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Timothy B. Francis

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Biography

An attorney with the New Orleans firm Sher Garner Cahill Richter Klein & Hilbert L.L.C., Timothy B. Francis focuses on litigation, business transactions and government relations. His experience touches a wide range of business, entertainment, art, political and legal ventures.

Mr. Francis’ interest in policy and politics began after earning a bachelor’s degree from Xavier University in 1980 and serving as an assistant to Moon Landrieu, then-secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Development, in Washington, D.C. Mr. Francis worked on special research projects, and reviewed and recommended projects for funding under the Urban Development Action Grant program.

After completing law school at Tulane University in 1984 and serving as class president, he practiced with the McGlinchey Stafford firm before returning to Washington, D.C., as a legislative assistant and counsel to former U.S. Sen. John Breaux. During this time, Mr. Francis was a trusted adviser on numerous legislative issues, including banking, urban affairs, housing, labor, civil rights and health issues, as well as judiciary matters.

In 1989, Mr. Francis moved to Los Angeles to become chief operating officer of Stevie Wonder Enterprises. Mr. Francis managed the company’s daily operations, including film production, music publishing and marketing. He also negotiated licensing, endorsement and publishing agreements, along with financial and strategic analyses on new business opportunities for the legendary entertainer.

Mr. Francis returned to New Orleans in 1994 to practice law. Since then, he has immersed himself in a number of civic, business and social causes that reflect his wide range of interests and experience. His most notable efforts include playing an instrumental role in Xavier University becoming the first historically black college in the country to open a Confucius Institute. In addition, he worked closely with Stevie Wonder and the United Nations in an effort to pass a global treaty to help the visually impaired gain affordable access to braille and electronic information.

The Young Leadership Counsel included Mr. Francis in its list of the top 25 role models of 2015. Among other recent honors, he was one of Family Service of Greater New Orleans’ 10 Outstanding Persons and was named one of the city’s top 50 leaders in the legal industry as compiled by New Orleans CityBusiness magazine.

In addition, Mr. Francis serves as a board member for numerous civic, business, education and philanthropic organizations:

  • Tulane University
  • The Norman C. Francis Leadership Institute
  • The Louise McGehee School
  • The New Orleans Sugar Bowl
  • The History Makers’ national advisory board
  • Lionel Hampton’s designee on the National Committee for the Lionel Hampton Center

He is also a member of the New Orleans tri-centennial committee preparing for the city’s 300th anniversary in 2018.

Previous board positions have included The Contemporary Arts Center, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, The Louisiana Museum Foundation, the Gladys and Lionel Hampton Foundation, City of New Orleans Percent for Art Committee, The Board of City Trust, City of New Orleans and The New Orleans Metropolitan Crime Commission. Mr. Francis also served on the executive committee of the New Orleans Museum of Art.

He was a developer on two New Orleans hotel projects – Hotel Le Cirque, a Design Hotel, and the Renaissance Pere Marquette under the Marriott brand.

Professional Associations

  • The New Orleans Museum of Art
  • The Nokia Sugar Bowl Committee
  • The Lionel Hampton National Advisory Board
  • The Ogden Museum of Southern Art & Culture
  • The Audubon Institute
  • The New Orleans Contemporary Arts Center
  • The Louisiana Museum Foundation
  • New Orleans Percent for Art Committee
  • City of New Orleans, The Board of City Trust
  • The New Orleans Metropolitan Crime Commission
  • A.P. Tureaud American Inn of Court
  • Tulane University, Board Member, 2012 to Present

Past Positions

  • Stevie Wonder & President of the Wonder Foundation, Chief Operating Officer, 1989 to 1994
  • U.S. Senator, John Breaux, Counsel, 1986 to 1988

Pro-Bono Activities

  • Member, Sugar Bowl Committee
  • Lionel Hampton Jazz Center Advisory Board
  • Contemporary Arts Center, Board Member

Ancillary Businesses

  • Lobbying

Practice Areas

  • Business & Commercial Law
  • Real Estate Law
  • State, Local & Municipal Law

Education

  • Tulane Law School, New Orleans, Louisiana
    • J.D.
  • Xavier University, New Orleans, Louisiana
    • B.A.

Bar Admissions

  • Louisiana, 1985