Partner in Charge
Loulan J. Pitre
"Our Louisiana offices serve clients from Louisiana, Texas, and coast to coast. We are thrilled to bring our Louisiana knowledge and experience to bear to help our clients achieve their goals, and we appreciate being supported by the resources of a full-service law firm."
Kelly Hart Represents Appliance Distributors of Louisiana in Sale to Ferguson Enterprises, Inc.
Kelly Hart represented Appliance Dealers of Louisiana (ADL) in its sale to national plumbing retailer Ferguson Enterprises, Inc.
Kelly Hart Represents Mustang Energy Services in Sale to Extreme Plastics
Kelly Hart represented Mustang Energy Services in its sale to private equity-backed competitor Extreme Plastics Plus (EPP).
Kelly Hart Welcomes Elizabeth A. Cuneo
Elizabeth Cuneo joins Kelly Hart as an associate in the Fort Worth office’s Litigation Section.
David Keltner Named 2018 Chief Justice Jack Pope Professionalism Award Recipient
The Texas Center for Legal Ethics has selected David Keltner to receive the 2018 Pope Award for Integrity and Professionalism.
Rachel Scarafia Selected for Institute of Energy Law Inaugural Leadership Class
The Institute of Energy Law (IEL) has chosen Rachel Scarafia to participate in its inaugural Leadership Class.
Kelly Hart Welcomes Daniel Lichtl
Daniel Lichtl joins Kelly Hart as a partner in the New Orleans Office’s Corporate and Securities Section.
Cheryl Leb Elected Chair of Tarrant County Bar Association Intellectual Property Law Section
Cheryl Leb recently was elected to serve as Chair of the Tarrant County Bar Association (TCBA) Intellectual Property Law Section for a one year term beginning in July of 2018.
Kelly Hart Attorneys Named 2018 Top Attorneys by 360 West Magazine
The July issue of 360 West magazine recognizes 84 Kelly Hart lawyers selected by their peers for inclusion in the Top Attorneys list.
Jane Jackson Authors Column in Louisiana Oil & Gas Association (“LOGA”) Industry Report
Jane Jackson authored an article addressing the recent uptick in lawsuits filed under Louisiana’s environmental citizen suit statute.
Kelly Hart Represents Circus Property and Three Ring Remainder in Real Estate Transaction
Peter Kopfinger recently represented Circus Property I, LLC and Three Ring Remainder I, LLC in the sale of seven restaurant properties.
Alan Hegi Elected Vice Chair of Law Section of the American Railway Development Association
At the annual American Railway Development Association (ARDA) meeting in New York, Alan Hegi was elected to serve as Vice Chair of the Law Section of the ARDA.
David Keltner Featured in Texas Lawbook Story
The Texas Lawbook interviewed David Keltner for its story on his receipt of the Tarrant County Bar Association’s Blackstone Award.
Christopher R. Wilkes Joins Kelly Hart
Christopher R. Wilkes joins Kelly Hart as an associate in the Fort Worth Office’s Corporate and Securities Section.
Kelly Hart Welcomes Robert H. Baker
Robert H. Baker joins Kelly Hart as an associate in the Austin Office’s Corporate and Securities Section.
David Keltner Featured in Fort Worth Business Press Story
Fort Worth Business Press interviewed David Keltner on receiving the Tarrant County Bar Association’s Blackstone Award.
Chambers USA 2018 Recognizes 5 Kelly Hart Attorneys
Chambers USA has ranked 5 Kelly Hart lawyers for excellence in its 2018 edition. Two of the Firm’s lawyers have achieved Band 1 rankings in their respective practice area.
Kelly Hart Welcomes Orest B. Dachniwsky
Orest B. Dachniwsky joins Kelly Hart as Senior Counsel in the Fort Worth Office’s Litigation Section.
David Morales Nominated to Serve as United States District Judge
President Donald Trump has announced his nomination of Kelly Hart & Hallman partner David S. Morales to serve as a District Judge on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas.
Aimee Hebert Featured in New Orleans CityBusiness Story
New Orleans CityBusiness interviewed Aimee Hebert on how and why mineral royalties came to be classified as “rent” under the state mineral code.
Monica Jacobs Featured Speaker at Permian Basin Petroleum Association’s Water Committee Meeting
Monica Jacobs recently spoke on water rights at the Permian Basin Petroleum Association's Water Committee meeting.
