James R. "Sonny" Chastain, Jr.

James R. “Sonny” Chastain is a commercial litigator and business advisor with Kean Miller in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He represents businesses and individuals in complex federal and state court matters and provides counsel on the ownership, protection, and enforcement of intellectual property assets. His practice includes Commercial Litigation, Trademark Law, and Venture Capital Law.

Sonny handles a wide range of commercial disputes, including contract negotiation and litigation, banking and consumer finance matters, breach of fiduciary duty claims, and unfair trade practices. He regularly advises clients on issues involving truth in lending, fair debt collection practices, antitrust law, RICO matters, employment and non-compete agreements, software licensing, arbitration provisions, investment suitability, and broker relationships.

In the area of intellectual property, Sonny assists clients with trademark and copyright registration, brand management, and infringement litigation. He also counsels businesses on protecting proprietary assets while aligning legal strategy with operational and growth objectives.

Sonny also represents clients in insurance coverage disputes and frequently serves as a mediator in commercial disputes, intellectual property matters, and claims involving personal injury, property damage, and insurance coverage. His experience in mediation and arbitration allows him to help parties evaluate risk, manage costs, and pursue practical resolutions.

Clients value Sonny’s straightforward and business-minded approach to advocacy and counseling. He is known for clear communication and for keeping clients informed about applicable law, available options, and the status of their matters so they can make sound decisions.

Beyond litigation, Sonny advises on a broad range of business and IP-driven transactions, including licensing, venture capital and investment-related matters, employment agreements, franchise arrangements, and development agreements. His decades of experience inform a thoughtful and balanced approach to problem-solving, grounded in an understanding of the business and legal issues that often drive disputes.