Cherrell Simms Taplin

Terrence L. Brennan defends clients faced with complex construction issues and claims. With a deep knowledge of the construction industry, he provides clients with timely advice to recognize the problem quickly, address it, and resolve it by using practical solutions. Drawing on his experience as an architect, Terry serves as a valuable resource to construction clients facing malpractice claims. His ability to read a set of plans, relate and speak the same language as the people he represents...

Tim was first inspired to become an attorney while watching Atticus Finch in To Kill A Mockingbird. When Atticus commanded a courtroom against all odds in a seemingly impossible case, it ignited Tim's desire to be challenged by interesting things and to do work that is socially valuable. Every day Tim gets to do just that, as he shows up to work to face fresh challenges that allow him to provide his clients with his best efforts. A considerate friend and genuine professional, Tim has a strong...

Thomas Hubert is a partner in the Labor & Employment Practice Group and a lead trial attorney for the trade secret non-compete team. Thomas is also a formally trained and qualified mediator. Since 1989, Thomas has practiced primarily in the area of labor and employment law, as well as in areas that fall under more traditional commercial claims. Specifically, he has focused on business and commercial litigation, and labor and employment (including commercial contracts, Unfair Trade Practic...

Pauline Hardin is a partner in the Litigation Practice Group. She focuses on criminal litigation as well as business, commercial, and labor disputes. Pauline has tried more than 150 jury trials across the spectrum of criminal and commercial litigation. She routinely handles bet-the-company and high-stakes matters, and also draws on her experience to help clients facing grand jury investigations by avoiding prosecution, or when facing criminal charges, by negotiating plea agreements or going t...

Neal J. Kling, a Member of the firm, received his undergraduate degree in Business and Public Administration from Louisiana State University and his law degree from Louisiana State University Law Center where he graduated Order of the Coif and was a member of the Louisiana Law Review. He represents clients in the areas of secured financing transactions, real estate transactions, real property and personal property leasing, maritime construction and finance and other commercial transactions. M...

Benjamin P. Bucy has significant experience in complex litigation and has focused his practice on representing whistleblowers in qui tam cases under federal and state False Claims Acts. Ben has been involved in all phases of False Claims Act (FCA) cases, including case development, drafting FCA complaints, assisting the Government in sealed FCA investigations, litigating FCA cases and has secured millions of dollars in False Claims Act settlements. Most of Ben’s FCA experience has invol...

Jacques F. Bezou Jr. is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation, Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs, Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs, Professional Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs and Legal Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs. Jacques F. practices law in Covington, Louisiana Best Lawyers has recognized Jacques F. Bezou Jr. since 2024. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal pract...

Alan R. Davis is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Admiralty and Maritime Law and Commercial Litigation. Alan R. practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana Best Lawyers has recognized Alan R. Davis since 2024. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Alan R. Davis is held by other lawyers.

Alfred J. Rufty III is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Admiralty and Maritime Law. Alfred J. practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana Best Lawyers has recognized Alfred J. Rufty III since 2027. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Alfred J. Rufty III is held by other lawyers.

Bryan C. Shartle is one of the two managing partners of the Firm and assists in the management of the Firm’s 10 offices. Bryan specializes in representing collection agencies, debt buyers, student loan servicers, banks, credit issuers, financial institutions, and telemarketers. He has extensive experience in consumer litigation, including claims under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and the myriad of state con...