Jane Jackson Featured Speaker at Louisiana State University Mineral Law Institute
Jane Jackson recently spoke on “Citizen Suits Under Environmental Statutes” at the LSU Mineral Law Institute.
Loulan Pitre Featured Panelist at Tulane Environmental Law & Policy Summit
Loulan J. Pitre Jr recently spoke on “Coastal Litigation” at the 23rd Annual Tulane Environmental Law & Policy Summit.
Seventeen Kelly Hart Attorneys Named 2018 Texas Rising Stars
Seventeen Kelly Hart attorneys have been selected as 2018 Texas Super Lawyers Rising Stars.
Cheryl Leb Contributing Editor to Thomson Reuters Practical Law
Cheryl Leb served as a contributing editor for Right of Publicity Laws: Texas, a Q&A resource published by Thomson Reuters.
Russell Cawyer Authors Blog on the Payroll Audit Independent Determination Program
The United States Department of Labor (DOL) launches the Payroll Audit Independent Determination (PAID) program, a wage violation self-reporting program.
Loulan J. Pitre Featured Speaker at Coastal Law Seminar
Loulan J. Pitre Jr was a featured speaker at the Coastal Law Seminar on March 1, 2018 on the topic, “Coastal Law in Louisiana—The Historical Perspective.”
Michael McConnell and Louis Phillips Featured Speakers at the Fifth Circuit Bankruptcy Bench-Bar Conference
The Fifth Circuit Bankruptcy Bench-Bar Conference, which was held February 21-23, 2018, provided plenary sessions featuring ethics, evidentiary issues, the aftermath of the most recent Supreme Court cases, and the state of the middle class.
David Keltner Receives Tarrant County Bar Association’s Blackstone Award
The Tarrant County Bar Association (TCBA) has selected David Keltner to receive the prestigious Blackstone Award.
Aimee Hebert Appointed by Louisiana State Law Institute
Aimee Hebert recently was appointed by the Louisiana State Law Institute to serve on its Mineral Law Committee.
Louis Phillips Featured Speaker at the 13th Annual Bankruptcy, Insolvency, and Creditor Rights Educational/Social Retreat
The 13th Annual Bankruptcy, Insolvency, and Creditor Rights (IBCR) Educational Seminar will provide the most current and informative advice on the issues most important to bankruptcy and insolvency practitioners.
Jane A. Jackson Named New Orleans CityBusiness 2018 Leadership in Law Recipient
New Orleans CityBusiness has selected Jane A. Jackson as a 2018 Leadership in Law honoree.
Tiffany Means Joins Kelly Hart Midland Office
Tiffany P. Means joins the firm as an associate in the Oil & Gas/Energy Section.
Kelly Hart Sponsors Inaugural Permian Basin Water in Energy Conference (PBWIEC)
Monica Jacobs, Anna Brandl, and Max Wright are leading Kelly Hart’s involvement with the inaugural PBWIEC on February 20-23 in Midland.
Heidi Angel and Leslie Robnett Join Kelly Hart Fort Worth Office
Kelly Hart welcomes associates Heidi McClain Angel and Leslie Ritchie Robnett to the Fort Worth office.
Mary Baker Named 2018 Woman of Distinction
The Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest selected Mary W. Baker a 2018 Woman of Distinction.
Kelly Hart Welcomes J. Austin Franklin to the Firm
J. Austin Franklin joins the firm as an associate in the Litigation Section.
Twelve Kelly Hart Attorneys Admitted to Pro Bono College
The State Bar of Texas has admitted twelve Kelly Hart attorneys to the 2017 Pro Bono College.
Louis M. Phillips Earns Top Super Lawyer Honors
Louis Phillips has been recognized as a Top 50 Lawyer by Louisiana Super Lawyers.
Rick Shelby Named 2018 Louisiana Super Lawyers Rising Star
Rick Shelby has been selected as a 2018 Louisiana Super Lawyers Rising Star.
Aimee W. Hebert, Louis M. Phillips, Loulan J. Pitre Jr. Named 2018 Louisiana Super Lawyers
Aimee Hebert, Louis Phillips, and Loulan Pitre have been selected as 2018 Louisiana Super Lawyers.
