About Andrée Matherne
Andrée Matherne Cullens is an attorney based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with a focus on bankruptcy and commercial litigation. She earned her Juris Doctor from Louisiana State University in 1994, following her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of New Orleans, which she completed in 1989. This strong educational foundation laid the groundwork for her extensive legal career. Before joining Walters, Papillion, Thomas, Cullens LLC, Ms. Cullens spent over fifteen years as a partner at Taylor, Porter, Brooks, and Phillips, LLP. In that capacity, she represented a diverse array of clients, including creditors, trustees in bankruptcy proceedings, state agencies, and businesses involved in commercial litigation. Her clients also included banks and financial institutions, as well as insurance receivers in regulatory matters. Notable clients during her tenure included Chase Bank, State Street Bank and Trust Company, the Louisiana Office of Economic Development, Louisiana State University (LSU), and the Louisiana Department of Revenue. Her courtroom experience is extensive, encompassing both federal and state courts.
Ms. Cullens has been admitted pro hac vice in numerous jurisdictions across the United States, including New York, California, and Florida. A significant case that highlights her expertise is Campo Electronics, Inc. v. Ross, 247 B.R. 646 (E.D. La. 1998). In this landmark case, she successfully established that severance pay is entitled to an administrative expense priority under bankruptcy law, a ruling that has had lasting implications in the field.
In addition to her legal practice, Ms. Cullens has a commendable history of service in the U.S. Army Reserves. During the Gulf War in 1991, she served as a Sergeant and earned several commendations before her honorable discharge in 1994. Her commitment to community service is evident in her involvement with various organizations. She serves on the Board of Directors of WRKF, the local public radio station, and volunteers with Habitat for Humanity. Additionally, she participates in the Leadership Council of Greater Baton Rouge and has served on the board of LSU Hilltop Arboretum. Ms. Cullens is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Louisiana State Bar Association, the Baton Rouge Bar Association, the American Bar Association, and the Louisiana Association for Justice.
She is admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Louisiana, the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern, Middle. Western Districts of Louisiana, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and the U.S. Supreme Court. Fluent in English and conversational in Spanish, she continues to contribute to the legal community and her local area through her diverse skills and experiences.
