Firm Resume

September 17, 2021

HISTORY AND OVERVIEW OF THE FIRM

Cook, Yancey, King & Galloway, A Professional Law Corporation, is an established, competitive law firm which takes pride in its efforts to provide valuable, quality services to its clients. The firm was established in 1914 as “Cook & Cook” and has remained in business continuously since that time. The firm’s offices are located in the Regions Bank Tower in downtown Shreveport, Louisiana.

Cook, Yancey, King & Galloway engages in a widely diversified practice which includes both litigation and commercial matters. The specific areas of practice cover most areas of legal practice, including products liability and professional liability; commercial, insurance defense, environmental and general litigation; health care law; corporate and banking law; natural resources law, including real estate, oil, gas and lignite; securities law; taxation; railroad law; labor and employment law; workers’ compensation; pension and profit sharing plans; and trusts, probate and estate planning.

ATTORNEYS

The firm’s attorneys, for the most part, have areas of specialization and interest, and each may have several subspecialties. The following list identifies only general areas of practice and identifies each lawyer only once. Certain lawyers may, for example, assist with commercial transactions as well as commercial litigation. Accordingly, the organization of the list is not intended to indicate the limits of a particular lawyer’s practice.

BUSINESS, COMMERCIAL, AND TORT LITIGATION

John T. Kalmbach.  Mr. Kalmbach practices primarily in the areas of natural gas pipeline development, federal and state eminent domain, oil and gas litigation, legal malpractice, and other civil litigation (state and federal).  He received his undergraduate degree, magna cum laude, from Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, and his law degree from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he was Executive Senior Editor of the Louisiana Law Review and was a member of the Order of the Coif.  He served as law clerk to the Honorable Tom Stagg, Chief Judge, United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana from 1996 through 1998. He was admitted to practice in 1996 and joined the firm in 1998.  Mr. Kalmbach currently serves as the firm president.  His e-mail address is john.kalmbach@cookyancey.com.

Herschel E. Richard, Jr.  Mr. Richard’s practice principally involves business litigation, toxic tort, products liability, and legal and medical malpractice. He received his undergraduate degree from Tulane University and his law degree from Louisiana State University, where he was a member of the Louisiana Law Review. Mr. Richard was admitted to practice in 1970. He is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, the International Society of Barristers, and the Louisiana Bar Foundation. He is a member and past President of the Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel, and is a Master Bencher in the Harry V. Booth and Judge Henry A. Politz American Inn of Court. Mr. Richard holds memberships in the International Association of Defense Counsel, the Federation of Insurance and Corporate Counsel, and the Maritime Law Association of the United States. He is also a Member of Council of the Louisiana State Law Institute. Mr. Richard was the 2000 recipient of the Curtis R. Boisfontaine Trial Advocacy Award, given by the Louisiana State Bar Association. He is listed in The Best Lawyers in America, and is listed by Super Lawyers as having attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement in the areas of Business Litigation, Professional Liability: Defense, and Personal Injury Defense: Products Liability. His e-mail address is herschel.richard@cookyancey.com.

Bernard S. Johnson.  Mr. Johnson’s primary areas of practice are commercial litigation, contract issues, and commercial transactions, including health care. He received his undergraduate degree from Yale University and his law degree from Louisiana State University, where he was Editor in Chief of the Louisiana Law Review and a member of the Order of the Coif. He was admitted to practice in 1977 and served one year as law clerk to then Justice Albert Tate, Jr., of the Louisiana Supreme Court. He is a member of the National Association of Diocesan Attorneys. Mr. Johnson is listed by Super Lawyers as having attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement in the areas of Business Litigation, Business/Corporate, and Trust & Estate Litigation. His e-mail address is bernard.johnson@cookyancey.com.

