New Orleans, LA (October 9, 2006) – Coats Rose, a Texas based law firm, is pleased to announce the expansion of its offices from the state of Texas into New Orleans, Louisiana.  Clyde H. Jacob III, Director specializing in labor and employment law, has recently joined the firm and will head the New Orleans office.  Clyde’s experience spans over 25 years exclusively in the field of labor and employment relations representing management.  “In the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Louisiana and Texas employers are closer and more deeply connected than ever before.  An experienced law firm with a strong presence in both states will be a vital resource for this regional employment community,” said Mr. Jacob.  Also joining the New Orleans office as a Director is Christopher E. Moore with ten years of labor and employment experience working with corporate management.

Barry J. Palmer, Director, is over the firm’s Affordable Housing practice, an area already creating a strong presence within the state of Louisiana.  Barry and the firm expect further expansion in the state of Louisiana through the New Orleans office.  “There is a tremendous need for affordable housing throughout Louisiana and our Firm is dedicated to serving our clients throughout the state who are responding to that need by developing high quality affordable housing,” Mr. Palmer said.

The city of Houston and the state of Texas played a major role in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina.  Coats Rose is proud to be one of the first law firms to open a post Katrina office in New Orleans and looks forward to being a part of the city’s economic restoration.  The firm is also involved in litigation concerning the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and various toxic tort matters concerning the oil and gas and oilfield services industry.  Dan Shank, a Director in the firm’s litigation practice said, “With the firm’s client centered approach  and expertise in construction, finance, real estate and litigation, along with the addition of a strong Louisiana based labor and employment team, Coats Rose is excited by the opportunities presented in New Orleans and Louisiana.” 

For more information regarding this press release, please contact Clyde Jacob at 504.299.3071 or via email at cjacob@coatsrose.com, or contact Dan Shank at 713.653.7311 or via email at dshank@coatsrose.com.

Coats Rose has approximately 70 attorneys, with offices in Houston, Clear Lake, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio and New Orleans.  The firm’s practice areas focus on Construction/Surety, Real Estate, Public Finance, Governmental Relations, Insurance, Labor & Employment and Litigation.

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