June 2, 2005

We’re No. 1 - Chambers USA gives us their top ranking among Louisiana corporate law practices – for the third year running

Our firm is "home to the ‘undisputed deans of the profession,’" says one reviewer in the 2005 edition of America’s Leading Business Lawyers, published by Chambers & Partners. The UK-based legal publishing company bases its rankings on personal interviews with clients and attorneys across the United States.

Chambers USA says: "This highly regarded boutique practice continues to cement its position as a major player in the Louisiana corporate market. Clients welcome the way the firm focuses on quality over quantity."

As one source explained: "There's no overlawyering; they pick the right people for the deal and then they just get on with it."

What Chambers USA says about us:

Corporate/M&A

The firm's considerable experience in securities and M&A supports the contention of one prominent source that "whatever the problem, there'll be an expert on hand to sort it out." Advice on development and growth strategies is provided to a client base that ranges from large Louisiana-based corporates to small startup entities. Louis Fishman and Paul Haygood were counted as the firm's leading lights and have been responsible for the career development of numerous younger corporate practitioners in the state.

Commentators noted that the "endearing and diplomatic" Fishman impresses both clients and peers due, in part, to his aptitude for "articulating and framing problems in a way that makes perfect sense."

Haygood is "excellent with the technical details" and has recently achieved prominence in the tax-planning sphere. Blessed with "great analytical and negotiation skills," Haygood "inspires confidence" in clients.

Acknowledged to be "an increasingly key figure" in the firm, Robert Walmsley enters this year's rankings. In the past year Walmsley has been particularly active in representing the interests of nonprofit organizations.

Finally, John Werner was described as "a breath of fresh air" due to his ability to truly understand the client's perspective. Werner's practice focus is on energy lending.

Banking and Finance

Clients value the quality advice emanating from this commercial boutique. Its attorneys provide "expert guidance" on bank closings and conduct a thriving regulatory and transactional practice. "Fountain of knowledge" Scott Willis heads up the firm's real estate and commercial finance groups. Lauded for his tax credit financing work, Willis has earned a reputation as a "dedicated and trustworthy" practitioner.

Commercial Litigation

Onlookers were impressed by this firm's recent involvement in some high-profile cases. Noted in particular for securities, media and tax litigation, attorneys have also had recent success litigating products liability cases. Head of the firm's litigation group James Swanson has cultivated a reputation as "a smart litigator" who can "stand up and be counted when it's in his clients interests to do so.

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