ABOUT US
Wray & Associates, now managed by Russel W. Wray, is the continuation of a law practice founded in 1965 by W.P. Wray, Jr. (1928 – 2017). Wray & Associates, formerly known as Wray & Pierce LLP, practices in the fields of construction law and civil litigation throughout Louisiana.
Our office is in a small historic community just north of downtown Baton Rouge. We welcome you to come visit us and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Felicianas.
Russel W. Wray
In 1981, Russel W. Wray earned a B.A. with honors in Economics from the University of Texas at Austin, and in 1984, a Juris Doctorate from Louisiana State University. Mr. Wray is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell and has practiced law in Baton Rouge since 1984. Wray & Associates is a continuation of the practice of law going back to 1965 started by W. P. Wray, Jr. Wray & Associates has represented general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, design professionals, and owners, as well as trade associations such as LAGC and LAPA. Mr. Wray has appeared before the Louisiana legislature on construction industry issues and has worked with the Louisiana State Law Institute. He was Program Chair for the Dean Henry George McMahon American Inn of Court Chapter in 1993 and 1994. Mr. Wray has conducted Public Bid Law and Construction Law workshops and seminars for the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors, the American Council of Engineering Companies of Louisiana, Louisiana Associated General Contractors, Inc., American Institute of Architects, LSU Law School, and others.
He has acted as a moderator for the panel discussion program at both the LAGC Summer Conference and the Critical Issues Summit. He often speaks on topics pertinent to the construction industry such as public bidding, uniform bid form, claims, illegal immigration, and current developments in the law. Mr. Wray has published numerous articles including in publications by Louisiana Associated General Contractors, Inc and Pelican Chapter, Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. on construction topics and was the Louisiana Case Note editor for Construct! published by the Construction Litigation Committee of the Section of Litigation of the American Bar Association. Mr. Wray has also been a guest lecturer for the Construction Management Department at LSU, LSU Law School, LAGC and other organizations and institutions.
Admitted 1984, Louisiana; U.S. Supreme Court; U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit; U.S. Court of Claims; U.S. District Court, Eastern, Western and Middle Districts of Louisiana; U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas and U.S. District Court, Western District of Oklahoma
W.P. Wray, Jr. (1928 – 2017)
W. P. Wray, Jr. (Bill) was born in Camden, Arkansas on October 22, 1928. Mr. Wray came to Louisiana in 1947 to attend Louisiana State University on a football scholarship. He earned an undergraduate degree in Business Administration, majoring in Accounting. Before attending law school, Mr. Wray was appointed and served as a special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Obtaining his law degree in 1958, Mr. Wray was actively engaged in the practice of law in Baton Rouge until retirement. He worked with Kantrow, Spaht, West & Kleinpeter after graduation until he began a solo practice in 1962. Mr. Wray started his own firm in 1965, Wray & Simmons. A Wray firm has continuously provided legal services since that time.
Mr. Wray achieved an AV rating by Martindale-Hubbel and was awarded the Honorary Lifetime Membership of Louisiana Associated General Contractors, Inc. for his service to the construction industry.
Admitted: Louisiana, 1958; U.S. Tax Court; U.S. District Court, Eastern, Middle and Western District of Louisiana; U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit; U.S. Supreme Court, 1970
College: Louisiana State University and A. and M. College, B.S. Accounting, 1953.
Law Degree: Louisiana State University and A. and M. College, class of 1958.
Born: Camden, Arkansas, October 22, 1928.
Death: February 2, 2017
1928-2017
Mr. Wray practiced law for over 50 years. However, his influence over the firm and the construction industry in Louisiana continues to this day.
Parker Elkins
Parker Elkins joined Wray & Associates in 2024.
Parker received his Juris Doctorate and Degree in Comparative Law from the Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center in 2024, graduating Cum Laude. He received his B.A. in History from Louisiana State University in 2021, graduating Cum Laude.
Prior to joining Wray & Associates, Parker worked as a law clerk for the Gaming Division of the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office and as a law clerk for Magnolia Title of Baton Rouge, L.L.C.
1542 Charter St.
PO Box 1518
Jackson, LA 70748
P: (225) 334-9200 F: (225) 334-9288