2005

Sponsored by: 100 Black Men of Metro Baton Rouge, Inc. American Heart Association American Red Cross The Audubon Institute Baton Rouge Area Foundation Boy Scouts of America Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Louisiana, Inc. Boys Hope/Girls Hope Bureau of Governmental Research The Chamber of Greater Baton Rouge Coast Guard Foundation Community Fund for the Arts Campaign Administered by the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge Council for a Better Louisiana Each One Save One Fellowship of Christian Athletes Forum 35 The Friends of the Cabildo General Health System Foundation Greater Houston Partnership Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce The Greater New Orleans Louis A. Martinet Society, Inc. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Jewish Family Service Junior Achievement Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International Louisiana Children’s Museum Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities Louisiana Museum Foundation Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra Louisiana Public Broadcasting Community March of Dimes MetroVision NAACP–Baton Rouge National Conference for is something Community & Justice The New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity The New Orleans Museum of Art we take to heart. New Orleans Pro Bono Project The New Orleans Regional Chamber of Commerce The NOCCA Institute The Ogden Museum of Southern Art/ University of New Orleans Public Affairs Research Council JONES WALKER LAWYERS ACTIVELY PARTNER WITH PROFESSIONAL, CIVIC AND CHARITABLE The South Montgomery County Woodlands Chamber of Commerce ORGANIZATIONS THAT ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE COMMUNITIES WE SERVE—FROM Teach for America BOARD CHAIRMEN TO EDUCATION VOLUNTEERS. JONES WALKER LAWYERS PARTICIPATE IN ALL U.S. Navy League United Way LEVELS OF VOLUNTEERISM. Urban League of Greater New Orleans World Trade Center of New Orleans WYES-TV 12 WE CONGRATULATE OUR PARTNERS ROBERT ACOMB, EDWARD BENJAMIN, KELLY DUNCAN, HARRY HARDIN, BILL HINES, Young Leadership Council AND DIONNE ROUSSEAU FOR BEING RECOGNIZED AS LEADERS IN LAW FOR THEIR EXCEPTIONAL CONTRIBUTION AND ACHIEVEMENT AMONG LOCAL LAWYERS.

JONES, WALKER, WAECHTER, POITEVENT, CARRÈRE & DENÈGRE L.L.P. 504.582.8000 www.joneswalker.com email: [email protected]

BATON ROUGE I HOUSTON I LAFAYETTE I MIAMI I NEW ORLEANS I WASHINGTON, D.C. CONTENTS

Introduction 5 George J. Fowler III 34 Donald Abaunza 7 James Garner 35 Robert Acomb Jr. 8 William Grace Jr. 36 Judy Barrasso 9 Mat Gray III 37 Hilton Bell 10 Harry S. Hardin III 38 Edward B. Benjamin Jr. 11 Russ M. Herman 39 Virginia Boulet 12 Bill Hines 40 Kim Boyle 13 John Houghtaling 41 Alan Brackett 14 Richard Ieyoub 42 2005 C. William Bradley 17 Donna Klein 43 James A. Brown 18 Roselyn Koretzky 44 Photographer: Cheryl Gerber Paula A. Brown 19 Cheryl Kornick 45 Published by the NOPG LLC Joseph Bruno 20 Steven J. Lane 46 111 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Peter J. Butler Sr. 21 Suite 1440, Metairie, La. 70005 J. Dwight LeBlanc Jr. 47 504-834-9292; Fax: 504-837-2258. McChord Carrico 22 Wayne Lee 48 Publisher and president: D. Mark Singletary Roy Cheatwood 23 Associate Publisher: Lisa Blossman Jonathan McCall 49 James Coleman 24 Editor: Terry O’Connor Michael A. McGlone 50 Associate editors: Tommy Santora and Greg LaRose Keith Colvin 25 Director of custom publishing and E. Howell Crosby 26 Robert Mouton 51 industry reports sales: Ann Bower Herren Antonio Rodriguez 52 Art director: Alex Borges Howard Daigle Jr. 27 Production manager: Julie Bernard Christopher Dicharry 28 Dionne Rousseau 53 Advertising coordinator: Heidi Decker Anthony DiLeo 29 Leopold Sher 54 J. Kelly Duncan 30 Mark Surprenant 55 Ernest L. Edwards Jr. 31 Robert Vosbein 56 Michael Ellis 32 David Ware 57 Frank Fontenot 33 Scott Whittaker 58

The Smart Business Decision.

Congratulations McGlinchey Stafford Attorneys Donna Guinn Klein & R. Keith Colvin Winners of the 2005 Leadership in Law Award

McGlinchey Stafford: Leaders in Law and the New Orleans Community

New Orleans

643 Magazine Street | New Orleans, Louisiana 70130 | Phone: (504) 586-1200 | Fax: (504) 596-2800 New Orleans • Jackson • Baton Rouge • Houston • Cleveland • Monroe • Dallas • Albany www.mcglinchey.com NO PG & extend our sincerest congratulations to the 2005LeadersLeaders inin LawLaw

CHAFFE Mc C ALL

L. L. P. Community Leaders – Exceptional Lawyers

Chaffe McCall is proud of its tradition of providing effective client representation and community leaders for over 175 years. We are especially proud of our attorneys who are honored with the

Leadership in Law Award

E. Howell Crosby William F. Grace, Jr. J. Dwight LeBlanc, Jr. Jonathan C. McCall

CHAFFE McCALL

L. L. P. Broad knowledge • Deep Understanding Effective Representation www.chaffe.com LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2005 5 LEADERSHIPinLAW

The melange of inhabitants that originally In that spirit, CityBusiness has embarked Introducing the top settled New Orleans is often credited with upon its inaugural effort to distinguish the top producing the world-class cuisine that is 50 lawyers in New Orleans in its Leadership today the city’s trademark. in Law issue. New Orleans lawyers A similar blend has taken place in the The number of nominations made it a legal profession,where a variety of specialties particular challenge to settle on the best of has flourished in the local diversity. For the best. Calling upon the resources of our example, the same waterways early settlers Dolan Media Co. family of publications, traversed to reach the city have been involved editors with Lawyers Weekly pored over in precedents within the maritime law field. the finalists to help produce the 2005 New Orleans attorneys are regularly in the Leadership in Law honorees. forefront of hallmark admiralty decisions. Those selected have also demonstrated Louisiana’s system of law, rooted in the leadership in the community. They have Napoleonic Code, distinguishes it — and its offered years of pro bono service and practitioners — from those in the other 49 attached their status to countless philan- states. When established in 1821, it was wide- thropic and charitable endeavors. They are ly considered a forward-thinking doctrine. advocates of the indigent and tireless volun- Although it has been melded into common teers for church and school fund-raisers. law practiced elsewhere, Louisiana’s civil law Please join us in honoring their career roots still distinguish those who practice and achievements and impact on the world. issue judgments based on its statutes. — Greg LaRose, Associate Editor

We congratulate and recognize

KIM M. BOYLE Canal Place Partner in the New Orleans 365 Canal Street, Suite 2000 Labor and Employment Practice Group New Orleans, LA 70130-6534 504-566-1311 for receiving the 2005 CityBusiness Since 1853 Leadership In Law Award www.phelpsdunbar.com

NEW ORLEANS BATON ROUGE JACKSON TUPELO GULFPORT TAMPA HOUSTON LONDON 6 LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2005 Women of the Year Recognizing exceptional achievement among local professional women October 28, 2005

Help us identify the city’s most successful working women

In a special supplement coming up in CityBusiness, we’ll name Women of the Year from the local area. We will identify, profile and honor these professional women, whose successes in business and contributions to the community have set the pace for the future of our region. We are looking for innovative leaders who are making waves with their energy, ideas, achievements and commitment to excellence. Nominations are welcomed from all business sectors.

Nominee: Title: Company/organization: Business address: City,state, zip: Company phone number: Nominee’s E-mail address: Birthdate: Education (dates/type of diplomas, degrees, technical training):

Business accomplishments (job responsibilities, special projects, business-related affiliations):

Community involvement (nonprofits, civic, state and national organizations):

Achievements and awards:

Nominated by: Name/title: Business address: Phone number:

Three ways to submit a nomination form: 1) Fax it to Women of the Year at 504-832-3550 2) E-mail it to [email protected] 3) Mail it to Women of the Year, CityBusiness, 111 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 1440, Metairie, LA 70005

Deadline: July 28, 2005 Feel free to attach additional sheets if necessary. A panel of judges will use nomination forms and independent research to make final selections. Self-nominations are accepted. The Women of the Year will be profiled in CityBusiness and honored at a special event. LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2005 7 LEADERSHIPinLAW

Donald Abaunza Position: shareholder, Liskow & Lewis Family: wife, Carolyn; son, Richard Education: bachelor’s degree, political science and history, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tenn.; juris doctorate, Tulane University Law School

Now a shareholder for Liskow & Lewis, Donald Abaunza was the firm’s president and man- Abaunza was recently selected to chair the state bar’s Professional Assessment Committee. aging partner for almost nine years. As head of the firm’s admiralty section, he handled a wide “We are to look at the profession and the judiciary and determine what is working and variety of maritime cases involving complex litigation and international disputes. what needs some change. Then we will make recommendations to the bar governance,” For 17 years, Abaunza has been involved in a case involving the 1987 collision between the Abaunza said. passenger ferry Dona Paz and the oil tanker Vector off the coast of the Philippines. Although As chair, Abaunza oversees the 24 federal and state judges, attorneys and law school deans only 275 bodies were recovered, the death toll is believed to top 4,000 because of the undoc- who serve on the committee. umented passengers on the ferry. Abaunza chaired the committee on federal uniform rules and won the Louisiana State Bar “This case has been to the Supreme Court in the Philippines and many courts here,” Association’s President’s Award. He is a member of the Louisiana Bar Foundation Grants Abaunza said. “The main issue is which country (United States or the Philippines) should be Committee, a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and a member of the Legislative handling the case.” Process Review Committee for the state bar. The outcome may define the standard for how other maritime issues involving different He now serves as a member of the Tulane Admiralty Law Institute Planning Committee; countries will be handled. vice chair of the Tulane Latin American Law Institute and is an arbitrator for the American “It’s a very significant case and probably the largest loss of life ever (in a maritime incident),” Arbitration Association. Abaunza said. Abaunza has practiced for 36 years and intends to practice many more but he laments some Admiralty law is important in New Orleans because of all of the offshore oil rigs and the of the changes in the profession. tremendous amount of vessel traffic on the Mississippi River, he said. Among his many high- “Almost any lawyer will tell you the profession has changed in many ways, but probably profile cases, Abaunza acted as lead counsel for the defendants in the 1988 Piper Alpha disaster the biggest change is that it’s not as congenial an atmosphere as it used to be,” he said. “Still, involving a fire on an offshore oil rig in the North Sea, and the 1982 sinking of the oil rig Ocean much of it is good. Honors like this are the things that make you want to keep going.” Ranger off the coast of Newfoundland. — Angelle Bergeron 8 LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2005 LEADERSHIPinLAW

Robert Acomb Jr. Position: senior partner, Jones Walker Waechter Poitevent Carrere and Denegre Family: wife, Greta; sons, Robert III, Dwight, Ryan and John; daughter, Greta Education: bachelor of arts, Tulane University; juris doctorate, Tulane University Law School

Robert Acomb Jr. knows collisions. After all, they take up a large chunk of a maritime Acomb was awarded the honor of knight in the Order of St. Gregory the Great by the lawyer’s career. late Pope John Paul II for his efforts. Acomb’s most notable case was his defense of the shipyard that constructed the semi-sub- The order has built schools and provided funding for its teachers. Bethlehem University mersible drilling vessel Ocean Ranger, which sunk off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada, is such a place, said Acomb, and a stepping stone to the order’s goal of peace. in 1982, killing the entire 84-man crew. “Those who study together usually can later work together,” he said. The case was ultimately brought to the U.S. District Court in New Orleans, where claims Acomb has been heavily involved with Tulane University since the 1960s. He has served on were filed in excess of $2 billion. The case was settled with the shipyard being held account- many of its committees,including chairman of the Tulane Law School Building Fund from 1992 able for less than 2 percent of the damages sought. to 1995 and chairman of the Tulane Law School Dean’s Advisory Council from 1978 to 1985. Acomb’s accomplishments outside the courtroom include his community service involv- But perhaps his most constant service to the university has been teaching. Acomb has ing religious conflicts in the Middle East. been an adjunct professor of law since 1969, usually teaching a course on maritime person- Acomb is a Knight of the Holy Sepulchre, an order formed in 1099. “Its purpose is to al injury and death. protect all holy places in the Holy Land and to provide education to Christians, Moslems His knowledge of law extends beyond the classroom as Acomb has written many books and Jewish students there,” Acomb said. “The order attempts to bring together people of on maritime law, including “Maritime Personal Injury and Death and Collision Law.” various faiths in working toward a peaceful solution.” — Chris Anderson LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2005 9 LEADERSHIPinLAW

Judy Y. Barrasso Position: founding member, Barrasso Usdin Kupperman Freeman and Sarver Family: husband, Brent Barriere; daughters, Jennifer and Ashley Education: bachelor’s degree in sociology, California State University, Fullerton; master of sci- ence in social work, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tenn.; juris doctorate (summa cum laude), Tulane University School of Law

Judy Barrasso enjoys the intellectual and the theatrical aspects of practicing law. senior at Isidore Newman High School. “It’s intellectually challenging in that you’re trying to solve a problem by looking at the law ... Barrasso chairs the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board, is an adjunct faculty member and applying it to a set a facts,” Barrasso said. “Putting it all together ... is kind of like putting on for the Tulane University Law School Trial Advocacy Program and a director of the a play,if you will. It’s fun.” Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel Trial Academy.She also is a member of the board Barrasso began her law career in 1981 at Stone Pigman Walther Whitman,spending 18 years of the directors of the New Orleans Pro Bono Project, an organization she’s been involved in at the firm. In April 2003, she and several other partners at Stone Pigman started their own firm, for more than 10 years. with a concentration in commercial litigation. “Lots of folks who couldn’t afford lawyers otherwise wouldn’t have access,” Barrasso said. Class action defense work takes up a large part of Barrasso’s time. She also defends bad “And they’re so appreciative of what you do — win or lose.” faith claims against insurance companies and handles general commercial cases such as Barrasso is treasurer of the Downtown Development District and a board member of the those involving trade disputes and non-competition agreements with former employers. Committee of 21. Former Rep. Lindy Boggs and other politically active and civic-minded For example, Barrasso recently represented the Neill Corp., the Hammond-based distributor women founded the group in the 1970s to help increase women’s access to political office and of Aveda beauty products, against a former employee trying to sell a facial rejuvenation machine. corporate boards. A native of Memphis, Tenn.,Barrasso had a previous career in social work. Her close work Barrasso also serves on board of the Anti-Defamation League, Dress for Success, with the public defense office during those years helped spark her interest in law. Summerbridge and Isidore Newman School. She met her husband, Brent Barriere, who is a commercial litigator, in law school. The “I think it’s pretty important that everybody gives back to the community,” Barrasso said. couple has two daughters: Jennifer, a junior at the University of Texas, and Ashley, a — Sonya Stinson 10 LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2005 LEADERSHIPinLAW

