Two Partners, Three Special Counsel Grow Corporate, Energy, and Maritime Bench

LAFAYETTE, La., Aug. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Jones Walker LLP is pleased to welcome two new partners, Tommy Smart and Steve Lanza, and three new special counsel, David Fink, Mark Oliver, and Doug Truxillo, in the Lafayette office. Tommy, Steve, and Mark join the Corporate Practice Group, David joins the Litigation Practice Group, and Doug joins the Maritime Practice Group.

“The addition of this accomplished group of attorneys marks an important investment in Lafayette and the Acadiana region,” said Bill Hines, the firm’s managing partner. “Their long-standing relationships and extensive experience in industries that have been cornerstones of our firm for decades, including energy and maritime, complement our existing strengths and enhance the value we deliver to clients. We are glad to have Tommy, Steve, and the team on board.”

All five attorneys join Jones Walker from Onebane, a boutique law firm that has served South Louisiana since 1977, and bring established practices and long-standing relationships developed through decades of serving clients across Acadiana.

Discussing what drew the group to Jones Walker, Tommy said, “Jones Walker’s nearly 90-year history, outstanding reputation, and deep roots in the industries that drive our region’s economy make it a natural fit for our team. The firm’s exceptional strength in the corporate, energy, and maritime sectors, combined with its broad geographic reach and comprehensive client service platform, creates tremendous opportunities for our clients and our attorneys. We are proud to join a firm that shares our commitment to excellence, relationships, and client service, and we look forward to contributing to its continued success across Louisiana and beyond.”

About Tommy Smart
Tommy is an experienced corporate professional who focuses his practice on oil and gas transactional and regulatory matters, including title examinations; the structuring, drafting, and negotiation of complex agreements; agreements for the acquisition, sale, and financing of oil and gas properties; due diligence for property acquisitions, 3D seismic permits, and license agreements, among other issues. He frequently represents operators, producers, and interest holders with onshore and offshore projects and operations in Louisiana, Texas, and on the Outer Continental Shelf. Tommy also advises clients with regard to a number of carbon capture, utilization and sequestration projects. With more than four decades of practice in oil and gas law, Tommy is also general counsel for the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association and a member of the Mineral Law Committee of the Louisiana State Law Institute. He is a member of the firm’s Energy, Environmental & Natural Resources Industry Team and co-chairs the oil and gas team. Tommy is also a member of the commercial transactions team.

About Steve Lanza
Steve is an accomplished corporate attorney who advises clients with sophisticated, multiparty business arrangements and provides strategic counsel to help businesses manage risk and achieve their objectives. He represents businesses, entrepreneurs, attorneys, physicians, and other healthcare professionals in commercial transactions and related litigation. Steve has advised clients on a broad range of business and commercial matters, including entity formation, governance, acquisitions and divestitures, contract negotiations, and other complex transactions. He is a member of the commercial transactions team.

About David Fink
A skilled litigator, David represents private businesses and public institutions in a wide range of civil disputes. His matters have run from general and complex civil litigation to commercial cases and disputes involving governmental agencies. On the commercial side, David advises clients across the full arc of a business relationship — from the development and negotiation of contracts through the disputes that sometimes follow. He is a member of the commercial disputes team.

About Mark Oliver 
Mark is a knowledgeable corporate attorney, with a broad range of experience, who advises clients in the purchase and sale of producing oil-and gas properties and advises on the structuring, negotiation, and preparation of agreements covering all phases of onshore and offshore exploration and production activities. His practice focuses on title examinations and the preparation of title opinions for drilling operations, division orders, acquisitions, and financings. Before becoming an attorney, Mark worked in various aspects of the oil and gas industry, experience that continues to inform the practical counsel he provides clients today. He is a member of the commercial transactions team.

About Doug Truxillo 
Doug is a seasoned maritime attorney whose practice includes navigating high-stakes litigation, contractual matters, and regulatory challenges across the maritime and oilfield industries. He handles maritime and oilfield jury and non-jury cases in both state and federal courts and provides practical, business-oriented counsel designed to protect client interests and achieve efficient resolutions. Doug has been the legal advisor for the Association of Diving Contractors International for more than 30 years, was the 2022-2023 chair of the ABA Admiralty and Maritime Law Committee, is a founding member of the Admiralty Law Section of the Federal Bar Association, and is a proctor in Admiralty with the Maritime Law Association.

About Jones Walker
Jones Walker LLP (joneswalker.com) is among the largest 140 law firms in the United States. With offices in Alabama, Arizona, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New York, and Texas, we serve local, regional, national, and international business interests. The firm is committed to providing a comprehensive range of legal services to major multinational public and private corporations, Fortune® 500 companies, money center banks, worldwide insurers, and emerging companies doing business in the United States and abroad.

Contact :
Ryan Evans
504.582.8209
revans@joneswalker.com

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