Taylor, Porter, Brooks & Phillips, L.L.P.

In 1938, in the wake of the notorious Louisiana Scandals, the acting president of Louisiana State University called upon Taylor Porter to provide "ethically sound legal counsel." Since then, the university has grown enormously as has the Firm's practice in providing the comprehensive legal services required by the state's flagship university system.

The Firm provides counsel and representation on matters relating to faculty, staff and student relationships, civil service, procurement, public financing contracts, property, contract confection and negotiation, NCAA regulations, desegregation, campus records, research confidentiality, claims under Title VII, Title IX and the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, church/state relations and free speech issues, technology transfer and numerous other public law issues regarding higher education. Highlights of this representation include:

• Acting as issuer's counsel to Louisiana State University for issuances of bonds and other debt totaling more than $200 million.

• Representing the University on employment matters such as discrimination, sexual harassment and other faculty issues.

• Representing the LSU System in the Louisiana higher education desegregation suit originally filed in 1974.

• Counseling the University on corporate sponsorships and representing it in litigation concerning enforcement of collegiate licensing of trademarks and symbols.

• Representing the University in its procurement of goods and services, including representation before appropriate state agencies and the district and appellate courts and Supreme Court of Louisiana.

Taylor Porter values and embraces diversity in the workplace. We believe that our 100-year tradition of excellence in client service is strengthened by our differences in perspective, talents and interests, as well as socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. Our diversity commitment is fostered through our efforts to recruit and employ exceptional talent without regard to age, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity or disability. We firmly believe that our inclusive culture encourages collaboration among our members—which is necessary to achieving superior client outcomes.

We actively encourage a diverse, inclusive firm environment by:

* Recruiting and retaining diverse attorneys and staff

*Promoting an inclusive, understanding, welcoming culture

*Maintaining a cooperative, all-for-one, firm-first spirit

*Respecting the dignity and contributions of our colleagues

*Recognizing individual talents and contributions

*Providing equal opportunities for professional and personal growth • Treating others like we want to be treated

*Seeking enduring relationships with our clients and with each other

In our experience, a strong, growing diversity commitment helps us:

*Better serve our clients – Close working relationships give Taylor Porter unique insight into our clients’ organizational, demographic, cultural, economic and social needs. And as our clients grow, our own diverse culture will help them succeed in an increasingly inclusive national and global economy.

*Enrich our community – Demonstrating our diversity commitment benefits not only the firm and our profession, but also the community in which our members and their families live and work. Our participation in non-profit and professional organizations also helps us advance and promote diversity locally, regionally and nationally.

*Position the firm for long-term success – The varied backgrounds and experiences of our attorneys and staff directly influence our ability to provide exceptional service and creative solutions.That’s why recruiting and retaining diverse members is so essential to firm growth and prosperity.