In Memoriam
Judge David Gertler was a respected New Orleans jurist and the founding force behind what became the Gertler Law Firm. After his years on the bench, including service associated with the Orleans Civil District Court, he entered private practice with his son, M. H. “Mike” Gertler, in 1975, establishing a family-run trial practice dedicated to helping injured people and their families across New Orleans and throughout Louisiana.
A Life in Service to Justice and Community
Judge Gertler’s career reflected a simple conviction: the courtroom should be a place where preparation, integrity, and fairness decide outcomes. Colleagues and protégés remember him as a calm, principled, and meticulous judge who listened carefully, respected litigants, and expected the same professionalism from everyone who appeared before him.
Guiding Principles That Still Lead Us
- Integrity: Do what is right, especially when it is difficult.
- Preparation: Master the facts, the record, and the law.
- Respect: Treat clients, opponents, and the court with dignity.
- Service: Use the law to make a concrete difference in people’s lives.
From the Bench to the Bar: Founding the Firm (1975)
In 1975, Judge Gertler joined his son Mike to build a plaintiff-side practice focused on personal injury, product liability, toxic exposure, and related complex litigation. The goal was straightforward: combine courtroom discipline with real-world compassion, and prepare every case like it might be tried. That approach shaped the firm’s culture and helped set standards that continue to guide the team today.
What He Envisioned for the Firm
- A client-first practice where people are heard, informed, and supported
- Trial-ready files that earn leverage at the courthouse and the negotiating table
- Accountability for corporations, property owners, and insurers when negligence causes harm
Legacy in Louisiana Trial Practice
Judge Gertler influenced a generation of lawyers in New Orleans. Many recall his mentorship, both formal and informal, on ethics, civility, and the craft of advocacy. The values he championed still define the firm’s work in cases involving catastrophic injury, wrongful death, product defects, medical negligence, and workplace injuries.
How We Honor His Memory Today
- Moving quickly to preserve evidence and protect clients’ rights
- Building cases with clear, credible proof and expert support
- Communicating with clients plainly and promptly
- Pursuing full accountability from every responsible party
Family and Firm Continuity
What began as a judge and his son became a multi-lawyer trial team. Mike Gertler continues the leadership he began alongside his father. Louis L. Gertler, Josh Gertler, and Leah R. Rhodes contribute distinct strengths across personal injury, product liability, medical negligence, catastrophic injury, and workers’ compensation, carrying forward the standards Judge Gertler set.
Tributes & References
- Tulane Law Review: tributes recognizing mentorship, integrity, and professional impact
- Catholic News Archive: contemporaneous references to civic and professional life
- Find a Grave: memorial record noting dates and family
- LawInfo.com / firm profiles: summaries of the firm’s origins and practice focus
Remembering Judge Gertler
Judge David Gertler’s life reminds us that the law is ultimately about people their safety, their dignity, and their future. His example continues to shape how we prepare, how we advocate, and how we serve families across Louisiana.
This memorial page honors Judge Gertler’s legacy. For legal representation today, please contact one of our current attorneys at