Brian A. Homza.  Mr. Homza’s practice principally involves insurance coverage, including First Party coverage issues, insurance fraud, arson, fraudulent claims, and the defense of extra contractual claims. Mr. Homza’s practice also includes professional errors & omissions claims, defending insurance agents and brokers. He is also engaged in the defense of commercial motor carriers. He received his law degree in 1979 from Louisiana State University. While in law school, he was selected to participate on the Moot Court Board and in the National Moot Court competition. From 1979 to 1980 he served as a law clerk with the Louisiana Second Circuit Court of Appeal and joined the firm in 1980. He is currently on the Board of the Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel. He is a member of the Defense Research Institute and since 2001 has served on the subcommittee on Fire & Casualty Claims. He is a member of the International Association of Arson Investigators, the Property Loss Research Bureau, the Certified Insurance Fraud Examiners, and the Harry V. Booth and Judge Henry A. Politz American Inn of Court. Mr. Homza is also engaged in the practice of mediations and performs mediation services as a member of Perry Dampf and Associates, A Professional Mediation and Arbitration Company. Mr. Homza is a member of the Shreveport Bar Association, the American Bar Association and the North Louisiana Federal Bar Association. He is a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association, for whom he has been a lecturer on First Party Arson Defense Claims. He is a two time instructor for the Louisiana Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms Chapter on investigation of fire & explosives. His practice is primarily concentrated in the trial of complex First Party coverage claims and property losses involving fire science & technology including large property subrogation claims. Mr. Homza also represents several insurance S.I.U.s and has tried numerous arson misrepresentation and fraud cases involving the interpretation of policy forms and business interruption coverages, including broker/agent liability cases. Mr. Homza is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell. His e-mail address is brian.homza@cookyancey.com.

Albert M. Hand, Jr.  Mr. Hand’s practice primarily involves products liability, environmental and toxic tort litigation. He is recognized by Chambers and Partners in Environment: Litigation-Louisiana. Mr. Hand attended Vanderbilt University and received his undergraduate, masters, and law degrees from Louisiana State University, where he was a member of the Louisiana Law Review. He was admitted to practice in Louisiana in 1978. Prior to joining the firm in 1979, he served as law clerk to the Honorable Ben C. Dawkins, Jr., Senior United States District Judge for the Western District of Louisiana. Mr. Hand is admitted to practice in the United States District Courts for the Western, Middle and Eastern Districts and the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.  His e-mail address is al.hand@cookyancey.com.

Sidney E. Cook, Jr.  Mr. Cook’s practice principally involves tort litigation, products liability cases, and representation of transportation companies. In addition, he handles a full range of matters for nursing homes and for automobile dealerships. He received his undergraduate and law degrees from Louisiana State University, where he was a member of the Moot Court Board and a Moot Court Semi-finalist. Mr. Cook was admitted to practice in 1982 and joined the firm that same year. He is past President of the Young Lawyers’ Section of the Shreveport Bar Association, a member and former director of the Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel, and a member of the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel. Mr. Cook is listed by Super Lawyers as having attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement in the areas of Personal Injury Defense: Products, and Personal Injury Defense: Insurance Coverage. His e-mail address is sidney.cook@cookyancey.com.

Gregg A. Wilkes.  Mr. Wilkes practices primarily in the areas of insurance law, peace officer/municipality defense and significant personal injury litigation. He received his undergraduate degree from Louisiana Tech University, where he graduated summa cum laude, and his law degree from Louisiana State University. Mr. Wilkes was admitted to practice in 1990. Prior to joining the firm in 1991, he served one year as law clerk to the Honorable Pike Hall, Jr., Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court. Mr. Wilkes is a member of the Association of Defense Trial Attorneys, the Defense Research Institute, the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Program, and the American Correctional Association. A long-standing member of the Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel, in 2008 he was elected to serve on their Board of Directors. His e-mail address is gregg.wilkes@cookyancey.com.

Robert Kennedy, Jr.  Mr. Kennedy’s practice primarily involves the areas of construction law, including the preparation of front-end documents, liens and lien related litigation, and construction defect litigation; environmental and toxic tort litigation, including legacy lawsuits; oil and gas litigation; and general representation of municipalities.  Mr. Kennedy also has experience in commercial litigation, professional malpractice, tort and other civil litigation. He received undergraduate degrees in Finance and Accounting from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He obtained his law degree from Louisiana State University, where he was a member of the Order of the Coif and the Louisiana Law Review. Mr. Kennedy was admitted to practice in 1992. Before joining the firm in 1994, he served two years as a law clerk to the Honorable Tom Stagg, United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana. He is listed in Best Lawyers in America and by SuperLawyers. He is a member of the Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel and a Senior Master in the Harry V. Booth and Judge Henry A. Politz American Inn of Court, and has served as an associate editor of the Shreveport Bar Review. His e-mail address is robert.kennedy@cookyancey.com.

