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Summer 2012

1940s

John P. Laborde ('49) - of Laborde Marine, L.L.C., has been selected as the recipient of the 2012 Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Louisiana Lifetime Acheivement Award.  The awards program recognizes Louisiana growth companies and business professionals for their accomplishments.

1950s

William E. Crawford ('55) - is still teaching full-time at the LSU Law Center. He serves as Director of the Louisiana State Law Institute and is a former Louisiana Bar Foundation Distinguished Professor.

1960s

Gerald Le Van ('62) - of Upchurch, Watson, White & Max (Florida), serves as Chair of the Family Wealth Mediation Group of the Mediation Counsel in Florida, mediating family disputes regarding money, business and inheritance.  He is a Fellow with the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel and Family Firm Institute.  He has written numerous articles and authored six books, including The Survival Guide for Business Families, and Healthy Wealth in Families.  He speaks frequently to business and professional groups.

Harry D. Simmons ('64) - of The Simmons Law Firm, was recognized in SB (Shreveport/Bossier) Magazine Best Lawyers 2012.

1970s

Mary Joseph, 1970Mary Terrell Joseph ('70) - of McGlinchey Stafford's Baton Rouge office, has been awarded the 2012 Esprit de Femme Award given by Louisiana State University Women’s Center for her exceptional efforts toward the advancement of women.  The award seeks to honor individuals who strive to enrich the lives of women in the hope that others will follow their example.

Van Mayhall, 1971Van R. Mayhall, Jr. ('71) - a senior partner with the Baton Rouge office of Breazeale, Sachse & Wilson, was recently published by iUniverse, and the book is titled Judas the Apostle.  The tale centers around Dr. Clotile Lejeune, a wounded but resourceful expert on ancient languages in Seattle, has her quiet world shaken when she learns that her father, from whom she has been estranged for 25 years, has been murdered in her Louisiana hometown, leaving her a 2000 year old oil jar inscribed with the name Judas Iscariot. With her soldier son, JE, Cloe goes back in time and place, seeking to unlock the mysteries of the jar, find her father's killer and to dispel her own personal demons. With the help of a mysterious cleric seemingly sent from the Vatican, she recovers from the jar the earliest version of the Gospel of Judas Iscariot. But this is only the beginning. What remains for them to find could set the world's religions ablaze. Across the globe, a billionaire arms merchant knows this-and that is exactly his goal. He leaves a trail of bodies in his wake in his pursuit of the jar and its contents with Cloe, JE and their helpers squarely in his crosshairs. From Baton Rouge to Jerusalem, the race for answers is on. Who exactly was Judas Iscariot? Did he betray Christ? What is the past reaching out to tell Cloe?

David Willenzik ('71) - has joined the New Orleans office of Jones Walker as special counsel. Mr. Willenzik practices in the firm’s Business & Commercial Transactions and Banking & Financial Institutions practices. His practice focuses on commercial finance, including consumer finance, project finance, and asset based lending.

Edwin L. Cabra ('72) - is the First Assistant District Attorney, 30th Judicial District, in Leesville, Louisiana.

Ellis J. Daigle ('74) - has  served as Judge, 27th Judicial District Court (St. Landry Parish), since taking office on March 1, 2005.

E Preis, 1974E. Frederick Preis, Jr. ('74) - of Breazeale, Sachse & Wilson, L.L.P., recently spoke on "Social Media and Labor Issues" at the spring meetings of the Academy of Hospitality Industry (AHIA) in Nashville, TN. Preis was recently recognized in the 2012 edition of Chambers USA for Labor & Employment (Band 3).

Harold Watson, 1974Harold K. "Hal" Watson ('74) - a partner of Chaffe McCall's Houston office, was recently elected second vice president of the Maritime Law Association of the United States.  Watson has been an active member of the organization since 1978, and has over 30 years of experience in maritime and energy law.

David Cassidy, 1975David Cassidy ('75) - of Breazeale, Sachse & Wilson, was recently recognized in the 2012 edition of Chambers USA for Corporate/M&A: Tax (Band 2).

Kenneth B. Murov ('75) - of the Law Offices of Kenneth B. Murov in Newport News, Virginia, specializes in family law.  Mr. Murov has been a member of the Virginia State Bar Council (2005-2011); past president of the Newport News Bar Association (2002-2003); and, a Fellow with the Virginia Bar Foundation.

