June 10, 2010

Firm lawyers ranked in Chambers USA

Seven of our eight partners and a former partner who is now of counsel to the firm are ranked in the 2010 edition of Chambers USA. Four are ranked in Louisiana Corporate/M&A, including Louis Fishman, who is ranked as a “Star Individual” and Paul Haygood, who is of counsel to the firm and is ranked as a “Senior Statesman.” Two of our partners are among only three Louisiana lawyers ranked in Securities Litigation. Two of our partners are ranked in Commercial Litigation, including Jim Swanson in Band 1. One partner is ranked both in the Banking and Finance and the Real Estate categories. Our one partner who is not ranked by Chambers USA was just elected a partner in June 2010.

Chambers USA 2010 has this to say about our ranked lawyers:

Banking and Finance: Louisiana

Sources Say: "The group brings innovation, sophistication and focus to every transaction."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The efficient and responsive Sterling Scott Willis is a transactional banking attorney, well recognized for his representation of banks on the lending side. He has also been active in maritime finance, credit facilities and workouts.

Corporate/M&A: Louisiana

Sources Say: "This high-caliber group gives sophisticated corporate advice and plenty of individual attention."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Preeminent figure Louis Fishman brings a wealth of experience to corporate transactions and estate matters. He is a mentor to peers and clients and recently represented a management team on an acquisition by a private equity firm. Sources say: "He is extremely detail-oriented, an excellent negotiator and takes a client-focused approach." Robert Walmsley is recognized for his sophisticated transactional expertise. He worked with the State of Louisiana and its property manager, SMG, on the negotiation of facility leases with professional sports teams. John Werner is a go-to lawyer for private equity transactions and investments involving tax credits. He has worked on a number of domestic and international aircraft acquisitions. Paul Haygood, a counsel to the firm, is a deeply experienced corporate attorney with particular strength in estate planning and tax.

Commercial Litigation: Louisiana

Sources Say: "The group is extremely good at anticipating the curve-balls in a case." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "dynamic and talented" James Swanson focuses on securities litigation, working on cases involving some of the largest investment banks in the USA. Media law expert Loretta Mince continues to impress sources with her First Amendment expertise. Elsewhere, she continues to act on litigation relating to Hurricane Katrina. Joseph Peiffer is well regarded in the securities area, representing individuals against broker-dealer firms.

Real Estate: Louisiana

Sterling Scott Willis of Fishman Haygood Phelps Walmsley Willis & Swanson L.L.P. "is one of those guys who knows so much about real estate, he makes your business easy." He has recently worked with a large supermarket chain on its acquisition of stores in Louisiana.

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