Acadiana Profile April-May 2021

TOP LAWYERS PG. 37

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ACADIANIANS MAKING THEIR MARK ON THE REGION

A PRIL/MAY 21

april.may VO LUM E 40 NUM B E R 02

4 LAGNIAPPE

A Little Extra 6 NOTE DE L’EDITEUR

Editor’s Note

10 NOUVELLES DE VILLES

News Briefs 14 L’ART

Terrebonne Parish native Claude Ellender captures disappearing wetlands and other coastal changes in his paintings 16 RECETTES DE COCKTAILS

Good times are rolling on the river with Ruffino’s new cocktail that stimulates spring revelry 18 DE LA CUISINE

Classic rack of lamb to celebrate Easter and so much more this season 20 LA MAISON

Sugar descendent brings his own brand of style to family’s cane country home 52 LETTRES D'AMOUR

A young boy from Mamou realizes his childhood dreams with a move to Lafayette, inspiration from the culture and ingenuity of Acadianians 54 PLUS ÇA CHANGE

To Roux or not to Roux: That is the question of store bought versus homemade 56 EN FRANÇAIS, S’IL VOUS PLAÎT

La fibre courte avec une longue histoire

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Acadiana Trailblazers Acadianians making their mark on the region

37

Top Lawyers PLUS Toughest Cases

AC A DIA NA PROFILE.COM 3

AWARDS

LAGNIAPPE

Learn French

What is your favorite thing to do during spring in Acadiana?

printemps

Gold Overall Art Direction

Managing Editor Melanie Warner Spencer

example: On est paré pour le temps doux et la beauté du printemps. translation: We are ready for the mild weather and beauty of springtime.

2020

E D ITO RIA L

(n.) springtime

Silver Art and Culture Feature

Associate Editor Ashley McLellan Copy Editor Liz Clearman

“I'm always game for long biking adventures through Lafayette with stops for lunch and refreshments or out to Bayou Teche brewing.” Melanie Warner Spencer

Art Director Sarah George “After the year we've had, spring is the perfect time to get back outside for fresh air, long walks, and steaming pots of crawfish” Liz Clearman

Lead Photographer Danley Romero Web Editor Kelly Massicot A DV E RTISING

Sales Manager Rebecca Taylor (337) 298-4424 / (337) 235-7919 Ext. 230 Rebecca@acadianaprofile.com intern Ella Carrier

DID YOU KNOW?

Mudbug Mania

Gold Overall Art Direction

2018

P RO D U C TIO N

Gold Magazine Photographer

Rosa Balaguer

Gold Art Direction of a Single Story

Meghan Rooney

A DMIN ISTRATIO N

2019

Winner Magazine of the Year

Gold Overall Art Direction

Senior Production Designers

Distribution John Holzer

Bronze Profiles Bronze Art Direction of a Single Story

Silver Photographer of the Year

MA RK ETING

Subscriptions Jessica Armand

Bronze Food Feature

Gold Photo Series

R ENA I SSA NC E PU BLS H I NG

C IRC U LATIO N

Silver Recreation Feature

Gold Art Direction Single Story

Coordinator Abbie Dugruise Crawfish season is in full swing and we are ready to dive into pile after pile. In that spirit, we thought we'd explore a few fun facts about this captivating crustacean. According to welovecrawfish.com, there are 500 species of crawfish the world over, but only 30 in Louisiana. That said, Louisiana produces the most crawfish in the United States.

File under fascinating that crawfish can regrow their legs and they walk forward, but swim backward. The Louisiana Crawfish Promotion and Research Board says commercial crawfish harvesting was first recorded in the U.S. in 1880. Also, crawfish can molt (or shed their shells) up to 15 times and each time they nearly double in size.

Bring on the big ones!

International and Regional Magazine Association

“Springtime means crawfish and outdoor festivities!

Add some music like Lost Bayou Ramblers and grab me a koozie.”

