For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a lawyer. I love taking a tough problem, looking at it from different perspectives, and coming up with the best solutions. I also understand the significant impact a lawyer can have on someone’s life as an advocate, a trusted advisor, or simply as a caring listener. I have been both a lawyer and a client and so I know firsthand the trust that clients place in their lawyers and the comfort experienced by them knowing that their legal issues are in capable hands or that someone is fighting for them. I helped form Wallace Meyaski with these core principles in mind.
I bring nearly twenty years of legal experience and dedicated client service to the firm. I am a seasoned trial lawyer, a practical advisor, and, at the heart of it, a proven problem solver. I represent both individuals and businesses of all shapes and sizes in state and federal court venues in a wide variety of complex commercial, property damage, and personal injury litigation matters. My practice has included a broad range of complex litigation matters, including the prosecution and defense of antitrust and unfair trade practice claims, employment matters, intellectual property matters, contract and lease disputes, lending and banking litigation, professional liability matters, construction claims, and significant tax litigation matters. I represent clients in state and federal appeals involving a wide range of practice areas and I am often called upon to serve as appellate counsel in matters tried by other firms.
I work closely with employees and employers alike in most facets of labor and employment law. I bring years of broad-based experience in these areas to provide our clients with day-to-day advice on how to handle every aspect of employee hiring, promotion, and termination, to implement best practices for handling personnel, wage, and safety issues and compliance with local, state, and federal laws, and, when necessary, to litigation these claims on behalf of our clients.
Prior to forming Wallace Meyaski, I had the privilege of practicing at Liskow & Lewis, one of the region’s preeminent law firms. I was fortunate enough to be trained by some of the best and brightest lawyers in our area. As a shareholder and Vice Chair of the firm’s commercial litigation section, I headed Liskow & Lewis’ antitrust and trade regulations practice group. I also served on the firm’s Executive Board of Directors, as the firm’s Hiring Partner, and as the chair of the firm’s Diversity Committee. I also owned and operated KTW Resources, a human resources and strategic business solutions consulting firm, specializing in assisting small businesses and restaurants.
I am blessed to be married to my law school sweetheart, Monica, who I am proud to now call a colleague here at Wallace Meyaski. We rebuilt our Lakeview home following Hurricane Katrina, where we now raise our two wonderful kids along with two crazy dogs.
Loyola University College of Law, J.D., cum laude, 1998
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, B.A., 1994
Louisiana, 1998
United States Supreme Court, 2015
United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, 1998
Eastern District of Louisiana, 1998
Middle District of Louisiana, 1998
Western District of Louisiana, 1998
Successfully represented and obtained judgment for Miller Act plaintiff against contractor and its sureties in federal district court bench trial, and obtained judgment affirming the district court decisions from the Firth Circuit Court of Appeal. United States ex rel. Jems Fabrication, Inc. v. Benetech, LLC, 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 108275 (E.D. La. Aug. 1, 2013), aff’d, 2014 U.S. App. LEXIX 8175 (5th Cir. La. Apr. 30, 2014).
Obtained early dismissal of state antitrust claims on behalf of major biotechnology company brought by the Louisiana Attorney General and successfully represented the company on the remaining Average Wholesale Pricing claims (2012).
Led team in securing full dismissal of federal RICO charges and related ad valorem tax collection and fraud claims brought against a group of clients by the Terrebonne Parish tax assessor (2010).
Successfully represented a major crude oil offloading company in pursuing antitrust claims against international cartel members in the marine hose industry (2010).
Significant part of trial and appellate team, defended an international law firm and one of its senior partners in a two-week jury trial in Mississippi state court (2010).
Obtained early dismissal of state and federal monopolization claims on behalf of an international marine salvage company through a successful Rule 12(b)(6) motion (2009).
Secured full dismissal of state antitrust claims of price fixing and monopolization on behalf of Motiva Enterprises, LLP that was affirmed by the Louisiana Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal and the Louisiana Supreme Court (2009). Tuban Petroleum, LLC v. SIARC, Inc., 09-0302 (La. App. 4 Cir. 4/15/09), writ denied, 09-0945 (La. 6/5/09), 9 So. 3d 877.
