William E. "Bill" Steffes

Practicing law since 1974, Taylor Porter Of Counsel Jim Ellis has focused on representing utility, energy, and other regulated companies on state and federal regulatory, corporate, merger and acquisitions, transactional, contract, and litigation matters. Upon graduating from Tulane Law School, he worked in Washington, D.C., for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the General Services Administration. He represented the executive agencies of the federal government and the Department of...

Jim Doré is an attorney with Kean Miller in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and practices in the firm’s litigation group. His work focuses on Environmental Law, Litigation - Environmental, and Timber Law, along with related matters involving class actions, legacy oil field litigation, toxic tort claims, commercial litigation, gaming industry litigation, and medical malpractice defense. He represents clients in state and federal courts throughout Louisiana. Jim has served as trial counsel...

Scott Chenevert focuses his practice on mergers and acquisitions, equity and debt investments, joint ventures, energy-as-a-service, and corporate governance. Scott has represented private and public companies in technology and professional services, energy and oilfield services, and real estate development industries. He also has extensive experience serving as outside general counsel for privately held and family companies. Scott is the immediate past chair of the Arts Council of Greater Bat...

David J. Shelby is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Commercial Litigation. David J. practices law in Baton Rouge, Louisiana Best Lawyers has recognized David J. Shelby since 2023. 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 David J. Shelby is held by other lawyers.

James R. Austin is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Banking and Finance Law, Commercial Finance Law and Real Estate Law. James R. practices law in Baton Rouge, Louisiana Best Lawyers has recognized James R. Austin since 2019. 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 James R. Austin is held by other lawyers.

Randy Roussel practices in the area of business and finance. His general business practice is concentrated in the areas of real estate, banking, and commercial transactions. Mr. Roussel has represented Wampold Companies, Waffle House, Whitney National Bank, Carmouche Construction, and a variety of multifamily and commercial developers. Mr. Roussel’s practice emphasizes mixed-use real estate development. He works on HUD 221(d)(4) and other multi-family financing programs. Prior to joinin...

Dennis Blunt practices in the area of commercial litigation, with a focus on business disputes including business torts and insurance company solvency and regulation. He is an experienced trial litigator having represented plaintiffs, defendants, and regulators across a wide spectrum of industries including education, public utilities, health care, state and municipal government, insurance, and financial institutions on a regional and national basis. He has tried matters involving corporate g...

Practicing law since 2004, Taylor Porter Partner Eddie Hughes serves as the Chair of the Oil/Gas/Regulated Industry practice, and as a member of the Firm's Executive Committee. Eddie's primary areas of practice include Commercial Litigation, Oil and Gas Litigation and Transactions, Toxic Tort Litigation, and Insurance Defense and Casualty Litigation. He brings his unique experience as a former independent petroleum landman to counsel clients on both transactional and litigation matters involv...

Charles McCowan is a founding member of Kean Miller and has more than 55 years of experience representing local, regional, national, and international petrochemical, industrial, healthcare, and corporate clients. Based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, his practice focuses on defending complex litigation matters in state and federal courts. Mr. McCowan regularly represents defendants in Mass Tort Litigation and Class Actions, as well as Personal Injury Litigation involving alleged toxic exposure, in...

Michael Hunt brings a career trial lawyer's perspective to helping clients resolve seemingly intractable disputes. With four decades of courtroom experience, he knows how to construct successful case strategies, develop compelling evidence and arguments, decide when to go to trial and bring opposing parties to the negotiating table. Known for getting quickly to the heart of disputes, Michael represents plaintiffs and defendants in complex commercial cases with a focus on design, construction ...