Rosa Balaguer

Office Manager Mallary Wolfe Chief Executive Officer Todd Matherne For subscriptions call 877-221-3512

Gold Food Feature Gold Department Silver Magazine Writer of the Year Silver Hed & Dek Silver Photo Series 2017

Gold Overall Art Direction Gold Magazine Photographer of the Year Gold Art Direction of a Single Story Gold Food Feature Silver Cover 2016

110 Veterans Blvd. Suite 123. Metairie, LA 70005. 504-828-1380. 877-221-3512 128 Demanade. Suite 104. Lafayette, LA 70503. 337-235-7919 ext. 230 Acadiana Profile (ISSN 0001-4397) is published bimonthly with a special issue in September by Renaissance Publishing LLC, 110 Veterans Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005 (504) 828-1380 and 128 Demanade, Suite 104, Lafayette, LA 70503 (337) 235-7919 ext. 230. Subscription rate: One year $10; Foreign Subscriptions vary. Periodicals postage paid at Lafayette, LA, and additional mailing entry offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Acadiana Profile, 110 Veterans Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005. Copyright 2021 Renaissance Publishing LLC. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the consent of the publisher. The trademark Acadiana Profile is registered. Acadiana Profile is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photos and artwork, even if accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. The opinions expressed in Acadiana Profile are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the magazine or owner.

Gold Overall Art Direction Gold Magazine Photographer of the Year Gold Art Direction of a Single Story Silver Photo Series

AC A DIA NA PROFILE.COM 5

NOT E D E L’E D I T EUR

In Other News

by Lisa LeBlanc-Berry

There is likely no time in my life when I’ve uttered the words “light at the end of

the tunnel” as much as over the past month. With the vaccine rollout moving quickly and — as a result of that and adherance to precautions, our COVID-19 case numbers falling — we’ll be pinching tails around a table and dancing at music festivals together again in no time. I can’t wait to let the good times roll again, and I’m confident that you are all with me in this desire.

Meanwhile, we’ve managed to cobble together another wonderful issue for you, despite the many challenges that crop up while creating a magazine during a pandemic. Our annual Acadiana Trailblazers and Top Lawyers features have become two of my favorites. We celebrate the region, its culture and people in every issue, but these particular fetaures put the emphasis on the people. As Corey Jack, our Lettres D’Amour contributor writes in his essay, the ingenuity of people in the region is something to behold and our 2021 Acadiana Trailblazers exemplify that spirit. In Top Lawyers, three legal eagles share with us their toughest cases, offering a glimpse behind the scenes of what they do and why they do it. You’ll come away inspired by these stories and ready to make your own mark in Acadiana.

Addtionally, we have an incredible classic rack of lamb recipe for you from Marcelle Beienvenu, who is also ready to put the pandemic in the rearview mirror and gather around the table with family and friends at Easter. Might I recommend serving the cocktail from Ruffino’s in Recettes de Cocktails at your Easter festivities?

The day is finally approaching when we can once again invite one another into our homes, hug the necks of our loved ones, giving up our reliance on virtual hugs. My guess is we are all going to celebrate spring and its holidays a bit more enthusiastically this year — after all it is the the season of rebirth. Let us rejoice!

Cheers!

Melanie Warner Spencer Managing Editor Melanie@AcadianaProfile.com

Get more Acadiana Profile at acadianaprofile.com and by following us on Instagram and Facebook.

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AC A DIA NA PROFILE A PRIL/M AY 2021

COVID’s Dashboard Debut ACADIA, EVANGELINE, IBERIA, LAFAYETTE, ST. LANDRY, ST. MARTIN, VERMILION The Acadiana Planning

Commission has created an online dashboard to make information on COVID cases, testing and vaccinations easier to find. It was created in coordination with state leaders, mayors, medical professionals, university leaders, offices of homeland security and emergency preparedness. The dashboard provides information related to Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin and Vermilion Parishes (planacadiana.org).

Headed for Heaven Recently mourned by fellow police officers, the beloved, late pooch known as K-9 Bobby was ceremoniously recognized for serving the citizens of Lake Charles with vigor. The highly trained, celebrated canine (certified in narcotics detection and police protection procedures) was directly responsible for over 70 criminal apprehensions. The Lake Charles Police Force laid the canine legend to rest with the assistance of Johnson’s Funeral Home. Bon voyage, brave Bobby.

Applauding Broadband ST. MARTIN, IBERIA PARISH, SCOTT

Thanks to a $3.1 million federal grant, LUS Fiber will extend reliable broadband infrastructure to underserved areas in St. Martin and Iberia parishes and the city of Scott. It will also establish fiber connections for hundreds of businesses along the U.S. 90 corridor.

After launching this spring, the project will take 18-24 months to complete (lusfiber.com).

AC A DIA NA PROFILE.COM 7

ÉQ UI P E D E V E N T E

Rebecca Taylor Sales Manager (337) 298-4424 (337) 235-7919 Ext. 230 Rebecca@AcadianaProfile.com

Coming Soon!

