Kelley, Matthew T.

Russell J. Stutes, Jr.  (“Rusty”) is the managing partner of Stutes & Lavergne law firm. Rusty attended Louisiana State University, where he received both an undergraduate degree in Accounting and his J.D. Upon his graduation of law school, he attended the University of Florida Law School, where he received his LL.M. in taxation, finished second in his class. While in law school, Rusty served as Chairman of the Moot Court Board.

In law school, Rusty was the recipient of two American Jurisprudence Awards, as well as the Tullis-Herget Scholarship, which is given for academic excellence. At the University of Florida, Rusty served as a graduate assistant on the Florida Tax Law Review and as an aide to Professor Steven J. Willis.

Rusty has been honored by The Times of Lake Charles as being a member of its prestigious 40 Community Leaders Under 40. Rusty is also a fellow to the Louisiana Bar Foundation and has serves twice as the Secretary/Treasurer of the Southwest Louisiana Bar Association. He served as the 1999-2000 Chair of Louisiana Bar Association Young Lawyers Division. Since 1995, Rusty has lectured as an Adjunct Professor of Business and Tax Law at McNeese State University. He is a frequent lecturer on tax and estate planning at seminars throughout Louisiana. Rusty is a life-long member of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic parish, Vice-Chair of the St. Louis Catholic High School Board, and Chair of the Christus St. Patrick Hospital Board of Directors.

Rusty is Board certified in tax law and estate planning and administration and was recently selected for inclusion in the prestigious “Best Lawyers in America” in the field of taxation.