Obtained key victory on behalf of a major biotechnology company against claims of illegal tying arrangements brought by the Louisiana Attorney General (2008).
Obtained dismissal of antitrust price fixing claims filed by the Louisiana Attorney General against one of the world’s largest international consulting firms (2008). State of Louisiana, ex. rel., James D. Caldwell v. Allstate Insurance Co., et. al., No. 07-9409 (E.D. La. Dec. 17, 2008).
Successfully defended a major maritime company in a Department of Justice investigation based on allegations of conspiracy to rig bids and fix prices in a series of government contacts (2008).
Developed a successful legal theory for removal of state attorney general suits against industry as disguised “class” and “mass” actions subject to the Class Action Fairness Act. See State of Louisiana, ex. rel., James D. Caldwell v. Allstate Insurance Co., et. al., 2008 U.S. App. Lexis 15275 (5th Cir. July 18, 2008).
Successfully represented a major health care corporation and local hospital in pursuing attempted monopolization claims against competing hospital whereby the competing hospital ceased its attempt to monopolize the relevant clinic market following Hurricane Katrina (2005).
Assisted in successfully representing the Greater New Orleans Hotel and Lodging Association in opposition to Tax Increment Financing (TIF) of proposed hotel development where the proposed TIF statute was found unconstitutional by the Louisiana Supreme Court (2005). World Trade Center Taxing District v. All Taxpayers, 05-0374 (La. 6/29/05), 908 So. 2d 623.
Part of legal team that secured a key victory for a federal banking agency in the United States Fifth Circuit. The class action attacked the insured status of a federally insured banking institution. Heaton v. Monogram Credit Card Bank, 297 F.3d 416 (5th Cir. 2002).
Part of the legal team in a professional liability case for a federal banking agency that secured an important victory in the United States Fifth Circuit involving the failure of Louisiana’s largest thrift institution (2000). FDIC v. Barton, 233 F.3d 859 (5th Cir. 2000).
FRIENDS OF LAKEVIEW (2010-Present)
Founding Member and Board of Directors
VIA LINK – A UNITED WAY AGENCY (2008-Present)
Board of Directors, 2008 – Present
Executive Committee of Board of Directors, 2010-2015
President of Board of Directors, 2011-2013
LAKEVIEW CIVIC IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION (2007-2015)
President of Board of Directors, 2010-2012
Member of Board of Directors, 2009-2014
Chairman of NORA Committee, 2007-2010
MAYORAL TASK FORCE ON BLIGHTED PROPERTY (2010-2012)
Member of Mayoral-Appointed Task Force
LAKEVIEW CRIME PREVENTION DISTRICT (2010-2012)
Secretary of Board of Directors
“Intellectual Property and Antitrust Law,” ABA Intellectual Property Deskbook for the Business Lawyer: A Transactions-Based Guide to Intellectual Property Law, Ch. 13 (3d ed.) 2019.
Presenter, “Legal Update on Employment Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Claims in the Workplace,” Acadiana Society for Human Resource Management (ASHRM), 2018 Annual Conference and Expo, Lafayette, Louisiana, September 2018.
Speaker, “Legal Perks: Part II – Discrimination Based on Physical Appearance,” NOLA Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), July 2018.
Speaker, “Legal Perks: Discrimination Based on Physical Appearance Under Title VII and the ADA,” NOLA Society for Human Resource Management, May 2018.
Presenter, “Ethics and Professionalism: Watch Your P’s and Q’s CLE,” Louisiana State Bar Association, December 2015.
Advisor, Training Seminar on Antitrust and Competition Law Compliance at Fortune 500 Oil and Gas Company Quarterly Meeting in Houston, Texas, February 2014.
Panelist, The Bench, the Bar, and the Academy United to Discuss the Future of Legal Education, Annual Meeting of the Association of American Law Schools, January 2013.
Presenter, Antitrust Law Developments of 2012, DRI Commercial Litigation Committee Presentation, DRI Annual Meeting, October 2012.
