In a recognition that peak legal talent rises to the top, and that iron sharpens iron when defending corporations in Louisiana, four Galloway Johnson Tompkins Burr & Smith attorneys were recognized by the Louisiana State Bar Association as the state’s top young lawyers who are making exceptional contributions to the legal profession.
Kelsey Bonnaffons, Katherine Currie Fallas, Myles Sonnier, and Francis Waguespack received the 2024 Top 40 Young Lawyer Award during the Louisiana Young Lawyers Conference on April 11, 2025.
Additionally, Jared Nelson, an attorney in Galloway’s Lafayette office, serves in a leadership position on the Young Lawyers Division Council representing District Three. Jared and Galloway attorneys in the Firm’s Louisiana offices joined their colleagues at the award presentation.
Kelsey, Katherine, Myles, Francis, and Jared are just a few of the Galloway attorneys who go way above and way beyond for our clients and our communities. These young attorneys deliver results-driven representation that consistently, effectively, and professionally exceeds expectations.
Kelsey Bonnaffons is a coverage and workers’ compensation attorney based in New Orleans. She believes that effective communication is key to being a successful client advocate, and she employs strategic and client-specific goals when developing case strategy, whether the matter ends in settlement or trial. Moreover, Kelsey chairs Galloway’s Hogs for the Cause team, which recently finished fifth overall at the 2025 Hogs event.
In Galloway’s Mandeville office, Katherine Fallas partners with transportation clients in both litigation and transactional matters. She is dedicated to conveying clear solutions to her clients and tenaciously advocating for their position both in and out of the courtroom with concise, well-reasoned, and detailed strategies.
Myles Sonnier is a litigator in the Firm’s Lafayette office who has represented clients from national corporations to small-town businesses. He tailors his representation to the unique needs and expectations of each client, tenaciously advocating for them with clear communication.
Francis Waguespack is a maritime and workers’ compensation litigator on Galloway’s Longshore / Defense Base Act team in New Orleans. He efficiently and skillfully evaluates the legal issues of each matter to achieve his client’s goals while keeping them both informed and in control. He recently presented his insights as a part of the annual Loyola Longshore Conference.
Jared Nelson is a highly skilled advocate for his clients, guiding them through complex legal challenges with professionalism and care. Drawing from his diverse background in both private law and government service, he builds long-lasting relationships and partnerships rooted in respect, diversity, and success.
Galloway joins the LSBA in recognizing these young lawyers for their outstanding achievements, and we greatly anticipate their continued success for Galloway and the legal profession.