(Houston, Texas)—Andrews Kurth is pleased to announce that Partner Neil Kelly has been installed as the Houston Bar Association (HBA) President for the 2016-2017 bar year.

Mr. Kelly succeeded Laura Gibson of Dentons US LLP. In addition to serving as President-elect last year, Mr. Kelly has previously served as the HBA’s Litigation Section Chair (2006-2007), Chair-elect (2005-2006), Vice Chair (2004-2005), and Secretary and Treasurer (2003-2004).

Mr. Kelly's practice focuses on complex civil litigation, corporate compliance, disclosure, investigations and energy transactions. He represents clients as lead counsel in litigation, arbitration and investigation matters before federal and state courts and various governmental agencies in a diverse range of industries, including oil and gas exploration and development, energy-related manufacturers and services, private investment and consumer goods. Specific experience includes commercial disputes involving allegations of breach of contract, fraud, negligence, royalty underpayment, AMI and joint interest owner disputes, investigations by the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Federal Trade Commission, and domestic and international oil and gas exploration and service transactions. He received his J.D. in 1992, magna cum laude, from Tulane University Law School where he was Order of the Coif and Phi Delta Phi. He earned his B.S.M. from Tulane University in 1988.

At the event, Retired Senior Partner, John Cabaniss, was also recognized for 50 years of practicing law.

About Houston Bar Association

Established in 1870, the HBA’s purpose was to maintain high standards in the legal profession and provide legal education for Harris County attorneys. Today, the HBA, the fifth largest metropolitan bar association in the nation, still adheres to those basic principles, but has expanded its goals to include public service and better access to legal services for all citizens in the Greater Houston area. Continuing Legal Education and professional development programs for attorneys are second to none. HBA members contribute over 45,000 volunteer hours to community service projects each year. With 11,300 members, the HBA is the fifth largest metropolitan bar association in the nation.

As released by the former Andrews Kurth Kenyon LLP