Advisor, Training Seminar on Antitrust and Competition Law Compliance at MSCI Gulf Region Chapter Annual Meeting in Mobile, Alabama, 2011.
Presenter, The Significance of the Mentor in Developing Professionalism, New Orleans Bar Association, December 2009 and July 2010.
Panelist, Making the Business Case for Diversity, Conclave on Diversity in the Legal Profession Sponsored by the Louisiana State Bar Association, March 2008.
Key Note Speaker, Celebrating the Challenge of Diversity, American Association of Law Librarians National Conference Annual Diversity Symposium, July 2007.
Advisor, Training Seminar on Antitrust and Trade Regulation Compliance at INEOS Americas National Sales Meeting in Sandestin, Florida, April 2005.
“Subject Matter Jurisdiction in Antitrust and Business Torts Litigation,” ABA Business Torts and Unfair Competition Handbook, Ch. 9 (3d ed.) 2014.
“Intellectual Property and Antitrust Law,” ABA Intellectual Property Deskbook for the Business Lawyer: A Transactions-Based Guide to Intellectual Property Law, Ch. 13 (3d ed.) 2013.
“The United States Supreme Court Limits the Ability to Invoke Civil RICO for Lost Tax Revenue,” Defense Research Institute’s The Business Suit, Vol. 13, Issue 10, December 9, 2010.
“Intellectual Property and Antitrust Law,” ABA Intellectual Property Deskbook for the Business Lawyer: A Transactions-Based Guide to Intellectual Property Law, Ch. 13 (2d ed.) 2009.
“Recent Indictments Serve as Reminder That Communication and Collaboration Among Competitors Can Still Lead to Significant Antitrust Risks,” Liskow & Lewis Monthly E-Newsletter, 2007.
“Subject Matter Jurisdiction in Antitrust and Business Torts Litigation,” ABA Business Torts and Unfair Competition Handbook, Ch. 9 (2d ed.) 2006.
“Class Action Reform Meets Challenge of Combining Fairness with Accessibility,” 1 ABA Antitrust Sec. Bus. Torts RICO Rep. 12 (2004).
“Control Without Restraint – The Interplay of Antitrust and Trademark Laws in the Franchise Relationship,” (with Marie Breaux), Distribution: Franchise and Dealership Committee Journal, ABA Antitrust Sec., Vol. 6 (2002).
“Elite Domination of College Football: An Analysis of the Antitrust Implications of the Bowl Alliance,” 6 Sports Law J. 57 (1999).
Yes. Any communications with our attorneys, including discussions we may have with you before you decide to hire us, are protected by the attorney-client privilege. You should comfortable telling us all of the facts of your case so that we can best advise you and protect your interests from the outset.
To make your relationship with us financially viable, we offer flexible fee structures to ensure affordability. We offer flat fee, capped fee, and contingency fee arrangements. We also offer a blended fee model combining traditional billable hours but with a capped total fee to ensure that the client is never surprised by unexpected fees for which he or she did not budget. For matters handled on a contingency fee basis, the client pays nothing unless money is recovered through a settlement or a judgment. If and when there is a recovery, we will take a percentage of that recovery as the contingent fee. The client also agrees to reimburse the firm for any litigation costs incurred during the case. Those costs may include deposition fees, filing fees, investigation costs, and expert costs. But, again, if there is no recovery, then the client is not responsible for any of those costs. And, if you decide that a traditional billable hour approach is the best method for you, you can take comfort in knowing that our rates are some of the most affordable and competitive in the Gulf South. Quite simply, we will do our best to work with you to ensure that you receive top-notch legal guidance and services without spending a fortune.
As part of our commitment to create a true partnership with each of our clients, we believe in being accessible and within reach of our clients 24/7. We make it my personal duty to return calls and correspondence promptly, while ensuring each and every client knows they are very important to us. Our clients will never be surprised about the status of their case. We maintain a manageable caseload at all times in an effort to provide a higher standard of personalized service with in-depth research and due diligence towards educated, informed decisions. We work closely with all clients to provide honest, friendly service and an overall positive legal experience with excellent results, no matter what the nature of your case may be.