Jaqueline Carr ('76) - Elected Representative District 13, St. Tammany Parish Charter Commission 1979; Elected Representative Councilman, District 13, St. Tammany Pairhs Homoe Rule Charter 1980-1984; Co-Plaintiff Perschall v. State of Louisiana, Declaration of Unconstitutionality Act 512, Louisiana Legislative Acts, Enabling Act Chisholm Consent Decree; President and CEO White Kitchen Water Company and Eco Park, St. Tammany Parish, LA.

Glenn Armentor ('77) - of the Lafayette office of Glenn Armentor, Ltd., recently received the Crystal Gavel Award from the Louisiana State Bar Association for community contributions.  Armentor was recognized for several years of work with local youths, including his involvement with Boys and Girls Clubs of Acadiana, Ragin' Cajun Amateur Boxing Club, Glenn Armentor $10,000 Pay It Forward Scholarship Program of Excellence, and other efforts.

M Darden, 1977M. Taylor Darden ('77) - of Carver, Darden, Koretzky, Tessier, Finn, Blossman & Areaux, L.L.C., was recently appointed to serve as General Counsel to the Louisiana Landowners Association, Inc.  In addition to maintaining his existing practice with the firm, he will advise the LLA on legal matters relating to the Association's mission of protecting the rights of individuals to own, manage, develop, use and dispose of land without undue governmental interference.

Billy J. Guin, Jr. ('77) - of Billy J. Guin, Jr. Attorney at Law, has opened a new firm office located at 400 Travis Street, Suite 1703, Shreveport, LA 71101.

Robert Nuzum, 1977Robert W. Nuzum ('77) - of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, P.C., has been recognized as a leading practitioner in Corporate/Mergers & Acquisitions (Tax) in the 2012 edition of Chambers USA.

Robert Shadoin, 1978Robert E. "Rob" Shadoin ('78) - of Ruston, was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives for District 12, Lincoln and Union Parish, on November 11, 2011.

Murphy Foster, 1979Murphy Foster ('79) - of Breazeale, Sachse & Wilson, was recently recognized in the 2012 edition of Chambers USA for Construction (Band 2) and Labor & Employment (Bank 3).

Jan Hayden, 1979Jan M. Hayden ('79) - of the firm Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, P.C., has been recognized as a leading practitioner in Bankruptcy and Restructuring (Band 3) in the 2012 edition of Chambers USA.

Frank A. Tessier ('79) - of the firm Carver, Darden, Koretzky, Tessier, Finn, Blossman & Areaux, L.L.C., was recognized from 2003 to present in the Chambers USA "America's Leading Lawyers for Business" directory; 2005 to present listed in The Best Lawyers in America as one of the top lawyers in the area of Financial Institutions Law; 2005 to present listed in New Orleans Magazine as one fo the top lawyers in New Orleans in the area of Financial Institutions Law; and recipient of the 2009 City Business "Leadership in Law Award".

Mac Womack, 1979T. MacDougall Womack ('79) - a partner at Taylor, Porter, Brooks & Phillips, L.L.P. in Baton Rouge, was recently awarded the Louisiana State Bar Association's Leah Hipple McKay Memorial Award for his outstanding volunteerism.

1980s

Vicki Crochet, 1980Vicki M. Crochet ('80) - of Taylor Porter, was recently recognized in the 2012 edition of Chambers USA for Labor & Employment.

Paul West, 1980Paul S. West ('80) - of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, P.C., has been recognized as a leading practitioner in Gaming & Licensing in the 2012 edition of Chambers USA.

Eve Masinter, 1982Eve B. Mastiner ('82) - of Breazeale, Sachse & Wilson, L.L.P., was recently asked to join the prestigious Claims and Litigation Managment Alliance.  Eve has been asked by the President Elect to serve as the Chair of the Diversity Committee of the International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) for a two year term, beginning July 2012. She currently serves on the IADC's Audit Committee. Eve was recently recognized in the 2012 edition of Chambers USA for Labor & Employment (Band 3).

 

 

Anne Crochet, 1983Anne J. Crochet ('83) - of Taylor Porter, was recently recognized in the 2012 edition of Chambers USA in the area of Environment.

Susan Halsey, 1983Susan Halsey ('83) - partner in the Jackson Walker's Fort Worth, TX office, was recently honored by the Greater Fort Worth Real Estate Council with it's Founder's Award at its annual meeting in April.  The award recognizes an individual who exemplifies the mission of The Greater Fort Worth Real Estate Council, which is "to be a unified voice for the commercial real estate industry, influencing action and supporting change to accomplish long-term job growth and enhance the quality of life in the Greater Fort Worth area." Susan was also recently ranked in the 2012 edition of Chambers USA for Real Estate.

