Work Experience
1970-1973
Employer: J.R. Reed Music Company Position: Assistant Manager, Credit Department Location: Austin, TX
1978-1987
Employer: Smitherman, Lunn, Chastain & Hill Position: Partner, Private Practice of Law Location: Shreveport, LA
Experience Details
- I developed a general civil practice with an emphasis on trial work.
- The character of practice was widespread.
Litigated in the Following Areas:
- Oil & Gas
- Bankruptcy
- Tax
- Personal Injury
- Corporate Law Property Law
- Eminent Domain
- Civil Rights
- Environmental Law
- Family Law
- Contracts
- Social Security
- Workers’ Compensation
I also accepted criminal defense appointments in both state and federal court and defended crimes ranging from driving offenses to second-degree murder.
Maintained an Office Practice that Included:
- Formation of Corporations
- Real Estate Closings
- Securities Tax Advice
- Domestic Relations
- Venture Capital Development Wills & Successions
- Bankruptcy
1987-2015
- Employer: Southern District of Texas
- Location: Corpus Christi, TX
- Position: United States Bankruptcy Judge
Experience Details
- I was appointed by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.
- My divisions included Corpus Christi, Brownsville, and McAllen.
- I had docket of over 10,000 pending cases and 6,000 annual average filings.
- I served as Chief Judge and a member of the Fifth Circuit Judicial Council.
- I was a frequent lecturer and speaker at the following:
- American Bar Association
- State Bar of Texas
- Commercial Law League
- National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges
- University of Texas School of Law
- Louisiana Bar Association
- Many Local Bar Associations
Military Duty
1973-1978
Employer: United States Air Force Position: Assistant Staff Judge Advocate, Barksdale Air Force Base (AFB), Louisiana
Experience Details
- I served as corporate counsel for the Second Bomb Wing, Barksdale AFB, a company of over 7,000 employees.
- I reviewed governmental contracts concerning Barksdale AFB.
- I represented the base in utilities negotiations and litigation.
- I provided advice to commanders on a myriad of other legal and quasi-legal problems.
1978-2004
Employer: United States Air Force Reserves Position: Staff Judge Advocate, Mission Support Squadron Commander & Support Group Commander of the 917th Wing, Barksdale AFB, Louisiana
Experience Details
- I rose to the rank of colonel.
- I commanded a unit of over 900 personnel that provided the wing with all support functions, including:
- Security Police
- Engineering
- Personnel
- Finance
- Food Services
- Chaplains
- Legal
- I received the Legion of Merit for outstanding service in a position of extraordinary responsibility.