Atty. John O. Shirley

Atty. John O. Shirley

John Shirley practices in the area of business law, having represented public utilities before the Louisiana Public Service Commission for over twenty years. His practice consists of representing electric, gas, water and sewer utilities, motor carriers, telecommunications companies, and wind and other renewable energy companies before the Louisiana Public Service Commission.

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Profile Summary

About John O. Shirley at a glance

John O. Shirley is a government and energy attorney based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, practicing at Phelps Dunbar LLP. Admitted to practice in Louisiana, Louisiana State Bar Association. Educated at Louisiana State University (J.D., 1986) and Southeastern Louisiana University (BS, 1976). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Energy Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Government Relations Practice (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus: (2026). Serands clients in Baton Rouge, LA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • John Shirley practices in the area of business law, having represented public utilities before the Louisiana Public Service Commission for over twenty years
  • His practice consists of representing electric, gas, water and sewer utilities, motor carriers, telecommunications companies, and wind and other renewable energy companies before the Louisiana Public Service Commission
  • He also consults and lobbies elected public service commissioners, the Louisiana Bond Commission, executive staff and the Louisiana legislature on behalf of his clients
  • Prior to joining the firm, he was the founding partner of Shirley, Ezell, Guarisco & Marionneaux, LLC

Practice Areas Explained

John O. Shirley's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases John O. Shirley handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Government & Administrative Law

Attorneys for administrative law, agency hearings, government contracts, licensing, and public benefits.

John O. Shirley is one of 132,225 government attorneys indexed nationally. Browse government attorneys in Louisiana →

Energy & Utilities Law

Energy attorneys for oil & gas, renewables, utility regulation, and energy sector transactions.

John O. Shirley is one of 36,230 energy attorneys indexed nationally. Browse energy attorneys in Louisiana →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Louisiana

Practicing law in Louisiana. Legal matters in Louisiana are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Baton Rouge are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Louisiana state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Louisiana brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Louisiana courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Louisiana attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Baton Rouge or all attorneys in Louisiana.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about John O. Shirley

Where is John O. Shirley's law office located?
John O. Shirley's law practice is located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The firm is Phelps Dunbar LLP. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does John O. Shirley handle?
John O. Shirley focuses on government, energy. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Louisiana.
Where did John O. Shirley go to law school?
John O. Shirley earned their education at (J.D., 1986); (BS, 1976).
How can I contact John O. Shirley for a consultation?
You can contact John O. Shirley directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has John O. Shirley received?
John O. Shirley's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Energy Law; Best Lawyers in America — Government Relations Practice; Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:; Best Lawyers in America — Public Utility; Best Lawyers in America — Awards:.

Education

J.D.
Louisiana State University
- 1986
BS
Southeastern Louisiana University
- 1976

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Energy Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Government Relations Practice
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Public Utility
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — The Best Lawyers in America
- 2026
Lawyer of the Year — Energy Law (Baton Rouge)
- 2017
Lawyer of the Year — Government Relations Practice (Baton Rouge)
- 2014

Bar Admissions

Louisiana, Louisiana State Bar Association

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