Ms. Jenny A Abshier
Attorney
Big Easy Law
http://www.bacchuslaw.com
Jenny graduated from the Loyola University College of Law, and earned her undergraduate degree from Our Lady of Holy Cross College. Jenny began her bankruptcy practice in 2011 as the Law Office of Jenny Abshier. Jenny's office took great pride in providing options to reduce the upfront costs required for filing bankruptcy, as well as providing access to pro bono services when available. As Jenny's reputation grew, so did her practice. She now owns Big Easy Law Group and operates offices in Metairie, Laplace and Mandeville.
Past clients have described Jenny's assistance in filing for bankruptcy as life-changing. She's been praised for her compassion and understanding, as well as her non-judgmental attitude. Jenny is honored to be the recipient of a 2012 Distinguished Service Award from the Pro Bono Project of New Orleans, as well as a 2013 Pro Bono Publico Award from the Louisiana State Bar Association. Both of these awards hang proudly in her office in recognition of her dedication to pro bono services. Jenny has also been recognized by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star from 2017 to 2020.
Jenny is admitted to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, the Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, and all Louisiana state courts. She is an active member of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA), the American Bankruptcy Institute, the and American Business Women's Association Crescent City Connections (ABWA). Like all lawyers, she is a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association. Jenny is also a graduate of the Leadership Jefferson Class of 2012.
Attorney
Big Easy Law
http://www.bacchuslaw.com
Jenny graduated from the Loyola University College of Law, and earned her undergraduate degree from Our Lady of Holy Cross College. Jenny began her bankruptcy practice in 2011 as the Law Office of Jenny Abshier. Jenny's office took great pride in providing options to reduce the upfront costs required for filing bankruptcy, as well as providing access to pro bono services when available. As Jenny's reputation grew, so did her practice. She now owns Big Easy Law Group and operates offices in Metairie, Laplace and Mandeville.
Past clients have described Jenny's assistance in filing for bankruptcy as life-changing. She's been praised for her compassion and understanding, as well as her non-judgmental attitude. Jenny is honored to be the recipient of a 2012 Distinguished Service Award from the Pro Bono Project of New Orleans, as well as a 2013 Pro Bono Publico Award from the Louisiana State Bar Association. Both of these awards hang proudly in her office in recognition of her dedication to pro bono services. Jenny has also been recognized by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star from 2017 to 2020.
Jenny is admitted to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, the Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, and all Louisiana state courts. She is an active member of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA), the American Bankruptcy Institute, the and American Business Women's Association Crescent City Connections (ABWA). Like all lawyers, she is a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association. Jenny is also a graduate of the Leadership Jefferson Class of 2012.
Ms. Brooke W. Altazan
Attorney
Stewart Robbins Brown & Altazan, LLC
http://stewartrobbins.com
Brooke W. Altazan earned her B.A. degree at Samford University in 2005. She received her Juris Doctor from Mississippi College School of Law in 2009, where she served as an executive board member of the Moot Court Board and extern to United States Bankruptcy Judge Neil P. Olack of the Southern District of Mississippi. Ms. Altazan is licensed to practice before the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and all U.S. District Courts and state courts in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. She is also a member of the Federal Bar Association, Louisiana State Bar Association, Baton Rouge Bar Association, the International Women's Insolvency & Restructuring Confederation, American Bankruptcy Institute, and former president of the Baton Rouge Chapter of the Federal Bar Association. Ms. Altazan is an equity member of Stewart Robbins Brown & Altazan, LLC, where her practice encompasses general litigation and bankruptcy matters, including the representation of corporate and individual debtors, creditors, trustees, and committees.
Attorney
Stewart Robbins Brown & Altazan, LLC
http://stewartrobbins.com
Brooke W. Altazan earned her B.A. degree at Samford University in 2005. She received her Juris Doctor from Mississippi College School of Law in 2009, where she served as an executive board member of the Moot Court Board and extern to United States Bankruptcy Judge Neil P. Olack of the Southern District of Mississippi. Ms. Altazan is licensed to practice before the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and all U.S. District Courts and state courts in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. She is also a member of the Federal Bar Association, Louisiana State Bar Association, Baton Rouge Bar Association, the International Women's Insolvency & Restructuring Confederation, American Bankruptcy Institute, and former president of the Baton Rouge Chapter of the Federal Bar Association. Ms. Altazan is an equity member of Stewart Robbins Brown & Altazan, LLC, where her practice encompasses general litigation and bankruptcy matters, including the representation of corporate and individual debtors, creditors, trustees, and committees.
Ms. Hilary B Bonial
Managing Director
Bonial and Associates, PC
http://www.Bonialpc.com
Hilary B. Bonial is managing director of Bonial and Associates in Dallas, TX. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree, with honors, from Loyola University in New Orleans in 1993, and her law degree from Louisiana State University Law Center in 1996.
Managing Director
Bonial and Associates, PC
http://www.Bonialpc.com
Hilary B. Bonial is managing director of Bonial and Associates in Dallas, TX. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree, with honors, from Loyola University in New Orleans in 1993, and her law degree from Louisiana State University Law Center in 1996.
Mr. Frederick L. Bunol
The Derbes Law Firm, LLC
Frederick L. Bunol, Attorney and Subchapter V Trustee
www.derbeslaw.com
Mr. Bunol is a member of The Derbes Law Firm, LLC in Metairie, Louisiana. He graduated with a B.S. in Finance from LSU in 2000 and obtained his J.D. from Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert School of Law in 2004. In his bankruptcy practice, Mr. Bunol represents businesses and individuals that are Debtors in Chapter 11 and Chapter 7. In addition, he frequently represents Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Trustees, creditors, landlords, tenants, and other parties-in-interest in Bankruptcy Court. Mr. Bunol has assisted many types of businesses in bankruptcy, including, oilfield service companies, marine (tugboat companies and offshore supply boat companies), hospitality (restaurants and their equipment distributors), and apartment complexes. He also serves as an appointed Subchapter V Trustee in Region 5 District of Louisiana and Mississippi.
The Derbes Law Firm, LLC
Frederick L. Bunol, Attorney and Subchapter V Trustee
www.derbeslaw.com
Mr. Bunol is a member of The Derbes Law Firm, LLC in Metairie, Louisiana. He graduated with a B.S. in Finance from LSU in 2000 and obtained his J.D. from Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert School of Law in 2004. In his bankruptcy practice, Mr. Bunol represents businesses and individuals that are Debtors in Chapter 11 and Chapter 7. In addition, he frequently represents Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Trustees, creditors, landlords, tenants, and other parties-in-interest in Bankruptcy Court. Mr. Bunol has assisted many types of businesses in bankruptcy, including, oilfield service companies, marine (tugboat companies and offshore supply boat companies), hospitality (restaurants and their equipment distributors), and apartment complexes. He also serves as an appointed Subchapter V Trustee in Region 5 District of Louisiana and Mississippi.
Judge Michael A Crawford
Judge
United States Bankruptcy Court MDLA
Michael A. Crawford was sworn in as Chief Bankruptcy Judge of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Louisiana on October 3, 2022. Judge Crawford was previously a member of Taylor Porter law firm in Baton Rouge for over 22 years serving as the chair of its banking, real estate and bankruptcy practice group for several years. He has lectured extensively on bankruptcy-related topics and completed the St. John’s University/American Bankruptcy Institute bankruptcy mediation course in 2014. Judge Crawford received his undergraduate degree in business/finance in 1984 from Louisiana State University. Later, while working full time in the family business in Ruston, he earned his MBA from Louisiana Tech University in 1988. He attended the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at LSU and earned his Juris Doctorate in 1993. Following graduation, he served a one year judicial clerkship with the Honorable Gerald H. Schiff (Ret.), United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Louisiana. Judge Crawford grew up in Winnfield, Louisiana. He currently resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He and his wife have two children.
