Scott D. Chenevert, a distinguished corporate law partner at the Baton Rouge office of Fishman Haygood LLP, has been named the 2025 “Lawyer of the Year” in Corporate Law for the Baton Rouge metropolitan area by The Best Lawyers in America. The announcement, officially released on August 2, 2025, was widely acknowledged within legal and business communities throughout Louisiana and the broader Gulf South region. It stands as a testament to Chenevert’s extensive legal experience, his leadership in corporate transactions, and the growing prominence of legal professionals in mid-sized metropolitan markets.
With a legal career spanning nearly 30 years, Chenevert has established himself as a trusted advisor in corporate and transactional law. His expertise includes mergers and acquisitions, private equity transactions, joint ventures, complex corporate governance matters, and legal compliance related to finance and securities. His clients range from emerging startups to major regional players in industries such as technology, energy, real estate development, financial services, and healthcare. Known for his meticulous approach and strategic insight, Chenevert is frequently called upon to guide businesses through high-stakes negotiations, regulatory frameworks, and long-term growth planning.
The “Lawyer of the Year” recognition is not simply an award—it represents the highest level of peer-reviewed distinction conferred by Best Lawyers, a leading national legal ranking organization. Each year, only one lawyer in each geographic region and legal specialty is selected for this honor, based on confidential evaluations submitted by fellow attorneys practicing in the same area of law. For 2025, Chenevert was the sole recipient of this title in the category of Corporate Law for Baton Rouge, signifying both widespread respect from his peers and a proven record of professional excellence.
This accolade adds to a growing list of honors Chenevert has received throughout his career. In the 2025 edition of the Chambers and Partners USA Guide, he was once again ranked Band 1 in Corporate/M&A for Louisiana, a distinction reserved for attorneys regarded as leaders in their field. His law firm, Fishman Haygood LLP, also continues to receive top-tier recognition in key practice areas. The firm was awarded Tier 1 rankings in Corporate Law, Banking and Finance, and Mergers & Acquisitions in both the Baton Rouge and New Orleans markets in the latest Best Law Firms rankings. These accolades underscore Fishman Haygood’s growing reputation as a go-to firm for complex business transactions in the South.
Beyond his legal achievements, Chenevert has long demonstrated a deep commitment to civic engagement and economic development in the Baton Rouge region. He currently serves as the chair of the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge, where he advocates for arts funding, cultural programming, and community revitalization through creative initiatives. Previously, he chaired the Southeast Louisiana Super Region Committee, a cross-parish coalition focused on regional economic competitiveness, infrastructure development, and workforce alignment. His leadership in these roles reflects a broader dedication to public service and community impact, extending his influence beyond the courtroom and boardroom.
In recognition of his contributions to both law and community, Chenevert was named to the 2025 Capital Region 500 list published by the Baton Rouge Business Report, which honors leaders across the public and private sectors who are shaping the future of the Capital Region. His presence on that list reflects a growing awareness of the importance of legal professionals in driving business strategy, navigating regulatory landscapes, and facilitating economic growth in mid-sized metropolitan hubs.
Chenevert’s recent recognition also speaks to the evolving legal market in the southern United States. Baton Rouge, long known for its legal institutions and public-sector presence, has in recent years become a more dynamic center for business and commercial transactions. As companies increasingly consider mid-sized cities for relocation, expansion, and investment, the demand for experienced, deal-savvy corporate attorneys has grown. Legal professionals like Chenevert, with a deep understanding of regional business dynamics and a strong track record of complex transactional work, are uniquely positioned to meet that need.
Industry observers note that the rise of transactional law in mid-markets like Baton Rouge is part of a broader national trend. Corporate relocations from larger, more expensive cities, combined with the expansion of local enterprises, are creating new legal complexities and opportunities in the South. This shift has elevated the role of corporate lawyers who not only provide legal counsel but also serve as strategic advisors to growing businesses navigating today’s fast-evolving economic and regulatory environments.
Chenevert’s “Lawyer of the Year” title for 2025 therefore marks more than just a personal milestone—it underscores a wider recognition of the increasing importance of corporate legal leadership in emerging business centers. As he continues to shape the legal and economic landscape of the Baton Rouge region, Chenevert exemplifies the caliber of talent and vision that is driving the future of corporate law across the American South.