Successfully represented and obtained judgment for Miller Act plaintiff against contractor and its sureties in federal district court bench trial, and obtained judgment affirming the district court decisions from the Firth Circuit Court of Appeal. United States ex rel. Jems Fabrication, Inc. v. Benetech, LLC, 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 108275 (E.D. La. Aug. 1, 2013), aff’d, 2014 U.S. App. LEXIX 8175 (5th Cir. La. Apr. 30, 2014).
Obtained early dismissal of state antitrust claims on behalf of major biotechnology company brought by the Louisiana Attorney General and successfully represented the company on the remaining Average Wholesale Pricing claims (2012).
Led team in securing full dismissal of federal RICO charges and related ad valorem tax collection and fraud claims brought against a group of clients by the Terrebonne Parish tax assessor (2010).
Successfully represented a major crude oil offloading company in pursuing antitrust claims against international cartel members in the marine hose industry (2010).
Significant part of trial and appellate team, defended an international law firm and one of its senior partners in a two-week jury trial in Mississippi state court (2010).
Obtained early dismissal of state and federal monopolization claims on behalf of an international marine salvage company through a successful Rule 12(b)(6) motion (2009).
Secured full dismissal of state antitrust claims of price fixing and monopolization on behalf of Motiva Enterprises, LLP that was affirmed by the Louisiana Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal and the Louisiana Supreme Court (2009). Tuban Petroleum, LLC v. SIARC, Inc., 09-0302 (La. App. 4 Cir. 4/15/09), writ denied, 09-0945 (La. 6/5/09), 9 So. 3d 877.
Obtained key victory on behalf of a major biotechnology company against claims of illegal tying arrangements brought by the Louisiana Attorney General (2008).
Obtained dismissal of antitrust price fixing claims filed by the Louisiana Attorney General against one of the world’s largest international consulting firms (2008). State of Louisiana, ex. rel., James D. Caldwell v. Allstate Insurance Co., et. al., No. 07-9409 (E.D. La. Dec. 17, 2008).
Successfully defended a major maritime company in a Department of Justice investigation based on allegations of conspiracy to rig bids and fix prices in a series of government contacts (2008).
Developed a successful legal theory for removal of state attorney general suits against industry as disguised “class” and “mass” actions subject to the Class Action Fairness Act. See State of Louisiana, ex. rel., James D. Caldwell v. Allstate Insurance Co., et. al., 2008 U.S. App. Lexis 15275 (5th Cir. July 18, 2008).
Successfully represented a major health care corporation and local hospital in pursuing attempted monopolization claims against competing hospital whereby the competing hospital ceased its attempt to monopolize the relevant clinic market following Hurricane Katrina (2005).
Assisted in successfully representing the Greater New Orleans Hotel and Lodging Association in opposition to Tax Increment Financing (TIF) of proposed hotel development where the proposed TIF statute was found unconstitutional by the Louisiana Supreme Court (2005). World Trade Center Taxing District v. All Taxpayers, 05-0374 (La. 6/29/05), 908 So. 2d 623.
Part of legal team that secured a key victory for a federal banking agency in the United States Fifth Circuit. The class action attacked the insured status of a federally insured banking institution. Heaton v. Monogram Credit Card Bank, 297 F.3d 416 (5th Cir. 2002).
Part of the legal team in a professional liability case for a federal banking agency that secured an important victory in the United States Fifth Circuit involving the failure of Louisiana’s largest thrift institution (2000). FDIC v. Barton, 233 F.3d 859 (5th Cir. 2000).