Hilton Bell Position: managing partner, Milling Benson Woodward Family: daughters, Allison and Charlotte Education: bachelor of arts, Tulane University; juris doctorate, Tulane University Law School; legum magister, Boston University School of Law

It’s a great source of pride to Hilton Bell that his two daughters have followed in his an imposed tax that was declared unconstitutional. footsteps. “My last case involved an interstate natural gas pipeline company, in which I chal- “Allison practices corporate and securities law and Charlotte deals with insurance cov- lenged the constitutionality of a property tax,” Bell said. “Both cases were challenging erage issues,” said Bell, a partner in the tax, trust and estates department at the firm of and involved a tremendous amount of money. There was a great deal at stake, which Milling Benson Woodward. makes it satisfying.” The intellectual challenge is what makes tax law so exciting, Bell said. Bell advises clients in all types of federal, state and local tax matters, including corpo- “It is difficult and it takes a lot of effort for one to try to understand the Internal rate, partnership, executive and deferred compensation, tax-exempt financing, exempt Revenue (Service) code and also the clients’ instructions to achieve their goals,” he said. organizations, tax litigation and estate planning. “I also enjoy litigating against the IRS. It’s always fun to beat the government.” He is listed in “The Best Lawyers in America” for his work with employee benefits law If so inclined, the government may devote “unlimited resources” to a particular case, and tax law.His numerous professional honors and activities include: serving on the plan- which compounds the complexity, Bell explained. ning committee for the Tulane Tax Institute; teaching as an adjunct associate professor of Of his many landmark cases, Bell represented the railroad industry in legislation and law at Tulane University School of Law; and sitting on the lawyers committee for the suits against the Louisiana Tax Commission and the state of Louisiana. National Center for State Courts. “I worked to bring the assessment ratio for railroad properties from 25 percent to 15 Bell has chaired numerous boards and committees and is the secretary for the New percent of market value, pursuant to legislation that prohibited discriminatory treatment Orleans Chamber of Commerce and treasurer for the New Orleans Council for to railroads,” he said. Community and Justice. Bell also won another railroad case in the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that involved — Angelle Bergeron LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2005 11 LEADERSHIPinLAW

Edward Benjamin Jr. Position: senior partner, Jones Walker Waechter Poitevent Carrere and Denegre Family: wife, Adelaide; sons, Edward and Stuart; daughters, Mary Williamson and Ann Hill Education: bachelor of science, Yale University, New Haven, Conn.; juris doctorate (summa cum laude), Tulane University Law School

Edward Benjamin Jr. has been practicing tax law for more than half a century,and he’s won inception, for tax and trusts and estates law. He was an original member of the Executive more than his fair share of major trust cases. Counsel of the International Academy of Estate and Trust Law, and in 1976-1978 was its “There’s no point in bragging about myself,” he said. “Let’s just say I’ve been lucky.” first elected president. In 1967, Benjamin joined the firm of Jones Walker Waechter Poitevent Carrere and Benjamin has served as president of the American College of Probate Counsel (now Denegre and headed its tax, estates and trusts section for many years. He continues to American College of Trust and Estate Counsel); secretary of the American Bar Association’s practice in all of those areas and the business field, where he has represented a number of section on taxation; and a member of the council of the American Bar Association’s section corporations and partnerships. on real property, probate and trust law. The most exciting aspect of tax law is that it provides an otherwise unavailable per- Benjamin is credited with being the first of only two lawyers to serve on both councils spective into people’s private lives, Benjamin said. at the same time and is one of only three persons to ever serve on both councils at any time. “Particularly in estate planning, you get to really know people and what they value, and Benjamin is a life member of the American Law Institute and served on its income tax it’s a very rewarding thing to have people confide in you about those things,”he said. “The advisory and federal estate and gift tax advisory groups. truth of the matter is it’s a great privilege to be a part of people’s plans and aspirations.” He is listed in “Who’s Who in America,” “Who’s Who in the World,” “Who’s Who in Tax law offers similar benefits when dealing with individuals, Benjamin said. Overall, American Law” and “Who’s Who in the South and Southwest.” he finds this area of law “tremendously challenging, constantly changing and highly tech- “I hope to die with my boots on,” he said. “I’m grandfathered here in the firm, which means nical. It keeps you on your toes, to put it mildly.” I’m permitted to keep practicing even though I am old and gray.I regard that as a great privilege.” Benjamin has been listed in “The Best Lawyers in America” in each edition since its — Angelle Bergeron 12 LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2005 LEADERSHIPinLAW

Virginia Boulet Position: special counsel, transactions and corporate advisory services, Adams and Reese Family: sons, Jim, Ben and Winn; daughter, Meg Education: bachelor of arts, Yale University; juris doctorate, Tulane University Law School

Virginia Boulet doesn’t try cases. She advises people who are making deals, big deals. real rewarding to be a small part of that process,” Boulet said. As special counsel in the transaction and corporate advisory services practice group in She works hard to keep Louisiana a jurisdiction where corporations want to do business the New Orleans office of Adams and Reese, Boulet has represented numerous companies and has personally drafted legislation to amend the state’s banking and corporate laws,she said. doing business in the Gulf South. She has drafted and secured passage of numerous “I also get to draft the documents that become important documents to other people’s Louisiana statutes related to corporations, securities and banking. lives,” Boulet said. “For example, I work on stock option plans and compensation plans for “A lot of the young lawyers are always asking about the difference between what I do and employees, which is always interesting to do.” litigation. I try to convey how exciting it is to actually be there when it happens,” Boulet said. Boulet has extensive experience in corporate, securities and banking law and nearly 20 “I like being involved in the process where businessmen are making these decisions, to see years experience in mergers and acquisitions, equity securities offerings, general business them being made and how they are made. It’s dramatic because these decisions mean a lot matters, corporate compliance and advice in matters of commercial litigation. to a lot of people.” Boulet is also an expert in corporate governance, particularly the new rules under Additionally, because Boulet specializes in corporate and securities transactions, she is Sarbanes Oxley that resulted from corporate financial scandals a few years ago. “I have to usually involved in a client’s life at a happy, exciting time. “I help companies go public or advise clients about the rules and individual state securities law,” she said. merge when they want to acquire another company.People are either buying or selling their Boulet was recently appointed to the board of W&T Offshore, a New York Stock Exchange company and either are very excited or cashing in on their life’s work,” Boulet said. “I see a company headquartered in Houston. She is also director of CenturyTel, a Monroe-based lot of millionaires made and it’s a lot of fun to be a part of that kind of process.” telecommunications company. Such transactions usually represent economic growth for the community as well. “It’s — Angelle Bergeron LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2005 13 LEADERSHIPinLAW

Kim Boyle Position: partner, employment group, Phelps Dunbar Family: single Education: bachelor of arts, Princeton University, Princeton, N.J.; juris doctorate, University of Virginia School of Law

Before joining the employment group with the firm of Phelps Dunbar, Kim Boyle handled New Orleans. She has significant experience in managing large-scale cases as well as exten- one of the most important cases in her career. sive knowledge in the areas of unfair trade practices and alleged corporate misconduct. “I represented the parish of Jefferson in defending a legal challenge by a small group of Her civic and bar activities include service as a member of the board of directors of the Jefferson Parish voters to the creation of a majority/minority councilman district,” she said. American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana, as well as the Greater New Orleans Fair “Several white Jefferson Parish voters filed a lawsuit, which asserted that by creating a coun- Housing Action Center. cilman district with a majority of African-American voters, Jefferson Parish had violated the Boyle formerly served as president of the New Orleans chapter of the Court Appointed 14th Amendment to the Constitution. The ruling affirmed the manner in which the district Special Advocate program and served as the secretary of the New Orleans Legal Assistance Corp. was drawn and affirmed that the districts were not drawn in a way that violated the She serves as treasurer of the Louisiana State Bar Association and was formerly a mem- Constitution.” ber of the Board of Governors, as well as past president of the New Orleans Bar Association The case was personally significant for Boyle. “During the course of the trial, a number and member of the state association’s Ethics 2000 Committee. of African-American voters in Jefferson Parish testified about their experiences in growing Boyle is former co-chair of the NO AIDS Task Force, serves on the executive committee up and living through segregation, and what the creation of this district meant to them,” she for Committee of 21, is a board member on the Bureau of Governmental Research and is the said. “I felt that the ruling affirmed that African-American voters in Jefferson Parish had and co-chair for the Committee for a Better New Orleans/Metropolitan Area Communities. would continue to have a meaningful opportunity to select a council member of their own In her capacity in the Phelps Dunbar employment group, Boyle represents employers choice, and that is very significant to me.” in a number of issues. Boyle has practiced in all areas of commercial litigation as well as employment litigation, “It takes a lot of counseling to ensure employers are in compliance with the law,” she said. tort litigation and general litigation. She is a former Orleans Parish Civil District Court judge “I find it exciting. It’s an intellectually challenging area of the law.” pro tempore and a former assistant professor of law at Loyola University School of Law in — Angelle Bergeron 14 LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2005 LEADERSHIPinLAW

Alan G. Brackett Position: partner, Mouledoux Bland Legrand and Brackett Family: wife, Linda; son, Austin Education: bachelor’s degree in history, Tulane University; law degree, Tulane University Law School

Considered one of America’s foremost experts in longshore claims and litigation, Alan rate maritime cases such as those involving the sale or financing of vessels. Brackett discovered an affinity for maritime law while working as a law clerk. Brackett is a fellow of the Louisiana Bar Foundation and chairs the foundation subcom- “Maritime law is kind of a unique body of law,” Brackett said. “There is some statutory mittee that considers grants from the Interest of Lawyers Trust Account to Court Appointed stuff but a lot of it is judge-made law over history. Since I’m a history buff by nature, it was Special Advocates for Children. He is a general counsel and advisory board member for the a natural fit for me.” Greater New Orleans Barge Fleeting Association and advisory board chairman for the annu- By the time Brackett started college at Tulane University, majoring in history, he had nar- al Longshore Conference at Loyola University Law School. rowed his career choice down to either teaching or law.And although he picked the law as his In addition to his professional affiliations, Brackett is vice chairman at St. Martin’s primary career field, he didn’t give up teaching altogether. Episcopal School, which his 12-year-old son, Austin, attends, and a member of the finance “I’ve participated in continuing legal education,so I guess I satisfied both goals,”Brackett said. and investment committees at Christ Church Cathedral. Immediately after graduating from Tulane University Law School in 1984, Brackett “Balance is the most important thing for lawyers to deal with,” he said. “Practicing law can joined Hebert Mouledoux and Bland. He and three fellow staff attorneys would later break be all-consuming and very stressful. Doing volunteer work really helps to keep that balance.” away to start their own firm in 1997, Mouledoux Bland Legrand and Brackett, which has A native of Massachusetts, Brackett recalled he felt at home in New Orleans almost as soon grown to nine attorneys. as he arrived here as a college student. Today, Brackett’s practice focuses largely on the defense of personal injury cases arising “I won’t say it was as soon as I stepped off the plane but soon afterward I knew that I fit,” under the Jones Act, a law established in 1920 to allow seamen and longshoremen to seek he said. “It’s like that old saying: ‘I wasn’t born in the South, but I got here as fast as I could.” compensation for on-the-job injuries. He also handles general casualty litigation and corpo- — Sonya Stinson LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2005 15

From the courtroom Congratulations to our Leadership in Law Honorees to the conference room,

Robert A. Vosbein Virginia Boulet Mark C. Surprenant

Out in front.

www.adamsandreese.com

One Shell Square I 701 Poydras Street I Suite 4500 New Orleans, LA 70139 I 504.581.3234 we’re leaders in today’s Baton Rouge I Birmingham I Houston Jackson I Mobile I New Orleans I Washington D.C.

complex legal arena. FREE BACKGROUND INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of the legal services performed by other lawyers. Author: Charles P. Adams, Jr. Not certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization except as noted.

A Reputation for Success Liskow & Lewis is proud to congratulate Locke Liddell & Sapp proudly recognizes Robert W. Mouton recipient of the 2005 Leadership in Law award.

