Two corridor firms expand out of state

An Acadiana bank is expanding into Alabama and a law firm with a New Orleans office into Maine. IberiaBank plans to open a loan production office in Mobile, with full-service branch locations to follow. The bank has named Lawrence “Russ” Ford Jr. as its executive vice president and president of the Mobile, Ala., region. “We have unique connections to this area, particularly South Alabama,” says IberiaBank President and CEO Daryl Byrd. “Russ is the perfect leader to gain immediate footing and make us a viable player in the Mobile region.” Executive Vice President Beth Ardoin says the bank has a number of clients who do business in Mobile, and the city’s connectivity with New Orleans made it “a natural extension.” Ford has 15 years of banking experience, including five years with Regions Bank as senior vice president/commercial market manager for the south Alabama area. IberiaBank has 88 branches in Louisiana, Arkansas and Tennessee and mortgage representatives in eight states. And a week after opening a new office in Louisville, Ky., the national labor and employment law firm of Fisher & Phillips expanded into Portland, Maine – merging with a prominent labor and employment boutique, Moss Shapiro. A week ago, Fisher & Phillips announced its expansion into Louisville with the addition of four partners from Greenebaum, Doll & McDonald. Fisher & Phillips Chairman and Managing Partner Roger Quillen says both moves benefit existing clients.