David J. Hemken.  Mr. Hemken’s practice primarily involves the areas of environmental and legacy litigation, oil and gas litigation and general commercial litigation. He received his law degree from Georgetown University Law Center, where he served as the Annual Review Articles Editor for the Georgetown Journal of Gender and the Law. He received his undergraduate degree, summa cum laude, from Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Hemken worked as a law clerk for the Honorable S. Maurice Hicks, Jr., United States District Judge for the Western District of Louisiana, Shreveport Division (2012-2013). He is a member of the Shreveport Bar Association, Louisiana State Bar Association, Harry V. Booth-Judge Henry A. Politz American Inn of Court, Krewe of Justinian, American Bar Association, and the Federal Bar Association. Mr. Hemken is also admitted to practice in the United States District Courts for the Western and Eastern Districts of Louisiana.  Outside of his law practice, he serves on the Board for Robinson’s Rescue.  His email address is david.hemken@cookyancey.com.

Cynthia C. Anderson.  Ms. Anderson’s practice is in medical malpractice litigation and health care law and international law. She received her undergraduate and law degrees from the University of London, King’s College. Ms. Anderson was admitted to practice in England in 1971 and admitted to practice in Louisiana in 1980. Prior to joining the firm in 1976, Ms. Anderson practiced law in London, England. She is a member of the Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel and the American Health Lawyers Association. She currently serves as the General Counsel to the Shreveport Medical Society, is the Northwest District Director for the Louisiana Society of Hospital Attorneys, and serves on the Institutional Review Board at Louisiana State University Health Science Center. Her e-mail address is cynthia.anderson@cookyancey.com.

Lisa C. Cronin.  Ms. Cronin practices primarily in the areas of oil and gas litigation, insurance defense, commercial and other civil litigation. She received her undergraduate degree from Northeast Louisiana University, where she graduated summa cum laude, and her law degree from Louisiana State University, where she was a member of the Louisiana Law Review. Ms. Cronin was admitted to practice in the State of Louisiana in 1984. Prior to joining the firm in 1985, she served one year as law clerk to the Honorable Fred A. Blanche, Jr. Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court. In 1988, Ms. Cronin moved to New Mexico and was in private practice in Clovis, New Mexico handling commercial and class action litigation. She was admitted to the New Mexico Bar Association in 1988 and to the Texas Bar Association in 1992.  Ms. Cronin volunteers as the CEO for Common Ground Community, Inc., a non-profit serving the Cedar Grove neighborhood in Shreveport, and is a board member for the Community Foundation of North Louisiana.  Ms. Cronin rejoined the firm in 2000. Her e-mail address is lisa.cronin@cookyancey.com.

James R. Sterritt.  Mr. Sterritt works in the areas of insurance defense, representation of peace officers, products liability law, and railroad matters He received his undergraduate degree and masters degree in English from Louisiana Tech University and his law degree from Louisiana State University. Mr. Sterritt was admitted to practice in 1987 and joined the firm that same year. He is a member of the Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel and the National Association of Railroad Trial Counsel, and is an Associate of the International Association of Police Chiefs. His e-mail address is james.sterritt@cookyancey.com.

Marianne C. Boston.   Marianne Cosse Boston is an AV-rated lawyer who has more than 20 years of experience in civil litigation and appellate practice. Marianne has represented both individuals and companies concerning a wide variety of civil matters. Marianne graduated from Louisiana State University in 1986 and from The University of Alabama, School of Law in 1991. Marianne was Lead Articles Editor for The Alabama Law Review and was a member of The Bench and Bar Legal Honor Society.  Marianne served as Law Clerk/Staff Attorney to the Honorable Alva Hugh Maddox, Senior Justice, The Supreme Court of Alabama, and has worked as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Georgia in the Civil Rights Division.  Her e-mail address is marianne.boston@cookayncey.com.