Donald R. Abaunza James A. Brown Cheryl Mollere Kornick

for their selection to the 2005 We extend our congratulations to all of this year's winners. CityBusiness Leadership in Law Guide

Austin Dallas Houston New Orleans www.lockeliddell.com 601 Poydras Street, Suite 2400 New Orleans, LA 70130-6036 504 558 5100

New Orleans Lafayette Houston www.liskow.com 16 LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2005

820 O'Keefe Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113 Ph:504-581-4892 • Fax:504-561-6024 • www.hhkc.com

820 O'Keefe Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113 Ph:504-581-4892 • Fax:504-561-6024 • www.hhkc.com Proudly Representing: Special Trial Counsel to the City of New Orleans FedEx Corp. Frischhertz Electric Co. Gallo Mechanical Contractors, Inc. The premier law firm in town know for its “impressive reputation in Orion Refining Corporation business, class action and personal injury litigation.” World Trade Center Development, LP -- Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2005 17 LEADERSHIPinLAW

C. William Bradley Jr. Position: partner, Lemle and Kelleher Family: sisters, Bridget, Margaret and Adrian Education: bachelor’s degree (with honors), Brown University; juris doctorate, Tulane University Law School

Growing up in St. John the Baptist Parish, William Bradley Jr. said he spent almost half his The defense verdict of a small malpractice case Coleman versus MMC-BC meant a lot to Bradley time riding the Edgard Reserve Ferry across the Mississippi River. “While not particularly noteworthy in and of itself, it was still gratifying because it was the So when Bradley was asked why he became a lawyer, he joked “Law school was a much 10th consecutive trial victory by our medical malpractice group in a 12-month period in better alternative than working as a deck hand on the ferry.” Orleans, Jefferson, St. Tammany and East Baton Rouge parishes,” Bradley said. Bradley’s family also has a legal background. His sister, Margaret, is a paralegal and his Bradley has been the past president of the New Orleans Association of Defense Counsel late father, C. William Bradley, was a state judge in the 29th and 40th judicial districts. and past director of the Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel. He is a member of the Bradley’s practice consists principally of the defense of medical malpractice actions, Defense Research Institute. toxic tort and occupational exposure actions in the state and federal district and appel- Gov.Kathleen Babineaux Blanco has appointed Bradley to serve on the Senate’s Medical late courts. Malpractice Advisory Board. Bradley’s most notable case was defending chemical manufacturers from charges filed He donates time and money to many local charities and also is involved in the firm’s against them from a Baton Rouge plant worker’s family claiming chemical exposure caused charitable organizations and causes, such as The Good Shepherd Nativity. the worker’s death. Bradley is a member of Lemle and Kelleher’s management and executive committees, “After a 19-day jury trial in Baton Rouge,the jury returned a defense verdict,which ended chairman of the attorney personal committee and chairman of the casualty and profes- not only that case but a number of similar actions filed by the same attorneys and arising out sional liability section. of the same Baton Rouge plant,” Bradley said. — Chris Anderson 18 LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2005 LEADERSHIPinLAW

James A. Brown Position: shareholder, Liskow & Lewis Family: wife, Kelly; sons, James, Ben and Nicholas Education: bachelor of arts (valedictorian/summa cum laude), Louisiana State University; juris doctorate, LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center

Beyond his career as an attorney,James A. Brown has immersed himself in the New Orleans member of the LSBA’s Continuing Legal Education Committee and is former co-chair of the community, giving of his time, intelligence and energy to area non-profit work and has been association’s “Summer School for Lawyers.” regularly involved in professional organizations. Brown has spoken many times at Tulane,Loyola and LSU law schools and has been pub- During his more than 20-year career at Liskow and Lewis, Brown has handled several lished regularly. As a talented violinist, Brown also serves as the Louisiana State Bar major cases in the areas of liability practice, including defending national insurance carriers, Foundation’s unofficial “violinist in residence” at fund-raisers. law firms, directors, officers, trustees and accountants. “I get involved in community work because it is fun. Lawyers and people generally “The most personally rewarding aspect is having the client experience the satisfaction of need to have some fun. The fun is satisfying because it makes life better for others,” he seeing his case presented to the judge and jury in the most effective way possible,” he said. said. “That satisfaction of the client is what I consider to be justice.” Brown’s community involvement also has a serious side. He has served as president and Brown serves on his firm’s board of directors, chairs the office administration committee, board member for Vialink (CopeLine), a 24-hour crisis and suicide prevention hotline. He is and was instrumental in establishing the Liskow and Lewis Endowed Professorship at a past president of the board of directors of the Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse and has Louisiana State University’s Paul M. Hebert Law Center. served as chair of the United Way’s “Day of Caring,” New Orleans’ largest single community He also is an active member of the legal community, serving as co-chair of the Louisiana workplace volunteer event. State Bar Association “P’s and Q’s” Ethics and Professionalism seminar. He has also been a — Matt Jones LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2005 19 LEADERSHIPinLAW

Paula A. Brown Position: senior staff attorney, Law Office of John Erny III Family: single Education: bachelor’s degree in management, Tulane University; law degree, Southern University Law Center

Television courtroom dramas have inspired plenty of kids to dream of becoming lawyers when In 1996, Brown worked briefly for the New Orleans Indigent Defendants Program before they grow up. To Paula Brown, who grew up to be a civil defense attorney, those shows were going on to a position as in-house attorney for the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority. just entertainment. In her current job, which began in June 2000, she handles a variety of tort litigation cases “When I was younger, I used to watch a lot of ‘Perry Mason,’ but I don’t think that was the for Hartford Insurance. determining factor in choosing a law career,” said Brown, a corporate lawyer representing Last year, in what she calls the most rewarding experience of her career, the Louisiana Hartford Insurance Co. and its affiliates. Supreme Court appointed Brown as judge pro tempore for Orleans Parish Civil District Court, In fact, when the Ocean Springs, Miss., native came to New Orleans to attend Tulane Division M,and served six months on the bench before Paulette Irons was elected to the position. University on a basketball scholarship, her initial goal was to become a doctor. Brown eventu- Outside the office, Brown coaches girl’s basketball and men’s Midnight Basketball for the ally switched her major from pre-medicine to management and met a law student whose real YWCA. Still an avid athlete herself, she played in the Jewish Community Center’s basketball legal career turned out to be a much bigger influence than the fictional ones on television. league until she recently dislocated her thumb. “I decided that was something that I wanted to do, especially because I had the gift of Last year,Brown moved her mother,who is a parapalegic,from Mississippi to New Orleans. gab,” Brown said. “Most of my off time, if I’m not coaching a game or preparing for a case, I’m spending with Following the example of her friend, Marie Bookman, who later would become a magistrate her,” Brown said. judge, Brown went on to earn a law degree from Southern University in 1992. Right after grad- Brown said she loves her job, except when she meets an unscrupulous opponent. uation, Bookman hired Brown as an associate in her firm. About a year later, Brown began “I can’t say that I’ve run into a great number of attorneys who don’t play by the rules, but I clerking for then-Orleans Parish Civil District Court Judge Bernette Johnson and remained on have run into some, and that’s disheartening,” she said. staff for a year and a half after Johnson’s election to the Louisiana Supreme Court. — Sonya Stinson 20 LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2005 LEADERSHIPinLAW

Joseph M. Bruno Position: managing partner, Bruno & Bruno Family: wife, Stephanie; sons, Joseph Jr., Blake and Chase; and daughters, Marian, Melanie and Suzanne Education: bachelor of arts, Tulane University; law degree, Tulane University Law School

Joseph Bruno is known in Louisiana as a top-tier trial attorney specializing in class actions and the cigarette industry defrauded smokers by distorting public knowledge of specific dangers complex litigation, while being a vocal and passionate advocate for victims’ rights. of tobacco. This landmark case resulted in a jury award of approximately $600 million to be He wouldn’t have it any other way. Bruno said the only place he gets the opportunity to directed toward smoking cessation programs in Louisiana. “act out” is the courtroom. Bruno is a vocal critic of cigarette use and has been involved in public education about the Bruno has served as co-lead trial counsel on the New Orleans train car leakage fire case, dangers of its use, particularly relating to youths in the New Orleans area. which received a $3.5 billion verdict and was settled for $435 million. He represented more “Work in the community is something we have to do if we want to live whole lives,” than 7,000 class action plaintiffs in the water contamination case involving the Shell refinery Bruno said. in Norco. He also worked on a class action suit against Gaylord Chemical following a chemi- Bruno is a member of the Louisiana Trial Lawyers Association, the Louisiana and cal release in Bogalusa that resulted in a $92 million verdict. He recently represented thou- American Bar associations; the Board of Governors; the American Association of Trial sands of claimants in the Kaiser Aluminum plant explosion in Gramercy, which resulted in a Lawyers; and the St. Thomas More Catholic Lawyers Association. settlement of more than $30 million. He is involved in the arts as a board member of the New Orleans Opera Association and In one of his most publicized cases, Bruno worked on the Scott Cigarette litigation, the the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts. only medical monitoring class action case pending in the United States, where the jury found — Matt Jones LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2005 21 LEADERSHIPinLAW

Peter J. Butler Sr. Position: attorney, certified public accountant, Breazeale Sachse and Wilson Family: wife, Billie Lou; sons, Peter Jr. and Thomas; and daughter, Julie Education: bachelor’s degree, Loyola University; juris doctorate, Loyola University School of Law

One of Peter Butler’s biggest accomplishments took an arm and a leg, or a wing to be As the attorney in charge of the New Orleans office of Breazeale Sachse and Wilson,as well more precise. as its special counsel, Butler’s responsibility falls on both sides of the court bar. “I was the trial attorney for Popeye’s Fried Chicken in its successful hostile takeover of Aside from high-profile victories in corporate, environmental, and health care cases, Butler Church’s Fried Chicken for $430 million,” said Butler. The case was litigated in Louisiana often takes the low-paying cases. Many of those are representing Jefferson Parish that, because and argued in the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal. of fiscal restraints, is unable to pay the normal rates of a high-profile litigator. It wasn’t the success of the case that left a mark on Butler’s mind but the gratitude his “While the parish can only pay him a fraction of his normal hourly rates, and despite a very client displayed. hectic and lucrative practice, Mr. Butler has never turned down my requests,” said Jefferson “As a surprise bonus,over and above my fee, my client paid my daughter’s tuition for four Parish Attorney Thomas Wilkinson Jr. years at Southern Methodist University in Dallas.” Much of Butler’s extra time is spent at his alma mater, Loyola University School of Law. Another big case for Butler came in 1993 when the Louisiana Legislature enacted a series Volunteering as an adjunct professor, he taught mineral law and civil procedure courses. of statutes authorizing casino gaming in the state. When the constitutionality of those statutes Butler also served for many years as a member of the school’s Law Visiting Committee. was challenged, Butler was called to duty. “While these endeavors were very time consuming, I considered this to be a means of giv- “The Louisiana attorney general asked me to present the state’s argument in defense of ing something back to the community which has given so much to me.” these statues. I did and the Supreme Court upheld the statutes’ constitutionality,” he said. — Chris Anderson 22 LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2005 LEADERSHIPinLAW

McChord Carrico Position: attorney, Abbott Simses & Kuchler Family: wife, Betty; sons, Charles and Christian Education: bachelor’s degree, University of Kentucky; juris doctorate, University of Kentucky School of Law

McChord Carrico and his family came to Louisiana to escape cold Midwestern weather. other states — is the most enjoyable aspect of his livelihood. A Kentucky native, Carrico was working in Iowa when the family decided to relocate back “Here in St. Tammany, I’m working with a charitable organization that is putting in a to the South. housing development as well as a commercial development. It’s going to be located near a He has lived here longer than he has anywhere else but his North Shore-born-and-bred col- soon-to-be constructed interchange on the interstate. I’ve been busy helping to develop leagues still refer to him good-naturedly as a “come-here.” funds to get the interchange in because the interchange will open up the interior of St. Carrico, a transactional lawyer who practices in corporate, regulatory, environmental and Tammany to development, homes and will also open up access to Washington Parish,” he governmental fields for Abbott Simses & Kuchler in Covington, says the common thread of his said. “It’s a very mundane subject talking about funds for an interstate interchange but practice is economic development. He has undertaken projects as varied as a grain there’s so many things that can arise out of that interchange: public safety, evacuation elevator/processing plant, a joint hospital venture and a nuclear power plant. He says he routes, economic development, homes for people, businesses for jobs, capital investment, learned something different from every industry. tax base for the parish and so on.” “I spent a good bit of my career working as in-house as well as outside counsel for electric Carrico has been involved with the St. Tammany Parish Economic Development and gas utility companies,” he said. “Utility companies cut across all segments of society and Foundation, St. Tammany West Leadership Foundation Inc. and the parish’s West Chamber you get very much involved in the cross-section of the community.” of Commerce. Carrico devotes a significant portion of his professional and personal time to business-sup- He serves as chairman of the Economic Development Focus Group of the St. Tammany port organizations in St. Tammany Parish. He said economic development — though he rep- Parish New Directions 2025 plan. resents clients throughout Greater New Orleans and is also licensed to practice law in three — Faith Dawson LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2005 23 LEADERSHIPinLAW

Roy Cheatwood Position: managing shareholder, Baker Donelson Bearman Caldwell and Berkowitz Family: wife, Cindy; sons, Cliff and Scott; daughter, Dancy Education: bachelor’s degree, University of South Florida; juris doctorate, Tulane University Law School

Roy Cheatwood has been in the legal business for 30 years, and he says he’s never seen anything One case that exemplifies Cheatwood’s reputation was in the early 1990s when he rep- grow as fast his firm has in this past year.“In one year,we have built an office of 32 people,”he said. resented an elderly man whose land was being drilled by a major oil company. The case Cheatwood recently established the New Orleans office of the national Baker Donelson was heard at the U.S. District Court in New Orleans, and the oil company put an initial $4 Bearman Caldwell and Berkowitz firm. million into the registry of the court. The judgment ultimately came to $3.5 million, allow- Cheatwood’s pride in his firm is not lost on his colleagues. “Camaraderie is palpable at ing the plaintiff to walk away with $7.5 million total. Baker Donelson, and this can only come from an atmosphere of trust. Roy exudes this kind of “He had been in that dispute for over 20 years before filing,” Cheatwood said. climate,” wrote Anne M. Leche and Edward Arnold in their nomination of Cheatwood for Integrity imbues Cheatwood’s work, which is especially notable given the large sums that Leadership in Law. pass through the legal process. “The truth of the matter is, hopefully the law lines up with the Cheatwood credits his mentors at Jones Walker, Herschel Abbott and Harry Redmon, for results,” he said. his success as a litigator. Cheatwood has been a faculty member for the trial and deposition programs of the “I have been very fortunate for having known all the outstanding people I’ve worked National Institute for Trial Advocacy and has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America with,” he said. since 1999. He was a longtime board member and onetime president of the Children’s Cheatwood, who graduated from Tulane University Law School, moved onto Phelps Bureau, an organization that facilitates adoption programs, counseling for at-risk children, Dunbar after working as a partner at Jones Walker. He typically works as a defense lawyer for and help for children with social and psychological issues. commercial and class action suits. — Kathryn Jezer-Morton 24 LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2005 LEADERSHIPinLAW

James J. Coleman Position: senior partner, Coleman Johnson Artigues and Jurisich Family: sons, Jimmy Jr., Tommy and Peter, daughter, Dianne Education: bachelor of arts, Tulane University; juris doctorate, Tulane University Law School