Judge
United States Bankruptcy Court MDLA
Michael A. Crawford was sworn in as Chief Bankruptcy Judge of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Louisiana on October 3, 2022. Judge Crawford was previously a member of Taylor Porter law firm in Baton Rouge for over 22 years serving as the chair of its banking, real estate and bankruptcy practice group for several years. He has lectured extensively on bankruptcy-related topics and completed the St. John’s University/American Bankruptcy Institute bankruptcy mediation course in 2014. Judge Crawford received his undergraduate degree in business/finance in 1984 from Louisiana State University. Later, while working full time in the family business in Ruston, he earned his MBA from Louisiana Tech University in 1988. He attended the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at LSU and earned his Juris Doctorate in 1993. Following graduation, he served a one year judicial clerkship with the Honorable Gerald H. Schiff (Ret.), United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Louisiana. Judge Crawford grew up in Winnfield, Louisiana. He currently resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He and his wife have two children.
Mr. Albert J. Derbes, IV IV
The Derbes Law Firm, LLC
Albert J. Derbes, IV is a founding member and co-managing member of the ten attorney Derbes Law Firm, LLC. He has practiced law for more than 30 years, with a heavy emphasis in commercial bankruptcy - - representing creditors, trustees, debtors and committees. Some of his more well-known cases include Schwegmann Giant Super Market (as Trustee’s counsel), Ormond Country Club (as Debtor’s counsel), and New Orleans Paddlewheel [i.e., the Creole Queen] (as Creditor Committee’s counsel). His other areas of practice include commercial litigation, commercial transactions, successions, succession & trust litigation, and entity law (esp. concerning the division of and liquidation of closely held businesses). Mr. Derbes is a frequent speaker on bankruptcy and other business-related topics. Mr. Derbes’ extensive litigation experience includes litigating in multiple Louisiana District Courts, Federal District Courts, Tax Court, as well as Bankruptcy Courts in Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi. He recently became certified as a Louisiana Mediator. He obtained his B.A. from Rice University and his J.D. from Tulane School of Law.
The Derbes Law Firm, LLC
Albert J. Derbes, IV is a founding member and co-managing member of the ten attorney Derbes Law Firm, LLC. He has practiced law for more than 30 years, with a heavy emphasis in commercial bankruptcy - - representing creditors, trustees, debtors and committees. Some of his more well-known cases include Schwegmann Giant Super Market (as Trustee’s counsel), Ormond Country Club (as Debtor’s counsel), and New Orleans Paddlewheel [i.e., the Creole Queen] (as Creditor Committee’s counsel). His other areas of practice include commercial litigation, commercial transactions, successions, succession & trust litigation, and entity law (esp. concerning the division of and liquidation of closely held businesses). Mr. Derbes is a frequent speaker on bankruptcy and other business-related topics. Mr. Derbes’ extensive litigation experience includes litigating in multiple Louisiana District Courts, Federal District Courts, Tax Court, as well as Bankruptcy Courts in Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi. He recently became certified as a Louisiana Mediator. He obtained his B.A. from Rice University and his J.D. from Tulane School of Law.
Mr. Conner L. Dillon
Gold, Weems, Bruser, Sues & Rundell
Conner L. Dillon is an attorney at Gold Weems in Alexandria, Louisiana. Conner practices mainly within the firm’s Bankruptcy and Business Reorganization section, and he has a broad rage of experience representing both debtors and creditors in challenging financial circumstances. He has a particular focus on representing farmers and agricultural clients in debt workouts and Chapter 12 cases. Conner also is experienced in commercial litigation and has represented clients at both the trial and appellate level.
Gold, Weems, Bruser, Sues & Rundell
Conner L. Dillon is an attorney at Gold Weems in Alexandria, Louisiana. Conner practices mainly within the firm’s Bankruptcy and Business Reorganization section, and he has a broad rage of experience representing both debtors and creditors in challenging financial circumstances. He has a particular focus on representing farmers and agricultural clients in debt workouts and Chapter 12 cases. Conner also is experienced in commercial litigation and has represented clients at both the trial and appellate level.
Judge Jerry Edwards
Judge
US District Court-Western District of LA
The Honorable Jerry Edwards took the bench as judge for the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana in 2023. He previously served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Western District of Louisiana. He served as Chief of the Civil Division where he oversaw all civil actions involving the United States brought in federal or state courts within the territorial limits of the Western District of Louisiana. These actions included torts, employment litigation, federal program litigation, judicial review of agency decisions, bankruptcy and collection proceedings, and lawsuits filed by the United States to recover money lost due to fraud or to impose civil penalties for violations of the nation's health, safety and economic welfare laws
Judge
US District Court-Western District of LA
The Honorable Jerry Edwards took the bench as judge for the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana in 2023. He previously served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Western District of Louisiana. He served as Chief of the Civil Division where he oversaw all civil actions involving the United States brought in federal or state courts within the territorial limits of the Western District of Louisiana. These actions included torts, employment litigation, federal program litigation, judicial review of agency decisions, bankruptcy and collection proceedings, and lawsuits filed by the United States to recover money lost due to fraud or to impose civil penalties for violations of the nation's health, safety and economic welfare laws
Ms. Karie Fahrenholz
Chapter 13 Trustee Eastern District of Louisiana
Karie L Fahrenholz is the Chapter 13 Trustee for the Eastern District of Louisiana. She spent the last 22 years working as a staff attorney for two Chapter 13 Trustees in the Kansas City area. She earned both her undergraduate degree and her law degree from of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Chapter 13 Trustee Eastern District of Louisiana
Karie L Fahrenholz is the Chapter 13 Trustee for the Eastern District of Louisiana. She spent the last 22 years working as a staff attorney for two Chapter 13 Trustees in the Kansas City area. She earned both her undergraduate degree and her law degree from of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Ms. Dinorah Gonzalez
Chapter 13 Trustee Western District of Louisiana, Alexandria Division
Dinorah Gonzalez was appointed Standing Chapter 13 Trustee for the Western District of Louisiana, Alexandria Division effective August 1, 2025. Dinorah is a native Texan. In Houston, Dinorah served as the managing staff attorney to a chapter 13 trustee for eighteen years. Prior to that, she was a consumer debtors' attorney, working for some of the most prolific filing consumer bankruptcy firms in Houston and representing hundreds of debtors before half a dozen judges.
Dinorah has also sat on the executive committee of the Moller-Foltz Inn of Court for the last five years, where she headed the community outreach efforts of the Inn. Dinorah has organized several successful food and volunteer drives, resulting in hundreds of pounds and dozens of service hours donated to those suffering food insecurity in the Greater Houston Area.
Dinorah is a mom of two. She splits all of her spare time between her daughter in Baton Rouge at LSU and her son in Houston at U of H, plus, seven cats, three rabbits, and two aquatic turtles.
Chapter 13 Trustee Western District of Louisiana, Alexandria Division
Dinorah Gonzalez was appointed Standing Chapter 13 Trustee for the Western District of Louisiana, Alexandria Division effective August 1, 2025. Dinorah is a native Texan. In Houston, Dinorah served as the managing staff attorney to a chapter 13 trustee for eighteen years. Prior to that, she was a consumer debtors' attorney, working for some of the most prolific filing consumer bankruptcy firms in Houston and representing hundreds of debtors before half a dozen judges.
Dinorah has also sat on the executive committee of the Moller-Foltz Inn of Court for the last five years, where she headed the community outreach efforts of the Inn. Dinorah has organized several successful food and volunteer drives, resulting in hundreds of pounds and dozens of service hours donated to those suffering food insecurity in the Greater Houston Area.