JUNE.JULY 2021

Pillars of Acadiana In this issue we will profile leaders and mentors in the Acadiana region who are Pillars of Acadiana.

JUNE.JULY 2021

Medical Innovations We will showcase breakthrough medical Technology in the Acadiana Region from local medical professionals, and hospitals.

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NO UV E L L ES D E V I L L ES

by Lisa LeBlanc-Berry

Adieu, Storied Salt Dome!

AVERY ISLAND, BREAUX BRIDGE An era has ended for

Avery Island, famed as the first rock salt mine in North America. Fun fact: During the Civil War, the fabled salt dome (formed 165 million years ago) produced 22 million pounds of salt for the Confederacy. Cargill, Inc., the mine’s manager since 1997, announced the official end of Avery Island’s (recently perilous) salt production. Cargill runs another salt facility in Breaux Bridge, now under expansion (cargill.com).

Better Dial it Right Don’t forget: Telephone customers in Acadiana have to start dialing 10 digits for local calls starting April 24, when areas codes should be added. The initial rollout will allow seven-digit local calls to still be completed for the first six months (Tip: Reprogram your home security system and medical devices). Calls omitting the area code after Oct. 24 will not go through.

Crabbing in Alligator Territory

Try a New Alibi

Cameron Parish After a six-month hiatus, the Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge reopened for spring and summer fun in eastern Cameron Parish. Located along the Gulf Coast, the 76,000-acre refuge plays host to hundreds of thousands of ducks, geese and wading birds. Beware of alligators: It boasts the highest alligator nesting densities in the U.S. A public boat launch opened at East End Locks, featuring exceptional crabbing and bank fishing for speckled trout, drum and largemouth bass (rwrefuge.com).

LAFAYETTE The long-awaited Alibi restaurant, named for owner Mitch LeBlanc’s favored comedic TV series, "Shameless," notorious for its Alibi Room bar (modeled after Moe’s from "The Simpsons"), opened in the former Saint Street Inn. Chef Carnel “Smiley” prepares Italian/Cajun fare featuring pastas and rice dressing, filet mignon crowned with lump crabmeat and signature half-pound beef-and-brisket burgers (facebook.com/ thealibilafayettebarandgrill).

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Be sure to call ahead for COVID19-related closures before visiting any of the places listed.

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NO UV E L L ES D E V I L L ES

by Lisa LeBlanc-Berry

Domino Effect BROUSSARD, YOUNGSVILLE

More than three dozen new businesses have popped up in the last few months around Broussard, according to the city’s mayor, with more to come. This includes new eateries near the big PPE manufacturing project underway on St. Nazaire Road. A Chick-fil-A is opening directly in front of it, Crave’s new operation moves into the space at 219 St. Nazaire Road this summer and a new Fat Pat’s Bar & Grill recently opened in the nearby Country View Center, where PJ’s Coffee opened in March. The C’est Jolie Centre’s second tenant (after Emmy’s Ice Cream Bar) will be Little Caesar’s Pizza. C’est Bon Crawfish recently opened in neighboring Youngsville, and Tropical Smoothie Café’s five-fold expansion in Acadiana will include the Broussard/Youngsville area.

NEW IBERIA

Ready, Set, Go Doggie!

Toss a Coin for a Car Lake Charles, Lafayette, Alexandria, Baton Rouge The first fully-automated, coin-operated car vending machine in the U.S. is entering the Louisiana market. Customers who buy a vehicle in Lake Charles, Lafayette, Alexandria and Baton Rouge through Carvana get a token that gives them access to the vehicle they purchased online: Insert token, watch car being retrieved, take it for a test spin, sign and drive away (7-day free returns). Contactless delivery or pick-up as soon as the next day (carvana.com).

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Be sure to call ahead for COVID19-related closures before visiting any of the places listed.

El Festival Española de Nueva Iberia is postponed again this year, but the annual Running of the Bulls race is still on for April 17. Participants are encouraged to bring their furry friends to the new dog-friendly 10K/5K/1-mile fun run along Bayou Teche.

The first dog to cross the finish line receives a winner’s medal. Humans get free jambalaya (newiberiaspanishfestival.com).

RENDERING COURTESY CARVANA

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L’A RT

Vulnerable Landscape Terrebonne Parish native Claude Ellender captures disappearing wetlands and other coastal changes in his paintings

by John R. Kemp

The 18th century German poet Goethe is said

to have quipped, “music is liquid architecture” and “architecture is frozen music.” To South Louisiana architect and landscape artist Claude Ellender, painting is music on canvas.