James Coleman, who has prepped for his legal career in New Orleans at Warren Easton Along with his legal responsibilities, Coleman is also active in the community, serving High School and law school at Tulane University, said he got involved in law due to an as president emeritus of the World Trade Center of New Orleans, having taken part in the unfulfilled desire of his father. 1985 merger of International House and International Trade Mart into the World Trade “He wanted to be a lawyer but never pursued it,” Coleman said. “Now, over 60 years Center. Coleman has also been involved in the local and national chambers of commerce, later, I’m still involved and I still love it. It is an honorable profession that deserves the New Orleans Symphony, the Voters Information League and Crimestoppers. recognition.” “I think my fellow attorneys, more than practically any other professional group, pay Fresh out of college, Coleman founded the law firm of Coleman Johnson Artigues and their dues in community service,” Coleman said. “I have always tried to do my part.” Jurisich in 1937. It had its roots as a general practice firm, but its main focus is interna- A final notable honor for Coleman was his acceptance of the Benemerenti Papal Award. tional and maritime law.The firm represents both plaintiffs and defendants in district and This award is given to individuals, who merit special recognition by the Holy See for appellate courts. Coleman’s other achievements in the legal world include his appoint- exceptional accomplishment and service. Coleman accepted the award from former ment as president of the Supreme Court of Louisiana Historical Society and his member- Archbishop Philip Hannan and the late Pope John Paul II. ship in the U.S. Supreme Court Historical Society. Coleman said he could not specifically pinpoint a particularly notable case in his “They were one group that supported new renovations to the courthouse on Royal career. He usually takes them on one at a time, giving them equal importance. Street,” Coleman said. “I feel my most important case is always the one in which I am presently involved,” Coleman is also chairman of the Judicial Compensation Commission. “This is the Coleman said. “You can be sure it is the one I want to win most of all.” group that determines salaries of state judges,” Coleman said. — Robin Shannon LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2005 25 LEADERSHIPinLAW

Keith Colvin Position: managing member, real estate section, McGlinchey Stafford Family: wife, Karen; sons, Charlie and Billy; stepson, Chris; daughter, Mary; stepdaughter, Katie Education: bachelor’s degree in political science, Louisiana State University; juris doctorate, LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center

As a real estate lawyer, Keith Colvin has watched the process of coastal erosion along the Invoking President Kennedy’s announcement that man would walk on the surface of Gulf Coast with particular concern. As a board member for the Coalition to Restore the moon before the technology to do so existed, Colvin remarked: “The science to do Coastal Louisiana, he created a synergy between his professional priorities and his ener- what has to be done with the Louisiana coastline hasn’t been invented yet.” gy as a community member. Colvin was the founder and first chairman of the Uniform Title Standards Committee Colvin became involved with the coalition through a classmate at the New Orleans of the Louisiana State Bar Association, which began in 1991. Regional Leadership Institute, where he was part of the class of 2004. “Until the early ’90s, title standards varied a great deal in Louisiana. The whole process “The coalition is really the pre-eminent private organization trying to support coastal was confusing and expensive ... definitely not an ideal situation,” Colvin said. restoration,” he said. “Securing funding is really the biggest challenge. It’s a national chal- Colvin’s nascent organization formed committees of lawyers across the state to discuss lenge. If it’s thought of as Louisiana’s problem for us to solve, it’s never going to get solved and agree on title standards, which resulted in a workable uniformity across the parishes. — it’s just too big a job.” “(Standardized title practices) now provide attorneys with a guide and a source to access Colvin is convinced that if Louisiana can take legal action and secure settlements to in disputes,” he said. fund conservation projects, protection of the coasts can be possible. “The strategy is to Colvin said one of his proudest moments occurred when representing Occidental convince the federal government that Louisiana has paid the price of providing energy to Chemical in its attempt to construct a $500 million co-generation plant in Taft. the rest of the nation.” — Kathryn Jezer-Morton 26 LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2005 LEADERSHIPinLAW

E. Howell Crosby Position: partner, corporate section head, Chaffe McCall Family: sons Tac, Tippins and Billy Education: bachelor of science, Tulane University; juris doctorate, Tulane University Law School; master of business administration, Tulane University A.B. Freeman School of Business

E. Howell Crosby’s interest in law goes all the way back to an eighth-grade civics class at the format of a town square where you have stores placed all around.” Metarie Park Country Day School. His teacher, Jo Gwin Shelby,who also went on to teach his The $100 million complex has more than 560,000 square feet of shopping space on 58 three children, imposed a lasting civil impression upon him. acres. “Needless to say,it was quite an undertaking,” he said. “Not only has she made me into a lawyer, she has also encouraged two of my kids to pursue Along with his commercial law accomplishments, Crosby also handles legal work for “Miss law,” Crosby said. “She has been quite an influence for my entire family.” Congeniality” herself — Sandra Bullock. Crosby began his career with Chaffe McCall in 1984 as a clerk.He became a lawyer for them “I have represented her since 1996,” Crosby said. “She’s actually nicer in person than she in 1985 and has been there ever since. His main concentration is in the field of commercial real is on screen.” estate. He deals with builders and developers of shopping malls, hotels and office buildings. One of Crosby’s biggest professional achievements has been his tenure as president of the Crosby says he likes the corporate side of law because everyone is working toward American College of Mortgage Attorneys. He is the youngest president of this group. Crosby the same goal. has also worked with the Industrial Development Board and the Human Relations “Everyone involved is moving toward the same goal, getting things built,” Crosby said. Commission of New Orleans. “Everyone ends up happy in the end.” He has served as vice chairman of the New Orleans Alcoholic Beverage Control Board and Crosby handles commercial transactions, business law and real estate law all throughout the was on the board of directors for the Young Leadership Council, the Louisiana Children’s Gulf South. One case he is particularly fond of was his involvement in the development and Museum, the New Orleans Museum of Art and Metairie Park Country Day School. He served construction of Eastern Shores in Spanish Fort, Ala. on the New Orleans City Council from 1999 to 2000. “Eastern Shores is what’s known as a ‘lifestyle power center,’” Crosby said. “It resembles — Robin Shannon LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2005 27 LEADERSHIPinLAW

Howard Daigle Position: founder, managing partner, Daigle Fisse Family: wife, Jaie; daughters Meghan and Kelsey Education: bachelor of science, Louisiana State University; juris doctorate, LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center

Howard Daigle’s accomplishments in law began as a student at Paul M. Hebert Law Center at eral court, where it could be dismissed for trial in Europe. The U.S. Court of Appeals for Fifth Louisiana State University in the 1970s where he was selected for the Louisiana Law Review Circuit ruled in the firm’s favor, and since that decision, Daigle says defendants in federal liti- and the Order of Colif. gation have used his strategy nationally. By 1982, Phelps Dunbar in New Orleans accepted Daigle into partnership after just four Daigle primarily defends businesses in complex litigation as results of business dis- years as an associate,and by 1993,Daigle had gained the trust of colleagues and clients in order putes, product failures and environmental occurrences. Daigle has specialized in the to start the Daigle Fisse law firm. defense of manufacturers of aircraft products and aircraft operators in civil and admiralty In 1986, Daigle defended Offshore Logistics in a case that centered on the principal issue litigation. Daigle is the products liability adviser for the Small Aircraft Manufacturers of “scope of recovery,” pursuant to a federal statute for wrongful death at sea. Daigle appeared Association in Washington, D.C. before the U.S. Supreme Court and helped his firm overturn a lower-court decision. The case, His ties to aviation go back to his time as an F4 Phantom aircraft commander in Europe with Offshore Logistics Inc. versus Tallentire, is a seminal admiralty decision, which Daigle said is the U.S. Air Force in the mid 1970s still cited today. Daigle is a member of the boards of the West St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce and of Daigle defended Boeing Co. in 1992 in response to multiple suits in New Orleans resulting Saint Scholastica Academy in Covington.He has also served on the boards of the St.Tammany from the 1989 crash of a British Midlands Boeing 737 aircraft in England. Daigle and his law West Foundation and Cedarwood School. team successfully devised a strategy to have this type of case transferred from state court to fed- — Amy Ferrara 28 LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2005 LEADERSHIPinLAW

Christopher J. Dicharry Position: partner in charge of the New Orleans office, Kean Miller Hawthorne D’Armond McCowan and Jarman Family: wife, Melanie; son, Christopher; and daughter, Sarah Education: bachelor of science, University of New Orleans; juris doctorate, Loyola University School of Law

Christopher Dicharry has made a career in Louisiana tax law with numerous accom- ricator of offshore platforms and after four years of discovering hundreds of fabrication con- plishments. tracts, his law team successfully negotiated a settlement that recognized that the raw materi- Dicharry, who focuses on state and local taxation at the firm Kean Miller Hawthorne als were not taxable. D’Armond McCowan and Jarman, was influential in passing a constitutional amendment to In a separate case, Dicharry represented 28 trucking companies and the Louisiana limit the number of sales tax collectors to one per parish. He helped to pass legislation to cre- Motor Transport Association in a dispute over the taxation of trucks after Congress ate a state tax credit for local property taxes paid on inventory,which, according to Dicharry, passed legislation that limited the authority of the states to regulate trucking operations. made it possible for the state to attract distribution businesses. Dicharry and his team convinced the Louisiana Legislature to pass legislation to repeal a Dicharry has represented trade associations and businesses, including the Louisiana gross receipts tax on trucking. Chemical Association, the Louisiana Pulp and Paper Association and the Louisiana In a case still in litigation, Dicharry represents numerous interstate pipelines in relation MidContinent Oil and Gas Association. to a claim that the Louisiana property tax system discriminates against interstate natural He also maintains a position as adjunct professor at Louisiana State University’s Paul gas pipelines, contrary to the commerce clause of the U.S. Constitution. M. Hebert Law Center, where he teaches a course in state and local taxation. After several years of living and working for the firm at its Baton Rouge office, Dicharry Several cases were significant to his professional career. In one, private auditors for a local and his wife, Melanie, recently moved back to New Orleans, where he will work at the sales tax collector made a multimillion-dollar demand for sales taxes in connection with raw firm’s local office. materials required to manufacture offshore oil platforms. Dicharry represented a major fab- — Amy Ferrara LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2005 29 LEADERSHIPinLAW

Anthony M. DiLeo Position: member, Stone Pigman Walther Wittmann Family: daughter, Sarah Education: bachelor of science, Tulane University; judicial degree, Tulane University Law School; advanced law degree, Harvard Law School

Anthony DiLeo’s interest in law stems from a fascination for language. ferred here,” DiLeo said. “This will be a large case.” “I have always been interested in the study of language,” DiLeo said. “My definition for DiLeo also handled the division of a $200 million company between two shareholders law is the accurate and precise use of language. Language with advocacy.” with negotiations lasting 38 straight hours. DiLeo noticed this connection between law and language while earning his bachelor’s “Dividing a company this large you expect long negotiations,and the parties could not find degree at Tulane University. common ground,” DiLeo said. “I am proud to say that we successfully avoided litigation.” DiLeo’s career began in 1973 when the firm Stone Pigman approached him while he Aside from his law work, DiLeo said his hobbies have won him praise outside the legal was teaching at Harvard Law School. He was 23 at the time. world. In 1978, as a way to relax and relieve stress, DiLeo took up painting. His artwork “I originally wanted to be a law teacher until the partners approached me,” DiLeo said. has earned him spots in a number of gallery shows throughout the United States. A sample “It’s worth mentioning that I am still an adjunct professor at Tulane Law.” can be found at Ochsner Clinic Foundation, where he has an 8-by-10-foot painting titled At Stone Pigman, DiLeo handles cases in a wide variety of areas. He has written and “Vespertine” hanging in the first floor lobby. Another is featured at Tulane Law School. spoken extensively on taxation, antitrust, limited liability companies, corporations, heath DiLeo is also an established author of short stories and poetry. In 2003, he was named a care and arbitration. finalist in the national William Faulkner Writing Competition for his short story “Bus Ride.” He is still involved in a case he considers one of the biggest of his career. Federal courts He was also a semifinalist in 2004 for short story and poetry for “North Lied to Him.” have ordered all federal Merck/Vioxx cases throughout the United States to be transferred DiLeo’s pro bono services to the public have earned him the Louisiana Bar Association to New Orleans, and his firm was approached to represent the pharmaceutical company 2004 Pro Bono Publico award and the 2002 and 2003 New Orleans Pro Bono Project in these cases. Distinguished Service awards. “We’re talking about several hundred cases, many of them class actions, being trans- — Robin Shannon 30 LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2005 LEADERSHIPinLAW

J. Kelly Duncan Position: senior partner, gaming practice chair, Jones Walker Waechter Poitevent Carrere & Denegre Family: wife, Carmen; son, Johnson Education: bachelor’s degree, Georgetown University; juris doctorate, Tulane University Law School

Graduating cum laude from Georgetown University was the beginning of a string of successes Duncan was the Audubon Nature Institute Annual Fund chairman in 1998, a member of that led J. Kelly Duncan to head the practice of Louisiana’s largest gaming firm at Jones Walker the Metropolitan Area Committee Leadership Forum and the board of trustees and com- Waechter Poitevent Carrere and Denegre. mittees at Trinity Episcopal School and Church. After graduating from Tulane University Law School, Duncan began his practice in He is a member and past president of the Georgetown University Club of Louisiana and admiralty and maritime law. served as a professional group solicitor for United Way. “Because of this background,” said Duncan, “I became involved in the representation of Duncan has also given his time to the World Trade Center as a member of the transporta- major casino companies seeking to develop riverboat gaming projects in Louisiana after tion committee. He also sat on the boards of the Young Leadership Council and the Audubon enabling legislation was passed in the early 1990s.” Boulevard Association. Since then, Duncan has represented major casino companies in connection with the For success in his career, Duncan has been recognized in “The Best Lawyers in America” development, financing and operation of the land based casino and several riverboat gam- and “Chambers USA”as one of the most impressive attorneys in the country.But for Duncan, ing projects throughout the state. He has also represented ocean transportation compa- his greatest accomplishment has been “affecting a proper balance between my service to the nies, a major grain terminal on the lower Mississippi River and has handled domestic and community through leadership positions in civic, charitable and educational organizations, international vessel acquisitions and financing. my family life and a demanding legal practice.” Duncan serves as first vice chairman of the Audubon Nature Institute and member of — Amy Ferrara the board of directors and has also served as treasurer and parliamentarian. LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2005 31 LEADERSHIPinLAW

Ernest L. Edwards Jr. Position: managing partner/chairman, Lemle and Kelleher Family: wife, Cindy; daughters Emily, Laura and Kathryn Education: bachelor’s degree, Tulane University; juris doctorate, Tulane University Law School; legum magisture, University of Manchester, England

