Special to the American Press

Fishman Haygood announced today that Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards will join the firm when he leaves office on Jan. 8.

An accomplished attorney, Edwards will work with Fishman Haygood’s business and litigation teams, which are consistently recognized by peers and clients for their experience, professionalism and innovation. In his new role as special counsel, Edwards will focus on renewable energy.

Fishman Haygood occupies a unique place among Louisiana-based firms. Corporate and litigation attorneys advise businesses in sophisticated matters locally, nationally and globally. On the transactional side, the firm is engaged in several renewable energy and energy efficiency deals and projects. In complex litigation, the firm has tried cases for plaintiffs and defendants, both companies and individuals, in high-stakes state, federal and international matters.

As governor, Edwards’ efforts to position Louisiana as a leader participating in and benefiting from the energy transition makes him a natural fit at Fishman Haygood, which values ingenuity. Under Edwards’ administration, the state already has garnered $50 billion in private sector capital investments for both low- and no-carbon projects. With opportunities in Louisiana’s renewable energy sector expanding, Edwards looks to continue playing a leading role in this emerging market.

For its part, Fishman Haygood is representing the landowner in a series of agreements with a subsidiary of Talos Energy, a leading Houston-based energy company which actively participates in carbon capture and storage opportunities. The firm also is engaged in local and national litigation to enforce the plugging of non-productive oil wells and the removal of abandoned equipment, which blight the environment and interfere with landowner property rights.

“We are thrilled to have the governor join our team,” said Fishman Haygood Managing Partner John Werner. “John Bel has been a proven leader throughout his life, including his recent efforts to grow the renewable energy sector in Louisiana. We are excited that he has chosen to join us in this next phase of his career.”

Prior to his governorship, Edwards was a practicing attorney. He was elected to the Louisiana State House of Representatives in 2008 and was reelected to the legislature until being elected governor in 2015. He spent eight years in the governor’s mansion and enjoyed high approval ratings from a majority of people in the state.