Lawrence J. Centola
Louisiana
Martzell, Bickford, & Centola, A.P.C
338 Lafayette Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
United States
Tel: (504) 581-9065
Email:
lcentola@mbfirm.com
Web:
www.mbfirm.com
Mr. Lawrence J. Centola, a principal of Martzell, Bickford & Centola, focuses on class actions, products liability (including asbestos), and mass torts.
Mr. Centola has been named class counsel in numerous class actions in Louisiana, including the Bayou Corne sinkhole and various cases against hospitals, oil companies, and chemical companies. Mr. Centola has tried numerous cases to verdict across Louisiana resulting in numerous verdicts over $1 million.
Mr. Centola teaches trial advocacy at both LSU Law School and Tulane Law School. He lectures at Continuing Legal Education courses on class actions, products liability, and ethics. Mr. Centola received his law degree from Louisiana State University in 2001 and his undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University in 1998. Mr. Centola served as the LSU Student Body President for the 1997-98 academic year and currently serves on the LSU Law Center Board of Trustees. Mr. Centola is the 2025-26 President of the New Orleans Chapter of the Federal Bar Association and will be the President of the Louisiana State Bar Association for 2027-28.
Mr. Centola is the 2008 recipient of the Sandra Day O’Connor Award for Professional Service, awarded by the national American Inns of Court to one young lawyer each year for excellence in pro bono activities. In 2013, Mr. Centola won the President’s Award from the Louisiana Association for Justice for dedicated service in the legal profession. Mr. Centola wrote the Torts section of the Louisiana Bar Exam from 2015-2020. Mr. Centola also serves on the Code of Civil Procedure Committee for the Louisiana Law Institute. Mr. Centola serves on the Executive Committee for the Louisiana Association for Justice.
Consumer products should not only be useful, they should also be safe to use. Manufacturers, therefore, have the responsibility to make sure that the products they put on the market is made of raw materials that do not bring harm to end-users and that the essential moving components of such products do not cause injury or physical harm.
The team at Martzell, Bickford & Centola advocates for clients seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other consequences stemming from product defects. Clients can rely on the firm’s New Orleans product liability lawyers to pursue justice with diligence, skill, and unwavering commitment.
Martzell, Bickford & Centola is a New Orleans-based litigation firm with more than 50 years of experience representing individuals in complex, high-stakes matters. Known for its client-focused approach, the firm combines personalized attention with strong advocacy in cases involving mass torts, disasters, admiralty, class actions, asbestos and mesothelioma claims, medical and legal malpractice, product liability, and other significant litigation.
The firm’s attorneys emphasize clear communication, practical guidance, and compassionate representation, recognizing that many clients come to them during challenging times. With a small but highly skilled team of litigators, Martzell, Bickford & Centola is committed to delivering strategic, results-driven counsel and handling significant cases throughout the United States.
“Lawrence Centola is highly respected for his leadership in statewide class actions and mass tort matters. His blend of courtroom experience, professional service, and client-centered advocacy makes him a trusted figure in Louisiana’s plaintiffs’ bar.”