Dinorah is a mom of two. She splits all of her spare time between her daughter in Baton Rouge at LSU and her son in Houston at U of H, plus, seven cats, three rabbits, and two aquatic turtles.
Judge Meredith S. Grabill
United States Bankruptcy Judge
US Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of Louisiana
Chief Judge Meredith Grabill started her tenure as the Chief Judge for the United States Bankruptcy Court in the Eastern District of Louisiana in 2019. Before taking the bench, she practiced law primarily in the areas of bankruptcy, commercial, and oil-and-gas litigation in Louisiana and New York. Judge Grabill worked on teams representing, as examples, a commercial real estate finance firm in bankruptcy, an insurance company in a demutualization and acquisition process, and creditors’ committees in E&P companies’ bankruptcy proceedings, as well as multinational high-tech corporations in antitrust proceedings worldwide and a professional players’ association in labor and contract disputes. She has represented insurance and reinsurance companies in contract disputes, and both individuals and corporations in fraudulent transfer and other commercial and oil-and-gas disputes. She had the privilege of serving as the clerk to the Special Master appointed by the United States Supreme Court to preside over an interstate water-rights dispute. To build upon the skills and experience she gained in her bankruptcy practice, Judge Grabill served as a judicial clerk to Judge Martin Glenn, U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York, from 2011-2012.
Before entering the private practice of law, she served as a judicial clerk to Judge Edith Brown Clement, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, from 2007-2008; and Judge Martin L.C. Feldman, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, from 2006-2007.
Judge Grabill earned her J.D. from Tulane University School of Law in 2006, where she served as Editor In Chief of the Tulane Law Review from 2005-2006. The faculty honored her with the John Minor Wisdom Award for Academic Excellence and Legal Scholarship that is awarded annually to an outstanding student of the graduating class. In 1997, she received her B.A. in Political Science and History from The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington.
Before law school, Judge Grabill worked with adjudicated and at-risk youth, providing direct cognitive-behavioral treatment to youth experiencing mental health symptoms, chemical dependency, and developmental delays. She later served as an executive-level administrator for a juvenile justice agency in Washington States, working with clinicians to develop and implement cognitive-behavioral treatment programs for youth residing in institutions and in the community.
In addition to her duties in the courtroom, Judge Grabill teaches an annual course at Tulane Law School on chapter 11 bankruptcy and restructuring.
United States Bankruptcy Judge
US Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of Louisiana
Chief Judge Meredith Grabill started her tenure as the Chief Judge for the United States Bankruptcy Court in the Eastern District of Louisiana in 2019. Before taking the bench, she practiced law primarily in the areas of bankruptcy, commercial, and oil-and-gas litigation in Louisiana and New York. Judge Grabill worked on teams representing, as examples, a commercial real estate finance firm in bankruptcy, an insurance company in a demutualization and acquisition process, and creditors’ committees in E&P companies’ bankruptcy proceedings, as well as multinational high-tech corporations in antitrust proceedings worldwide and a professional players’ association in labor and contract disputes. She has represented insurance and reinsurance companies in contract disputes, and both individuals and corporations in fraudulent transfer and other commercial and oil-and-gas disputes. She had the privilege of serving as the clerk to the Special Master appointed by the United States Supreme Court to preside over an interstate water-rights dispute. To build upon the skills and experience she gained in her bankruptcy practice, Judge Grabill served as a judicial clerk to Judge Martin Glenn, U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York, from 2011-2012.
Before entering the private practice of law, she served as a judicial clerk to Judge Edith Brown Clement, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, from 2007-2008; and Judge Martin L.C. Feldman, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, from 2006-2007.
Judge Grabill earned her J.D. from Tulane University School of Law in 2006, where she served as Editor In Chief of the Tulane Law Review from 2005-2006. The faculty honored her with the John Minor Wisdom Award for Academic Excellence and Legal Scholarship that is awarded annually to an outstanding student of the graduating class. In 1997, she received her B.A. in Political Science and History from The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington.
Before law school, Judge Grabill worked with adjudicated and at-risk youth, providing direct cognitive-behavioral treatment to youth experiencing mental health symptoms, chemical dependency, and developmental delays. She later served as an executive-level administrator for a juvenile justice agency in Washington States, working with clinicians to develop and implement cognitive-behavioral treatment programs for youth residing in institutions and in the community.
In addition to her duties in the courtroom, Judge Grabill teaches an annual course at Tulane Law School on chapter 11 bankruptcy and restructuring.
Mr. Ernest Eugene Hastings
Chapter 13 Trustee
E. Eugene Hastings, Chapter 13 Trustee
E. Eugene Hastings has been serving as the Chapter 13 Trustee for the Monroe Division of the Western District of Louisiana since 2004. In February of 2015 he was also appointed as the case Trustee for all of the Chapter 12 cases pending in the State of Louisiana. Prior to serving as a Chapter 13 Trustee he was a Chapter 7 Trustee for approximately eight years and during this same time period he was appointed Trustee in several Chapter 11 cases. In addition to his duties as a Trustee, Gene Hastings has operated Bayou DeSiard Title Company, LLC since 1997. He received his undergraduate degree from Louisiana Tech University and is a 1984 graduate of the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at LSU. He is married to Margaret Adkins Hastings and they have two sons.
Chapter 13 Trustee
E. Eugene Hastings, Chapter 13 Trustee
E. Eugene Hastings has been serving as the Chapter 13 Trustee for the Monroe Division of the Western District of Louisiana since 2004. In February of 2015 he was also appointed as the case Trustee for all of the Chapter 12 cases pending in the State of Louisiana. Prior to serving as a Chapter 13 Trustee he was a Chapter 7 Trustee for approximately eight years and during this same time period he was appointed Trustee in several Chapter 11 cases. In addition to his duties as a Trustee, Gene Hastings has operated Bayou DeSiard Title Company, LLC since 1997. He received his undergraduate degree from Louisiana Tech University and is a 1984 graduate of the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at LSU. He is married to Margaret Adkins Hastings and they have two sons.
Mrs. Daven M. Hill
Daven M. Hill Chapter 13 Trustee
Daven M. Hill was appointed Chapter 13 Trustee for the Shreveport Division of the Western District of Louisiana, effective October 1, 2025. Prior to her appointment, Mrs. Hill was a staff attorney and co-director of operations for the Chapter 13 Trustee's office. Mrs. Hill graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. She also received a Master of Public Administration from Louisiana State University. In 2006, Mrs. Hill received her Juris Doctor and Bachelor of Civil Law from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University, and she was admitted practice in Louisiana that same year. Mrs. Hill is married to Christopher Hill, former
LSU football player, and they have four wonderful children.
Daven M. Hill Chapter 13 Trustee
Daven M. Hill was appointed Chapter 13 Trustee for the Shreveport Division of the Western District of Louisiana, effective October 1, 2025. Prior to her appointment, Mrs. Hill was a staff attorney and co-director of operations for the Chapter 13 Trustee's office. Mrs. Hill graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. She also received a Master of Public Administration from Louisiana State University. In 2006, Mrs. Hill received her Juris Doctor and Bachelor of Civil Law from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University, and she was admitted practice in Louisiana that same year. Mrs. Hill is married to Christopher Hill, former
LSU football player, and they have four wonderful children.
Judge John S. Hodge
United States Bankruptcy Judge
U.S. Bankruptcy Court
http://www.lawb.uscourts.gov
John S. Hodge serves as Chief Judge of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Louisiana. Prior to his appointment as a Judge in 2018, he served as a Chapter 7 bankruptcy trustee and was a member of a Shreveport law firm where his practice focused on bankruptcy, commercial litigation and commercial real estate. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Louisiana State University, and a J. D. from Louisiana State University Law Center.