The list of honors for Ernest Edwards Jr., managing partner and chairman of Lemle & In another significant case, Bell, et al versus Kaiser, Edwards served as the lead trial Kelleher, stems from the United States to England, beginning as an honors student at counsel in a mass tort litigation involving more than 24,000 plaintiffs who alleged personal Tulane University, where Edwards graduated cum laude. injuries and property damage due to an explosion at Kaiser’s Gramercy aluminum plant. He continued his education at Tulane University Law School, ranking second in his class, But in his 35 years of practicing law, Edwards said he is most proud of the lasting and two years later graduated with honors from the University of Manchester in England with relationships he’s developed with clients and their appreciation for efforts made on a master’s degree in international law. their behalf. Bestowed by the queen of England, Edwards falls in line with former presidents Ronald “My most memorable cases are those, which I earned no fee but helped someone who had Reagan and George H. W.Bush as a recipient of the Order of the British Empire. nowhere else to turn,” Edwards said. For his work as an attorney dealing with cases involving natural gas and electric power, the Edwards has served as chairman of the board of directors for Big Brothers of Greater New American Arbitration Association’s Independent Blue Ribbon Panel chose Edwards as one Orleans and the boards of trustees for the Louisiana Children’s Museum and St. Paul’s of the top 30 practitioners nationwide, and he was chosen as chairman of numerous arbitra- Episcopal School. tion panels in cases individually exceeding $100 million, including energy disputes in Alaska, He organized the initiation of the firm’s significant involvement and support of the Good South America and China. Shepherd and Nativity Mission School. He also served as regional vice president and a His practice, which involves energy and environmental litigation, toxic torts, class actions member of the board of directors for the Council for a Better Louisiana. and antitrust representing energy intensive industries in natural gas and electric arenas, led him to represent several interstate gas pipelines before the U.S. Supreme Court. — Amy Ferrara 32 LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2005 LEADERSHIPinLAW

Michael H. Ellis Position: managing partner, Chehardy Sherma Ellis Breslin Murry Recile and Griffith Family: son, Michael Jr.; daughter, Shannon Gunther Education: bachelor’s degree, Spring Hill College; juris doctorate, Tulane University Law School

Michael Ellis’s law career spans more than three decades and includes several stints work- and “Who’s Who in the World.” ing for the state of Louisiana and the federal government in various positions, during which Ellis is trying to better New Orleans. “I’m a firm believer that you have to pay back what he has been trusted with important positions of authority and responsibility. you can to the disadvantaged,” Ellis said. “I’ve been extremely fortunate and there is a cer- Since 1968, Ellis has worked for the U.S. District Court, the eastern and middle districts tain amount of payback you owe to your profession and to the community as a whole.” of Louisiana, the U.S. Court of Appeals Fifth and 11th circuits, the U.S. Tax Court and the Ellis has served on Jesuit High School’s President’s Advisory Board; the Sierra Club of U.S. Supreme Court. He also serves as adjunct professor at Tulane University Law Downtown New Orleans; Archbishop’s Community Appeal; Jewish Community Center; School’s Trial Advocacy Program. Carrollton Boosters; president of Associated Catholic Charities of New Orleans; and pres- He is a former assistant district attorney for Orleans Parish and was chief of the trial and ident, board of directors of the Newman School Dad’s Club. criminal divisions. He was also named a fellow of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers. Ellis has also served on the board of the United Way for the Greater New Orleans Area. He Ellis’ primary motivation has always been a simple one: “Trying to see that justice prevails, is a board member of the Fellowship Foundation, a nonprofit that addresses juvenile delinquen- whether that’s in the federal or state government or nowadays on behalf on of my clients.” cy in inner-city areas. He is on the New Orleans Cancer Institute Committee and on the board Martindale-Hubell Law Directory has given Ellis its highest rating awarded for his of directors for Boys Hope Girls Hope. legal abilities and ethical standards. He was also recognized in “Men of Achievement” — Matt Jones LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2005 33 LEADERSHIPinLAW

Frank Fontenot Position: partner, Milling Benson Woodward Family: wife, Linda; daughters, Jennifer Lynn Zurik, Lisa Anne Fontenot Education: bachelor’s degree, University of Southwestern Louisiana; juris doctorate, Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center

It didn’t take long for the Louisiana law world to notice the talents of Frank Fontenot. senior partner in the firm sat on his right and another senior partner sat on his left. That After graduating from Louisiana State University’s Paul M. Hebert Law Center in the early event, he said, made a lasting impression on him regarding the importance of preparation 1960s, he began a career at Milling Benson Woodward that has lasted for 41 years. and performance. Rising from the associate level to partner after only three years with the firm, Fontenot Fontenot has spent much of his time recently representing a defendant in a mass tort became an influential attorney in civil litigation in commercial and casualty law. case involving a chemical release at the Gaylord Chemical Plant site in Bogalusa, which Fontenot said he encourages other aspiring lawyers to continue to stay physically,men- resulted in thousands of personal injury and property damage claims. In 2002, the case tally and emotionally fit while establishing themselves in the legal arena. reached an agreement to settle, which Fontenot is still working on today. “I think all of these things contribute to success in a professional career,” Fontenot said. Fontenot was elected by his partners to serve on Milling Benson Woodward’s manage- Fontenot has been chairman of the firm’s recruiting committee, responsible for hiring ment committee, which is the governing body,and develops policy and manages the prac- lawyers, and chairman of the associates committee, responsible for training and evaluation tice and development of the firm. of all nonpartner attorneys. In his spare time, Fontenot is an avid golfer, and spends time with his daughters, son- Fontenot said one particular instance in his career still influences him today.While rep- in-law and three grandchildren. resenting a client in a large land title case relating to oil and gas-producing properties, a — Amy Ferrara 34 LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2005 LEADERSHIPinLAW

George J. Fowler III Position: founder, partner, Fowler Rodriguez and Chalos Family: wife, Cristina; son, George IV; and daughter, Cristi Education: bachelor of science, Louisiana State University, juris doctorate, Tulane University Law School

George Fowler III is doing what he can to make the world smaller by forging connections. Trade Center of New Orleans where he is vice chairman of the international section. He was born in Cuba in 1950 but left his homeland with his family in 1960 to escape the “My main focus at the World Trade Center is creating connections with the Latin communist regime of Fidel Castro. American world,” Fowler said. “We came to Louisiana because we had family who were originally from the area,” Fowler’s extensive work at the World Trade Center earned him the 2005 Sanchez to Fowler said. “It was a good place to start again.” Sanchez to Smith Award from the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana, given to a Fowler is now heavily involved in the Cuban/American National Foundation, the person in southeast Louisiana active in promoting trade and commerce in Latin America. largest Cuban exile foundation. “It is devoted to freedom and democracy in Cuba,” Fowler Fowler is also a contributor to the New Orleans Hispanic Heritage Fund, which pro- said. “It’s a way for Cuba to be united with the rest of the free world.” vides scholarships to needy Hispanic children who want to go to private schools After graduating from Tulane University Law School in 1975, Fowler began practicing “It helps bring the Latin community into Louisiana,” he said. law. He works mostly in Latin America in international law, maritime law, corporate law, One of the largest and more notable cases of Fowler’s career was the dispute between and energy and business litigation. In 1988, he founded Fowler Rodriguez and Chalos. Its Entergy and Carnival Cruise lines over power lines that cross over the Mississippi River. main office is in New Orleans, but Fowler has affiliated offices in New York, Houston, His firm was the lead council for Carnival. Fowler said he was glad the issue was resolved Miami, Mobile, Ala., and Bogotá, Columbia, along with associated offices throughout with Entergy agreeing to move the lines under the river to allow cruise ships safe passage Latin America. to New Orleans. Fowler is also active in the civic sector. He serves on the board of directors of the World — Robin Shannon LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2005 35 LEADERSHIPinLAW

James M. Garner Positiion: co-managing partner, Sher Garner Cahill Richter Klein and Hilbert Family: wife, Tracie; son, Ethan; and daughters, Caitlin and Maggie Education: bachelor of science, (summa cum laude, valedictorian), Tulane University; juris doctorate, Tulane University Law School

James Garner has delved into a myriad of complexities as a lawyer but he derives career satis- litigation and insurance coverage litigation. faction for a simplistic reason: “The opportunity to help people solve their problems.” Garner has served as lead council and specialized in complex and commercial litigation “The problems clients bring to us are very personal and things, which not only affect their in cases in eight states. He is admitted to practice before the federal courts in Arkansas and business, but daily lives as well,” he said. “The most rewarding part of the practice is not the Mississippi and all courts in Texas and Louisiana. victories that we persuade judges and juries to render in favor of our clients, but the smiles and At Tulane University Law School, Garner was a member of the board of editors and man- joy we get to provide to the clients.” aging editor of the Tulane Law Review.As an undergraduate at Tulane,he was a member of the A third-generation New Orleanian from turn-of-the-century immigrant ancestors, Garner Tau Beta Pi,Phi Eta Sigma, Omega Chi Epsilon, and Omicron Delta Kappa honor societies. believes he is fortunate. He employs his talents in the professional and civic spheres to show Garner has been a member of the American, Louisiana, and Federal Bar associations; the his appreciation to the city’s community. Defense Research Institute; the Louisiana Bankers Association; and the Louisiana “We (lawyers) are role models and bear the responsibility to give back to those less Association of Business and Industry. fortunate,” he said. Garner also feels lawyers have an obligation to educate the public His volunteer time includes membership with Holy Cross High School’s board of direc- about the legal system and to aid and assist those who need help but who may not have tors; Our Lady of Holy Cross College’s Development Board; and Tulane University’s admis- the resources. sions council and the externship committee. He also is a den leader in the Cub Scouts. Garner has specialized in professional liability litigation, toxic tort and environmental — Matt Jones 36 LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2005 LEADERSHIPinLAW

William F. Grace Jr. Position: general partner, Chaffe McCall Family: wife, Anne; sons, William III, Robert; daughter, Anne Education: bachelor of arts, Tulane University; juris doctorate, Tulane University Law School; masters degree in taxation, New York University

The first case of William Grace’s career caught him a little by surprise as he was thrown years, I gravitated to the legal profession.” to the legal wolves, so to speak. Grace said his concentration at Chaffe McCall is state and local taxation and litigation. “I did all the grunt work and worked a case up for trial, but I never anticipated I would “I love litigation,” Grace said. “And with a strong substantive background in tax, the actually appear in this multi-million dollar case as a lawyer in the courtroom.” combination works well for me, almost as a niche market.” In his first year of practice, Grace and Harry McCall Jr. defended Ford Motor Co. and Early in his career, Grace had the opportunity to argue before the U.S. Supreme Court, Ford Motor Credit Co. in an antitrust/breach of contract lawsuit. but he chose to flip a coin with a younger partner instead. Grace explained that his firm “During our walk to court on the morning of trial, McCall turned to me and asked if I was representing D.H. Holmes, which was fighting a use tax imposed by the Louisiana had my opening statement ready.Fortunately,I had played out every conceivable scenario Department of Revenue. He said the young partner he flipped with had handled part of so I was prepared to defend either parties’ interests.” the case as a young associate. Grace said the case ended with both clients being granted a directed verdict at the close “I probably could have gone ahead and argued the case because of seniority, but I of plaintiff’s evidence. thought flipping a coin was more equitable,” Grace said. “I lost the flip, which may not Grace began practicing law in 1976 as an associate with Chaffe McCall. His encour- have been too terrible if we had won the case, but we didn’t.” agement to pursue the legal profession came from two old family friends, he said. Grace serves on the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board, the boards of WYES-TV “Harry McCall Jr. and Earnest Carrere, two very prominent and outstanding trial and the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce. Grace is also a member of the Audubon lawyers, inspired me to the legal profession,” Grace said. “I admired both these gentlemen Park Commission, and chairman of the Mayor’s Mardi Gras Advisory Committee. who were also active civic leaders. And after listening to many of their stories over many — Robin Shannon LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2005 37 LEADERSHIPinLAW

Mat M. Gray III Position: partner, Fowler Rodriguez and Chalos Family: wife, Blanche; daughters, Michelle and Shalon Education: bachelor of arts, Tulane University; juris doctorate, Tulane University Law School; masters degree in taxation, New York University

Mat Gray has argued a couple of insurance cases that resulted in precedents, but it’s the a valuable, if understated, lesson. “It got me away from the win-at-all-costs attitude that we case when he was asked to argue against his client that sticks out in his memory. see a lot,” he said. “It made me decide right then and there not to be sarcastic about what “I had written what I thought was a very good brief and my opponent had not. It was we call the ‘plaintiff bar’ - not to be overly competitive with other defense lawyers, and to to dismiss his case. When I finished my argument ... (Judge Alvin Rubin) said, ‘Mr. Gray, try to always create a consensus on how to solve our mutual clients’ problems.” based upon what you’ve told me, I would have to rule in your favor, but your opponent That was 25 years ago. Today, Gray covers “insurance in the broadest sense” - cover- has not written the same type of brief. He has not brought anything to the court’s atten- age disputes and personal-injury and property-damage claims, mostly with an emphasis tion. Would you tell me all the facts against you that you discovered in the case and in writ- on maritime and energy cases. Among his precedent-making cases include Culver v.Slater ing the brief?’” Boat Company,during which he persuaded the court to adopt new methods of estimating Gray said he told the judge he didn’t think that request was appropriate, but Rubin lost wages. reminded him that as a lawyer he was an officer of the court. Gray said he is committed to helping young lawyers see the wisdom behind Judge “Is it your job to win when you shouldn’t?” Rubin asked. “Or is it your job to make the Rubin’s action. “I think this radiates out as you mentor younger lawyers and as you deal sure the real facts in the case are disclosed, the correct law is applied, and then argue the with other lawyers of any age. I think you engender this type of cooperation in the com- case based upon the genuine facts and the correct law or an extension of the correct law?” munity, and I like to think it’s made somewhat of a difference.” Gray complied and eventually had the case dismissed, but not before he came away with — Faith Dawson 38 LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2005 LEADERSHIPinLAW

Harry S. Hardin III Position: senior partner, Jones Walker Waechter Poitevent Carrere and Denegre Family: wife, Ellen Lutz; children, Simms, Elizabeth and Allison Education: bachelor of arts, Harvard University; juris doctorate, Tulane University Law School

