When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, a young Galen M. Hair was not yet a lawyer. However, he was already standing where many wouldn’t: in the wreckage, helping neighbors clear their homes and delivering essentials. The devastation was overwhelming. Yet something in that experience planted a seed – a calling not just to serve, but to show up when people are at their most vulnerable.
Years later, that seed would grow into Insurance Claim HQ (ICHQ), the law firm Galen founded in 2020 to ensure that policyholders – not insurance companies – always had someone in their corner. Just weeks after opening its doors, Hurricane Laura made landfall. While most firms might have waited for cases, Galen and his team were already in the field, inspecting damages by day and providing hundreds of displaced families with food by night. It wasn’t about publicity. It was about people.
Mission Over Ego
From day one, Galen’s goal was clear: build a law firm that fights for the insured, not the insurer. That clarity of mission has shaped every decision. By bringing the entire team together under one roof, he has reinforced a culture rooted in collaboration, purpose, and a shared mission. He believes the ability to make a lasting impact begins internally. The move has cultivated a united culture where everyone, from attorneys to intake staff, is aligned on one thing: serving people with empathy and excellence.
His decision has paid off. Today, Insurance Claim HQ has helped over 70,000 clients and recovered more than $1 billion in claims. Those numbers aren’t the end goal; they’re proof of what happens when service comes first. Galen’s approach isn’t centered on being the loudest in the room. It’s about being the most dependable. “Success is ultimately measured by happy clients,” Galen says.
His leadership style is grounded in quiet confidence. The firm doesn’t chase headlines – it chases justice, especially in the toughest cases where families have lost homes, livelihoods, and hope. “Navigating the complexities of insurance can be overwhelming, but with the right guidance, claimants can level the playing field,” says Galen.
A Structure That Serves
Insurance Claim HQ’s legal victories span a wide range of disasters – hurricanes, floods, fires, vandalism, and more. Their reach now extends across Louisiana, Florida, Texas, Georgia, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Illinois, and Washington D.C., with Galen personally licensed to practice in four states.
The firm’s strength doesn’t stop at litigation. Galen has a long-term mindset: every case is about restoring lives, not just resolving disputes. Whether it’s securing multimillion-dollar verdicts or helping a family move back into their home, the goal is always full recovery – financial, emotional, and practical.
One landmark result includes an $11 million verdict for hurricane damage, transforming a client’s future after their insurer had minimized their losses. While not every case makes the news, each one is treated with the same urgency and care.
The firm also provides educational content, downloadable guides, and free advice, enabling even those who don’t become clients to better understand their rights. Galen believes legal help should start before courtrooms – at the point where people need guidance the most.
Leading Through Preparedness and Service
With the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasting a 60% chance of an above-normal hurricane season in 2025, with up to 19 named storms and five major hurricanes, the stakes are rising for families in high-risk areas. Galen knows the legal fight doesn’t begin when the storm hits – it begins with being ready.
That’s why education and outreach remain at the heart of his work. He launched the Level Up Claims Podcast and hosts the annual Level Up Claims Summit to help homeowners, attorneys, and adjusters learn how to navigate the claim process effectively. He’s also deeply involved in communities beyond legal matters, actively supporting organizations like Access Louisiana and the American Cancer Society.
Recognition has followed, including accolades like the Super Lawyers Rising Star, Pro Bono Publico Award, and being named a Top Lawyer by New Orleans Magazine. However, Galen doesn’t lead with those titles. He leads with action.
His team reflects that same standard. Hiring at Insurance Claim HQ isn’t just about skill – it’s about alignment. Galen has built a staff that shares his values, with every member chosen for their dedication to client care, transparency, and integrity.
When asked what drives his relentless commitment, Galen keeps it simple: “Going above and beyond for clients is not just about meeting their expectations; it’s about exceeding them and making a real difference in their lives.”
That mindset is more than a quote – it’s the firm’s operating system. Whether it’s in a courtroom, on a podcast, or at a disaster site, Galen is there, not because it’s his job, but because it’s his purpose.
About Galen M. Hair
Galen M. Hair, Managing Partner at Insurance Claim HQ, is a nationally recognized property insurance attorney known for aggressively representing policyholders across the U.S. With thousands of families helped and a reputation for high-stakes litigation wins, he has been named a Super Lawyers Rising Star and one of the National Trial Lawyers Top 100. Learn how to protect your property from disaster at www.insuranceclaimhq.com.
About Insurance Claim HQ
Insurance Claim HQ is a premier property casualty insurance law firm powered by Hair Shunnarah Trial Attorneys and headquartered in Metairie, Louisiana. With over $1 billion recovered for more than 70,000 clients, the firm brings 25+ years of legal experience and unmatched insight into how insurers operate. Discover how they fight for policyholders at www.insuranceclaimhq.com.
