About William
William H. "Bill" Hines: Leading Legal and Business Leader in New Orleans
William H. "Bill" Hines is a distinguished managing partner of Jones Walker and a respected member of the Corporate Practice Group. For over 35 years, Bill has been a driving force in economic and cultural development across New Orleans, Louisiana, and the broader Gulf South region, earning a reputation as a legal, business, and civic leader. Since 2006, his leadership at Jones Walker has been pivotal in the firm’s remarkable growth, expanding its client base to encompass leading regional, national, and international corporations, banks, financial institutions, emerging enterprises, family-owned businesses, professional sports teams, and state and local governments.
More than just a legal professional, Bill is deeply interwoven within the fabric of New Orleans’ business, cultural, civic, and charitable landscape. His extensive leadership roles – including founding chairman of Greater New Orleans, Inc., and chairman of organizations like MetroVision Economic Development Partnership, The Idea Village, and the Downtown Development District of the City of New Orleans – demonstrate a sustained commitment to the region’s prosperity. Bill's influence extends to statewide efforts through his leadership within the Louisiana Committee of 100 For Economic Development, and he played a critical role in securing the NBA Hornets (now Pelicans) relocation to New Orleans.
Bill consistently champions a wide range of charitable, cultural, and educational institutions. He has served as chairman of UNITY of Greater New Orleans, the Council for a Better Louisiana, the New Orleans Arts Council, the United Way for Greater New Orleans, the New Orleans Region Community Advisory Board of Teach for America, and WYES-TV 12. His involvement also extends to prominent organizations such as Son of a Saint, the Emeril Lagasse Foundation, the Bayou District Foundation, the Louisiana State Museum Foundation, the Ochsner Health System Board, and the Tulane University President’s Council, solidifying his position as a cornerstone of the community.
Recognized for his extraordinary service and contributions, Bill was honored by NOLA Media Group for its New Orleans Tricentennial “300 for 300” list as one of the 300 people who made New Orleans a better place over the past 300 years. He also received the CBNO-MAC 50th Anniversary Diana Lewis Citizen Participation Award and the UNITY of Greater New Orleans Award. These accolades highlight his sustained dedication to improving the city and state. Earlier in his career, New Orleans CityBusiness profiled Bill as one of the leading economic developers in the City of New Orleans and the state of Louisiana.
Bill Hines is consistently recognized for his expertise, holding prestigious listings such as Best Attorney USA since 1999, Louisiana Super Lawyers (Business/Corporate since 2007), and an AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rating in Martindale-Hubbell. His legal practice focuses on providing strategic counsel and solutions across a diverse range of areas:
- Banking and Finance Law: Providing expertise in lending, investment, and financial transactions for corporations and institutions.
- Corporate Law: Assisting businesses with formation, governance, mergers & acquisitions, and strategic planning.
- Insurance Law: Offering legal support related to insurance coverage, claims, and regulatory compliance.
- International Trade and Finance Law: Navigating the complexities of international commerce, trade agreements, and financial instruments.
- Project Finance Law: Structuring and executing complex financing arrangements for large-scale projects.
- Real Estate Law: Providing legal services for commercial and residential real estate transactions.
Education & Credentials:
- Bar Admissions: Admitted to the bar in [Missing Information - Placeholder]
- Awards & Recognition: Best Attorney USA (since 1999), Chairman’s Award (2001), Joseph W. Simon Memorial Award (2002), Leadership Award (2001), Metropolitan Crime Commission Philip L. Frank, Sr. Memorial Award (2002), Sanchez to Sanchez to Smith Award (2002), Volunteer Activists Award (2002), Victims & Citizens Against Crime, Inc., Award of Merit (2002), The Joseph W. Simon Memorial Award (2002)
- Affiliations: American Red Cross, Southeast Louisiana Chapter, Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans, Inc., Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana, Boy Scouts of America, Southeast Louisiana Council, Family Service of Greater New Orleans, The Young Leadership Council
Contact: Mr. Hines is based in New Orleans, Louisiana, and is dedicated to providing exceptional legal guidance and fostering strong community partnerships.
Practice Areas
Education
Professional Affiliations
Awards & Recognition
- Recognized: Banking and Finance Law
- Recognized: Corporate Law
- Recognized: Insurance Law
- Recognized: International Trade and Finance Law
- Recognized: Project Finance Law
- Recognized: Real Estate Law
- Special Focus: Finance
- Special Focus: Mergers & Acquisitions
- Special Focus: Secured Lending
- World Trade Center of New Orleans, Eugene J. Schreiber Award and Order of the Plimsoll Mark (2021) – Given in recognition of contributions and leadership in driving international trade for Louisiana and the Gulf Coast Region
- NOLA Media Group, 300 for 300 (New Orleans Tricentennial) – chosen as one of the 300 people who made New Orleans a better place over the past 300 years (2018)
- CBNO-MAC 50th Anniversary Diana Lewis Citizen Participation Award (2016)
- UNITY of Greater New Orleans Award, Outstanding Leadership to End Homelessness (2016)
- Southeast Louisiana Council, Boy Scouts of America, Distinguished Citizen Award (2015)
- Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans, Inc., Business Hall of Fame (2012)
- American Red Cross, Southeast Louisiana Chapter, Humanitarian of the Year Award (2003) – Recognized for his outstanding involvement in local philanthropy
- Family Service of Greater New Orleans, Ten Outstanding Persons Honoree (2002)
- The Young Leadership Council, Role Model Award (2002)
- Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana, Sanchez to Sanchez to Smith Award (2002) – Given in recognition of an individual's active role with the Hispanic business community both locally and internationally
- St. Elizabeth's Guild, Volunteer Activists Award (2002) – Given in recognition of outstanding charitable, cultural, and civic volunteer services contributed to our community
- Victims & Citizens Against Crime, Inc., Award of Merit (2002) – For awareness of the plight of crime victims, willingness to work with VCAC to resolve the problems of crime, and dedication to the citizens of Louisiana
- New Orleans Regional Chamber of Commerce, The Joseph W. Simon Memorial Award (2002) – The Chamber’s highest honor
- Metropolitan Crime Commission, The Philip L. Frank, Sr., Memorial Award (2002) – Awarded to a civilian who exhibits the highest standards of personal and professional integrity and in recognition of the awardee's efforts to promote good government and suppress crime, corruption, or unethical activities in the metropolitan New Orleans area
- MetroVision, Leadership Award (2001) – In grateful appreciation for outstanding support and leadership
- New Orleans Regional Chamber of Commerce, Chairman’s Award (2001) – For exemplary volunteer performance