When Harry S. Hardin III assumes a Board of Governors position with the American Bar “Almost every case is different. The clients’ problems are all different,” he said. “So Association this summer, he will take with him more than 30 years of business-law expe- you’re having to learn new substantive law, getting to learn the clients’ business or indus- rience, all with Jones Walker Waechter Poitevent Carrere and Denegre and extensive com- try, you’re having to learn a complex set of facts that take place over a number of months mittee work with the American, Louisiana and New Orleans bar associations. or even years. They’re very non-routine.” Hardin’s litigation experience encompasses transportation cases, contracts and copy- On the other hand, some long-term clients he works with provide cases with recurring right. In one case, he was part of a massive legal team assembled to represent CSX issues, which balances out the courtroom experience. Transportation in a class-action suit filed after one of its tank cars burned and released Hardin said he looks forward to his three-year term on the ABA Board of Governors, chemicals in Gentilly.The case involved almost a decade of initial work and a solid year of to which he was appointed by the organization’s president. He also serves as the chair of intense preparation for the trial. the Louisiana Supreme Court’s Judicial Campaign Oversight Committee and on the Hardin also argued in front of the Louisiana Supreme Court on behalf of the Denham board of directors of the American Judicature Society. Springs Bass Pro Shop tax increment financing case. He was named to The Best Lawyers in America’s 2003-04 edition. “The tax incremental financing statute was new and complex and it had not been Hardin serves as chairman of the finance committee of St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian examined by many courts. It was a big project involving the Bass Pro Shop. It was a very Church and will also become board chairman of Louise S. McGehee School this summer. exciting case because all the justices of the Supreme Court were very actively involved in As for future plans, “I’m looking forward to my daughter graduating from college and questioning during the case,” he said. getting a job and my younger daughter learning how to drive,” he said. Business litigation appeals to Hardin because of the variety of the cases he sees. — Faith Dawson LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2005 39 LEADERSHIPinLAW

Russ M. Herman Position: senior partner, Herman Herman Katz and Cotlar Family: wife, Barbara; son, Steven; and daughters, Penny Grismore and Elizabeth Herman Education: bachelor’s degree, Tulane University; juris doctorate, Tulane University Law School

Russ Herman believes all a good lawyer needs is a client and a cause and an ability to laugh books in various aspects of the field of civil trial practice. at himself. Herman employed his talents and industry acumen to create a six-volume video called “Making a difference is what inspires me in my professional life,” he said. “Making a dif- “Courtroom Persuasion; Art, Drama and Science” and a book of the same title. ference for the clients, making a difference for society. The results of a particular case can He has frequently appeared on Good Morning America, the Today Show, and various change society for the better, and that gives you a great deal of satisfaction.” radio and television programs and has published op-ed pieces in and has been interviewed Herman has been selected for listings in “Best Lawyers in America” and the “National by the Washington Post, the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, National Law Law Journal named him one of Louisiana’s Top Ten Litigators.” He was the subject of a Journal and USA Today. feature in Fortune magazine for his litigation accomplishments and the recipient of On his belief in community involvement, Herman says it is about paying back. “Lawyers Leonard M. Ring Champion of Justice Award, the highest award from the American Trial are in the upper one half of 1 percent of educated and economically advantaged people in Lawyers Association. the world. To disassociate yourself from your community shows a lack of morality.” In 1977, the Louisiana Trial Lawyers Association chose Herman “Outstanding Trial Herman has served on the board of directors for the Association of Community Lawyer” and he later served as LTLA president. Organizations for Reform Now, Board of Zoning Adjustments; Louisiana Racing Herman has served on the faculty of the Practicing Law Institute and the National Commission; Jewish Welfare Federation; and as director of Jewish Family and Children’s College of Trial Advocacy and lectured at Louisiana State, Tulane,Loyola and Georgetown Services. universities and Hastings College. He has published more than 200 articles, papers and — Matt Jones 40 LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2005 LEADERSHIPinLAW

Bill Hines Position: chairman, executive committee, and section head, commercial business and energy section, Jones Walker Waechter Poitevent Carrere and Denegre Family: wife, Mary; children, Walker, Mary Wyatt and Ashland Education: bachelor of arts, Princeton University, Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs; juris doctorate, University of Virginia School of Law

After graduation from Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and “I started at the bottom,doing a lot of the lower-end legal work for them as a young lawyer International Affairs, Bill Hines had to decide whether to attend business school or law in 1982, and I’ve been able to move from ’82 to 2005 to doing their more significant trans- school. He chose law school — but the glamorous life of a litigator held no interest for him. actional legal work. That’s certainly been rewarding.” Hines preferred transactional law. “My other real interest is international legal transactional work,” he said. “ ... If I could do “Transactional law is productive and creative. We are buying companies, selling compa- it all day,if I could have a full desk of international corporate transactional work, that’s what nies,” he said. I would like. New Orleans has a fair amount of it.” As head of the commercial business and energy section of Jones Walker Waechter Besides affiliations with civic organizations — including economic development, edu- Poitevent Carrere and Denegre, a firm he has worked for since 1982, Hines oversees exact- cation, arts and entertainment, and sports — around New Orleans, Hines served on the ly those responsibilities, including projects with international angles. transition teams of Mayor C. Ray Nagin and Gov. Kathleen Babineaux Blanco. A New Orleans native who seems to take great pleasure in developing professional rela- Though Hines’ work is firmly rooted in the city,traveling and working on international pro- tionships with locally based companies and decoding complex legal situations, Hines said jects remain two of his passions. “One of the more enjoyable (projects) — not just intellectual- two such companies have presented satisfying challenges. One is Freeport-McMoRan, ly but from a pure fun standpoint — was a metals deal I worked on for a client,” he said. “We whose mining operations Hines has worked on since 1995. Going back even further is closed it at the Paris Air Show.That was, frankly,a very enjoyable project to work on.” International Shipholding, which was one of his first projects after joining Jones Walker. — Faith Dawson LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2005 41 LEADERSHIPinLAW

John Houghtaling Position: managing partner, Gauthier Houghtaling Williams and Sulzer Family: single Education: bachelor of arts, Emory University, Atlanta; juris doctorate, Loyola University School of Law

John Houghtaling’s resume does not betray his age. He seems to have hit his stride as a per- Houghtaling’s charitable involvement includes the Ferrari French Quarter Classic, which he sonal injury lawyer at 33. founded six years ago and from which all profits are donated to the Cancer Crusaders organization. “Most lawyers in my position are in their 50s”, he said. “The founder of the firm that I work for, Wendell Gaulthier, passed three years ago of Houghtaling attributes his quick ascent in the legal field to changes in the system cancer. I had a grandfather who died of cancer. It’s something that, unfortunately, seems to imposed under Gov.Mike Foster meant to protect small businesses from frivolous lawsuits. touch everyone ... I like Cancer Crusaders because it’s run 100 percent by volunteers, so all The limitations enacted to prevent people from making fraudulent use of the legal system of the funds go to local research organizations.” also limited people who had been injured or disadvantaged from taking legal action. And the cars? “I’ve loved them since I was a little kid. I guess I just never grew up,” “When I first started, people said, ‘Gosh, John, you really ought to do something else,” Houghtaling said. “I have a collection of Italian sports cars. It’s funny. All my cars are ‘85, Houghtaling said. “I went ahead and did this because I’m really a big victims’ rights person.” ‘86 models - the ones I dreamt about as a kid.” As a plaintiff lawyer in personal injury and wrongful death suits, Houghtaling has col- The French Quarter Classic is held over several days in November and features amateur lected over $35 million for individual clients in the past three years. His major court victo- racing and car shows. ries include a settlement for $4.7 million for a drunk driver fatality in 2004 and a settlement “I think of it more as an art show,” he said. for $12 million for a Louisiana business due to contamination of its land in 2003. — Kathryn Jezer-Morton 42 LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2005 LEADERSHIPinLAW

Richard Ieyoub Position: partner, Couhig Partners Family: wife, Caprice; daughters, Amy, Nicole, Khoury and Anna Michael; and sons, Brennan, Richard Jr. and Christian. Education: bachelors degree in history, McNeese State University; juris doctorate, Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center

During three terms as Louisiana’s attorney general from 1991 to 2003, Richard Ieyoub Under Ieyoub’s guidance, Louisiana was the fifth state. established the state Supreme Court as “an activist court.” “That settlement led to the uncovering of crucial evidence against the tobacco industry,” “In addition to fulfilling the constitutional and statutory duties of the attorney general, Ieyoub said. “That led states to file against the larger companies. What I think was significant was I used the power of the agency to create responsive programs for the people,” he said. that it forced the companies to change the way they did business and they way they advertised.” During his political career, Ieyoub used the law to initiate social programs more com- After moving on from politics in 2004,Ieyoub joined Couhig Partners in New Orleans and monly associated with social workers. He says he is most proud of this aspect of his career. is now working on establishing a Baton Rouge office, where he resides with his family. One of the widely praised program’s Ieyoub’s office founded is the U Drink, U Drive, Switching to civil, criminal litigation and appeals work was a big transition from 25 U Walk program. Begun in 1997, it targeted underage drinking by educating teenagers years in politics, but Ieyoub is taking it in stride. about drunk driving laws and coordinating law enforcement sting operations on busi- “There was a time that I thought there was no life after politics,” he said. “I’m happy to nesses responsible for selling alcohol to minors. The U.S. Department of Highway Safety say I don’t miss politics at all.” named the statewide program one of the best in the country. Ieyoub is active on the advisory board of St. Jude’s Childrens Research Hospital in Louisiana took a most significant step in the historic litigation against tobacco companies Baton Rouge and is on the board of directors at Family Road, which provides social pro- while Ieyoub was on the attorney general’s bench. The case against the Liggitt Tobacco Co.was grams for the needy in the Baton Rouge area. one of the first of its kind; Liggitt’s president refused to settle unless at least five states filed suits. — Kathryn Jezer-Morton LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2005 43 LEADERSHIPinLAW

Donna G. Klein Position: head of the health care section, McGlinchey Stafford Family: husband, Russell; daughter, Robin; and son, Steven Education: bachelor’s degree in nursing, University of South Florida-Manatee College; attended Loyola University; juris doctorate, Tulane University Law School

Before she became a lawyer, Donna Klein was an intensive care nurse where she saw fam- to kickbacks and physician’s self-referral. ilies grapple with the legal issues surrounding sickness, life and death. Another special practice area is the defense of qui tam cases — those stemming from a That experience started her thinking about the possibility of a new career. legal provision that allows whistleblowers to bring lawsuits on behalf of the U.S. govern- “I loved being a nurse,” Klein said, “but I had always been intrigued with the idea of ment against persons accused of fraud. being an attorney.” Klein was a member of the health care transition teams of three Louisiana governors: Klein started taking law classes while still working as a nurse. After taking a few years Kathleen Babineaux Blanco, Mike Foster and Edwin Edwards. Each governor took a differ- off to care for her young children, she decided to go to law school full time. ent approach to the transition team’s assignment, she said. With Foster, Klein headed a sub- After she received her law degree from Tulane University in 1981, Klein worked at Jones committee on health care pricing and payment structures at the Department of Health and Walker Waechter Poitevent Carrere and Denegre, where she clerked as a law student. Hospitals, while Blanco’s health care team evaluated applications for the DHH director. She left Jones Walker in 1988 as a partner to join McGlinchey Stafford. Klein is a board member and head of the leadership training program of the Metropolitan Today, as head of McGlinchey Stafford’s health care practice section, Klein handles Area Committee/Council for a Better New Orleans. She also chairs the organization’s public cases involving federal and state regulation and accreditation, integrated delivery systems, safety task force; is on the boards of the Louisiana Children’s Museum and Dryades YMCA, medical staffing, Medicare reimbursement, joint ventures and other issues. and a member of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry’s Health Care Task Force. “We handle a lot of contractual matters between physicians and hospitals and with physi- For Klein, the most enjoyable part of being a lawyer is the interaction with clients. cians who are acquiring other physicians‚ groups,” Klein said. “We are currently assisting in “I would not want to be just sitting in front of a computer all day,” she said. “These the restructuring of a very large (medical) entity that has a lot of legal considerations.” clients rely on my recommendations and my judgment. The buck stops at my desk.” For instance, Klein’s legal team must ensure the client’s compliance with laws related — Sonya Stinson 44 LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2005 LEADERSHIPinLAW

Roselyn Koretzky Position: partner, Milling Benson Woodward; chair, health care practice group Family: husband, Barry Schwartz; daughter, Arielle; and son, Harlan Education: bachelor of science in education, Louisiana State University; master’s degree in education, Boston University; juris doctorate, Tulane University Law School

As a specialist in health and hospital law and legal issues affecting the elderly, Roselyn “I have a strong interest in serving my community and its development with respect for its Koretzky works in a field that is constantly transforming to keep up with changing issues. Her humanity and economy,” she said. additional practice in education law also keeps her readjusting. Koretzky is the president of the Greater New Orleans Women’s Healthcare Executive “The changes that I have noted in the legal field during my career are the impact of tech- Network and serves on the boards of United Way’s Women’s Leadership Initiative, nology, the interface of economic development and the expansion and complexities of prac- WYES-TV, the New Orleans Council on Aging and the Women’s Professional Council. tice areas,” she said. She was a member of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute’s class of 2003. Koretzky has remained in the forefront of her field thanks to her curiosity and interest in Koretzky has referenced Leadership Louisiana and the Institute of Politics and was recog- burgeoning practice areas: biotechnology and the film and entertainment industries. nized by the Youth Leadership Council as a role model. “For me, it continues to be exciting to blend these burgeoning practice areas with my tra- “The most interesting challenge of my legal career has been juggling commitments to fam- ditional practice areas.” ily,career and community service. I am fortunate to have a very supportive and loving family, While she recognizes the innovation telecommunication and computer systems provide as well as sufficient control and autonomy of my practice,” she said. business, she conceded “face-to-face communications with clients are preferable.” In 2001, Koretzky was recognized among the CityBusiness Women of the Year. Having presented lectures on health care policies and elder care to attorneys, community “It continues to be gratifying to have the opportunity to serve as a mentor to younger groups, law schools and health professionals, Koretzky has prioritized raising community attorneys,” she said. awareness of the issues she covers. — Kathryn Jezer-Morton LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2005 45 LEADERSHIPinLAW

Cheryl Mollere Kornick Position: shareholder, Liskow & Lewis, APLC Family: husband, Ronald; daughters, Lauren and Lindsay Education: bachelor of arts, master’s in education, University of New Orleans; juris doctorate, Loyola University School of Law