Russell Cawyer Authors Blog on Deducting Payouts on Sexual Harassment Settlements
Russell Cawyer's blog post—entitled “New Tax Law Limits Deductibility of Sexual Harassment and Abuse Settlements Containing Nondisclosure Provisions” and published on the Texas Employment Law Update—addresses provisions of the new tax reform law signed by President Trump on December 20, 2017.
Russell Cawyer Authors Blog on Age Discrimination in Facebook Job Ads
Russell Cawyer's blog post—entitled “New Lawsuit Claims Companies Discriminate Against Older Workers in Facebook Job Placement Advertising” and published on the Texas Employment Law Update—addresses a recent lawsuit filed by three workers and the Communication Workers of America against T-Mobile, Amazon, Cox Communications, and Cox Media Group.
Krystin Frazier Featured in CityBusiness “Ones to Watch”
Krystin Frazier is included in the New Orleans CityBusiness “Ones to Watch” feature that focuses on up and coming professionals in their respective fields.
Kelly Hart Represents Pegasus Resources in $300 Million Private Equity Commitment
The Kelly Hart team of Tom Hegi, David Cook, Todd Spake, and Drew Neill represented Texas-based royalty acquisition company Pegasus Resources in connection with a $300 million equity commitment from EnCap Investments LP.
Kelly Hart Serves as Bond Counsel for Southwest Region Deal of the Year
The Bond Buyer selected Kelly Hart’s client, The Fort Worth Transportation Authority, for the Southwest Region Municipal Bond Deal of the Year.
Kelly Hart Welcomes Kyle N. Harter to the Firm
Kyle Harter joins the firm as an associate in the Fort Worth office’s Corporate & Securities practice group.
Kelly Hart Receives Top Tier Rankings from U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms”
Kelly Hart earns high rankings in the 2018 U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” rankings, including 6 national rankings and 26 first-tier metropolitan rankings.
Kelly Hart Pitre Wins in United States and Louisiana Supreme Courts
Kelly Hart Pitre prevails in the United States and Louisiana Supreme Courts for client South Lafourche Levee District.
Aimee Hebert Featured Speaker at Institute for Energy Law (IEL) Energy Litigation Conference
At the 16th Annual Energy Litigation Conference on November 9, Aimee Hebert will be speaking on key oil and gas issues in Appalachia and Texas/Louisiana.
Jeff Whitfield Chosen 2017 Community Champion Award Finalist
Presbyterian Night Shelter has selected Jeff Whitfield as a finalist for the Community Champion Award based on his service to our country and our community.
Ronak Patel Featured Speaker at Practising Law Institute (PLI) Webcast
At a recent PLI webcast on Broker/Dealer Regulation and Enforcement, Ronak Patel participated in a panel discussion addressing state enforcement initiatives, developments, and priorities.
Russell Cawyer Quoted in Star-Telegram
The Star-Telegram interviewed Russell Cawyer on the legality of Jerry Jones’s anthem stance.
Kelly Hart Welcomes Kayla M. Matus to the Firm
Kayla Matus joins the firm as an associate in the Corporate & Securities practice group.
Marianne Auld Named 2017 Law “Good Scout” Recipient
The Longhorn Council of the Boy Scouts of America selected Marianne Auld as the 2017 Law “Good Scout” Honoree.
Kelly Hart Fort Worth Welcomes New Associates
Janese Dudash, David Miles and Greg Roper join the firm as associates in our Fort Worth office.
Cheryl Leb Named Top 50 Woman in Law by National Diversity Council
National Diversity Council selected Cheryl Leb as a Top 50 Woman in Law in the Dallas region.
Max Wright Elected to Texas Association of Defense Council (TADC) Board of Directors
The TADC elected Max Wright as the District 16 member of the Board of Directors.
Louis Phillips Featured Speaker at National Association of Bankruptcy Trustees (NABT) Annual Convention
At the recent NABT Annual Convention, Louis Phillips participated in a panel discussion addressing recent developments in bankruptcy law.
Claudia Carrizales Joins the Firm
Claudia Carrizales joins the firm as an associate in the New Orleans office’s Oil & Gas/Energy section.
Henry Robinson Authors Guide for Evaluating Requested Leaves of Absence
Henry Robinson penned a chapter titled Tailoring Interactive Processes to Initial and Supplemental Requests for Leaves of Absence that is published in the Employee Relations Law Journal (Vol. 43, No. 2, Autumn 2017).
