Scott Chafin Ballpark to Courtroom: is Making a Difference.

Why is a commitment to justice important in America? That is a question that Scott Chafin answered at age 13 when he decided to become an attorney. This month SB Magazine sat down with Shreveport attorney Scott Chafin to explore his unique journey from the baseball field to protecting people in the courtroom.

How did you know at such an early age that you wanted to be an attorney?

Sports was my passion growing up. My grandfather played in the NFL, one of my uncles played for the Saints, and another played quarterback at LSU. So sports was a part of my life from the day I was born. My dad instilled in me a love for baseball.

We moved around growing up, and at age 13, I was living in a small town. My summer baseball team was good, and everyone expected us to compete for the State Championship. Three days before the tournament, our kitchen phone rang. My dad answered. When he got off the phone, he gave me the piece of news that made me decide to be the attorney I am today.

The coach of our rival team was on the State tournament board. He got them to pass a new rule that prohibited kids who lived more than 80 miles away from their team’s home base from playing in the tournament. The coach knew we lived 83 miles from where my team was based.

He used his position of influence to unfairly exclude a 13-year-old boy from doing what he loved most. I was angry. Honestly, it still motivates me. The team photo from that tournament without me in it sits on my desk to this day. I swore back then that I would stand up for people who were not treated fairly. And that’s what I am doing. I fight for the people who don’t make the rules.

Wow, thanks for sharing that story with our readers. You have a personal connection to fighting for people’s rights. How do you protect people in your work?

Some corporations turn a blind eye to safety in favor of profit. I stand up to those corporations and fight for the people they hurt. In my career, I have represented people with every imaginable injury. And every case I have worked came about because the corporation refused to accept responsibility. I protect people by holding these corporations accountable in court.

That certainly takes a commitment to people. What do you love most about the people you represent?

I love the lifetime bonds I form with my clients. I represent hard-working people and families. Often our work together can dramatically change their lives. I remember an oilfield injury case I had once. Things went downhill quickly after my client got hurt. His family was living in a trailer with no air conditioning. He had to choose between buying food and buying gas.

Now, fast forward to the end of the case. His refrigerator is fully stocked. He has a new air-conditioned, 3-bedroom brick home and used the money to start a new oilfield service company. The last time I went to his house, we couldn’t talk long because he was leaving to drive his daughter to a softball tournament. It amazes me what happens when you fight for justice.

Tell us something that people don’t know about you.

Behind my office, I have a baseball field and an indoor batting cage. It started as a way to keep my children close while I worked late nights and weekends. It has grown into a place for the entire community. Several teams use the field for practice. We have some events planned to open the field to more people in the community.

When I was growing up, I always had a free place to go practice. There is no charge for using our place. For me, it is a way to share the traditions that were so important in my childhood and made me who I am today.

What is on the horizon for you?

I am the incoming President of the Louisiana Associate for Justice. I am humbled to lead an organization that fights for people and ensures everyone has full access to the courts. I am honored to carry that torch as the LAJ President next year. I believe in justice, and I will keep protecting people as long as God allows.

Summer is almost in the rear-view mirror

and it’s back to school time already! That means new clothes and uniforms, new teachers, fresh haircuts, sports practice, and more school supplies. New routines are upon us. Teachers are preparing their classrooms, participating in training, and finalizing course work. Parents will soon be making lunches and helping with homework again.

We wish all students, parents, and teachers a safe and successful school year!