Top Government Lawyers Near Me in New Orleans Area

Tony Hernandez possesses considerable experience and a unique expertise that makes him an invaluable asset to any legislative effort. Tony started an independent governmental relations practice and law firm in September 2014, after nine years of international, local, state, and federal government and public affairs experience, plus five years working in various legal capacities. During this time, Tony developed a strong reputation for diligent and effective client representation, a thorough understanding of Texas parliamentary procedure, and for rapid, thorough responses to client concerns.. Prior to starting his own practice, Tony served as the general counsel for the Texas Lobby Group. During four legislative sessions, Tony was responsible for legislative drafting and amendments, Texas House parliamentary compliance, plus legal and technical research. Tony utilized his expertise in parliamentary procedure to forestall dozens of adverse bills, as well as to shepherd legislation important to his clients. Tony effectively and rapidly translates client ideas into discernible legislation and amendments. He is adept at identifying viable legislative vehicles for amendments late in the legislative process. During the interim, Tony consults on Texas Statewide, Senate, and House legislative elections.. Tony obtained his juris doctorate from Tulane University School of Law while working for TLG. At Tulane, Tony served as Senior Business Editor of the Tulane Journal of International and Comparative Law and directed a Law and Economics reading group in coordination with several professors. He also served as the President of the Tulane Chapter of the Federalist Society where he hosted numerous prominent legal scholars and judges. During the summer break, Tony worked as a summer law clerk in the chambers of Texas Supreme Court Justice Eva Guzman and in the Transportation Division of the Texas Office of Attorney General. During his final year of law school, he worked in the chambers of Louisiana Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Fredericka Wicker.. In addition to his background in Texas and Louisiana, Tony has significant experience abroad. He has negotiated import/export contracts in English and Spanish with Mexican business partners. He spent eight months working at the Australian Parliament in the Office of Andrew Laming, the Federal Member for Bowman, Queensland. He has studied in England, Greece, Australia, and Peru.. Tony is admitted to practice law in Texas. He graduated magna cum laude from Saint Edward’s University. When he isn’t researching and writing laws, or roaming the Texas Capitol, he can likely be found kayaking with his dog down the Colorado River or playing basketball at the local courts.

Mr. Ellis graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1994 and returned home to attend Loyola University New Orleans law and business graduate schools. While in graduate school, Mr. Ellis worked as the Director of Government Relations for Hibernia National Bank managing the Hibernia People for Good Government Political Action Committee wherein he proposed legislation and worked alongside state and federal legislators. Mr. Ellis graduated with a Juris Doctorate and Masters of Business Administration in May of 1998. After graduating Loyola University, Mr. Ellis began as an attorney working primarily in the area of municipal taxation and finance. In 2002, Mr. Ellis was selected to Chair the New Orleans’ Mayor’s Transition Team Task Force on Sales and Use Tax Collection. Thereafter, he began representing the City of New Orleans in Sales and Use Tax Collection matters as Special Tax Counsel. In 2004, Mr. Ellis became an Assistant City Attorney representing the City in an expanded role. In 2005, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, he was designated as “essential” staff and returned to the City to assist in its rebuilding and recovery. Soon thereafter, Mr. Ellis was promoted to Deputy City Attorney and assigned additional duties in General Litigation, Finance (municipal finance and taxation), and representing the New Orleans Municipal Employees’ Retirement Board. During this time, he also served as an Administrative Law Judgment overseeing proceedings related to blighted housing.  In June 2011, Mr. Ellis resigned from the City to pursue his passion as attorney-entrepreneur.. After leaving the City, Mr. Ellis utilizing the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Investor Pilot Program (EB-5 Program) authored a business take combined the foreign investment funds, with both the Louisiana and Federal solar tax credit programs creating one of Louisiana’s first solar lease programs.  Mr. Ellis oversaw all aspects of the business operations, and, more importantly, qualified for all State and Federal credits afforded under the programs.  During this time, he served as the Vice President and General Counsel of the Uptown Solar Group installing several megawatts on residential homes through Louisiana.. Thereafter Mr. Ellis assumed the management and direct day-to-day business operations of Gulf Coast Regional Center, L.L.C., a licensed regional center, working to promote economic redevelopment and permanent job creation throughout Louisiana. Identify key focus areas for future investment, including green technology; manufacturing and distribution; coastal redevelopment and reforestation; and sustainable development of mixed-use commercial projects under the guidelines of the EB-5 Program.. Mr. Ellis also serves as General Counsel for a variety of businesses, with a primary focus on corporate law, both established and start-up ventures with expert counsel in all phases of business development.

Experienced Government attorney serving clients in New Orleans and surrounding areas.