United States Bankruptcy Judge
U.S. Bankruptcy Court
http://www.lawb.uscourts.gov
John S. Hodge serves as Chief Judge of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Louisiana. Prior to his appointment as a Judge in 2018, he served as a Chapter 7 bankruptcy trustee and was a member of a Shreveport law firm where his practice focused on bankruptcy, commercial litigation and commercial real estate. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Louisiana State University, and a J. D. from Louisiana State University Law Center.
Mr. Todd S Johns
Chapter 13 Trustee, Northern District of Mississippi; Chapter 12 Trustee, Louisiana
Todd S. Johns Chapter 13 Trustee
Todd Johns is currently a Chapter 13 Trustee for the Nothern District of Mississippi and the Chapter 12 Trustee in Louisiana. He was previously the Chapter 13 Trustee for the Shreveport Division of the Western District of Louisiana from 2016 to 2023. Prior to this appointment, Todd was the staff attorney and office manager for the Chapter 13 and Chapter 12 offices of Harold J. Barkley, Jr. from October 2005 to August 2016. He was the staff attorney for Harold J. Barkley, Jr and Locke D. Barkley from June 1999 to October 2005. Prior to his bankruptcy practice, Todd began his practice as an assistant state attorney for the 3rd Judicial District of Florida, and worked as an insurance defense attorney in Jackson, Mississippi. He is licensed to practice in all Courts in Mississippi and the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. He is also an inactive member of the Florida Bar.
Todd is a native of Live Oak, Florida, and attended Jacksonville University (FL) and the Mississippi College School of Law. He is a member of the Booth-Politz Inn of Court, the American Bankruptcy Institute, and the Western District of Louisiana Rules Committee. He has previously been a speaker at the Mississippi Bankruptcy Conference, the LSU Bankruptcy Conference, the Region 5 Standing Trustee Training and the NACTT annual seminar.
Chapter 13 Trustee, Northern District of Mississippi; Chapter 12 Trustee, Louisiana
Todd S. Johns Chapter 13 Trustee
Todd Johns is currently a Chapter 13 Trustee for the Nothern District of Mississippi and the Chapter 12 Trustee in Louisiana. He was previously the Chapter 13 Trustee for the Shreveport Division of the Western District of Louisiana from 2016 to 2023. Prior to this appointment, Todd was the staff attorney and office manager for the Chapter 13 and Chapter 12 offices of Harold J. Barkley, Jr. from October 2005 to August 2016. He was the staff attorney for Harold J. Barkley, Jr and Locke D. Barkley from June 1999 to October 2005. Prior to his bankruptcy practice, Todd began his practice as an assistant state attorney for the 3rd Judicial District of Florida, and worked as an insurance defense attorney in Jackson, Mississippi. He is licensed to practice in all Courts in Mississippi and the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. He is also an inactive member of the Florida Bar.
Todd is a native of Live Oak, Florida, and attended Jacksonville University (FL) and the Mississippi College School of Law. He is a member of the Booth-Politz Inn of Court, the American Bankruptcy Institute, and the Western District of Louisiana Rules Committee. He has previously been a speaker at the Mississippi Bankruptcy Conference, the LSU Bankruptcy Conference, the Region 5 Standing Trustee Training and the NACTT annual seminar.
Mr. Ben W. Kadden
Lugenbuhl
Benjamin (Ben) Kadden is the Managing Partner and leader of the Restructuring and Insolvency Section at Lugenbuhl. His areas of focus include bankruptcy, restructuring, creditors’ rights, corporate and commercial law, mergers and acquisitions, litigation, and asset-based finance. Ben has acted as lead counsel for various Official Committees of Unsecured Creditors, as well as special counsel to the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors in the Trico Marine bankruptcy. He has also served as Debtor’s counsel in a number of Chapter 11 proceedings, including Gulf Fleet Holdings, Inc., East Cameron Partners, L.P., and Bender Shipbuilding & Repair Co.
Admitted to practice in Louisiana and Texas, Ben has also served as special or local counsel in several large Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases in the Southern District of Texas. He has represented numerous liquidating and litigating trusts arising out of confirmed plans of reorganization and has participated in a number of merger and acquisition transactions. Because of his experience in complex Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases, Ben has knowledge regarding the purchase or sale of assets by distressed companies, including navigating the process while a buyer or seller is in bankruptcy.
Ben is admitted to practice and regularly does so in the following jurisdictions: Louisiana, Texas, U.S. Fifth Circuit, and all U.S. District Courts in Louisiana and Texas. His is ranked by Chambers USA ranking, is recognized by Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers, a New Orleans Top Lawyer recipient, and an AV Preeminent Rated Attorney by Martindale-Hubbell.
Lugenbuhl
Benjamin (Ben) Kadden is the Managing Partner and leader of the Restructuring and Insolvency Section at Lugenbuhl. His areas of focus include bankruptcy, restructuring, creditors’ rights, corporate and commercial law, mergers and acquisitions, litigation, and asset-based finance. Ben has acted as lead counsel for various Official Committees of Unsecured Creditors, as well as special counsel to the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors in the Trico Marine bankruptcy. He has also served as Debtor’s counsel in a number of Chapter 11 proceedings, including Gulf Fleet Holdings, Inc., East Cameron Partners, L.P., and Bender Shipbuilding & Repair Co.
Admitted to practice in Louisiana and Texas, Ben has also served as special or local counsel in several large Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases in the Southern District of Texas. He has represented numerous liquidating and litigating trusts arising out of confirmed plans of reorganization and has participated in a number of merger and acquisition transactions. Because of his experience in complex Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases, Ben has knowledge regarding the purchase or sale of assets by distressed companies, including navigating the process while a buyer or seller is in bankruptcy.
Ben is admitted to practice and regularly does so in the following jurisdictions: Louisiana, Texas, U.S. Fifth Circuit, and all U.S. District Courts in Louisiana and Texas. His is ranked by Chambers USA ranking, is recognized by Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers, a New Orleans Top Lawyer recipient, and an AV Preeminent Rated Attorney by Martindale-Hubbell.
Mr. Bradley C. Knapp
Troutman Pepper Locke LLP
Brad Knapp advises clients on a variety of litigation and bankruptcy matters. Brad has been involved in every aspect of the Chapter 11 process, including representing debtors, assisting with committee representations, representing buyers with bankruptcy acquisitions and representing creditors. Brad also has extensive experience with bankruptcy litigation on behalf of energy industry clients and consumer finance clients. Brad also represents energy clients in regulatory matters, particularly related to offshore oil and gas interests.
Troutman Pepper Locke LLP
Brad Knapp advises clients on a variety of litigation and bankruptcy matters. Brad has been involved in every aspect of the Chapter 11 process, including representing debtors, assisting with committee representations, representing buyers with bankruptcy acquisitions and representing creditors. Brad also has extensive experience with bankruptcy litigation on behalf of energy industry clients and consumer finance clients. Brad also represents energy clients in regulatory matters, particularly related to offshore oil and gas interests.
Judge John W. Kolwe
Chief United States Bankruptcy Judge
US Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Louisiana
John W. Kolwe was appointed United States Bankruptcy Judge by the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, effective August 12, 2015. He was sworn in by Bankruptcy Judge Robert R. Summerhays and served in the Alexandria and Monroe Divisions of the Western District of Louisiana until April 25, 2019. On October 5, 2018, he was appointed to the Lafayette and Lake Charles Divisions to fill the vacancy left by Judge Summerhays. He served as Chief Judge for the Western District of Louisiana from April 2018 to April 2023. He received his B.S. in Accounting from Centenary College of Louisiana in 1985. Following graduation from Centenary, Judge Kolwe worked as a CPA. Judge Kolwe received his J.D. in 1991from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center. He practiced law in Lafayette, Louisiana from 1991 until joining the bench. John is presently the Fifth Circuit Governor of the National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges. He is also a member of the Dean’s Council for the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center. John and his wife, Miriam, reside in Lafayette, Louisiana, where they raised their two children.
