Patrick M. “Rick” Shelby

Description

Patrick M. “Rick” Shelby – Bankruptcy & Corporate Litigation Attorney | New Orleans, LA

Recognized in Best Lawyers® since 2019

Practice Areas: Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Litigation – Bankruptcy

Overview

Patrick M. “Rick” Shelby is a seasoned attorney based in New Orleans, Louisiana, specializing in bankruptcy, restructuring, corporate governance, commercial litigation, and oil and gas law. With a unique combination of legal expertise and prior engineering experience, Mr. Shelby provides strategic representation for secured and unsecured creditors, trustees, committees, and debtors in complex bankruptcy and commercial matters.

Career & Expertise

• Handles complex Chapter 11 cases, including representation of debtors, creditors’ committees, and secured creditors.

• Experienced in consumer bankruptcy cases under Chapters 7 and 13.

• Represents clients in oil and gas litigation, including Louisiana Oil Well Lien Act (LOWLA) disputes, lease renewals, offshore decommissioning, permitting, and master service agreements.

• Acts as counsel in all aspects of trial preparation, including motions, discovery, depositions, mediations, mock trials, expert submissions, and pre-trial planning.

• Appeared before all federal and bankruptcy courts in Louisiana, and argued before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit (2012).

• Combines prior experience as an engineer and technical sales representative with legal expertise, particularly in complex energy and construction-related disputes.

Education

• J.D., summa cum laude, Loyola University, 2008 – Member, Loyola Law Review

• American Bankruptcy Institute Medal of Excellence in Bankruptcy, 2007

• Engineering and Technical Sales Experience prior to practicing law

Awards & Recognition

• Best Lawyers in America®, 2019–2026 – Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Litigation – Bankruptcy

• Chambers USA, Band 3 – Bankruptcy & Creditor Debtor Rights, 2023–2025

• Louisiana Super Lawyers, 2019–2025

• New Orleans Magazine “Top Lawyers”, 2013, 2022–2024

• Leadership in Law Honoree, New Orleans CityBusiness, 2015 & 2019

• Pro Bono Century Award, New Orleans Pro Bono Project, 2011

Firm & Contact

Kelly Hart & Hallman LLP
400 Poydras Street, Suite 1812, New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone: 504-522-1812

Community & Professional Involvement

• Active in pro bono work, recognized with Century Award and repeated Honor Roll selections.

• Frequent speaker at professional associations, including presentations at the 61st Mineral Law Institute.

• Mentors clients and professionals on bankruptcy, corporate restructuring, and oil and gas legal matters.

Highlights Quick

1. Specializes in bankruptcy, corporate restructuring, and oil & gas litigation.

2. Represented debtors, creditors’ committees, and secured creditors in complex Chapter 11 and commercial cases.

3. Recognized in Best Lawyers® (2019–2026), Chambers USA, and Louisiana Super Lawyers.

4. Experienced in federal and bankruptcy courts, including the U.S. Fifth Circuit.

5. Committed to pro bono work and community involvement, recognized with multiple awards for service.