New Orleans native Cheryl Mollere Kornick began her career as a high-school English Bass Pro Shop in Denham Springs and a hotel project in the World Trade Center build- teacher but later reconsidered education in favor of the law. ing in New Orleans. Ten years after she graduated from the University of New Orleans, she graduated first “Those have been very fast-track, very interesting cases talking a lot about the in her class, summa cum laude, from Loyola University School of Law. Louisiana Constitution and how you can use public money,” she said. “I think those are Today,a commercial litigator,Kornick specializes in tax and energy cases at Liskow & Lewis. interesting and important cases.” “I saw myself litigating,” Kornick said. “I liked the public-speaking aspect of it but I “What I like about my position is I get to kind of adjust to what comes along,” she said. really didn’t have a good idea when I went into law school of exactly what I would be “I like commercial litigation, I like the disputes over statutes, the meanings of law, and as doing on a day-to-day basis. things change I like to be able to change a little bit. I like the fact that I’m not doing the “I like the competitive aspect of litigation. It’s adversarial and some people don’t like same kinds of cases I was doing five years ago.” the adversarial aspect. I like it. I find it creative, trying to determine how to take a really Kornick’s two daughters, Lindsey and Lauren, are high schoolers and members of the complex situation, which is most of what I deal with, and translate it into terms that are swim team; she and her husband, Ronald Kornick, attend meets and other school activi- understandable.” ties. Ronald Kornick also oversees a nonprofit sports hall of fame in St. Bernard Parish. Kornick originally joined Liskow & Lewis because she liked the firm, which has a Within the firm, she headed the United Way giving campaign and chaired the recruit- strong tradition of energy clients, and subsequently began handling energy cases. Among ing and pro bono committees. Kornick now serves as one of its seven directors. the cases she has been involved with are two tax increment financing cases involving the — Faith Dawson 46 LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2005 LEADERSHIPinLAW

Steven J. Lane Position: managing partner, Herman Herman Katz and Coltar Family: wife, Mary Jan; daughter, Lauren Education: bachelor’s degree, State University of New York at Buffalo; law degree, Loyola University School of Law

Steven Lane always had a sense that he was “pretty lucky.” It led him to the practice of law, “People need to be put on notice that they can’t drive drunk,” he said. “Society benefits helping others who were less fortunate or one way or another wronged. and New Orleans sends the message that they won’t tolerate drunk drivers.” Lane has spent his entire career with Herman Herman Katz and Cotlar where he now Several years ago, Lane took his fight for justice from the courtroom to the classroom. serves as the managing partner. He began with a concentration in family law and has been a The Orleans Parish School Board appointed him to sit on a citizens committee charged member of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers since 1987. In 2004, he was with resolving issues of racial discrimination in the application process to the magnet selected to Best Lawyers in America. schools. The federal government accepted the plan and “for the most part, the complaints While Lane still handles some family law cases, he is now predominantly involved with have gone away.” class action lawsuits. In a recent class action, he represented African Americans from the Lane handles a variety of cases for the New Orleans City Council involving utility rates. South and Northeast who were sold burial insurance in the 1940s and 1950s at a higher “Our job is to ensure that utility rates are maintained at a level affordable to citizens and price than whites and when needed, didn’t live up to the promises made by the salesmen. acceptable to the City Council.” Lane successfully sued some of the largest insurance companies in the country and received Lane gives presentations at various law schools and will soon teach a course at Loyola compensation for his clients. University School of Law on the practical aspects of how to be a lawyer and how to try a case. He hopes that his cases send a message to those who break the law. Several years ago, In the community, Lane serves as the vice president of the Jerome S. Glaser Foundation Lane won the highest jury award for punitive damages, $850,000, in a drunk-driving case, and is on the board of the New Orleans Music Legends. Dekeyser v. All State and State Farm. — Beth Branley LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2005 47 LEADERSHIPinLAW

J. Dwight LeBlanc Jr. Position: general partner, Chaffe McCall Family: wife, Janie; sons, J. Dwight III and Beau; and daughters, Beth and Ashley Education: bachelor of business administration, Tulane University; juris doctorate, Tulane University Law School

Despite a distinguished legal career spanning 41 years, J. Dwight LeBlanc Jr. appraises his Judge Advocate General’s Corps of the U.S. Army. LeBlanc litigates a variety of maritime wife and children as his most successful achievements. It is trademark modesty from a man issues such as collision field, cargo field, personal injury and pollution cases for one of the who was instrumental in a precedent-setting decision of admiralty law. oldest firms in New Orleans. The Testbank rule resulted from a case involving the 1980 collision of two vessels on “I would not be anything without the support of my fellow lawyers in the admiralty the Mississippi River-Gulf outlet. A chemical, pentachlorophenol, spilled into the water field,” said LeBlanc. “It is very important that people understand that everybody has their when the outbound West German container ship Testbank collided with the inbound own particular skill and, as long as you draw on those skills properly, you put out a much Panamanian bulk carrier Sea Daniel. The accident closed the waterway and damaged the better product for your client.” seafood industry and marinas. LeBlanc is the vice president of the World Trade Center and serves as head of the trans- “In that particular case, and properly so, it was ruled that the fisherman, shrimpers, portation committee of the WTC. LeBlanc is also chairman of the New Orleans Port oystermen all had a right to claim losses under Louisiana law,” said LeBlanc. “I repre- Safety and sits on the New Orleans National Advisory Committee for the Admiralty Law sented one of the ships in the collision and ultimately that ship was found blameless. Institute. There were four Testbank decisions because people were filing claims against both vessels A New Orleans native, LeBlanc is an aficionado of sailing and was president of the New and the rule of law was established.” Orleans Olympic Sailing Association. LeBlanc has been with Chaffe McCall since 1963 following a two-year stint with the — Jaime Guillet 48 LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2005 LEADERSHIPinLAW

Wayne J. Lee Position: member, chair, commercial litigation practice group, Stone Pigman Walther Wittmann Family: wife, Pamela; son, Wayne Jr.; and daughter, Jennifer Badon Education: bachelor’s degree in political science, Tulane University; law degree, Tulane University Law School

Wayne Lee has spent the entire 31 years of his legal career at the firm he joined right after More recently,Lee represented the National Collegiate Athletic Association against a law- graduating from Tulane University Law School. suit by student athletes seeking the right to play despite being ruled academically ineligible. “I’ve had a lot of interesting cases along the way,” said Lee, who chairs the commercial As immediate past president of the Louisiana State Bar Association, Lee continues to litigation practice group at Stone Pigman Walther Wittmann. work with its task force on diversity in the profession, which is scheduled to report to the Over that time, he has established a reputation as one of the nation’s top attorneys in association’s House of Delegates at the end of 2005. the field of business litigation and just completed a term as the first African-American During his presidency,the state bar became more active in the Legislature, establishing a president of the Louisiana Bar Association. special committee to review bills and determine what position, if any,the association should The firm had only 14 lawyers when Lee started so the associates had an opportunity to take. The association also formed a committee on judicial independence under Lee’s watch. gain broad experience, he said. One of his earliest assignments was to help represent Last year, the LSBA commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Brown versus Board of Schwegmann Bros. Giant Super Markets Inc. in a major antitrust case that included 50 Education Supreme Court decision that integrated public schools. With an aim toward defendants from around the country. It was the largest case of his career in terms of the increasing public education on the judicial process, the association sponsored a program number of litigants involved. for high school students that included panel discussions with lawyers and legal educators. In the 1980s, Lee was part of the legal team that represented the Louisiana Public “I think we’ve tended to lose sight of what the judicial system is about,” Lee said. Service Commission in its suit against the United Gas Pipeline Co. for failing to deliver “People tend to be very result oriented. (In any legal dispute) someone is going to lose, but natural gas to utility customers. that doesn’t mean the process wasn’t fair.” “We received over $100 million that was returned to the customers,” Lee said. — Sonya Stinson LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2005 49 LEADERSHIPinLAW

Jonathan McCall Position: general partner, Chaffe McCall Family: wife, Jane; son, Jonathan Jr.; and daughter, Alston Education: bachelor’s degree in political science, Princeton University; juris doctorate, Tulane University Law School

Jonathan McCall always has practiced civil law but he will never forget his first experience in McCall said writing motions for summary judgments, a situation in which the case is dis- front of a jury. missed before trial, is his favorite aspect of his work. “My first jury trial was defending someone accused of armed robbery in criminal district McCall is quick to recall a few rare occasions when jury members have waited after trial court,” McCall said. “My firm had gotten the call to provide a public defender and I was the to speak with him. lowest guy on the ladder so I had to take it. Somehow he was acquitted at trial and it’s fair to “It’s not all the time that the jury waits to talk with you,” McCall said. “After we obtained say nothing was scary after that.” a favorable verdict in a house fire case, the jurors waited for me in the hall and said they real- McCall’s two main areas of concentration in law include products liability cases and life ly believed in the their verdict. That was more rewarding than winning the trial.” insurance defense. His clients have ranged from Sears, Roebuck and Co., which he defend- McCall participates in a variety of organizations but said he considers his time on the local ed in a $100 million breach-of-contract case, to Ochsner Foundation and Firestone Tire and and regional boards of the American Red Cross to be his most fulfilling. Rubber Co. “I have a deep admiration for everything the Red Cross does and that’s why I’ve stayed McCall described a typical scenario in a life insurance case involving suicide. with them for more than 25 years,” McCall said. “You have to prove someone committed suicide and is not entitled to the life insurance,” McCall is a member emeritus of the board of governors of Tulane University Health Sciences McCall said. “Since the person’s not around to testify,the case is almost completely built on Center and a former chairman of the board of Tulane University Hospital. He is an active mem- circumstantial evidence. ber of the board of trustees for WYES-TV,the New Orleans public television station. “One case I handled turned on evidence from the coroner on the manner of the wound In his spare time, McCall enjoys horseback riding at Cascade Farms in Audubon Park. and we settled out of court for a small amount.” — Jaime Guillet 50 LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2005 LEADERSHIPinLAW

Michael McGlone Position: partner, Lemle and Kelleher Family: wife, Suzanne; son, Kevin; daughters, Kathleen and Meghan Education: bachelor’s degree (cum laude) in economics and management, Loyola University; juris doctorate, Loyola University School of Law

Maritime attorney and New Orleans native Michael McGlone may litigate cases involving “The towboat that I represented rescued 90-plus,” McGlone said. “Meeting those indi- international parties and high dollar figures, but he says defending smaller interests can be viduals and representing that company was a thrill. I mean, you’re dealing with heroes.” more rewarding. McGlone also litigated in the case involving the offshore rig, Ocean Ranger. “Cases representing individuals who had very small companies where the claims “The Ocean Ranger at that time was one of, if not the largest drilling rig in the world,” against them exceeded their assets and insurance coverage have been important to me,” he said. “It capsized off the coast of Canada, killing everyone onboard. It was fascinating McGlone said. “Being able to resolve them in such a way that they are all able to retain not handling a case where there were no witnesses and you’re dealing with radio transmis- only their businesses, but their home and personal belongings is rewarding.” sions. Putting all the pieces together was like constructing a jigsaw puzzle.” McGlone has been practicing admiralty and maritime law at Lemle and Kelleher for 29 years, McGlone is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. He served as president litigating before various state and federal courts. He describes his average case to be the defense of the New Orleans chapter of the Federal Bar Association, has been a member of the of a vessel owner who is sued, generally by an employee, for some type of personal injury. Tulane University Law School Maritime Planning Committee, among other affiliations, “I have been involved in very significant maritime matters in the Gulf of Mexico, Bay of and also has authored a variety of legal articles. Campeche, the Mediterranean, South China Sea and the North Atlantic involving signifi- McGlone cites his work with the Jesuit High School Parents‚ Annual Giving Drive and cant companies and resources,” McGlone said. the work he does at Dominican High School as some of his more rewarding “off-hour” Settlements are not always what matter, McGlone is quick to point out in referring to a involvement. case in which he represented a towboat that sank in the Bay of Campeche with more than McGlone has been a partner at Lemle and Kelleher since 1981. 100 people onboard during hurricane weather. — Jaime Guillet LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2005 51 LEADERSHIPinLAW

Robert W. Mouton Position: managing partner, Locke Liddell and Sapp Family: sons, Christopher and Ryan Education: masters of business administration, Tulane University; juris doctorate, Tulane University Law School

Robert Mouton consistently strives to bring commerce to New Orleans — on the clock and Orleans properties including the Texaco Building, Hotel Meridian and Country Inn Suites. off. In addition to heading his firm’s finance, real estate and banking section, he is co-founder “The Country Inn Suites and hotel on Camp Street, which is owned by the Carlson of the Tulane University A.B. Freeman School of Business Venture Capital Forum. Co., was a very difficult acquisition because the owners were not all in agreement to sell,” As a transactional attorney and managing partner for Locke Liddell and Sapp, Mouton said Mouton. “But we were able to negotiate a win-win situation for all parties and the negotiates purchase agreements and terms of acquisitions. In addition, he closes financing hotel has turned out to be a fantastic success. It’s a considerable economic development of national and local real estate and telecommunication assets. for the city. I think they’ll win some architecture awards.” Locke Liddell and Sapp is the product of the 1999 merger between the 100-year old Mouton said the good feeling of economic development persuaded him to contribute Houston firm Lidell Sapp Zivley Hill and LaBoon and the Dallas firm Lock Purnell to such community services as Idea Village, a publicly and privately funded venture capi- Rain Harrell. tal business incubator. The firm now houses a total of more than 400 employees in four cities. “The theory behind it is to provide start-up companies and new businesses with the “Some of the most memorable matters have been working with start-up companies,” expertise they wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford,” said Mouton. “So we solicit volunteers Mouton said. “I started out working with the Sutherland Tower Cos. in 1995 that was to provide free legal, accounting or other consulting services so they can become successful.” founded by two individuals. By the time they went public they had a few hundred employ- The Freeman Venture Capital Forum is similar in that it provides an arena and meeting ees, acquired over $2 billion in assets and we played a significant part in the acquisition.” place for new business owners to network and pitch their ideas to venture capital sources. Some of Mouton’s other clients include New York companies Thor Equities and Mouton, a New Orleans native, won the 2005 Louisiana Businessman of the Year from General Electric Capital Corp. and Nextel of Reston, Va. He has handled the financing or the National Business Advisory Council. acquisitions of Cortana Mall in Baton Rouge, Lafayette’s Mall of Acadiana and New — Jaime Guillet 52 LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2005 LEADERSHIPinLAW

