<<back

May 2003

Phelps Dunbar Named Top Louisiana Firm by Chambers USA

Phelps Dunbar was ranked as the top law firm in Louisiana and second firm in Mississippi in the first published issue of the 2003-2004 reference book, Chambers USA Guide, America’s Leading Business Lawyers. The book is published by Chambers and Partners, an independent research-based company that selects the top attorneys based on recommendations by clients and peers. Fourteen Phelps Dunbar attorneys located in Louisiana and Mississippi were ranked and mentioned in the book.

In Louisiana, Phelps Dunbar was ranked first in the category "Louisiana's Top Four." The firm and attorneys were also ranked in the categories listed below:
Banking & Finance:
Philip deV. Claverie, James A. Stuckey, and Randy P. Roussel
Corporate/M&A:
Mark A. Fullmer and Patrick J. Butler, Jr.
Employment Defendant:
M. Nan Alessandra and Thomas H. Kiggans
Litigation:
Roy C. Cheatwood
Real Estate:
Philip deV. Claverie

In Mississippi, Phelps Dunbar was ranked second in the category "Mississippi's Top Three." The firm and attorneys were also ranked in the categories listed below:
Corporate/M&A:
E. Clifton Hodge, Jr. and Jerome C. Hafter
Employment Defendant:
W. Thomas Siler, Jr. and Gary E. Friedman
Litigation:
Reuben V. Anderson and Ross F. Bass, Jr.

Selection to the book is based on research conducted and approved by the British Market Research Bureau, which audits the research annually. In-depth interviews with clients and with attorneys were completed over the telephone, each one lasting about half an hour. For the current U.S. directory, over 4,500 of these interviews were conducted throughout the United States. A team of 30 full-time researchers carried out research over a period of 12 months. Law firms and individual attorneys are ranked on a scale of 1-6. The qualities on which rankings are assessed include technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial awareness/astuteness, diligence, commitment, and other qualities most valued by the client.