M. Brent Hicks is a member in the firm's Baton Rouge office practicing in the commercial litigation section. He is also a certified public accountant. Brent focuses on educational law, construction litigation, government contracting disputes, contract law, consumer financial services litigation and constitutional litigation.
Education
Brent represents clients in a variety of educational matters. He has defended the State of Louisiana and its agencies in various educational issues pertaining to charter schools, state takeovers of failing schools, financing of education, and the State's educational accountability system. He also represents private entities in educational matters.
Governmental
Brent represents governmental agencies and state retirement systems in a variety of issues including constitutional issues, financing of retirement benefits, and prison conditions at adult and juvenile facilities. He has argued major constitutional cases on behalf of the State before the U.S. Fifth Circuit en banc and multiple Fifth Circuit panels.
Construction Litigation
Brent is an experienced construction litigator, having handled dozens of complex construction matters, including cases involving construction of mixed use developments, environmental wastewater facilities, apartment complexes, and other commercial facilities. He has litigated, arbitrated, and mediated these matters throughout the State.
Government Bids and Contracts
Brent represents clients in government contract disputes involving public bids and procurements. He has litigated matters involving the Louisiana Public Bid Law, La. R.S. 38:2211 et seq., the Louisiana Contractor's Licensing Law, La. R.S. 37:2150 et. seq., and the Louisiana Procurement Code, La. R.S. 39:1551 et seq. He has represented clients in these matters before administrative agencies, district courts and appellate courts.
Contracts and Collections
Brent represents clients in contract and collections disputes. He regularly assists clients recover sums due under contracts or open account and defends clients who have been sued in contract disputes. He has litigated a number of complex collection and contract matters throughout the State.
Consumer Finance Litigation
Brent has represented national financial institutions in complex litigation involving all types of consumer disputes, including: FDCPA, FCRA, and TILA claims; and issues concerning consumer leases, financial disclosures, and debt collection practices. He has litigated cases in all three federal districts in Louisiana and in multiple state district courts.
Published Opinions
· O'Connell v. Dale Braud d/b/a Dale's Builders and Remodeling, 2010-1885 (La.App. 1 Cir. 8/10/11), 2011 WL 3806287.
· Bernhard Mechanical Contractors, Inc. v. Spinosa, 2010-1461 (La.App. 1 Cir. 2/11/11), 2011 WL 856899
· S&M Brands, Inc. v. Caldwell, 09-30985 (5th Cir. 8/10/10), 614 F.3d 172, cert denied, 131 S.Ct. 1601 (3/7/11)
· Xcaliber Intern. Ltd. LLC v. Atty. Gen. State of Louisiana, 09-30492 (5th Cir. 7/15/10), 612 F.3d 368.
· Triplett v. State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Educ., 2009-1594 (La.App. 1 Cir. 5/7/10), 39 So.3d 750.
· Oliver v. Orleans Parish School Bd., 2009-0489 (La.App. 4 Cir. 11/12/09), 25 So.3d 189, writ denied, 2009-2721 (La. 3/5/10), 28 So.3d 1013.
· Triplett v. State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Educ., 2009-0691 (La.App. 1 Cir. 7/13/09), 21 So.3d 401.
· Aqua-Terra Const. and Elementary Systems, Inc. v. Oak Harbor Investment Properties, L.L.C., 06-1864, 06-8883 (E.D. La. 7/31/08).
· United Teachers of New Orleans v. State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Educ., 2007-0031 (La. App. 1 Cir. 3/26/08) 985 So.2d 184.
· Wilkerson v. Stalder, 00-304, (M.D. La. 9/11/07), 639 F. Supp.2d 654
· Jones v. State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Educ., 927 So.2d 426, 2005-0668 (La.App. 1 Cir. 11/4/05)
· Miller v. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 421 F.3d 342 (5th Cir. 2005)
· CB&I Constructors, Inc. v. City of Thibodaux, 897 So.2d 724, 2004-1133 (La.App. 1 Cir. 12/17/04)
· Johnson v. Louisiana Department of Education C/W August v. Mitchell, 02-30318 (5th Cir. 5/5/03), 330 F.3d 362, rehearing en banc, Miller v. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 02-10190; 02-30318; 02-30369 (5th Cir. 8/15/05), 421 F.3d 342, cert denied, 546 U.S. 1170, 126 S.Ct. 1332 (2/21/06).
· Reickenbacker v. Foster, 274 F.3d 974 (5th Cir. 2001)
· Reviere v. Banner Chevrolet, Inc., 97-31226, (5th Cir. 8/6/99) 184 F. 3d 457
Professional Affiliations
· Baton Rouge Bar Association, Chair, Pro Bono Committee 2006-2007
· Capital Area Legal Services Corporation, President 2007-2010
· Louisiana State Bar Association, Access to Justice Committee 2009-2010
Community and Other Activities
· Trinity Lutheran Church, President, 2007
· Trinity Lutheran Church, Vice President, 2006
· Baton Rouge Lutheran School, Board Chair, 2004-2005
· Baton Rouge Lutheran School, Board Member, 2001-2003