Gracie Garcia Joins the Firm
Gracie Garcia joins the firm as an associate in the Fort Worth office’s Litigation Section.
Russell Cawyer and Hannah Parks Co-Author Blog on Workplace Attendance and Telecommuting
Russell Cawyer and Hannah Parks co-authored an article addressing a recent decision from the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Forty-One Kelly Hart Attorneys Named Among The Best Lawyers in America® 2018
Forty-one Kelly Hart attorneys were recognized as The Best Lawyers in America® 2018.
Kelly Hart Pitre Wins Reversal in the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit reverses judgment against Kelly Hart client.
Dee J. Kelly Foundation Gifts George Washington University Law School with $1.25 Million
The George Washington University Law School announced on July 17 that it received from the Dee J. Kelly Foundation a $1.25 million gift to support its operations.
Kelly Hart Represented Silverback Exploration II in $500 Million Equity Transaction
Kelly Hart represented Silverback Exploration II in connection with a $500 million equity commitment from EnCap Investments LP to pursue conventional and unconventional U.S. resource plays.
The National Law Journal Honors Robert C. Grable
The National Law Journal (NLJ) selected Robert C. Grable as a 2017 Energy & Environmental Trailblazer.
Andrew Weber Featured Speaker at 2017 Corporate Counsel Institute
Andrew Weber was a featured speaker at the 2017 Corporate Counsel Institute hosted by The University of Texas School of Law. The session covered government relations and policy solutions.
David Keltner Featured Speaker at Houston Bar Association Luncheon
David Keltner was a featured speaker at the Houston Bar Association Appellate Practice Section Luncheon in Houston. The session was titled, "Winning strategies for petitioners and respondents in the Texas Supreme Court."
Kylie M. Rahl Joins Kelly Hart
Kylie M. Rahl joins Kelly Hart as an associate in the Real Estate & Finance practice group, Fort Worth office.
Russell Cawyer Posts Blog on Retaliation Case
Russell Cawyer posts an article on a recent case from the Fifth Circuit. In Cabral v. Brennan, U.S. Postal Service employee Cabral brought a retaliation claim against his employer following a two day suspension. The Fifth Circuit considered whether Cabral’s two day suspension constituted a materially adverse action sufficient to state a claim for retaliation.
Louis Phillips Featured Speaker at ABA Business Law Spring Meeting
Louis Phillips is a featured speaker at the American Bar Association Business Law Section Spring Meeting.
Max Wright Featured Speaker at State Bar Advanced Evidence and Discovery Course
Max Wright is a featured speaker at the State Bar Advanced Evidence and Discovery CLE course in Houston and San Antonio, Texas. His speaking topic is titled, "Handling Evidence Pre-Trial."
Kelly Hart Partner Co-Authors a chapter on Fraud for Business and Commercial Litigation in Federal Courts, Fourth Edition
Bill Warren co-authors a chapter on Fraud for Business and Commercial Litigation in Federal Courts, Fourth Edition a treatise addressing procedure, law, and strategies published by Thomson Reuters in conjunction with the American Bar Association.
Kelly Hart Welcomes Clark E. Smith to the Firm
Clark Smith joins Kelly Hart as an associate in the Public Law section of the firm, Austin office.
Kelly Hart Represents Management of Luxe Minerals in $254 Million Private Equity Commitment
Kelly Hart represented management of Luxe Minerals LLC in connection with a $254 million equity commitment from Natural Gas Partners.
Kelly Hart Represents Bass Family In $6.6 Billion Oil & Gas Divestiture
Kelly Hart represented Bass family holdings in $6.6 billion oil and gas divestiture with Exxon Mobil.
Russell Cawyer Posts Blog on Service Animals in Workplace
Russell Cawyer publishes a new blog post,on the consequences of the Americans with Disabilities Amendment Act’s expanded definition of disability.
Demarcus J. Gordon Named New Orleans CityBusiness 2017 Leadership in Law Honoree
Demarcus Gordon has been chosen as a 2017 CityBusiness "Leadership in Law" honoree.
Dee Kelly Jr. Appointed to Citizens Blue Ribbon Committee
Dee Kelly Jr. was recently appointed to serve on the Tarrant County Citizens Blue Ribbon Committee.