Born in New Orleans in the early 1950s and raised in Houma, Ellender grew up spending summers exploring the “sultry subtropical” bayous, sugarcane fields, coastal marshes and barrier islands of Terrebonne Parish. He is a grandson of Louisiana’s former United States Senator Allen Ellender, a long-time chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee.

After earning a degree in architecture from the University of Southwest Louisiana, now the University of Louisiana-Lafayette, Claude moved to San Francisco in 1985 to pursue a career in architecture while continuing his interest in art. In college, he took a class taught by the famed Louisiana landscape painter Elemore Morgan Jr. I n 2 0 0 5 , E l l e n d e r returned to Louisiana To see more of and enrolled at the New his work visit cellender.com Orleans Academy of Fine Arts where he received a classical foundation in the visual arts, especially in painting and sculpture. He now teaches at the Academy and divides his time between California and Abita Springs in St. Tammany Parish.

“Even though I have spent a large part of my adult life on the West Coast,” Ellender says, “I am always drawn back to the place of my youth for inspiration — South Louisiana; the culture, food, sultry climate, dramatic weather events, the rising Gulf waters with its repercussions to the coastal marsh, the ebb and flow of seasons.”

Ellender landscapes are witnesses to dramatic climatic changes taking place in South Louisiana. The best way to truly sense those changes, he says, is to paint on location much like the French Impressionists painters did in the 19th century. Like them, nature is his reference. He is a purist in the plein air tradition. Again like the Impressionists, he works quickly to capture on canvas rapidly changing light and atmospheric conditions. For instance, he sets up his easel at daybreak to

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catch that “incredible light” and “golden mist” of a sunrise on a fog-bound Louisiana marsh.

“Having grown up in Terrebonne Parish, I have observed the changes that have occurred because of rising sea levels,” says Ellender.

“My paintings unintentionally catalog these changes whether it be saltwater intrusion and the destruction of cypress forests, disappearing marsh and bayous, or the loss of Gulf barrier islands. Our fragile wetlands are being lost forever. Many of the wilderness places of my youth are either gone or unrecognizable.

It is happening before my eyes.”

While painting on location, music is as important to his palette as paint and brushes. Music, he says, is calming and blocks our distractions.

“Painting not only consists of linear perspective, but it is also color perspective, too,”

he says. “Nearby objects have greater color saturation and are analogous to ‘forte’ or loud music. Far-away distance, accomplished with muted, softer color, has a subdued or ‘piano’ sound. Dark values are bass and light values are treble. All are equally important in creating the illusion of depth. I can tolerate loud music for finite periods of time. But art is transient and subjective, who knows what will be born on tomorrow’s blank canvas — perhaps loud music.”

Like composing a song, the illusion of painting is a “self-expression,” says Ellender.

“It is giving oneself permission to be vulnerable in the eyes of others.”

What we see, however, is not vulnerability but the beauty of the Louisiana landscape. ■

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RECET T ES D E CO C KTA I LS

Before his unexpected death in November

RECIPE

Frisky Devil

A Frisky Devil’s Debut Good times are rolling on the river with Ruffino’s new cocktail that stimulates spring revelry

by Lisa LeBlanc-Berry photo by Romero & Romero

Combine 2 ounces bourbon, 1 ounce Drambuie liqueur, 1.5 ounces honey simple syrup and .75 ounces lemon juice in a shaker.

Shake and strain over rocks with ice.

Garnish with a strawberry heart (slice a V at the top) and a sprig of fresh mint.

Ruffino’s on the River 921 Camellia Blvd.

Lafayette 337-706-7333 ruffinosrestaurant.com

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2020 at age 53, Ruffino’s beloved proprietor Ruffin Rodrigue often surprised guests celebrating birthdays with his lively acapella serenades.

“He thought he was an opera singer,” says former Director of Operations, Megan Klock. “Ruffin loved celebrations.”

Devoted to emulating Rodrigue’s festive flair, Klock is carrying the torch as Ruffino’s newly named COO. Rodrigue recruited the Lafayette entrepreneur in 2018 after buying out former partner Peter Sclafani.

“We really connected on a cultural level,” Klock says. “Ruffin felt that life deserved to be celebrated on any occasion. That’s what everyone saw on the surface, the laughter and the hugs. But behind the scenes he was a fighter for restaurants.”

When Ruffino’s shifted gears in 2020 due to the pandemic, Rodrigue helped countless hard-hit restaurateurs, advocated for grants, fed firemen and medics and spearheaded a governor’s task force.