FRIENDS OF LAKEVIEW (2010-Present)
Founding Member and Board of Directors
VIA LINK – A UNITED WAY AGENCY (2008-Present)
Board of Directors, 2008 – Present
Executive Committee of Board of Directors, 2010-2015
President of Board of Directors, 2011-2013
LAKEVIEW CIVIC IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION (2007-2015)
President of Board of Directors, 2010-2012
Member of Board of Directors, 2009-2014
Chairman of NORA Committee, 2007-2010
MAYORAL TASK FORCE ON BLIGHTED PROPERTY (2010-2012)
Member of Mayoral-Appointed Task Force
LAKEVIEW CRIME PREVENTION DISTRICT (2010-2012)
Secretary of Board of Directors
“Intellectual Property and Antitrust Law,” ABA Intellectual Property Deskbook for the Business Lawyer: A Transactions-Based Guide to Intellectual Property Law, Ch. 13 (3d ed.) 2019.
Presenter, “Legal Update on Employment Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Claims in the Workplace,” Acadiana Society for Human Resource Management (ASHRM), 2018 Annual Conference and Expo, Lafayette, Louisiana, September 2018.
Speaker, “Legal Perks: Part II – Discrimination Based on Physical Appearance,” NOLA Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), July 2018.
Speaker, “Legal Perks: Discrimination Based on Physical Appearance Under Title VII and the ADA,” NOLA Society for Human Resource Management, May 2018.
Presenter, “Ethics and Professionalism: Watch Your P’s and Q’s CLE,” Louisiana State Bar Association, December 2015.
Advisor, Training Seminar on Antitrust and Competition Law Compliance at Fortune 500 Oil and Gas Company Quarterly Meeting in Houston, Texas, February 2014.
Panelist, The Bench, the Bar, and the Academy United to Discuss the Future of Legal Education, Annual Meeting of the Association of American Law Schools, January 2013.
Presenter, Antitrust Law Developments of 2012, DRI Commercial Litigation Committee Presentation, DRI Annual Meeting, October 2012.
Advisor, Training Seminar on Antitrust and Competition Law Compliance at MSCI Gulf Region Chapter Annual Meeting in Mobile, Alabama, 2011.
Presenter, The Significance of the Mentor in Developing Professionalism, New Orleans Bar Association, December 2009 and July 2010.
Panelist, Making the Business Case for Diversity, Conclave on Diversity in the Legal Profession Sponsored by the Louisiana State Bar Association, March 2008.
Key Note Speaker, Celebrating the Challenge of Diversity, American Association of Law Librarians National Conference Annual Diversity Symposium, July 2007.
Advisor, Training Seminar on Antitrust and Trade Regulation Compliance at INEOS Americas National Sales Meeting in Sandestin, Florida, April 2005.
“Subject Matter Jurisdiction in Antitrust and Business Torts Litigation,” ABA Business Torts and Unfair Competition Handbook, Ch. 9 (3d ed.) 2014.
“Intellectual Property and Antitrust Law,” ABA Intellectual Property Deskbook for the Business Lawyer: A Transactions-Based Guide to Intellectual Property Law, Ch. 13 (3d ed.) 2013.
“The United States Supreme Court Limits the Ability to Invoke Civil RICO for Lost Tax Revenue,” Defense Research Institute’s The Business Suit, Vol. 13, Issue 10, December 9, 2010.
“Intellectual Property and Antitrust Law,” ABA Intellectual Property Deskbook for the Business Lawyer: A Transactions-Based Guide to Intellectual Property Law, Ch. 13 (2d ed.) 2009.
“Recent Indictments Serve as Reminder That Communication and Collaboration Among Competitors Can Still Lead to Significant Antitrust Risks,” Liskow & Lewis Monthly E-Newsletter, 2007.
“Subject Matter Jurisdiction in Antitrust and Business Torts Litigation,” ABA Business Torts and Unfair Competition Handbook, Ch. 9 (2d ed.) 2006.
“Class Action Reform Meets Challenge of Combining Fairness with Accessibility,” 1 ABA Antitrust Sec. Bus. Torts RICO Rep. 12 (2004).
“Control Without Restraint – The Interplay of Antitrust and Trademark Laws in the Franchise Relationship,” (with Marie Breaux), Distribution: Franchise and Dealership Committee Journal, ABA Antitrust Sec., Vol. 6 (2002).
“Elite Domination of College Football: An Analysis of the Antitrust Implications of the Bowl Alliance,” 6 Sports Law J. 57 (1999).
