Distinctions
· The Best Lawyers in America®, Energy Law, Natural Resources Law, Oil and Gas Law
· Chambers USA, America's Leading Lawyers for Business, Energy and Natural Resources
· Fellow, American Bar Endowment
· Who's Who in the World
· Who's Who in American Law
· Governor-Elect Phil Bryant's Policy Transition Team -Energy Committee
Associations
· American Bar Association
- Board of Governors
-- House of Delegates
-- Nominating Committee
- Young Lawyers Division
-- Assembly Speaker, Clerk, Director, Fellow
- Section on Environment
-- Officer, Director, Committee Chair
· Institute for Professionals in Taxation
· Mississippi Bar Association
- Alternative Dispute Resolution Section
-- Chair
- Young Lawyers Division
-- Director, Fellow
· Hinds County Bar Association
- Board of Directors
· Jackson Young Lawyers
- President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer
Legal Experience
· Served as lead outside counsel in a $1 billion multi-state natural gas pipeline project involving tax incentives, bond financing, real estate, eminent domain, environmental, regulatory and commercial legal needs. Filed and successfully concluded over 100 condemnation actions on an accelerated timetable.
· Currently representing clients in the development of several biomass and wind projects.
· Represented a number of independent power producers in connection with site selection, project development and on-going operations for over 15 facilities ranging in size from $250 to over $500 million, and in proceedings before the Public Service Commission.
· Represented an automotive company in the implementation of a state and local economic development incentive package in excess of $235 million, including the negotiation of inducement agreements and working with the state in drafting special legislation for the project.
· Represented a biochemical company in the development of a $250 million manufacturing facility.
· Represented the Mississippi Development Authority in connection with the negotiation and implementation of a $293 million incentive package for a steel mill.
· Represented a number of clients in the sale or financing of large energy facilities.
· Negotiated tax incentive agreements with the State and dozens of counties and cities, including over 40 fee-in-lieu tax agreements, reserved for projects $100 million or larger.
· Served as lead Mississippi counsel for a number of new pipeline and expansion projects totaling over 700 miles, the majority of which have been placed in service.
· Obtained summary judgment in a $10 million natural gas royalty case of first impression in Mississippi state court.
Papers, Presentations & Publications
· "Property Tax Basics for Business: Make Sure You're Not Paying Too Much," 62, Delta Business Journal, April 2006.
· "State Regulation of Natural Gas After Transco," Natural Resources and Environmental, 1987.
· "The Impact of the Recent Transco Decision on State Regulation of the Natural Gas Industry," 57 Mississippi L. J. 85 (1987).