“It was his mission to fight for them all,” says Klock. “He did everything full speed ahead.”

Patrons continue to celebrate at Ruffino’s on the River, drawn by Chef Cliff Wright’s Italian-fusion fare and creative cocktails by bartender/assistant manager Ashton Racheau. She recently crafted the Frisky Devil, a bracing bourbon libation paired with the storied scotch-and-honey-spiced Drambuie liqueur that lends elegance to the mélange.

Favored by royals and lounge lizards alike, Drambuie was formulated in 1745 by a womanizing Scottish prince to “increase vigor and vitality.” The first liqueur stocked in the House of Lords, it appeared in the cellars of Buckingham palace and in America during Prohibition, when it took a seat at the bar as the Rusty Nail (named for the rusty nails on the wooden cases of Drambuie that were dropped off in the Hudson River).

With a sweet, honeyed afterglow enlivened by a cozy blanket of spices and a kiss of citrus, Frisky Devil is a smooth, stimulating sipper that will get the party going on starry spring nights. ■

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D E L A C UI S I N E

When serving the spinach, garnish with some crumbled feta for a little extra flavor.

The Promise of Spring Classic rack of lamb to celebrate Easter and so much more this season

by Marcelle Bienvenu photo & styling by Eugenia Uhl

This year, I welcome Easter with open

arms. We’ve had our share of dismal, cold, wet weather this year. The barren landscape is quickly taking on its spring lushness. Wild dogwood, native azaleas and delicate bridal wreath add bright splashes of color amongst the greening of willow, cypress and oak trees. Spring has at last arrived heralding the celebration of Easter. With Lent coming to a close, Easter looms ahead like a light at the end of a dark tunnel. It’s time for feasting and hopefully family gatherings if COVID doesn’t interfere. If weather cooperates, we can have our Easter egg hunt in our oak-shaded yard on Bayou Teche.

And the menu? Baked ham and potato salad? Lamb rack? Maybe chicken barbecued on our old barrel pit?

I posed my ideas to my husband who quickly voted for the lamb. ■

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M A I N CO U R S E

Rack of Lamb with Rosemary and Mustard M AKES 4 SERVINGS

1 tablespoon oil 1 trimmed rack of lamb,

about 1½ pounds 1 cup dried fine bread crumbs 2

tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Potato Onion Upside Down Pie ON THE SIDE

Spinach With Pernod Spinach is a great side dish for lamb. This recipe is quick and easy.

1 tablespoon Creole or

whole-grain mustard 2 tablespoons roasted

garlic puree

1

In a heavy large skillet, heat olive oil over high heat. Add lamb and cook, turning, until browned on all sides. Remove from skillet and let cool.

2

In a small bowl, toss bread crumbs with parsley, one teaspoon of rosemary and pepper.

3

In another bowl, combine remaining teaspoon of rosemary with mustard and garlic puree. Spread mixture evenly over lamb. Pat seasoned bread crumbs onto mustard coating. (The lamb can be prepared to this point up to eight hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate until two hours before roasting.)

4

To make the roasted garlic puree, preheat the oven to 375 F. Put about 10 garlic cloves in the center of a square of aluminum foil and season with salt and black pepper.

Bring the corners of the foil together to make a small bag.

Roast for 30 to 40 minutes, or until garlic is soft. Remove the garlic from the bag and cool. Peel and combine with 1 tablespoon olive oil and pulse in a small food processor.

Preheat the oven to 500 F. Place lamb on a rack set over a shallow roasting pan. Put lamb in the center of oven and immediately reduce heat to 450 F. Roast for about 20 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the center registers 120 degrees for medium-rare. Remove from oven, cover loosely with aluminum foil and let rest in a warm place for about 10 minutes.

Carve lamb just before serving by slicing between ribs.

MAKES 4 SERVINGS

2½ tablespoons butter

2 teaspoons chopped fresh

rosemary ½ teaspoon freshly ground

black pepper

Another easy side dish with lamb is roasted fingerling potatoes tossed with olive oil and rosemary, but this upside down pie is delicious.

❶ Heat 4 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of chopped shallots and stir for 30 seconds. Add 8 cups of baby spinach (stems removed) and toss to coat with the butter and oil. Cover and cook until wilted, two to three minutes.

❷

Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste and add 1 tablespoon of Pernod.

Toss and cook uncovered for about 30 seconds or until wilted. Serve immediately.