Drake Lee, Jr. Drake Lee practices in the areas of commercial litigation, construction law, and appellate practice. He served as Law Clerk to Senior United States District Judge, Western District of Louisiana, 1975-76.  HE is listed in The Best Lawyers in American in 2007-2008.  He is a member of the Harry V. Booth and Henry A. Politz American Inn of Court (Master); Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel (Board of Directors, 2000-2002; President-Elect 2008-2009); International Association of Defense Counsel; Defense Research Institute (State Representative, 1999-2002; Board of Directors, 2003-2006).  His email is drake.lee@cookyancey.com.

Jordan B. Bird.  Mr. Bird focuses his practice primarily in general civil litigation matters with an emphasis on insurance defense in the areas of first-party property damage claims and coverage issues.  Jordan’s practice also extends to representation of creditors in select bankruptcy and collections matters.  Jordan received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science, from Louisiana State University in 2004, and received his law degree from Mississippi College School of Law in 2009.  After passing the bar, Jordan went to work for the Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office where he successfully tried several first chair jury trials and bench trials as felony assistant prosecutor.  After approximately 5 years with the Caddo District Attorney’s Office, he transitioned into private practice in Shreveport devoting his time to civil litigation matters and bankruptcy litigation.  He was voted a Top Attorney in Shreveport by SB Magazine for the year 2020 and 2021.

Drew Burnham. Mr. Burnham focuses his practice primarily on civil litigation, oil and gas litigation and commercial disputes.  Drew received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and in Political Science, magna cum laude, from Centenary College of Louisiana in 2012, and received his law degree from Louisiana State University Law School, magna cum laude, in 2015.  Prior to joining Cook Yancey, Mr. Burnham served as a law clerk to the Honorable Elizabeth Erny Foote, United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana.  He serves on the board of directors for Catholic Charities of North Louisiana.  His email is drew.burnham@cookyancey.com.

Ashby Davis. Mr. Davis focuses his practice on commercial and construction litigation, law enforcement defense, and estate planning and successions. A native of Bossier City, Ashby received his Bachelor of Arts degree, summa cum laude, from Baylor University in 2012. He received his law degree, cum laude, from Baylor University School of Law in 2016. After law school, he returned home to serve as a law clerk for the Honorable S. Maurice Hicks, Jr., United States District Judge for the Western District of Louisiana, Shreveport Division (2016-2017), before joining Cook Yancey. Outside of the practice of law, he serves on the Volunteers of America Visionaries Committee.  His email is ashby.davis@cookyancey.com.

Joseph B. Odom.  Mr. Odom focuses on tort litigation, commercial litigation, construction litigation and products liability litigation.  Prior to joining the firm, Joseph worked for Breazeale, Sachse & Wilson, LLP, in Baton Rouge.  Joseph received his Juris Doctor and Graduate Diploma in Comparative Law from the Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center in 2019.  He received his Bachelor of Science from Louisiana Tech University.  Before attending law school, Joseph served as a Sergeant in the 1^st Battalion, 23^rd Marine Regiment of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.  He served as an Infantry Squad Leader during his combat deployment to Al Anbar Province Iraqi Freedom.  He served as a Company Level Intelligence Analyst while deployed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.  Joseph was honorably discharged from Service in March 2013.  In his spare time, Joseph enjoys fishing, reading and traveling.

Luke D. Whetstone.  Mr. Whetstone focuses his practice primarily on labor and employment, professional liability, commercial carrier liability, and cyber liability.  A Shreveport native, Luke is a 2012 alumnus of Louisiana State University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.  He obtained his law degree in 2016 from the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center, where he was a member of the Moot Court Board.  Luke is licensed to practice law in Louisiana and Arkansas.  He is a member of the Harry V. Booth-Judge Henry A. Politz American Inn of Court, the Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel, and he is an active board member of the Young Lawyer’s Section of the Shreveport Bar Association. His e-mail is luke.whetstone@cookyancey.com.

David L. Wilkes.   Mr. Wilkes focuses his practice primarily in insurance law, peace officer and municipality defense, and general litigation.  David received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science with a Pre-Law Concentration from Louisiana Tech University in 2015 and received his law degree from Louisiana State University Law School in 2018.  Prior to joining Cook Yancey, David served as an intern to the Honorable Harmon Drew, Louisiana Second Circuit Court of Appeal.  His e-mail is david.wilkes@cookayncey.com.