 

Jay Morris ('83) - of Dean Morris, L.L.P., and Morris & Associates, was recently elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives from District 14 in Quachita and Morehouse Parishes.

Harry Philips, 1983Harry J. "Skip" Philips, Jr. ('83) - of Taylor Porter, was recently recognized in the 2012 edition of Chambers USA for Litigation:General Commercial.

Brettt Furr, 1986Brett P. Furr ('86) -  of Taylor Porter, was recently recognized in the 2012 edition of Chambers USA for Bankruptcy/Restructuring.

Gia Kosmitis ('88) - of the Law Office of Gia Kosmitis, was recognized in SB (Shreveport/Bossier) Magazine Best Lawyers 2012.

M. M. LeBlanc ('88) - author of Evangeline: Paradise Stolen, was honored with a 2012 National Independent Publisher Book Award for Best Regional Fiction, which is published by Caeruleum Publishing, and inspired by the story of her French and Acadian ancestors unlawfully deported during the Acadian Exile in 1755.

Thomas A. Lenz ('88) - of the Pasadena, CA office of Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo, became licensed to practice law in all Pacific Coast states, making 7 in all.  Lenz was named to the Executive Committee of the State Bar of California's Labor and Employment Law Section.  Lenz received a "Star Award" for work in 2011 as President of Orange County Labor and Employment Relations Association at LERA's 2012 national conference.

Charles Pisano, 1988Charles M. "Chuck" Pisano ('88) - has joined the New Orleans office of Roedel, Parsons, Koch, Blache, Balhoff & McCollister as a shareholder; his primary areas of practice include toxic torts, products liability and class action litigation.

Phyllis Cancienne, 1989Phyllis G. Cancienne ('89) - of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, P.C., has been recognized as a leading practitioner in Labor and Employment in the 2012 edition of Chambes USA.

Jeffrey A. Mitchell ('89) - The Cochran Firm, Metairie, Louisiana, was recognized in the 2012 edition of Best Lawyers in America, in the area of medical malpractice.  Mr. Mitchell was also recognized in the 2012 edition of Louisiana Super Lawyers in the area of medical malpractice.  Finally, Mr. Mitchell was featured in the April 23, 2012 edition of Newsweek Magazine as one of the Top 20 Lawyers in America in the area of medical malpractice.

Joe Wiley ('89) - Executive Vice President and General Counsel, EXCEL Group, Baton Rouge, has been elected Secretary of the Board of Regents, the state agency that coordinates all public higher education in Louisiana.  He was appointed to the Board of Regents in 2008 by Gov. Jindal and re-appointed in 2011 to a second term.  He was also recently elected Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Associated Builders and Contractors Pelican Chapter Political Action Commitee.

1990s

Bryant Banes, 1990Bryant S. Banes ('90) - Managing Partner, Neel, Hooper & Banes, P.C., Houston, Texas, was recognized by Chambers USA as a "Leader in the Field" of labor and employment law with a "special emphasis in government contracts," and recently became both a Fellow of Litigation Counsel of America and a Member of the Wage & Hour Defense Institute.

Josh Kantrow, 1990Josh M. Kantrow ('90) - of the firm Wilson, Elser, Moskowitz & Dicker's Chicago office, has been named co-chair of the firm's national Data Security & Cyber Liability practice.  Josh was also selected as an Illinois "Leadin Lawyer" for 2012, and his primary areas of practice are computer-related liabilities including privacy, data security and technology litigation, and a wide range of professional liability litigation.  He has been a featured speaker at approximately 35 legal and insurance seminars throughout the U.S. and Europe.

Kevin P. Landreneau ('91) - is a Partner at Seale & Ross' Baton Rouge office. Mr. Landreneau's primary areas of practice are construction law and litigation, commercial and business law and litigation, medical malpractice, products liability, and insurance and surety claims and litigation.

Roy W. Fletcher, Jr. ('92) - of Fletcher Consutants, L.L.C., has been awarded three national awards for his work on numerous national public affairs campaigns.  Campaigns and Elections Magazine honored Fletcher's work, in conjunction with Penn, Schoen and Berland of Washington, D.C., with the Stanley Reed Award for the "Best Public Affairs Radio" in the United States for 2011.  The American Association of Political Consultants also honored Fletcher's efforts, again in conjunction with Penn, Schoen and Berland, with the Silver Pollie Award for "Best of Show" for Public Affairs Campaign and the Broze Pollie for "Best Public Affairs Radio".  Fletcher's work was undertaken in the successful fight to defend swipe fee reform in the United States Congress.  The intense lobbying and public affairs battle was named #1 in The Hill's newspaper "Top 10 Victories of 2011" and #1 in Politico's "Top 5 Fights of 2011".

