“An appellate lawyer isn’t just for the appeal. I enjoy participating in the trial court to focus on legal and procedural issues which are often at the center of an appeal. When a case moves to the appellate court, I have a deep understanding of appellate procedure and the unique oral advocacy that the appellate process entails.”
Overview
Kelly Becker is often retained by clients as appellate counsel for complex litigation, including environmental, energy, and commercial matters. Her appellate practice regularly includes cases before the Louisiana courts of appeal, the Louisiana Supreme Court, and the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Because of her experience, Kelly is frequently retained to write amicus briefs on behalf of businesses and trade organizations in matters of industry-wide significance. Kelly is certified by the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization as an Appellate Practice Specialist and currently serves on the Advisory Commission for the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization regarding Appellate Practice. Kelly is one of only a handful of lawyers in the state of Louisiana who is a Board Certified Appellate Practice Specialist.
Building upon her appellate practice and skills, Kelly routinely represents clients in the trial court to handle legal defenses, including strategic motion practice and preservation of error for appeal. Currently, Kelly manages legal strategy and briefing for several energy industry clients in the Louisiana litigation dockets concerning claims for environmental contamination and coastal land loss.
Highlights
Credentials
Certified by the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization as an Appellate Practice Specialist. One of only fifteen lawyers in the state of Louisiana with this designation.
Experience
Retained by Shell as appellate counsel in the first legacy case (claims for historical oilfield contamination) to go through Louisiana’s Act 312 procedure. She secured a unanimous opinion from the Louisiana Third Circuit Court of Appeal. This decision has served as a precedent for the numerous other legacy cases throughout Louisiana.