Kelly Hart Receives Texas Lawyers for Texas Veterans (TLTV) Pro Bono Award
Kelly Hart Receives TLTV 2016 Law Firm Partner of the Year award.
Chester Grudzinski 2016 Distinguished Alumni Honoree
Chester Grudzinski to receive the Texas Tech School of Law 2016 Distinguished Alumni Award. Mr. Grudzinski is being recognized for his significant contributions to the legal profession and to the law school.
Loulan J. Pitre Jr. Earns Top Super Lawyer Honors
Loulan J. Pitre Jr. receives listing as a Top 50 Louisiana Super Lawyer.
Aimee W. Hebert, Louis M. Phillips, Loulan J. Pitre Jr. Named 2017 Louisiana Super Lawyers
Louis Phillips, Aimee Hebert, Loulan Pitre have been named 2017 Louisiana Super Lawyers.
Rick Shelby Named Louisiana Super Lawyers Rising Star
Rick Shelby has earned selection to the 2017 Thomson Reuters Super Lawyers Rising Stars list.
Kelly Hart Names New Partners
Kelly Hart & Hallman LLP is pleased to announce that David H. Garza, Preston R. Mundt, Clark H. Rucker, Kim D. Uskovich and Jeff Whitfield have been elected partners of the firm, Fort Worth office, effective January 01, 2017.
Auld to Succeed Kelly as Managing Partner
Marianne Auld has been elected as the new Managing Partner of Kelly Hart & Hallman LLP effective January 1, 2017. She succeeds Dee Kelly Jr who stepped down from the post at the end of 2016. Mr. Kelly has served as the firm's Managing Partner since 2006.
Louis Phillips Featured Speaker at 34th Annual CLE Conference
Louis Phillips is a featured speaker at the 34th Annual National CLE Conference January 4-6, 2017 in Snowmass, Colorado.
Kelly Hart Welcomes Torrie Poehls to the Firm
Torrie T. Poehls is an associate in the Estate Planning, Probate and Non-Profit section of the firm.
Max Wright Elected to Petroleum Museum's Board of Trustees
Max Wright was recently elected to a three year term to the Petroleum Museum’s Board of Trustees.
Kelly Hart Represented Silverback Exploration LLC in $855 Million O&G Transaction
Centennial Resource Development to Acquire the Upstream Assets of Silverback Exploration in Reeves County for $855 million.
40th Annual Page Keeton Civil Litigation Conference
Max Wright was a featured speaker at the Page Keeton Civil Litigation Conference in Austin.
Louis Phillips Featured Speaker at Jay Westbrook Bankruptcy Conference
Louis Phillips is a featured speaker at the 35th Annual Jay L. Westbrook Bankruptcy Conference on November 17-18, 2016 in Austin, Texas. Louis will be speaking on Pre-Bankruptcy Planning.
Kelly Hart Welcomes Caroline Brownlie to the Firm
Caroline A. Brownlie joins the firm as an associate in the in the Corporate and Securities practice group.
Krystin Featured in Gambit’s 40 Under 40, Class of 2016
Krystin Frazier was selected as one of Gambit’s 40 under 40, Class of 2016 honorees recognizing some of the city’s brightest innovators, artists and professionals. Ms. Frrazier's profile is featured in the October 31st issue of Gambit Weekly.
Kelly Hart Receives National Ranking in U.S. News - “Best Law Firms”
U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers released their 2017 “Best Law Firms” list. Ranked firms, presented in tiers, are listed on a national and/or metropolitan scale. Receiving a tier designation reflects the high level of respect a firm has earned among other leading lawyers and clients in the same communities and the same practice areas for its abilities, its professionalism and its integrity.
Gary M. Carter Appointed to XULA Presidential Advisory Board
Gary Carter, was recently appointed to the Xavier University Presidential Advisory Board, the mission of which is to assist in advancing the goals and interests of Xavier University in the broader community.
Kelly Hart Welcomes Phil McCrury
Phillip McCrury joins the firm as Senior Counsel in the Estate Planning & Probate Practice Group, Fort Worth office.
Bob Stewart Earns Who’s Who Legal Environment Honors
Bob Stewart was selected as one of the world’s leading practitioners in the field of Environment and is listed among in Who’s Who Legal Environment 2016.