Hunter Curtis. Hunter Curtis focuses his practice on general litigation.  He received his undergraduate degree from Northwestern State University, where he graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and was the president of his social fraternity.  Hunter received his law degree from Louisana State University where he was a Dean Scholar and obtained a Graduate Certificate in Energy Law & Policy.  While in law school, Hunter was a member of the National Energy and Sustainability Moot Court team and served as judicial extern for Judge John W. deGravelles, U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana.  His email address is hunter.curtis@cookyancey.com.

COMMERCIAL AND TRANSACTIONAL LAW

David Logan Schroeder.  Mr. Schroeder works in the area of Commercial Transactions, Real Estate, Real Estate Finance, Business Organization, Planning and Tax. He served as law clerk to the Honorable Peter T. Fay, Judge, United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.  Prior to joining the firm, Logan worked at Fishman Haygood in New Orleans. Logan has been named as a Superlawyer – Rising Star for the State of Louisiana. He currently serves on the governing board of the Corporate and Business Law Section of the Louisiana State Bar Association. His email address is logan.schroeder@cookyancey.com.

Kevin M. McCrary.  Mr. McCrary’s practice involves commercial transactions with an emphasis in real estate and title examination. Mr. McCrary received his law degree in 2009 from Louisiana State University. He earned a Masters of Business Administration from Louisiana State University in Shreveport, where he was named the MBA Student of the Year, and obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from Louisiana Tech University in 2000, graduating summa cum laude. Admitted to practice in Louisiana in 2009, Mr. McCrary is also admitted before the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of Louisiana, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5^th Circuit. His e-mail address is kevin.mccrary@cookyancey.com.

LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT LAW

Elizabeth Mendell Carmody.  Ms. Carmody’s practice is focused primarily on labor and employment, municipal law, civil rights, premises liability, insurance defense, and other civil litigation (state and federal). She received her undergraduate degree in 1995 from Tulane University and her law degree in 1998 from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University, where she was a member of the Moot Court Board. She is admitted to the Louisiana (1998) and Texas (2009) state bars, as well as the U.S. District Courts for the Western District of Louisiana (2000), Middle District of Louisiana (2001), and Northern District of Texas (2009). She has served as a law clerk for the Honorable Donald E. Walter, United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, Shreveport Division (1999-2000 and 2002-2008) and the Honorable Rebecca F. Doherty, United States District Judge for the Western District of Louisiana, Lafayette Division (1998-99).  Outside of the legal community, she serves as a member of the Krewe d’ACT, the fundraising arm of the Academy of Children’s Theatre. Her e-mail address is elizabeth.carmody@cookyancey.com

REAL ESTATE AND ENERGY LAW

William Fleming. Mr. Fleming’s practice is devoted to oil and gas, energy, and real estate matters. He received his undergraduate and law degrees from Louisiana State University and was admitted to practice in 1970. Prior to entering private practice, Mr. Fleming served as law clerk to the Honorable John A. Dixon and the Honorable Pike Hall, Jr., Judges, Louisiana Second Circuit Court of Appeal. He joined the firm in 1981 and is currently a member of the Advisory Council to the Louisiana Mineral Law Institute. His e-mail address is bill.fleming@cookyancey.com.

Stephen R. Yancey, II.  Mr. Yancey’s practice involves real estate and commercial transactions, energy matters, and probate and estate planning. He received his undergraduate degree from Washington & Lee University, his masters degree in Business Administration from Louisiana State University, and his law degree from Louisiana State University. Mr. Yancey was admitted to practice in 1973 and joined the firm in 1973. He was a member of the Board of Governors of the Louisiana State Bar Association and a past Chairman of the Louisiana State Bar Association’s section on Trust Estates, Probate and Immovable Property. He is a Life Fellow of the American Bar Foundation and a Fellow of the Louisiana Bar Foundation. His e-mail address is stephen.yancey@cookyancey.com.