Chief United States Bankruptcy Judge
US Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Louisiana
John W. Kolwe was appointed United States Bankruptcy Judge by the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, effective August 12, 2015. He was sworn in by Bankruptcy Judge Robert R. Summerhays and served in the Alexandria and Monroe Divisions of the Western District of Louisiana until April 25, 2019. On October 5, 2018, he was appointed to the Lafayette and Lake Charles Divisions to fill the vacancy left by Judge Summerhays. He served as Chief Judge for the Western District of Louisiana from April 2018 to April 2023. He received his B.S. in Accounting from Centenary College of Louisiana in 1985. Following graduation from Centenary, Judge Kolwe worked as a CPA. Judge Kolwe received his J.D. in 1991from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center. He practiced law in Lafayette, Louisiana from 1991 until joining the bench. John is presently the Fifth Circuit Governor of the National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges. He is also a member of the Dean’s Council for the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center. John and his wife, Miriam, reside in Lafayette, Louisiana, where they raised their two children.
Mr. Omer F. Kuebel III
Partner
Troutman Pepper Locke LLP
http://www.lockelord.com
Rick Kuebel, Co-Chair of the Firm's Bankruptcy, Restructuring and Insolvency Practice Group, has extensive experience as the architect of corporate restructuring and bankruptcy solutions in multiple economic sectors, including energy, manufacturing, gaming, health care and retail. Rick has represented numerous companies in business litigation, arbitration matters and regulatory disputes involving oil and gas exploration, development, transportation, refining and marketing.
Rick also provides counseling for distressed transactions, including distressed asset acquisitions and divestitures, joint operations, regulatory implications and other financial risks. Successes include restructuring or distressed acquisition of Neuro Rehab Care, Delta Radiology and Denali/Zohar. He also represents creditors in commercial collection litigation, property litigation, enforcement of security rights and bankruptcy litigation.
In addition, Rick has formed or represented unsecured creditor committees in a number of reorganizations, including: Seadrill Limited, Diamond Offshore, Yuma Exploration, Evans Industries, the Fairgrounds, WRT Energy, Jitney Jungle, Delchamps, Forcenergy, Friede Goldman Halter, Orion Refining, Lundy Enterprises, Valentine Paper and WFA (West Feliciana Paper Mill).He has represented major companies in a number of energy or energy-related industry restructurings and bankruptcies, including McDermott International Diamond Offshore, Valaris Drilling, Fieldwood Energy, Castex Energy, Lyondell Basell, SemCrude, Flying J, Enron (North America), Getty Petroleum Marketing, ATP, Black Elk Energy, Energy XXI, Northstar Energy, VENOCO, Shoreline Energy, RDT, Dune Energy, EOTT, Panaco, Contour Energy, TDC Energy, Virgin Oil/Offshore, Watson Energy, TransTexas Oil and Gas, Forcenergy, WRT, Alma and Equinox, Rand Energy, NARCO, AP Green, Farmland Industries, PG&E, Babcock and Wilcox, Bethlehem Steel and Friede Goldman Halter.
Rick has acted as counsel in numerous commercial disputes arising from offshore exploration projects, including Macondo (Deepwater Horizon), Atlantis, Thunder Horse, Petronius, Mad Dog, West Delta and the Cook Inlet. Rick has represented numerous exploration and production companies with respect to regulatory disputes with BOEM, BSEE and numerous state regulatory agencies.
Partner
Troutman Pepper Locke LLP
http://www.lockelord.com
Rick Kuebel, Co-Chair of the Firm's Bankruptcy, Restructuring and Insolvency Practice Group, has extensive experience as the architect of corporate restructuring and bankruptcy solutions in multiple economic sectors, including energy, manufacturing, gaming, health care and retail. Rick has represented numerous companies in business litigation, arbitration matters and regulatory disputes involving oil and gas exploration, development, transportation, refining and marketing.
Rick also provides counseling for distressed transactions, including distressed asset acquisitions and divestitures, joint operations, regulatory implications and other financial risks. Successes include restructuring or distressed acquisition of Neuro Rehab Care, Delta Radiology and Denali/Zohar. He also represents creditors in commercial collection litigation, property litigation, enforcement of security rights and bankruptcy litigation.
In addition, Rick has formed or represented unsecured creditor committees in a number of reorganizations, including: Seadrill Limited, Diamond Offshore, Yuma Exploration, Evans Industries, the Fairgrounds, WRT Energy, Jitney Jungle, Delchamps, Forcenergy, Friede Goldman Halter, Orion Refining, Lundy Enterprises, Valentine Paper and WFA (West Feliciana Paper Mill).He has represented major companies in a number of energy or energy-related industry restructurings and bankruptcies, including McDermott International Diamond Offshore, Valaris Drilling, Fieldwood Energy, Castex Energy, Lyondell Basell, SemCrude, Flying J, Enron (North America), Getty Petroleum Marketing, ATP, Black Elk Energy, Energy XXI, Northstar Energy, VENOCO, Shoreline Energy, RDT, Dune Energy, EOTT, Panaco, Contour Energy, TDC Energy, Virgin Oil/Offshore, Watson Energy, TransTexas Oil and Gas, Forcenergy, WRT, Alma and Equinox, Rand Energy, NARCO, AP Green, Farmland Industries, PG&E, Babcock and Wilcox, Bethlehem Steel and Friede Goldman Halter.
Rick has acted as counsel in numerous commercial disputes arising from offshore exploration projects, including Macondo (Deepwater Horizon), Atlantis, Thunder Horse, Petronius, Mad Dog, West Delta and the Cook Inlet. Rick has represented numerous exploration and production companies with respect to regulatory disputes with BOEM, BSEE and numerous state regulatory agencies.
Hon. Christopher M. López
United States Bankruptcy Judge
United States Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Texas
United States Bankruptcy Judge Christopher M. López was appointed to the United States Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Texas, effective August 14, 2019. Judge López was sworn in by United States Circuit Judge Gregg Costa on Wednesday, August 14, 2019.
United States Bankruptcy Judge
United States Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Texas
United States Bankruptcy Judge Christopher M. López was appointed to the United States Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Texas, effective August 14, 2019. Judge López was sworn in by United States Circuit Judge Gregg Costa on Wednesday, August 14, 2019.
Judge Keith M Lundin
United State Bankruptcy Judge (retired)
Middle District of Tennessee
Judge Keith Lundin was appointed to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Tennessee in 1982. He retired in June 2016. He served as a judge on the first Bankruptcy Appellate Panel of the Sixth Circuit from 1997-99. He is on the faculty of the Federal Judicial Center. In addition to teaching as an adjunct professor at Vanderbilt Law School, he taught at the University of New Mexico, where he was the Weihofen Distinguished Visiting Professor of Law in 2006, at Emory University School of Law and on numerous seminar and institute faculties. He is the author of LundinOnChapter13.com and has been a managing editor for Norton Bankruptcy Law Adviser (Thompson/Reuters/West) since 1982. After earning his law degree from Vanderbilt, he clerked for Chief Judge Harry Phillips of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. While in private practice, he served as standing Chapter 13 trustee for the Middle District of Tennessee. He teaches Effective Legal Writing for the Real World; Marijuana and Bankruptcy; Discharge and Dischargeability; and Chapter 13.
