Jones Walker Expands Its Legal Team with 16 New Associates Bringing Diverse Expertise

In a significant move to enhance its legal capabilities, Jones Walker LLP has officially welcomed 16 new associates to the firm. This addition is a strategic expansion aimed at strengthening the firm's service offerings across various legal practice areas. The newcomers bring with them a wealth of expertise, fresh perspectives, and diverse backgrounds that align with the firm's mission to provide comprehensive legal services to its clients.

A Closer Look at the New Associates



Among the new faces is Holland Crain Aucoin, who joins the Litigation Practice Group in the Lafayette office. Holland completed her JD and DCL from the Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center, where she was actively involved as a judicial extern in the US District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana. Her commitment to legal scholarship is evident in her role as managing editor of the LSU Law Journal for Social Justice Policy.

Also bringing maritime law expertise to the firm is Thomas (Buddy) Bardenwerper, whose background as a former US Coast Guard officer provides a unique insight into the challenges of marine casualties and disputes. Buddy, who earned his JD from Harvard Law School, has accumulated invaluable experience, including roles in both the Florida Supreme Court and the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

Rounding out the maritime team is Hailey Dennis, who served as president of the Maritime Law Society at Tulane Law School. Hailey's extensive experience includes working on maritime legal research for the US Coast Guard and supporting corporate legal affairs with Carnival Australia in Sydney.

Expanding Tax Expertise
On the tax front, Brandon DeRojas joins the New Orleans office, specializing in state and local tax issues. A Tulane Law School graduate, Brandon is recognized for his contributions to business law and is a member of the 2024 Tulane Pro Bono Krewe, having completed over 150 pro bono hours. Amelie J. Zimmer is also in the Tax Practice Group, focusing on estate and tax planning. She holds an LLM in taxation from New York University and is known for her academic excellence, evident from the scholarships she received.

Corporate Counsel Contributions
The Corporate Practice Group is bolstered by emerging legal talents such as H. Ryan Flood, who graduated first in his class from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, showcasing his prolific output in the Loyola Law Review. Another addition to this group is Tyler Hays, who similarly performs corporate legal advisory roles and graduated magna cum laude from Louisiana State University.

Other notable associates include Jordan M. Heath and Caitlin R. Kicklighter, who specialize in the construction industry, and are positioned in Atlanta. Their backgrounds illustrate a robust representation of clients within this sector, as they balance work between general contractors and subcontractors. Jordan's externship with various public defense offices complements Caitlin's previous experience as a case clerk in Jones Walker’s construction team.

Litigation Strengthened
In the Litigation Practice Group, several new associates such as Patrick M. Van Burkleo and Kathryn E. Schimmel are set to strengthen the firm's litigation capabilities. Patrick has previously worked with the US District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana, while Kathryn has published work in environmental law, indicating strong advocacy potential in significant legal areas.

Additionally, the firm has prioritized becoming a leading choice for clients in the maritime, corporate, and construction sectors. By incorporating these 16 associates, Jones Walker reaffirms its commitment to being at the forefront of legal excellence, ensuring the firm is well-equipped to handle complex legal challenges across various industries.

Conclusion


Jones Walker LLP continues to maintain its reputation as one of the largest and most prestigious law firms in the United States, with offices spanning multiple states and a diverse practice area umbrella. The addition of these 16 associates not only underscores the firm's growth but also highlights its dedication to training and mentoring future legal talent to foster long-term success. The firm looks forward to witnessing how these associates will contribute to its ever-expanding legacy and deliver exceptional client service in their respective fields.

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