Valerie Briggs Bargas

Valerie Briggs Bargas is a distinguished partner at Long Law Firm, LLP, located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Since her admission to the bar in 2001, she has cultivated a robust civil litigation practice that primarily deals with insurance defense, focusing on bad faith litigation, business law and personal injury defense. Her legal acumen is evident from her extensive involvement in both judge and jury trials across various federal and state courts in Louisiana.

In her practice, Ms. Bargas adeptly handles a wide range of issues concerning insurance defense. This includes cases related to uninsured or underinsured motorists, property damage, personal injuries and coverage disputes with a particular concentration on first-party bad faith litigation. Her proficiency in this area is well-recognized, leading to regular invitations to speak on related topics. Her notable presentations include handling complex auto insurance coverage disputes, Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Law in Louisiana and strategies for maximizing evidence in personal injury trials.

Ms. Bargas graduated cum laude from Smith College with a Bachelor of Arts in environmental science/policy in 1998, followed by earning her Juris Doctor from Tulane University Law School in 2001. She is an esteemed member of several professional organizations, including the American and Federal Bar Associations, the Baton Rouge Bar Association, the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) and the Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Ms. Bargas demonstrates a strong commitment to both her legal and local community. She is an active participant in the Louisiana State Bar Association, holding a position in the House of Delegates. Her community service extends to her roles on the board of Louisiana Appleseed, the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board and the Karnival Krewe De Louisianae, which supports the Mary Byrd Perkins Cancer Center through fundraising efforts.