United State Bankruptcy Judge (retired)
Middle District of Tennessee
Judge Keith Lundin was appointed to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Tennessee in 1982. He retired in June 2016. He served as a judge on the first Bankruptcy Appellate Panel of the Sixth Circuit from 1997-99. He is on the faculty of the Federal Judicial Center. In addition to teaching as an adjunct professor at Vanderbilt Law School, he taught at the University of New Mexico, where he was the Weihofen Distinguished Visiting Professor of Law in 2006, at Emory University School of Law and on numerous seminar and institute faculties. He is the author of LundinOnChapter13.com and has been a managing editor for Norton Bankruptcy Law Adviser (Thompson/Reuters/West) since 1982. After earning his law degree from Vanderbilt, he clerked for Chief Judge Harry Phillips of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. While in private practice, he served as standing Chapter 13 trustee for the Middle District of Tennessee. He teaches Effective Legal Writing for the Real World; Marijuana and Bankruptcy; Discharge and Dischargeability; and Chapter 13.
Mr. Mark A. Mintz
Jones Walker LLP
Mark Mintz is a partner in the litigation and bankruptcy group at Jones Walker LLP. His practice focuses on creditor and debtor rights, especially in the bankruptcy context. He has represented secured and unsecured creditors in bankruptcy cases and has also represented bankruptcy trustees in both Chapter 7 and Chapter 11 cases. Prior to his legal career, he was Deputy Press Secretary to U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu.
Mr. Mintz received his J.D. magna cum laude from Tulane Law school in May 2007, where he served as senior managing editor of the Tulane Law Review and was inducted into the Order of the Coif. Upon graduation, he clerk for the Hon. Carl Barbier, U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Louisiana. He received his B.A. in Political Science and Middle Eastern Studies from Emory University in May 2001.
Jones Walker LLP
Mark Mintz is a partner in the litigation and bankruptcy group at Jones Walker LLP. His practice focuses on creditor and debtor rights, especially in the bankruptcy context. He has represented secured and unsecured creditors in bankruptcy cases and has also represented bankruptcy trustees in both Chapter 7 and Chapter 11 cases. Prior to his legal career, he was Deputy Press Secretary to U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu.
Mr. Mintz received his J.D. magna cum laude from Tulane Law school in May 2007, where he served as senior managing editor of the Tulane Law Review and was inducted into the Order of the Coif. Upon graduation, he clerk for the Hon. Carl Barbier, U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Louisiana. He received his B.A. in Political Science and Middle Eastern Studies from Emory University in May 2001.
Mr. Joseph R. R. Moore
Attorney
E. Orum Young Law, LLC
http://www.eorumyoung.com
Law School: Loyola University New Orleans College of Law 2011
Practicing in Consumer Bankruptcy and Litigation since 2012 with E. Orum Young Law
Partner E. Orum Young Law
Attorney
E. Orum Young Law, LLC
http://www.eorumyoung.com
Law School: Loyola University New Orleans College of Law 2011
Practicing in Consumer Bankruptcy and Litigation since 2012 with E. Orum Young Law
Partner E. Orum Young Law
Mr. Dwayne M Murray
Chapter 7 Trustee
Murray & Murray
http://www.murraylaw.net
Dwayne M. Murray is a Past President and CEO of the National Association of Bankruptcy Trustees and the Managing Member in the Baton Rouge Law Firm of Murray & Murray, LLC. He holds the bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and the Juris Doctorate from the Southern University Law Center. He has served as a Chapter 7 Panel Trustee since 1993 for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Middle District of Louisiana. He has been appointed Chapter 11 Trustee, Liquidating Trustee and as Special Master in state court. He is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, United States Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit, United States District Courts for the Middle, Eastern and Western Districts of Louisiana. Murray is affiliated with the Turnaround Management Association, American Bankruptcy Institute, National Bar Association, Louisiana State Bar Association, and the National Association of Bankruptcy Trustees.
Chapter 7 Trustee
Murray & Murray
http://www.murraylaw.net
Dwayne M. Murray is a Past President and CEO of the National Association of Bankruptcy Trustees and the Managing Member in the Baton Rouge Law Firm of Murray & Murray, LLC. He holds the bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and the Juris Doctorate from the Southern University Law Center. He has served as a Chapter 7 Panel Trustee since 1993 for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Middle District of Louisiana. He has been appointed Chapter 11 Trustee, Liquidating Trustee and as Special Master in state court. He is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, United States Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit, United States District Courts for the Middle, Eastern and Western Districts of Louisiana. Murray is affiliated with the Turnaround Management Association, American Bankruptcy Institute, National Bar Association, Louisiana State Bar Association, and the National Association of Bankruptcy Trustees.
Ms. Samantha Alexis Oppenheim
Associate
Jones Walker LLP
Samantha’s practice focuses on the areas of bankruptcy and creditors’-debtors’ rights, as well as healthcare law.
Prior to joining Jones Walker, Samantha served as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Martin L.C. Feldman of the US District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. Prior to her clerkship, Samantha earned her juris doctor degree, summa cum laude, from Tulane University Law School, graduating in the top two percent of her class and earning the Order of the Coif distinction. During law school, Samantha served as a notes and comments editor of the Tulane Law Review, as well as a senior fellow for the Legal Research and Writing course.
Associate
Jones Walker LLP
Samantha’s practice focuses on the areas of bankruptcy and creditors’-debtors’ rights, as well as healthcare law.
Prior to joining Jones Walker, Samantha served as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Martin L.C. Feldman of the US District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. Prior to her clerkship, Samantha earned her juris doctor degree, summa cum laude, from Tulane University Law School, graduating in the top two percent of her class and earning the Order of the Coif distinction. During law school, Samantha served as a notes and comments editor of the Tulane Law Review, as well as a senior fellow for the Legal Research and Writing course.
Mr. Kevin J. Payne
Rogers, Carter & Payne, LLC
Kevin J. Payne received his BBA from Baylor University (1999) and his JD/BCL from LSU (2003). He is a partner in the firm of Rogers, Carter & Payne, LLC.
Rogers, Carter & Payne, LLC
Kevin J. Payne received his BBA from Baylor University (1999) and his JD/BCL from LSU (2003). He is a partner in the firm of Rogers, Carter & Payne, LLC.
Mr. Louis M. Phillips
Partner
Kelly Hart & Pitre
https://kellyhart.com/
Louis M. Phillips is a partner at Kelly Hart & Pitre and leader of the firm's Bankruptcy & Business Reorg. practice. Mr. Phillips provides legal representation and consultation for debtors, creditors, and trustees over a broad practice area, including transaction and business structuring and restructuring, bankruptcy reorganization, and bankruptcy and commercial litigation. He also handles civil cases in state and federal courts and has handled matters before the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Mr. Phillips represents debtors, debtors-in-possession, and creditors in Chapter 11 cases, borrowers and lenders in loan restructuring and workouts, and entities of all types in all practice areas of bankruptcy cases and proceedings.
Mr. Phillips serves as the permanent chair of the Annual Bankruptcy Law Seminar sponsored by the Louisiana State University Center for Continuing Professional Development, a program he developed in 1995. He has taught educational programs on bankruptcy law for state judges, and has been an Adjunct Professor of Law at LSU Law School since 1988. Phillips was formerly a contributing editor to the Norton Bankruptcy Law and Practice 2nd and is the author of numerous articles for law reviews and other periodicals. Mr. Phillips is a frequent speaker and writer for legal education seminars across the country, including the Advanced Bankruptcy Course of the State Bar of Texas, Western District of Texas Bankruptcy Bench Bar; LSU Annual Bankruptcy Law Seminar, LSU Family Law and Recent Developments in Law Jurisprudence Seminars, and seminars sponsored by such esteemed groups as Stetson University College of Law, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, Texas Tech School of Law, Norton Institutes on Bankruptcy Law, American Bankruptcy Institute, National Association of Bankruptcy Trustees, National Association of Chapter 13 Trustees, Rocky Mountain Bankruptcy Symposium Law Education Institute, 5th Circuit Bench-Bar Bankruptcy Conference, Mississippi Bankruptcy Conference, Bankruptcy Law Institute, MidSouth Commercial Law Institute, the Annual Oil & Gas Law Conference, and the American Bar Association as well as numerous federal district bar associations and those of and in the states of Louisiana, Minnesota, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, Washington and Wisconsin. Among his many other speaking engagements are lectures to the National Association of Attorneys General, Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys, and VISA International.
