By: Tom White

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the devastation across New Orleans was impossible to ignore. Neighborhoods were flattened, homes gutted, and entire communities displaced. Among the volunteers stepping in to help was Galen M. Hair. He spent his days assisting with clearing out homes and distributing supplies to those left with nothing. The experience was profound and revealed to him a simple truth: even amid unimaginable loss, people can begin to rebuild when others step in to help. That belief would later influence his professional path.

On August 1, 2020, Galen founded Insurance Claim HQ in Metairie, Louisiana. Soon after, Hurricane Laura struck. Galen and his team were on the ground helping clients with inspections by day and feeding hundreds of displaced residents by night. That balance of professional expertise and community care would serve as the foundation of his firm’s mission. Today, Insurance Claim HQ has helped recover over $1 billion for more than 70,000 clients across the country.

Building Insurance Claim HQ With Purpose

Galen didn’t just create another law firm. He built Insurance Claim HQ with a vision to challenge the way property insurance law had been practiced. From the start, he committed the firm to stand primarily with policyholders, rather than with insurance companies. His focus wasn’t on headlines or rapid growth; it was about being present for people in crisis and providing them with the legal support they need to navigate the complexities of insurance claims.

The firm has also prioritized internal alignment. Galen recently consolidated the team into a single building to strengthen outreach, collaboration, and company culture. He understands that meaningful impact starts from the inside out. By keeping his team connected, aligned, and focused on mission-first work, they’re able to serve clients better and stay grounded in the values they set out with.

Leading with Quiet Confidence

Galen’s leadership style is defined by humility and conviction. He doesn’t chase trends or put himself in the spotlight. Instead, he rolls up his sleeves, leads by example, and brings others with him. “We evaluate our company culture weekly, not quarterly,” he says. “Success is ultimately measured by happy clients.” They don’t pursue cases for attention; they pursue them because they understand what’s at stake for each client, someone who may have lost their home, their business, or their sense of security.

This consistency shows up in every layer of the firm, from the hiring process to client care. Insurance Claim HQ now has a dedicated client success professional focused solely on listening to clients and making sure they feel heard. That may seem simple, but in a system where clients often feel powerless, that kind of attention can make a significant difference.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, when the legal industry faced widespread uncertainty, Galen stayed steady. Hiring was difficult, yet Galen succeeded by focusing on what he calls a company’s “true value proposition.” That quiet confidence, rooted in purpose, not pressure, is what has helped the firm through uncertain times. “The challenge is separating yourself while the entire world enters into financial, political, and public health turmoil,” Galen explains. “You have to draw in the right members—showing a unique value proposition that is more than just a paycheck and specializing.”

Galen’s impact stretches beyond the courtroom through the firm’s involvement in volunteer efforts and disaster relief. After both Hurricane Laura and Hurricane Ida, the team delivered supplies and hot meals directly to affected residents. For Galen, it has never been just about legal outcomes; it has always been about people.

He recently launched a podcast and hosts an annual summit to bring more transparency into property insurance law. He’s not limiting his knowledge. He’s sharing it so more attorneys, advocates, and policyholders can stand tall when insurers play hardball. Through this, he gives people tools they can use before they need to hire a lawyer.

Giving More Than Legal Advice

Under Galen’s leadership, Insurance Claim HQ has grown from a single office in Louisiana to a national legal network. The firm now represents clients in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Texas, Georgia, Massachusetts, Illinois, and Washington, D.C. Galen himself holds licenses to practice in Louisiana, Florida, Massachusetts, and New York, which allows him to bring his legal expertise to communities hit hardest by natural disasters.

Recently, the firm secured an $11 million hurricane verdict, one of many noteworthy wins. Again, it’s not the amount that matters most. It’s the fact that those dollars help real families rebuild. That kind of impact starts with empathy and results in positive change.

Clients consistently refer friends and family after experiencing the firm’s dedicated advocacy and personal attention. That’s why Galen also invests in public education, offering free resources like claim guides and disaster prep checklists. He wants people to be protected before the storm ever hits.

“Navigating the complexities of insurance can be overwhelming, but with the right guidance, claimants can level the playing field,” Galen says. That simple statement captures the heart of what Insurance Claim HQ stands for.

This isn’t a firm chasing rapid growth or flashy titles. Galen and his team are in it for the long haul, driven by the belief that doing the right thing, consistently, actually works. Their success doesn’t come from shortcuts. It comes from staying close to the mission and never forgetting the people at the heart of every claim.

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.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and Galen M. Hair. This content is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee specific results or outcomes. The article does not constitute legal advice, and readers should verify information independently and consult a legal professional as needed.