Louisiana State Public Policy

In Louisiana, as in other states, successful businesses must stay current with an ever-changing political environment. Because Hurricanes Katrina and Rita redefined the state's physical and political landscape, companies must be prepared to address the new environment. Baker Donelson helps clients understand and navigate this new environment from offices in Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Mandeville, Louisiana.

Baker Donelson has the relationships with both the legislative and executive branches necessary to advance a client's needs in the government sector. In the private sector, the Firm has broad experience and contacts to assist clients in the post hurricane environment. For example, the Firm can assist clients in securing Gulf Opportunity Zone tax incentives, which present great opportunities for growing businesses and the Louisiana economy.

Several attorneys and advisors constitute the Louisiana State Public Policy team, providing a broad array of experience in many industries, including health care, insurance, telecommunications, professional sports, arts and entertainment and higher education. Leaders of the public policy team in Louisiana are Donna D. Fraiche and Dickie W. Patterson.

Chair of the Louisiana Health Care Commission and former President of the American Health Lawyers Association, Donna Fraiche represents several health care organizations. She is accustomed to working with the State legislature as to issues regarding health care quality, access, cost and reimbursement. Governor Blanco appointed Ms. Fraiche to the Louisiana Recovery Authority.

The former Deputy Commissioner of Insurance for the State of Louisiana, Dickie Patterson has experience in regulatory and statutory law at the state and local levels of government. He is an experienced figure at the Louisiana Legislature and has been successful in effectuating the passage of complex and controversial legislation.