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Governmental Relations

INDUSTRY TEAM


John
Barton, Jr.

Robert
Bowsher

David
Cassidy


Murphy
Foster, III

Gregory
Frost

Emily
Grey


Leo
Hamilton

Scott
Hensgens

Van
Mayhall, Jr.


Tracy
Morganti

Trenton
Oubre

Claude
Reynaud, Jr.


Jerry
Stovall, Jr.

B. Troy
Villa

Team Leader:
Leo Hamilton

Contact Information:
(225) 381-8056
leo.hamilton@bswllp.com

Our governmental relations team and strategic partners are able to protect your interests in Louisiana across many industries by monitoring and reporting on regulatory developments, drawing high level support in favor of or opposition to proposed legislation as well as drafting legislation beneficial to your operations. When challenged by laws and regulations, our clients depend on us to provide effective representation before governmental agencies and other regulatory bodies in the state.

We provide detailed representation in the public sector by integrating our clients’ State and local business goals and participating in the legislative and executive branch processes.  We understand that a broad range of public policy tools can be applied to achieving our clients’ business and other strategic objectives.  Beginning with a clear articulation of a client’s needs, we implement strategies that may touch upon legislative or executive processes at a State or local level.  We believe in working with clients to devise solutions to business and organizational challenges, formulate changes in the State law, ensure access to key decision makers in business and government, and develop strategies to implement those solutions with reliance on public policy tools.

We have strong relationships with officials in the Legislative branch, the Judicial branch and especially, the Executive branch of State government.  We have relationships with State department heads and their staffs.  We also have strong relationships in place with lobbyists and technical professionals throughout Louisiana to provide clients with the breadth and depth needed to address issues and projects that touch multiple jurisdictions.  In addition, we are comfortable with participating in or managing broad initiatives.  The Governmental Relations Team routinely joins forces with outside lawyers, lobbyists, event planners and other specialists to create the best approach for meeting objectives of our clients.

We remain committed to furthering the economic well being of Louisiana and surrounding areas.  We recognize the need for businesses and citizen groups to unite in their efforts to promote trade, commerce and industry.  The involvement of many of our attorneys in the civic activities of the region, combined with the varied backgrounds of our governmental relations professionals, enables us to have access to government affairs at many levels.

We maintain close working relationships with State and local government officials and their staffs.  We have substantial experience with the legislative process and an extensive understanding of budgets, appropriations and authorization processes. We recognize that the profitability, reputation and existence of any business in today’s highly regulated and competitive environment depends upon its success at adapting to rapidly changing market forces and industry regulations, avoiding and combating legal entanglements and access to appropriate government officials and business leaders.

Our attorneys include active participants in a host of industry-specific organizations which keep our firm on top of emerging issues in those industries. 

 

Publications:

Don't Violate Louisiana's Governmental Ethics Laws This Holiday Gift-Giving Season When It Comes to Public Employees
November 2023

Families First Coronavirus Response Act Summary--Employer Provisions
March 2020

Breazeale, Sachse and Wilson, L.L.P. ranked in 2020 "Best Law Firms"
11/01/2019

Remember the Wining and Dining Restrictions When Entertaining Public Employees and Elected Officials
Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc., Pelican Chapter, Merit Shop Message, May 2015

Louisiana Governmental Ethics with a Healthcare Twist
December 2014

Out of State Companies: Beware of the gift restrictions to Louisiana's public servants under Louisiana's Code of Governmental Ethics
November 2014

Affidavit of Notice of Fee Disposition
October 2010

2010 Louisiana Legislative Amendments To The Private Works Act—Benefits General Contractors In An Uncertain Economy, But Creates Uncertainty Regarding Certain Louisiana Lien Law Issues
September 2010

New provisions added to the public bid law by amending the key Public Works Act statute
August 2008

New Licensing requirements for Contractors effective January 2009
August 2008

Act No. 598 Significantly Restricts and Alters Public Bidding
August 2008