Three Phelps Lawyers Named to CityBusiness Leadership in Law Class
NEW ORLEANS — Oct. 10, 2023 — Phelps Partners David “Beau” Haynes and Ashley Heilprin and Associate Matthew Slaughter joined the ranks of the New Orleans CityBusiness Leadership in Law 2023 class. The publication awards 50 local lawyers each year for leading the way in both the legal field and their communities.
Beau helps health care providers address business, legal and regulatory issues, working with them to navigate smooth transactions and contractual arrangements and to build new health care delivery models that offer innovative ways to meet patient needs. He often handles emerging health care issues, including serving as lead counsel in the sale of a Louisiana pharmacy’s infusion therapy service line. He is also the go-to resource on evolving medical marijuana laws across much of the Gulf Coast, including helping multiple clients secure medical marijuana-related licenses awarded in Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and Texas.
He is a frequent guest speaker and writer on health care-related issues to bring clients and the public up to speed on advancements in the health care landscape, and he mentors the next generation of health care lawyers as an adjunct professor for several local universities.
Ashley has built a strong track record as a talented litigator, regularly leading trial teams as first-chair counsel through multimillion-dollar disputes. She works with companies in all industries, with a particular focus on energy, media, entertainment, transportation and education. She has counseled education agencies on legislative issues, successfully defended government contractors and media outlets in First Amendment disputes and argued anti-SLAPP motions for news media defendants.
Her deep roots in the New Orleans community extend to her advocacy for clients and organizations that build up our region. She is active with local and national bar associations and industry organizations to advance best practices and diversity and inclusion in the legal profession.
Matt handles complex commercial litigation for a diverse group of regional and national businesses across the insurance, construction, technology, transportation and real estate sectors. He guides clients through all aspects of civil litigation, from drafting initial pleadings to finding practical resolutions. He routinely serves on trial teams in complex litigation, including a highly publicized multi-day jury trial in federal court concerning claims of trademark infringement and misappropriation of trade secrets. He has also secured successful summary judgment and appellate wins for clients facing both contractual and tort disputes.
His commitment to the community matches his commitment to clients, and Matt maintains a robust pro bono practice handling matters in federal court under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. He also takes on multiple leadership roles with New Orleans’ Pro Bono Project, including serving on its Board of Directors, to improve access to civil legal justice to all.
New Orleans CityBusiness celebrated Beau, Ashley, Matt, and their fellow honorees with a reception at the New Orleans Museum of Art on Oct. 9.
