OUR  ATTORNEYS

Gregory B. Upton

Gregory B. Upton Vice President/Director

(318) 445-6471
(866) 302-6823 Toll Free
(318) 445-6476

Gregory B. Upton joined Gold Weems in 1991 and currently serves as its Vice President.  His practice is generally one-third commercial, business, and succession law; one-third government/public sector law; and one-third litigation.  Greg currently serves as general counsel to The Red River Waterway District, the Greater Alexandria Economic Development Authority, The Diocese of Alexandria, and AFCO Industries, Inc.  He also regularly represents out-of-state businesses and individuals in matters across Louisiana.

Prior to joining Gold Weems, Greg served for approximately five years in the United States Army, Judge Advocate General’s Corps.  He initially represented soldiers before military appellate courts in Washington, D.C.  He transferred to Fort Polk where he prosecuted soldiers for crimes ranging from drug abuse to child abuse, and served as a Special Assistant United States Attorney.

Greg received his Juris Doctorate Degree, cum laude, from Tulane University School of Law in 1985, and his Masters of Law Degree (L.L.M.) in Taxation from George Washington University, National Law Center, in 1991.

Representative Matters

Commercial/Business

  • Closes large and small commercial transactions for individuals and businesses, including the sale, purchase or reorganization of commercial and medical entities.
  • Closes loan transactions involving extensive real estate and other assets as collateral.
  • Forms medical, commercial and nonprofit entities.
  • Negotiates and drafts contracts in both routine and complex matters.
  • Advises clients regarding daily business and legal issues.
  • Serves as general counsel to the Diocese of Alexandria and AFCO Industries, Inc., a manufacturer with operations across the South.

Litigation

  • Has extensive litigation experience representing individuals, businesses, and government entities in contract, construction and other commercial litigation.
  • Represents individuals and businesses before the IRS, the Louisiana Department of Revenue, and the Louisiana Board of Tax Appeals.
  • Represents clients in successions involving high-stakes, intense litigation.
  • Represents government entities in litigation involving the public bid law and acquisition of property rights.

Government/Public Sector Law

  • Serves as general counsel for two political subdivisions of the State of Louisiana, the Red River Waterway District and the Greater Alexandria Economic Development Authority.
  • Drafts and negotiates contracts with various public entities, including the State of Louisiana, Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, Louisiana State Parks, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, City of Shreveport, City of Alexandria, and various sheriff departments and port districts.
  • Routinely handles matters involving the public bid law, public lease law, open meeting law, and State Ethics Code.
  • Has served as legal counsel at hundreds of public meetings.

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Recognitions
  • Distinguished Military Graduate, Tulane University
  • Phi Beta Kappa
  • Omicron Delta Kappa
Professional and Civic Activities
  • Alexandria Bar Association
    • Past President
    • Past Vice-President
    • Past Treasurer
    • Past member of the Board of Directors
  • Louisiana State Bar Association
  • American Bar Association
  • AFCO Industries, Inc.
    • Member of the Board of Directors
  • Central Louisiana Chamber of Commerce
    • Member of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee
    • Chairman of the Legislative Affairs Committee
  • Alexandria Rotary Club
  • Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana, past member of the State-wide Board of Directors
  • YMCA, past member of the Board of Directors
  • Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church and School, past member of the Board of Directors
  • Menard High School, past member of the Board of Directors
News
6/23/17 Firm Files Reorganization Cases for Acadiana Management Group and Ten Associated Hospitals
1/05/17 Upton elected Chair of Central Louisiana Chamber of Commerce
 
10/29/15 Upton Re-elected to Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the Central Louisiana Chamber of Commerce
 
12/03/14 Gold Weems Attorneys Prevail in Dispute Over 2014 Public Bid Law Changes
 
10/02/09 Firm successfully represents St. Mary's Residential Facility in US District Court and at the Louisiana Legislature
2/25/09 Upton elected to 2009 AFCO Board of Directors
Past Experience
  • Active duty in the United States Army, Judge Advocate General’s Corps (Captain, Honorable Discharge, 1986 - 1991)

Areas of Practice

Clerkships

  • Judge F. A. Little, Jr., U.S. District Court, Western District of Louisiana

Education

  • George Washington University, National Law Center, LL.M., Taxation, 1991
  • Tulane University School of Law, J.D., cum laude, 1985
  • Tulane University, B.A., summa cum laude, 1982

Bar and Court Admissions

  • Louisiana Supreme Court
  • United States District Courts
    • Western District of Louisiana
    • Middle District of Louisiana
  • United States Court of Appeals
    • Fifth Circuit
  • United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces
  • United States Army Court of Criminal Appeals
  • Supreme Court of the United States