Claire R. Pitre

Claire R. Pitre is of counsel in the New Orleans, Louisiana, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. She brings nearly a decade of experience in defending and advising employers in employment law matters, including unlawful discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, retaliation, workplace safety, breach of contract, violations of leave and disability laws, wage and hour violations, unfair labor practice charges, and workplace accommodation matters.

As a member of the firm’s Workplace Safety and Health practice group, Claire’s practice focuses on employee health and safety, risk management, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigations and citations. She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in employee health and safety. Before beginning her legal career, Claire obtained a master’s degree in environmental and occupational health. Then, she served as the Director of Health and Safety for a commercial diving company where she was responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive safety program that met or exceeded relevant state and federal laws, industry standards, and requirements set forth by the major offshore oil and gas operators in the Gulf of Mexico. As an accredited PEC (formerly Petroleum Education Council) CORE Compliance instructor and member of PEC’s Contractor Development Team, Claire was responsible for her employees’ Core Compliance training which delivered instruction on more than 40 health, safety, or environmental topics commonly required by all major oil and gas operators.  

A native and resident of Terrebonne Parish, Claire has deep roots in South Louisiana. She enjoys spending her time off on the bayou or attending any one of the many festivals celebrating South Louisiana’s unique art, culture, and people.

Pro Bono and Community Involvement

• Bayou Regional Arts Council, Member
• National World War II Museum, Volunteer

Published Works

• “Louisiana Employers May Be Able to Discharge Unvaccinated Workers Under Employment-at-Will Doctrine,” SHRM.org, (January 31, 2022) [Co-Author]
• “Muddy Waters-Clarifying Maritime Coverage Under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act,” 59 Loyola Law Review 981 (October 2013) [Author]

Speaking Engagements

• "Update on Pregnancy Discrimination Laws," New Orleans Bar Association's Labor and Employment Law Committee (New Orleans, Louisiana, February 2023) (presenter)
• “Employee Handbooks: 2022 Update,” Bayou SHRM (Houma, Louisiana, April 2022) (presenter)
• “Clearing the Smoke on Louisiana's Medical Cannabis Law”; New Orleans Bar Association's Labor and Employment Law Committee (New Orleans, Louisiana, February 2022) (presenter)