Johanna R. Landreneau ('92) - of the Baton Rouge law office of Seale & Ross.  Johanna concentrates her practice in litigation in the areas of construction and commercial litigation, medical malpractice, products liability, casualty defense, pest control defense, and general business litigation.

Kitty Cleveland Rogers ('92) - of Christiaria, L.L.C., is an award-winning singer/songwriter/recording artist and has just released her eighth CD.  Her next project will be a collection of jazz standards.

Shannon Seller Dartez ('94) - recently became an associate with the Glenn Armentor Law Corporation, and has been selected as President-Elect of the Junior League of Lafayette.

Rich Howard, 1994Rick Howard ('94) - has joined the staff of Watermark Community Church in Dallas, Texas.  Mr. Howard closed his criminal defense practice after 17 years in business.  He has made 8 trips to Congo, Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, Burundi, and Kenya since the fall of 2007 teaching lawyers, judges and government leaders in those Central African countries biblical principals for dealing with corruption, bribery, impunity, conflict resolution, leadership, and strategic planning.

David M. Melancon ('94) - Irwin, Fritchie, Urquhart & Moore L.L.C., was nominated by clients to be a member of the Claims & Litigation Management Alliance.

Ana Luisa de Gordillo ('95) - is with the Consortium Law Firm of Guatemala, which was named Best Central American law firm by International Financial Law Review in 2011-2013.  The firm was also named Central America Law Firm of the Year by Chambers Latin America Awards, 2011-2012.

Holmes Cooper, 1996Holmes Cooper ('96) - is with Global Legal Discovery, a principal  eDiscovery service provider.

Bradley L. Drell ('96) - a shareholder with Gold, Weems, Bruser, Sues & Rundell, A.P.L.C., in Alexandria, Louisiana, was recognized in Best Lawyers 2012 and Super Lawyers 2012 in the area of bankruptcy and insolvency.  He also recently finished his term as President of the Crossroads American Inn of Court.

F. Edward Mouton ('96) - of the Mouton Law Firm in Shreveport, was recently named a top lawyer and featured on the cover of SB (Shreveport/Bossier) Magazine Top Lawyers, 2012.

John Andrishock, 1997John Andrishok ('97) - of the Baton Rouge office of Breazeale, Sachse & Wilson, was recognized in the 2012 edition of Chambers USA for Construction (Up and Coming).

Adam Lambert ('97) - recently announced that he is running for Clerk of Second City Count of New Orleans.  For thirteen years, Mr. Lambert has worked in the Algiers Courthouse as the law clerk for The Honorable Judge Mary "KK" Norman, Judge of Second City Court, who is retiring.

William Quin, 1997William M. Quin, II ('97) - a shareholder with McCraney, Montagnet & Quin, PLLC in Ridgeland, Mississippi, was recognized in Best Lawyers 2012 and Mid-South Super Lawyers 2012 in the area of Plaintiff's peronal injury.

Cristy Corbino Edwards ('99) - has joined the firm Bracewell & Giuliani, L.L.P., as a partner in the firm's Houston Office.  Ms. Edward's practices in the area of public finance/tax-exempt bonds.

Michael Golemi ('99) - a shareholder in the firm of Liskow & Lewis, for the fourth year has been named a "Rising Star" in the 2012 edition of Texas Super Lawyers.  Each year, no more than 2.5 percent of Texas-based attorneys under age 40, or with fewer than 10 years of experience in the legal field, are selected to "Rising Stars" in Texas Super Lawyers.  Final selections are based on nominations by members of the elite Texas Super Lawyers list, per evaluations, and internal research.

2000s

Emily Grey, 2000Emily Grey ('00) - of Breazeale, Sachse & Wilson, L.L.P., has been named Vice Chair of the American Health Lawyers Association's Public Health Systems Affinity Group (PHS AG).  The PHS AG provides a forum for members to gain an enhanced appreciation and understanding of the unique challenges facing public hospitals and health systems.

Brian Capitelli, 2001Brian J. Capitelli ('01) - of Capitelli & Walker, recently left the United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana and has joined the law firm of Capitelli & Walker, where his practice focuses on white collar criminal defense.