Makes 4 servings

12 sprigs thyme, strip the leaves from the stems 1 large onion, sliced somewhat thickly (a tad more than ¼ inch thick) (keep the onions together — do not separate into rings) 1 pound red potatoes, washed and very thinly sliced 2 tablespoons olive oil sea salt and cracked black pepper Gruyère ½ cup crumbled feta 1 cup grated mozzarella

PREHEAT oven to 400 F. Melt butter in a 9-10 inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add thyme and onion and cook for 5 minutes, being careful not to break up the onion.

PLACE potato, oil, cheeses, salt and pepper in a bowl and toss to mix. Arrange potato mixture gently on top of the onions in the skillet.

Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

Allow to cool for about 5 minutes, then turn upside down on a platter to serve.

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L A MA I S O N

A Sweet Retreat Sugar descendent brings his own brand of atyle to family’s cane country home

by Rebecca Friedman photos by Haylei Smith

When Peter Patout needs a break from

the bustle of his home in New Orleans’ French Quarter, he returns to his Patoutville roots.

There, nestled among fields of cane that have fueled the family’s sugar business for nearly two centuries, sits a house built in 1925 by Patout’s grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Ory Patout.

Patout inherited the 3,000-square-foot home and its contents from a cousin about a decade ago.

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“He knew I was interested in architecture and that putting it in my hands would be the best thing he could do for the house,” says Patout.

According to Patout, a realtor who specializes in historic properties as well as Louisiana art and architecture, the home’s Mediterranean revival design is a rarity in Bayou Teche country. Along with its red cement tile roof and stucco exterior, the structure incorporates Colonial revival and arts and crafts elements

Patout feels his grandmother’s presence in the airy kitchen.

Original features include a Chambers stove and porcelain sink flanked by glass-door cabinets, which Patout rescued from a family member who planned to tear them out. Heart pine flooring was previously concealed by linoleum.

Patout’s affinity for antiques is evident throughout the home, which features a mix of family heirlooms and personal finds.

During satsuma season, Patout avails himself of a grove on the plantation property to gather the key ingredient for Satsuma Old Fashioned cocktails.

AC A DIA NA PROFILE.COM 21

Several items in the home’s collection of decorative arts, like this family portrait, reflect Patout’s maternal ancestry, which can be traced back several generations to prominent Bayou Teche landowners.

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The porch has become Patout’s favorite haunt. It had fallen into disuse over the years, but Patout found a set of old doors in the garage and added screens to create an outdoor haven. Today it serves as an ideal spot for morning coffee or evening hors d’oeuvres, and according to Patout, catches a breeze even on sultry days.

This welcoming bedroom with carved four-poster beds opens directly onto the screen porch, enticing guests to rise with the sun.

with a screened-in porch and Doric columns.

Since taking ownership, Patout has pursued a careful restoration, stripping away layers of linoleum to reveal heart pine flooring, rewiring the nearly century-old light fixtures and installing a shower to complement the 1920s bathtub.

The screened-in porch, once used for sleeping, has become one of Patout’s favorite spots. There he might start his day sipping café au lait from a Blue Willow transfer print cup.

“The porch I did on the last leg, but I should have done that first,” says Patout. “It’s such a lovely place to relax.”

The home’s three generations of decorative arts include items such as Mrs. Ory Patout’s settee, still upholstered in its original fabric, and an heirloom “Remember the Maine” shadowbox that Patout recalls enjoying as a child.

Patout continues to incorporate pieces from his own collection of Louisiana antiques as well.

The house is located next to Enterprise Plantation, which Patout’s ancestors established in 1832. The plantation now houses the familyowned corporation M.A. Patout and Son, which according to Patout is the oldest sugar plantation on the North American continent still owned and operated by the same family.

“You can see the sugar mill from the front porch, bellowing steam,” says Patout. “It operates 24 hours a day, an energetic entity that’s part of my visual.”

The ancestral thread extends to Patout’s garden, lush with his grandmother’s roses and heirloom plants transferred from his mother’s home in Jeanerette. As with the rest of the property, the garden brings in hints of Patout’s contemporary existence, like the night blooming jasmine he transplanted from New Orleans.

“Around the porch at night in the summer, you get that whiff,” says Patout. “It’s kind of wonderful.” ■

Patout treasures his grandmother’s favorite sofa, still in its original fabric.

He recalls one 1960s evening spent with his brothers and cousins dancing along to “American Bandstand” while Grandmother Patout watched from that seat: “She let us have a dance contest, and she gave me 25 cents for winning.”