From 1988 - 2002, Mr. Phillips served as the Chief U.S. Bankruptcy Judge for the Middle District of Louisiana. During his tenure, he authored numerous opinions of first impression of Louisiana state law and bankruptcy law, and was the author of a number of opinions that ultimately were adopted by the Fifth Circuit and other courts as the law of those courts (i.e., Matter of Mercer, 246 F.3d 391 (5th Cir.2001) involving credit card fraud cases under section 523(a)(2) and Matter of Orso, 283 F.3d 686 (5th Cir. 2002) (wherein the Court reversed the panel and prior jurisprudence concerning the Louisiana law exemption over structured settlement annuities).
Mr. Phillips presided over the first conversion to a totally electronic filing and docketing system within the Federal Courts of the United States.
Partner
Kelly Hart & Pitre
https://kellyhart.com/
Louis M. Phillips is a partner at Kelly Hart & Pitre and leader of the firm's Bankruptcy & Business Reorg. practice. Mr. Phillips provides legal representation and consultation for debtors, creditors, and trustees over a broad practice area, including transaction and business structuring and restructuring, bankruptcy reorganization, and bankruptcy and commercial litigation. He also handles civil cases in state and federal courts and has handled matters before the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Mr. Phillips represents debtors, debtors-in-possession, and creditors in Chapter 11 cases, borrowers and lenders in loan restructuring and workouts, and entities of all types in all practice areas of bankruptcy cases and proceedings.
Mr. Phillips serves as the permanent chair of the Annual Bankruptcy Law Seminar sponsored by the Louisiana State University Center for Continuing Professional Development, a program he developed in 1995. He has taught educational programs on bankruptcy law for state judges, and has been an Adjunct Professor of Law at LSU Law School since 1988. Phillips was formerly a contributing editor to the Norton Bankruptcy Law and Practice 2nd and is the author of numerous articles for law reviews and other periodicals. Mr. Phillips is a frequent speaker and writer for legal education seminars across the country, including the Advanced Bankruptcy Course of the State Bar of Texas, Western District of Texas Bankruptcy Bench Bar; LSU Annual Bankruptcy Law Seminar, LSU Family Law and Recent Developments in Law Jurisprudence Seminars, and seminars sponsored by such esteemed groups as Stetson University College of Law, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, Texas Tech School of Law, Norton Institutes on Bankruptcy Law, American Bankruptcy Institute, National Association of Bankruptcy Trustees, National Association of Chapter 13 Trustees, Rocky Mountain Bankruptcy Symposium Law Education Institute, 5th Circuit Bench-Bar Bankruptcy Conference, Mississippi Bankruptcy Conference, Bankruptcy Law Institute, MidSouth Commercial Law Institute, the Annual Oil & Gas Law Conference, and the American Bar Association as well as numerous federal district bar associations and those of and in the states of Louisiana, Minnesota, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, Washington and Wisconsin. Among his many other speaking engagements are lectures to the National Association of Attorneys General, Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys, and VISA International.
From 1988 - 2002, Mr. Phillips served as the Chief U.S. Bankruptcy Judge for the Middle District of Louisiana. During his tenure, he authored numerous opinions of first impression of Louisiana state law and bankruptcy law, and was the author of a number of opinions that ultimately were adopted by the Fifth Circuit and other courts as the law of those courts (i.e., Matter of Mercer, 246 F.3d 391 (5th Cir.2001) involving credit card fraud cases under section 523(a)(2) and Matter of Orso, 283 F.3d 686 (5th Cir. 2002) (wherein the Court reversed the panel and prior jurisprudence concerning the Louisiana law exemption over structured settlement annuities).
Mr. Phillips presided over the first conversion to a totally electronic filing and docketing system within the Federal Courts of the United States.
Mr. Bill J. Rochelle III
American Bankruptcy Institute
Bill Rochelle joined the American Bankruptcy Institute in 2015 as its Editor-at-Large, writing every day on developments in consumer and reorganization law. For the prior nine years, he was the bankruptcy columnist for Bloomberg News.
Bill got his undergraduate and law degrees from Columbia University, where he received Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar awards from the law school. Before turning to journalism, he practiced bankruptcy law for 35 years, including 17 years as a partner in the New York office of Fulbright & Jaworski LLP.
In addition to writing, Bill travels the country for ABI, speaking to bar groups and professional organizations on hot topics in the turnaround community and trends in consumer bankruptcies.
American Bankruptcy Institute
Bill Rochelle joined the American Bankruptcy Institute in 2015 as its Editor-at-Large, writing every day on developments in consumer and reorganization law. For the prior nine years, he was the bankruptcy columnist for Bloomberg News.
Bill got his undergraduate and law degrees from Columbia University, where he received Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar awards from the law school. Before turning to journalism, he practiced bankruptcy law for 35 years, including 17 years as a partner in the New York office of Fulbright & Jaworski LLP.
In addition to writing, Bill travels the country for ABI, speaking to bar groups and professional organizations on hot topics in the turnaround community and trends in consumer bankruptcies.
Mr. Michael D. Rubenstein
Shareholder
Liskow & Lewis
Michael Rubenstein is a bankruptcy practitioner with a diverse commercial practice. He handles bankruptcies, restructurings, and reorganizations, as well as complex business litigation and criminal law.
With a reputation for efficiency and effectiveness, his bankruptcy practice is largely devoted to the representation of creditors, often in the energy sector, in complex reorganizations throughout the U.S.
Michael also routinely handles the defense of preference litigation in some of the largest bankruptcy cases in the U.S. and is certified in the area of business bankruptcy law by the American Board of Certification. “Liskow’s depth of bankruptcy and courtroom experience is truly an asset for every client that hires us in these areas,” Michael notes.
Major financial institutions throughout Texas and Louisiana regularly seek Michael’s guidance. In addition, he has extensive experience in general business litigation and government enforcement proceedings, and has managed complex, large and difficult electronic discovery projects in both criminal and civil cases.
Michael served as a member of the firm’s Board of Directors. He has also served on the firm’s compensation, technology, library, medical, and office administration committees. He was a law clerk to the Honorable Edith Brown Clement, Judge, United States District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana from1993–1995.
Shareholder
Liskow & Lewis
Michael Rubenstein is a bankruptcy practitioner with a diverse commercial practice. He handles bankruptcies, restructurings, and reorganizations, as well as complex business litigation and criminal law.
With a reputation for efficiency and effectiveness, his bankruptcy practice is largely devoted to the representation of creditors, often in the energy sector, in complex reorganizations throughout the U.S.
Michael also routinely handles the defense of preference litigation in some of the largest bankruptcy cases in the U.S. and is certified in the area of business bankruptcy law by the American Board of Certification. “Liskow’s depth of bankruptcy and courtroom experience is truly an asset for every client that hires us in these areas,” Michael notes.
Major financial institutions throughout Texas and Louisiana regularly seek Michael’s guidance. In addition, he has extensive experience in general business litigation and government enforcement proceedings, and has managed complex, large and difficult electronic discovery projects in both criminal and civil cases.
Michael served as a member of the firm’s Board of Directors. He has also served on the firm’s compensation, technology, library, medical, and office administration committees. He was a law clerk to the Honorable Edith Brown Clement, Judge, United States District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana from1993–1995.
