people who have been seriously injured as a result of the negligence or wrongdoing of others.

Mike’s approach to practicing law is rooted in a simple belief: lawyers should help people who cannot help themselves. He brings compassion, personal attention, and extensive trial experience to each case, with a focus on protecting his clients’ interests and helping them obtain the justice and compensation they deserve.

Experience and Practice

Mike has handled more than 1,000 personal injury claims and has represented clients in a wide range of serious injury and wrongful-death matters. His practice has included automobile and trucking accidents, slip and trip-and-fall cases, boating and motorcycle accidents, offshore and maritime claims, product liability, defective roads, police brutality, nursing home negligence, and medical malpractice.

He has practiced in city, state, and federal courts and has tried numerous bench and jury trials throughout Louisiana. His trial experience includes cases in Alexandria, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Shreveport, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Monroe, Bossier City, Leesville, Opelousas, Pineville, and numerous other Louisiana communities.

Mike’s interest in representing injured people began while he was in law school, when he worked for an accomplished personal injury attorney. He saw firsthand how an attorney could make a meaningful difference in the lives of people facing difficult circumstances and realized that personal injury law was the area in which he could best serve others.

Mike considers himself fortunate to have begun his legal career with Neblett, Beard & Arsenault, a firm he regards as one of the leading personal injury firms in the country. He has remained with the firm throughout his legal career.

His professional ability and ethical standards have been recognized by Martindale-Hubbell, which has awarded Mike an AV rating since 2011. The AV rating is the highest rating awarded by Martindale-Hubbell for both professional ability and ethical standards.

A Background That Provides a Unique Perspective

Mike’s connection to maritime and offshore work began long before he became an attorney. Born in Houston, Texas, and raised in Baton Rouge, he spent his college summers working offshore for Global Pipelines. He worked aboard the pipe-laying barge GP 35 and was later promoted to rigger.

That firsthand experience provided Mike with an understanding of offshore work that cannot be learned solely from a case file. It gave him an appreciation for the demanding conditions faced by offshore workers and has been particularly valuable throughout his representation of clients in maritime and offshore cases.

Mike graduated from Bismarck High School in 1980 and earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of North Dakota in 1985. He graduated Cum Laude from Southern University Law Center in 1989.

Commitment to the Community

Mike believes that serving as an attorney carries a responsibility to serve the broader community. He has devoted considerable time to working with young people and supporting educational and athletic programs.

He has served as president of the Bolton High School Booster Club and as a representative of the Bear PAC. He participated for 11 years in the Upward Basketball League as a coach and referee. He has also volunteered as a judge for high school speech and debate tournaments and served as a presiding judge in the Louisiana State High School Mock Trial Competition.

Mike coached Mock Trial teams at Alexandria Senior High School and Tioga High School for many years. Through courthouse field trips sponsored by Neblett, Beard & Arsenault, he regularly speaks with students about the legal system, trials, the practice of law, and the importance of working hard and striving to become the best they can be.

Family and Personal Life

Mike is married to Patricia Koch, a recently retired District Judge of the Ninth Judicial District Court in Alexandria. They have three sons. Their oldest son, Kyle, graduated from LSU with a degree in Environmental Engineering and from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law and practices law in New Orleans. Their sons Cory and Kevin are also LSU graduates and live in Houston, Texas. Cory practices law, while Kevin works as a state auditor.

Mike has been attending LSU football games since he was four years old and continues to enjoy LSU and New Orleans Saints sporting events. He also enjoys hiking and spending time with his family.

Mike is a longtime member of Horseshoe Drive United Methodist Church, where he has served in a variety of leadership and service roles, including Chairman of the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and service on the Finance Committee. He also serves as an usher and communion helper.

Throughout his career, Mike has remained committed to the principle that first drew him to the practice of law: using his experience, knowledge, and resources to help people who need someone to stand up for them.