AC A DIA NA PROFILE.COM 23

TRAi

By David Cheramie Stanley Dry Fritz Esker Portraits By Romero & Romero

iL

Acadiana is a region steeped in history, culture and tradition and its people are known for their irrepressible and entrepreneurial spirit.

It is with this idea in mind that we created the Acadiana Profile Trailblazers. Some of the honorees are people you’ve come to know for accomplishments in

their industry or in the community. Others are either newer to their professions or have struck out on a new path — in either case, they are making waves. Acadiana Profile is thrilled to honor these trailblazing Acadianians and highlight the work they are doing in this one-of-a-kind place.

PERFORMING ARTS

CONSERVATION

ACADIANA PROFILE APRIL/MAY 2021

Jim Foret For almost 50 years, Jim Foret has been the go-to guy for advice on anything having to do with trees. In addition to his work as a consulting arborist, he is a certified expert witness on horticulture and arboriculture in U.S. district courts, where his testimony can help resolve a landowner’s lawsuit over trees that have been damaged or felled by another, whether by accident or design.

At the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, he teaches courses on plant science, urban tree management, native plants, landscape plants and environmental landscape design. He is a past president of the Louisiana Native Plant Society and is involved with many environmental organizations, including the Louisiana Urban Forestry Council and the Cajun Prairie Habitat Preservation Society.

For 11 years he was superintendent of parks in New Iberia, where he created all-weather walking paths and greatly expanded educational and recreational activities for the 16-park system. After Hurricane Andrew, he obtained funding to plant 1,300 trees in the city’s parks and public spaces.

He established the annual Festival of Live Oaks in City Park, and during the springtime Books Along The Teche Literary Festival, he conducts a tree walk focusing on the magnificent live oaks in the downtown historic district.

The beautiful spring wildflowers along Highway 90 and I-49 near Lafayette are there because of work Foret has done with the Wildflower Seed Bank project, in cooperation with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. On the ULL campus, his students created a 400-square-foot mini-prairie landscaped with native plants.

Of all he’s accomplished, Foret is proudest of his efforts to make people realize how important the natural world is. His students are increasingly aware and knowledgeable about the environment, and that gives him hope for the future. ­­—Stanley Dry

Sarah Gauthier Roy Combining her love for her culture and the theater, Sarah Gauthier Roy has provided a solution to a heretofore unanswered question: Where can children fluent in French, thanks to immersion, use that language outside the classroom?

The Carencro native is a trained thespian with a degree in performing arts from UL-Lafayette. She spent 20 years as an actor locally and nationally.

As is the case with many young Cajuns, she did not learn to fully appreciate the culture of Acadiana until moving away, in her case to California. Upon returning to Louisiana, Gaulthier made it her mission to immerse herself in the local arts scene. Inspired by the Cajun French works of Barry Ancelet and Kirby Jambon, Gauthier set out to create a business, Theatre Acadie, which fulfills a need in the community.

As with many successful enterprises, Gauthier builds upon another trailblazing tradition that began long ago. Le Théâtre ‘Cadien was the first Cajun French language theater troupe that produced a string of plays in the ‘80s. While those actors were native French-speakers, Theatre Acadie caters to the next generation of Franco-Louisianans who learned in school. Working with local Francophones, the aspiring actors learn the local dialect, in addition to the formal French they hear in school. Molière meets Mamou, if you will.

Gauthier’s own children, along with many others, can now learn confidence by performing in the language of our ancestors. In that sense, she is offering a unique opportunity for the development of our culture’s future storytellers.

Through classes, workshops, summer camps in French, she is building a new community of young French speakers in Acadiana. The gratitude Gauthier experiences from those who appreciate her work and understand its potential for growth keeps her exploring new ways to bring back our heritage language. — ­­ David Cheramie

FRENCH/CAJUN CULTURE

ACADIANA PROFILE APRIL/MAY 2021

Will McGrew and Drake LeBlanc

Like many a good story, it began over a glass of beer or two. The meeting of Drake LeBlanc, a filmmaker from Lafayette, and Will McGrew, an entrepreneur from New Orleans, lead to TéléLouisiane, a French-language media company that now produces children’s cartoons and interviews on a YouTube channel.

They also provide translation services to ensure the language has a visible presence. The duo is currently working with the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area to make all its communications are in French with plans to expand to more traditional forms of media. But for now, they are creating content for a new generation of Louisiana francophones.