Hon. Robert R. Summerhays
United States District Judge
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana
Judge Robert Summerhays was appointed to the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana by President Trump in September 2018. Prior to this appointment, Judge Summerhays served as the Chief Bankruptcy Judge of the Western District of Louisiana. Judge Summerhays was previously a partner in the law firm of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, where his primary practice area was federal court litigation. Judge Summerhays served as a law clerk for Judge W. Eugene Davis (U.S. Court of Appeals) in Lafayette from 1994 to 1995. Judge Summerhays received his law degree in 1994 from the University of Texas at Austin, where he was an Associate Editor of the Texas Law Review.
United States District Judge
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana
Judge Robert Summerhays was appointed to the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana by President Trump in September 2018. Prior to this appointment, Judge Summerhays served as the Chief Bankruptcy Judge of the Western District of Louisiana. Judge Summerhays was previously a partner in the law firm of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, where his primary practice area was federal court litigation. Judge Summerhays served as a law clerk for Judge W. Eugene Davis (U.S. Court of Appeals) in Lafayette from 1994 to 1995. Judge Summerhays received his law degree in 1994 from the University of Texas at Austin, where he was an Associate Editor of the Texas Law Review.
Mr. David F Waguespack
Attorney
Carver, Darden, Koretzky, Tessier, Finn, Blossman & Areaux, LLC
David F. Waguespack is managing partner of Carver Darden. He has represented lenders, debtors, creditor committees, investors, officers and directors, and other parties in complex Chapter 11 cases and related litigation and has served as a Chapter 11 trustee. Mr. Waguespack is recognized for his work in bankruptcy and restructuring in Best Lawyers, Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business (Tier 1), Louisiana Super Lawyers (Top 50) , and the Legal 500. He is board certified in business bankruptcy by the American Board of Certification and by the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization. He has chaired several subcommittees of the Business Bankruptcy Committee of the American Bar Association, including Courts and Administration, Corporate Governance, Limited Liability Companies, and Alternative Dispute Resolution. Mr. Waguespack served as an adjunct professor of business law at Tulane University for 20 years. Mr. Waguespack graduated from Rhodes College in 1988 with the John Henry Davis Award for the outstanding History major and from Tulane University Law School in 1991 as an Associate Editor of the Tulane Law Review and member of the Order of the Coif.
Attorney
Carver, Darden, Koretzky, Tessier, Finn, Blossman & Areaux, LLC
David F. Waguespack is managing partner of Carver Darden. He has represented lenders, debtors, creditor committees, investors, officers and directors, and other parties in complex Chapter 11 cases and related litigation and has served as a Chapter 11 trustee. Mr. Waguespack is recognized for his work in bankruptcy and restructuring in Best Lawyers, Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business (Tier 1), Louisiana Super Lawyers (Top 50) , and the Legal 500. He is board certified in business bankruptcy by the American Board of Certification and by the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization. He has chaired several subcommittees of the Business Bankruptcy Committee of the American Bar Association, including Courts and Administration, Corporate Governance, Limited Liability Companies, and Alternative Dispute Resolution. Mr. Waguespack served as an adjunct professor of business law at Tulane University for 20 years. Mr. Waguespack graduated from Rhodes College in 1988 with the John Henry Davis Award for the outstanding History major and from Tulane University Law School in 1991 as an Associate Editor of the Tulane Law Review and member of the Order of the Coif.
Judge Stephen D. Wheelis
Judge
US Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Louisiana
http://www.lawb.uscourts.gov
Stephen D. Wheelis was appointed by the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals on April 25, 2019 to serve as a Bankruptcy Judge for the U. S. Bankruptcy Court, W. D. of Louisiana at Alexandria and Monroe. Prior to his appointment, he was a shareholder of Wheelis & Rozanski, APLC, in Alexandria for over 20 years and initially practiced as a partner with Provosty, Sadler & deLaunay for 14 years.
His practice included representation of creditors and trustees in all bankruptcy chapters, banking, business & commercial law, litigation & appeals. He actively practiced bankruptcy law throughout all Districts of Louisiana and in many other states, pro hac vice.
He is a Board Certified Business Bankruptcy Specialist, certified by the Louisiana Supreme Court and the American Board of Certification since January 1, 1997. He served from 2011-2019 on the Board of Directors of the American Board of Certification, the Standards and Faculty Committees. He has been a member of the American Bankruptcy Institute for more than 20 years. He served as a member of the LSBA Bankruptcy Law Advisory Commission, 1995 - 1998 and 2018-2019, and chaired the LSBA Board of Legal Specialization from 2009-2010. He served as an Assistant Bar Examiner for Code III from 2005-2019 and held memberships in the Louisiana Bankers Association, serving on the Bank Counsel Committee, as well as the Louisiana State, American and Alexandria Bar Associations.
On December 3, 2021, He was appointed to a 3 year term as the 5th Circuit representative on the Bankruptcy Judges Advisory Group for the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. He is currently a member of the Crossroads American Inns of Court, The Judge Jerry A. Brown Louisiana Bankruptcy Inn of Court, the Federal Bar Association, The National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges, serving as Chair of the NextGeneration Committee, and an Associate Member of NACTT.
He appeared consecutively in the annual editions of Louisiana Super Lawyers, Business Bankruptcy/Creditor Rights, from 2007-2019. He previously served as an adjunct professor for paralegal studies at Northwestern State University and Louisiana College and taught courses for the American Institute of Banking.
Judge Wheelis received his J.D. Degree in 1985 from Tulane University School of Law and his B.A. in Legal Studies from Northeast Louisiana University (now ULM) in 1981.
Judge
US Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Louisiana
http://www.lawb.uscourts.gov
Stephen D. Wheelis was appointed by the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals on April 25, 2019 to serve as a Bankruptcy Judge for the U. S. Bankruptcy Court, W. D. of Louisiana at Alexandria and Monroe. Prior to his appointment, he was a shareholder of Wheelis & Rozanski, APLC, in Alexandria for over 20 years and initially practiced as a partner with Provosty, Sadler & deLaunay for 14 years.
His practice included representation of creditors and trustees in all bankruptcy chapters, banking, business & commercial law, litigation & appeals. He actively practiced bankruptcy law throughout all Districts of Louisiana and in many other states, pro hac vice.
He is a Board Certified Business Bankruptcy Specialist, certified by the Louisiana Supreme Court and the American Board of Certification since January 1, 1997. He served from 2011-2019 on the Board of Directors of the American Board of Certification, the Standards and Faculty Committees. He has been a member of the American Bankruptcy Institute for more than 20 years. He served as a member of the LSBA Bankruptcy Law Advisory Commission, 1995 - 1998 and 2018-2019, and chaired the LSBA Board of Legal Specialization from 2009-2010. He served as an Assistant Bar Examiner for Code III from 2005-2019 and held memberships in the Louisiana Bankers Association, serving on the Bank Counsel Committee, as well as the Louisiana State, American and Alexandria Bar Associations.
On December 3, 2021, He was appointed to a 3 year term as the 5th Circuit representative on the Bankruptcy Judges Advisory Group for the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. He is currently a member of the Crossroads American Inns of Court, The Judge Jerry A. Brown Louisiana Bankruptcy Inn of Court, the Federal Bar Association, The National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges, serving as Chair of the NextGeneration Committee, and an Associate Member of NACTT.
He appeared consecutively in the annual editions of Louisiana Super Lawyers, Business Bankruptcy/Creditor Rights, from 2007-2019. He previously served as an adjunct professor for paralegal studies at Northwestern State University and Louisiana College and taught courses for the American Institute of Banking.
Judge Wheelis received his J.D. Degree in 1985 from Tulane University School of Law and his B.A. in Legal Studies from Northeast Louisiana University (now ULM) in 1981.