 Frank M. Dodson.  Mr. Dodson’s practice primarily involves real estate and commercial transactions, energy law, and matters in the area of municipal finance. He received his undergraduate degree from Southwestern at Memphis (now Rhodes College) and his law degree at Louisiana State University, where he was a member of the Moot Court Board. Mr. Dodson was admitted to practice in 1975. Prior to joining the firm in 1979, he was law clerk for the Honorable James E. Bolin, Judge, Louisiana Second Circuit Court of Appeal. His e-mail address is frank.dodson@cookyancey.com.

 James H. Campbell, III.  Mr. Campbell’s practice is devoted to oil and gas, energy and real estate matters. He received his undergraduate and law degrees from Louisiana State University and was admitted to practice in 1974.  His e-mail address is james.campbell@cookyancey.com.

 Lake Hearne. Mr. Hearne practices primarily in the areas of Property, Successions, Oil & Gas, and Creditor’s Rights. He received his undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge Louisiana in 1978 with a B. A. in English. He earned his law degree from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he was on the Louisiana Law Review and received the Am Jur Award in Contracts.  His e-mail address is lake.hearne@cookyancey.com.

 Matthew R. May.  Mr. May’s practice primarily focuses on oil and gas, energy, pipeline and real estate matters including oil and gas title examination, oil and gas leasing and pipeline matters, and matters in front of the Louisiana Office of Conservation.  He received his undergraduate degree in Accounting, magna cum laude, from Louisiana State University in Shreveport and his law degree from Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University in 1996 and 2004, respectively.  Before joining Cook, Yancey, King & Galloway, APLC in 2004, he practiced as a certified public accountant and is currently registered with the Louisiana State Board of Certified Public Accountants as a CPA, inactive, and continues to assist in areas of estate planning and probate matters.

Ryan C. Williams.  Mr. Williams received his law degree in 2008 from Louisiana State University, graduating with honors. He was a member of the Law Review and served as a Senior Editor.  He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Louisiana State University in 2005, graduating magna cum laude. Mr. Williams’ practice focuses primarily in the area of Oil & Gas. His e-mail address is ryan.williams@cookyancey.com.

Brad E. Wilkerson.     Mr. Wilkerson counsels and represents clients in oil and gas law, commercial transactions and litigation.  Prior to joining the firm Brad served as in-house counsel in Houston with one of the largest natural gas producers in the Haynesville Shale.  A native of Shreveport-Bossier, Brad previously practiced as partner with a prominent local firm after receiving his law degree from Louisiana State University and graduate and undergraduate degrees from Louisiana Tech University. Brad’s email address is brad.wilkerson@cookyancey.com.

 TAXATION, ESTATE PLANNING, AND PROBATE LAW

William C. Kalmbach.  Mr. Kalmbach practices primarily in the business, estate planning, and taxation areas. He received his undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University, where he was elected Phi Beta Kappa; his law degree from Georgetown University Law Center, where he served as Senior Editor of the Georgetown International Law Journal; and his LL.M. degree in estate planning from the University of Miami in 1996. Mr. Kalmbach was admitted to the bar in Maryland, Washington, D.C., Louisiana, and Texas in 1988, 1989 and 1990, and 1995 respectively, and practiced with the law firm of Stroock & Stroock & Lavan in Washington, D.C., and New York City. Mr. Kalmbach joined the firm in 1990 and is a Board Certified Estate Planning and Administration Specialist under the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization. His e-mail address is bill.kalmbach@cookyancey.com

TITLE COMPANY

Riverbend Title Company, Inc., a Louisiana corporation (“Riverbend”), is owned by Cook, Yancey, King & Galloway, A Professional Law Corporation. Riverbend has qualified as a title insurance agent under the insurance laws of the State of Louisiana and is approved to issue policies of title insurance for First American Title Insurance Company and Commonwealth Land Title Insurance Company. The lawyers of the law firm whose primary area of practice concerns real estate matters are licensed title insurance agents of Riverbend Title Company, Inc. Those lawyers are Stephen R. Yancey, II, J. William Fleming, James H. Campbell, III, Frank M. Dodson, W. Lake Hearne, D. Logan Schroeder and Kevin M. McCrary.