Michael Durham, 2002Michael T. Durham ('02) - has joined the Baton Rouge office of Adams and Reese.  Mr. Durham has experience in energy, constuction, economic development, litigation, and taxation and tax credit development.

Sungjin Kim ('02) - is currently serving as the Constitutional Research Officer of the Constitutional Court of Korea and is a columnist for the Korean newspaper.  His column addresses issues of European human rights protection.

Heather Horton ('03) - IRS, Office of Chief Counsel, Small Business/Self-Employed Division, was recently promoted to Associate Area Counsel of the Washington, D.C. field office.

J. Marshall Rice ('03) - of the firm Rice and Kendig, was recenlty recognized in SB (Shreveport/Bossier) Magazine Best Lawyers 2012.

Amanda Stout, 2003Amanda Stout ('03) - of the Baton Rouge office of McGlinchey Stafford, has been named "Outstanding Young Lawyer of the Year" by the Louisiana State Bar Association Young Lawyers Section for 2012.

Katie Colvin Goodson ('05) - is an associate with the Baton Rouge office of Taylor Porter.

Addie Prewitt, 2005Addie M. Prewitt ('05) - has joined the Baton Rouge office of Taylor Porter as an associate. Ms. Prewitt's area of practice include taxation, including tax credits and incentives, and business and corporate law.

Brad E. Wilkerson ('05) - of the Shreveport firm of Bradley, Murchison, Kelly & Shea, has recently been named partner to the firm.

Barbara Olinde ('06) - has joined the Lafayette office of The Gachassin Law Firm.  Olinde's areas of practice are medical malpractice, professional liability, estate planning and successions.

Dave Roberson, II ('06) - is with the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review, Social Security Administration.

Kellen Mathews, 2008Kellen Mathews ('08) - recently joined the Baton Rouge office of Adams and Reese as an Associate in the Litigation Practice Group.

Sarah E. Stogner ('08) - is an associate with the New Orleans firm of Carver, Darden, Koretzky, Tessier, Finn, Blossman & Areaux, L.L.C.

Michael deBarros, 2009Michael J. deBarros ('09) - is the law clerk for the Honorable Justice Bess Nkabinde of the Constitutional Court of South Africa.

Sally Brown Richardson ('09) - has joined the faculty of Tulane Law School, teaching courses in Civil Law Property, Common Law Property, Community Property, and Oil and Gas.

Sally B. Richardson ('09) - has joined the faculty of Tulane Law School as an Associate Professor of Law. Her primary teaching and research interests are in the fields of property, community property, oil and gas, and comparative law.

Chaz H. Roberts ('09) - of Chaz H. Roberts Law, L.L.C., is an attorney with the 15th JDC Indigent Defender's Office.

2010s

Jenna Linn ('10) - is an associate in the Baton Rouge office of Bankston and Associates, L.L.C.

Jonathan E. Mitchell ('10) - is an associate with the Baton Rouge firm of deGravelles, Palmintier, Holthaus & Fruge, L.L.P.

Robert Savage ('10) - has accepted a position with the East Baton Rouge Parish Office of the Public Defender.

Scott Sternberg ('10) - of Baldwin, Haspel, Burke & Mayer, is also serving as an adjunct professor at LSU's Manship School of Mass Communication teaching Media Law.

Kevin Blanchard ('11) - an associate with Onebane Law Firm, was appointed by the Lafayette City-Parish President to chair the Comprehensive Plan Citizens Advisory Committee which is helping to write a comprehensive plan for growth and development in Lafayette.

Francisca Comeaux, 2011Francisca Comeaux ('11) - has recently joined the Baton Rouge office of Phelps Dunbar as an associate.

Melissa Jocelyn, 2011Melissa Corneille Jocelyn ('11) - is a Legal Advisor in Haiti at the Commission National for the Fight Against Drugs (CONALD); she also serves as a Legal Advisor in Haiti at the National Committee on Anti-Money Laundering (CNLBA).

The LSU Law Center community mourns the passing of the following alumni whose deaths were reported since the date of our last newsletter publication.

Judge Isom J. Guillory ('40)

Hubert J. Hansen ('49)

Risley Claiborne Charles "Pappy" Triche ('51)

Ernest R. Eldred ('57)

James A. Reeder ('61)

Jack E. Yelverton ('63)

Honorable George B. Ware ('65)

Victor L. Roy, III ('69)

Jerry F. Davis ('70)

Colin J. Hedlund ('72)

John M. Crum, Jr. ('72)

Thomas S. Derveloy ('73)

Joseph J. "Jerry" McKernan (friend of the Law Center)