Antonio J. Rodriguez Position: senior partner, Fowler, Rodriguez & Chalos Family: wife, Virginia; sons, Jake and Stephen Education: bachelor of science, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md.; juris doctorate (cum laude), Loyola University School of Law

Antonio Rodriguez, a retired naval captain, served as legal counsel for the commonwealth Maritime Transportation Security Act and Potential Vessel Owner Liability to Third Parties of Puerto Rico in a case against the tug boat Emily S., a major pollution case in January Resulting from a Terrorist Attack” in the University of San Francisco Maritime Law Journal. 1994 that involved cleanup costs of more than $100 million. “I am most proud of teaching at Tulane Law School and the graduate degree program That case established the relationship between an old doctrine, the limitation of liabil- in maritime law,” Rodriguez said. He also co-authored copyrighted course books titled ity, and the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. “Admiralty: The Law of Collision-Cases” and “Admiralty: The Law of Collision-Cases “That case reconciled how the two statutes worked together,” Rodriguez said. and Materials.” Rodriguez, an internationally recognized expert in maritime pollution and environ- “I’ve done a lot on the national level with navigation and safety and authored an 18-vol- mental law, lectures extensively on the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. ume treatise,” Rodriguez said. A maritime attorney with an emphasis on collision, Rodriguez is fluent in Spanish and Rodriguez is active in the National Advisory Councils to Commandment of the Coast French and was listed in “Who’s Who in American Law.” Since 1981, Rodriguez has been Guard, a member of the Maritime Law Association of the United States and chairman of an adjunct professor of law at the Tulane University Law School, teaching a specialized the International Safety Management Code Study Group. admiralty course in the law of collision, limitation of liability and oil pollution. Rodriguez also has a distinguished public service award from the United States Rodriguez is published voluminously on the subject of maritime environmental pollu- Department of Transportation and the U.S. Coast Guard. tion. He most recently published an article, “When Your Ship is in the Bull’s Eye: The — Jaime Guillet LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2005 53 LEADERSHIPinLAW

Dionne M. Rousseau Position: partner, Jones Walker Waechter Poitevent Carrere and Denegre Family: husband, John Pojman Sr.; son, John Jr. Education: bachelor of arts (magna cum laude), Georgetown University; juris doctorate (with honors), University of Chicago

Even before she joined Jones Walker Waechter Poitevent Carrere and Denegre as a corpo- This spirit of helping those less fortunate also guides Rousseau outside the office, in rate and securities lawyer, Dionne Rousseau had some experience in the complex world several community service efforts. She served four years in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of financial regulation. Prior to receiving her law degree from the University of Chicago, program as a mentor to a young child, and Rousseau has been a member of the board of she worked as an investment banker with Paine Webber in New York. directors for Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans since 1993. Rousseau enjoys helping to guide others through the muddy swamp of transactional “I believe individuals, particularly acting together, can solve the problems faced by our law. city and region. And I want to be a part of that,” Rousseau said. “Personally I like the sat- “I like playing a part in achieving my clients’ business objectives,” Rousseau said. “I isfaction of making a positive difference in someone else’s life. That’s one reason I enjoyed like helping get the client from ‘I’d like to raise $300 million to do X’ or ‘I’d like to buy being a Big Sister and now enjoy being a Junior Achievement volunteer.” business Y’ to the realization of those goals.” Rousseau was an adjunct faculty member at Loyola University School of Law, and is Rousseau said one her biggest successes came when a CEO approached her with his responsible each year for organizing the Tulane Burkenroad Reports SEC Conference. company in the middle of a hostile tender takeover attempt. Rousseau was selected one of the City Business “Women of the Year” in 2003. That “He believed the hostile bidder intended to lay off many of the company’s employees same year, she helped organize and was the keynote speaker at the “New Orleans Does if successful,” Rousseau said. Business Right” Conference. She was responsible for representing the large public company in formulating, financ- Rousseau also has been named a “Leader in Their Field” by Chambers USA. Since ing and executing a competing offer to go private with the business. 2001, she has been included in “The Best Lawyers in America.” “It was complex, fast-paced. We won and we saved over 1,500 jobs,” Rousseau said. — Joe Rosemeyer 54 LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2005 LEADERSHIPinLAW

Leopold Sher Position: co-managing partner, Sher Garner Cahill Richter Klein and Hilbert Family: wife, Karen; daughters, Rose and Samantha Education: bachelor of arts (cum laude), Tulane University; juris doctorate, Tulane University Law School

Leopold Sher began his legal career practicing different kinds of civil law but gravitated to Sher is an active member of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers with whom he what he liked best: commercial real estate and business and finance law. served as treasurer and a member of the executive board. He was selected in 1991 to the “I consider myself a business lawyer,” he said. Anglo-American Real Property Institute and served as a member of its governing board. Sher also practices in the areas of commercial litigation, creditors’ rights, workouts and “That was a huge honor,” Sher said. “It’s the premiere group for real estate lawyers. Only 50 foreclosures, commercial bankruptcy, arbitration and mediation, secured finance and asset attorneys from the United States and 50 real estate practitioners from Great Britain are members.” based lending. Chambers and Partners chose Sher and three of his firm’s attorneys in 2004 as leading Wanting to create an organization with a unique philosophy,Sher and his partners opened business lawyers in real estate for its Chambers USA Client’s Guide. Sher Garner Cahill Richter Klein and Hilbert in 1999. None of the 40 attorneys have indi- “It’s a great honor because our clients are the ones praising our work,” he said. vidual clients. They all belong to the firm. Sher lectures on environmental law, limited liability companies, leases, title insurance and “We’re one big family and we operate in a team environment,” he said. “We’re not focused other areas related to his practice. on numbers or personal productivity.We are focused on the client’s needs.” As co-managing partner, he runs the business side of the organization with partner James Sher said the firm’s clients involve its lawyers in a plethora of interesting and complex cases. Garner.They handle the day-to-day operation including human resources issues,accounting, The firm rewards employees who mentor others, those who accept speaking engagements and firm policy and practice. and those who are involved in the community. — Beth Branley LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2005 55 LEADERSHIPinLAW

Mark Surprenant Position: partner, senior partner in charge, New Orleans office, Adams and Reese Family: wife, Judy; sons, Christopher and Jeffrey; and daughter, Jennifer Education: bachelor of arts, Fordham University; juris doctorate (cum laude), Loyola University School of Law

In late 2002, Mark Surprenant’s wife of nearly 30 years, Monica, suffered a nearly fatal ruptured on. In 1988, he founded Hope, Understanding, Giving and Support, Adams and Reese’s vol- brain aneurysm and several strokes. The trauma, Surprenant said, left his wife having to learn unteer service organization. HUGS reaches employees through the firm’s seven offices and basic things like speaking and writing all over again. serves more than 50 charitable organizations. “As a result of that,” Surprenant said, “I experienced not only the pain and despair, which Surprenant also founded the firm’s pro bono program, Caring Adams & Reese Employees, comes from a sudden catastrophic event happening to a loved one,but also the compassion,love and his pro bono work earned him an Outstanding Volunteer of the Year award in 2004 from and concern of those wanting to help me and my family however possible.” the Points of Light Foundation. With his good friend Judge Jay Zainey, Surprenant co-founded Support of Lawyers/Legal “I have been blessed in so many ways,” Surprenant said. “In thanksgiving for everything I Personnel, All Concern Encouraged, a program sponsored by the Louisiana State Bar have received, I recognize the responsibility that I have to use those talents and gifts in whatever Association. So far, 1,600 volunteers across the state have signed up to be a part of SOLACE, way possible to better the lives of those less fortunate.” Surprenant said, and about 200 individuals or families have been touched by the program. Surprenant focuses on product liability and toxic tort law at Adams and Reese. “We,as a legal community,can reach out with a helping hand and comforting heart to those “I enjoy the daily intellectual challenge of the practice of law,” Surprenant said. “And the judges, lawyers, court personnel, paralegals, secretaries and their families dealing with a death or many friendships I have formed over the years. Each day gives me a new opportunity to use my tragic event,” Surprenant said. God-given talents to the fullest.” SOLACE is one of several community service programs Surprenant has founded or worked — Joe Rosemeyer 56 LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2005 LEADERSHIPinLAW

Robert A. Vosbein Position: partner, Adams and Reese Family: wife, Debbye; son, Robert Jr.; and daughters, Lauren and Casey Education: bachelor’s degree, Tulane University; juris doctorate, Tulane University Law School

When Robert Vosbein started with Adams and Reese, the firm had 10 attorneys in one picture studios to use Louisiana’s tax incentive program passed in 2002. Since then he’s office. Today, 300 lawyers in seven cities comprise the firm Vosbein has helped guide closed tax credit transactions with New Regency, which filmed “Runaway Jury” and is through decades of change and growth. in production with “Getting Lucky,” 20th Century Fox, which filmed “Because of “I have held just about every management position in the firm over the years and have Winn-Dixie” and “Big Momma’s House 2” in the state, and Bristol Bay, which filmed been very involved in the business side of our firm’s development,” Vosbein said. “I am locally for “Ray.” very proud of our success and of our firm’s leadership role in giving back to the commu- “My career in the practice of law has given me the opportunity to work in a variety of nities where each one of our offices is located.” fields — everything from personal injury and all types of commercial litigation to a motion Vosbein has volunteered with several charitable organizations, including his role as the picture law practice which I am involved in today. It never gets dull because there always 2005 capital campaign chairman of Louisiana ArtWorks and serving as director of Adams seems to be something new and interesting,” Vosbein said. and Reese’s Hope, Understanding, Giving and Suport community service program. Vosbein attended Tulane University for his undergraduate and law degrees, and while “I feel like my years of experience have put me in a position where I can really help in law school served on the Tulane Moot Court Board and was the winner of the Tulane make a difference, and if people like myself don’t make this contribution, who will?” Moot Court Trial Competition.He received his juris doctorate in 1967 and then received Vosbein said. “Plus, it makes me feel good about myself that I am able to use my experi- a commission in the U.S. Navy Reserve Judge Advocate General Corps. Vosbein served ence and abilities to help others succeed. It just feels good.” for six years and achieved the rank of lieutenant commander. Vosbein has been a pioneer in devising Adams and Reese’s model for helping motion — Joe Rosemeyer LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2005 57 LEADERSHIPinLAW

David Ware Position: owner and managing attorney, David Ware and Associates Family: partner, Brad O’Hara; 12 “incredibly talented” nieces and nephews Education: bachelor’s degree (summa cum laude), Latin American studies, Yale University; juris doctorate, University of Texas School of Law

David Ware has more than 20 years of practice in immigration law. He started in the field immigrant issues, such as the Hispanic Apostolate and the Asian-Pacific American Society. just one year after earning his degree at the University of Texas School of Law, where he “I often speak at colleges, universities and conferences to international students, facul- served as research editor for the Texas International Law Journal. ty,and staff, as well as to professionals involved in international education and exchange,” Before law school, Ware said he took a look into the complex world of international Ware said. “The rest of the world has sent us its best and brightest, and it’s important that affairs during his undergraduate years at Yale University, focusing his studies on Latin we encourage them to remain among us and share their talents and points of view.” America and graduating summa cum laude. He also spent time at the Pontificia Ware also has been named an adjunct faculty member at Southern University School Universidad Catolica, in Lima, Peru, and the Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City, of Law. and was named a Fulbright-Hayes Scholar in Mexican Law. “I teach immigration and nationality law and feel it is important to interest more bright Despite having spent the better part of three decades on topics such as immigration minds in this area,” Ware said. policy,Ware says he still wakes up in the morning with a sense of commitment to his work. Ware said he’s proud of “building and nurturing an amazing staff and associates,” and “Knowing that I’m benefiting our long-term economic competitiveness, reuniting and is pleased that his firm is dedicated to “maintaining the strictest of ethical and legal stan- keeping families together, and further enriching the cultural tapestry that comprises this dards” given the practice’s high volume. nation of immigrants,” Ware said makes his practice worthwhile. Ware has consistently earned an AV rating, the highest in the Martindale-Hubbell legal Ware is also an active member of the American Immigration Lawyers’ Association and directory, and is a member of The Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers. National Association of Foreign Student Affairs and gives his time to organizations focused on — Joe Rosemeyer 58 LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2005 LEADERSHIPinLAW

Scott Whittaker Position: member, Stone Pigman Walther Wittmann Family: wife, Wendy; daughters, Rachel and Jenna Education: bachelor of arts (cum laude), Tulane University; juris doctorate (magna cum laude), Tulane University Law School

Scott Whittaker, chairman of Stone Pigman’s business section, is responsible for seeing mat- “I believe giving is an essential ingredient in the recipe for a happy and successful life,” ters that cross his desk through to their completion. Whittaker said. “Helping someone who is unable to return the favor is one of the most satis- “I often describe myself as a deal lawyer because my practice is basically helping clients fying things anyone can do. accomplish business transactions,” he said. “Whether it’s a securities private placement to “I find it interesting that those who take the time to help others also — without setting out help a development stage company grow,or a corporate merger to create a market leader, or a to do so — help themselves in the process.” real estate development project, the transactions I help with are usually positive steps in the Whittaker serves as chairman of the Louisiana Supreme Court Committee on Bar Admissions lives of the owners and companies I represent.” and served as the committee’s examiner for business entities and negotiable instruments, becom- He said his position as chairman allowed him to work with many of the firm’s employees. ing the committee’s first director of testing in 2002. He was installed as chairman in 2005. “The work here is challenging and exciting because, although we’re a mid-sized firm with “I think it’s important to give back to the legal profession, which has been very good to me. 55 lawyers and a total census of 125, we handle major transactions all over the country and It saddens me that a few bad apples have tarnished the reputation of this noble profession,” abroad, and large, complex litigation matters,” Whittaker said. “It gives me great satisfaction, Whittaker said. “I hope to help restore that reputation by ensuring as much as possible that the now that I am becoming a senior lawyer at the firm, to mentor young lawyers in my turn and men and women who are admitted to the bar in Louisiana possess not just the proper legal to see them mature and become capable, successful lawyers in their own right.” skills, but also the good moral character and fitness to be honest, trustworthy lawyers who are His desire to touch others’lives reaches beyond Stone Pigman’s doors.Whittaker and his wife, a credit to our profession.” Wendy,volunteer with the Helping Hands ministry in their parish, St. Philip Neri in Metairie. — Joe Rosemeyer