Former Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards serves as special counsel at Fishman Haygood, LLP where he works alongside both the firm’s business and litigation teams.
During his two terms as the state’s 56th governor, John Bel spearheaded initiatives like Medicaid expansion, the Gulf South’s only climate action plan, budget stabilization, criminal justice reform, and the 2017 unanimous passage of the Louisiana Comprehensive Master Plan for a Sustainable Coast. After inheriting a state general fund deficit exceeding $2 billion, John Bel left office with a balanced budget; the largest ever investments in education, transportation, coastal restoration and protection, and healthcare; a $300 million surplus; and over $3.2 billion in state savings accounts.
Prior to his governorship, John Bel was a practicing attorney and managing member of Edwards and Associates Law Firm, LLC in his hometown of Amite, La. From 2008 to 2015, he was a Louisiana House of Representatives member and served on the Civil Law, Education, and Judiciary Committees. John Bel also chaired the Special Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs (2009-11) and the House Democratic Caucus (2010-2015).
John Bel received his undergraduate degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point, and he accepted a commission to the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant upon graduation. In eight years of active duty, John Bel earned Airborne, Ranger, and Jumpmaster status, which culminated with the command of a rifle company in the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, N.C.