Business

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MEGAN ARCENEAUX As the saying goes, don’t put all your crawfish in the same basket, even if it is between the handlebars of a classic beach cruiser bicycle. Or at least that’s how it should go in the case of business trailblazer Megan Arceneaux.

The entrepreneurial spirit that has driven her to run two successful businesses did not come to her by chance. Some may say it’s difficult to find, but everyone has heard of Hawk’s Crawfish restaurant. L.H. “Hawk” Arceneaux was her grandfather, a farmer before going into the purged crawfish business. He created many jobs for his family and the community.

Growing up in Rayne, Arceneaux learned the value of hard work and taking pride in serving such a high-quality product that people will go off the beaten path to find it. For the directionally challenged crawfish aficionado, Hawk’s Boil Up follows the “pop-up restaurant” business model. It makes their mudbugs easier to find by bringing the succulent crustaceans to the customers. Arceneaux’s love and admiration for her grandfather, “the greatest man in the world” as she calls him, also encouraged her to emulate those who can lead and help others around them. Another such man was Ray Johnson of Johnson’s Bike Shop in Lafayette. There Arceneaux learned how he and his brother not only repaired and built bikes, but also how they treated their customers. They, too, were men who sought to make their community better.

Owned and run by Arceneaux, Hub City Cycles in downtown Lafayette is today that same kind of place where you can buy or repair your bike, and maybe burn off the calories from the five pounds of crawfish with potatoes and corn you bought from her boil up. Making a living out of these two seemingly disparate trades only doubles the smiles Arcenaeux loves to put on people’s faces. ­­— David Cheramie

ACADIANAPROFILE.COM

McGrew finds inspiration for the work from history, citing Louisianans such as Huey P. Long, Homer Plessy and Richard Guidry, who “had their strengths and weaknesses but realized that the people of state are exceptional and deserve more both culturally and economically.”

His grandmother also serves as inspiration to his work.

“An immigrant from Galicia in Spain, who proudly embraced the language and cultures of her native region, Galicia; her countries, Spain and U.S.; and her new home Louisiana, proudly speaking French, Spanish, GalicianGalego and English and taking part in Louisianiste organizations like L’Athénée Louisianais et les Causeries du Lundi,” said McGrew.

LeBlanc also didn’t have to look far.

“I was mainly inspired by my dad who independently produced films and his own TV show when I was younger,” said LeBlanc. “That led me to where I am today, owner of a flourishing photography and film production company.”

Along with the people in their respective families, those throughout the region motivate both McGrew and LeBlanc in their shared vision, which fuels their creativity. So, it comes as no surprise that a mutual acquaintance saw the fire in both men and urged them to connect. “[A friend of mine] then at the Alliance Française of Lafayette, said he had the ideal business partner for me, who would be an ideal creative director [and] lead for Télé-Louisiane and would be able to work with me to realize the full creative and financial potential of the company,” said McGrew.

Telling the stories of Acadianians isn’t just a creative outlet for either of the two men however. Their vision has a deeper drive at its heart.

“For our resilient people, for our endangered language and culture, for our economy in desperate need of diversification, and for our rapidly disappearing land,” said McGrew.“ Reimagining a prosperous future for the state built upon the talent of our people, the richness of our shared culture and the beauty of our natural environment is not just a matter of dreaming big, it is a matter of survival.” — David Cheramie

Visual Arts MUSIC

Dickie Landry

A ACADIANA PROFILE APRIL/MAY 2021

FRANCIS X. PAVY As far back as he can remember, Francis X. Pavy has wanted to be an artist.

Introduced at an early age to drawing and painting, he soon began figuring out how to get his hands to produce what he was seeing with his mind’s eye. It was not long before Pavu began developing his love for color, how to mix it, how to analyze it, how one related to another. The vibrancy of his artistry is one of the hallmarks of his work today.

The richness of Pavy’s work comes from a variety of sources. He learned of Jackson Pollock, Franz Kline and Pablo Picasso, even if he did not know their names at the time, while thumbing through magazines, encyclopedias and library books. Abstract expressionism was all the rage in those days: That dynamism has found its way into Pavy’s creations that tell a story wherever the gaze may fall.

Pavy’s paintings are in the collections of famous people from around the globe. Even though he has an international reputation in the art world, his groundbreaking artwork is as much a part of Acadiana as two-stepping, button accordions or chicken chasing. What makes Pavy’s work unique is that he has created a new visual language that is unmistakably home grown in Acadiana, juxtaposing images of Zydeco dancers, telephone poles, guitars, palmetto leaves and even tufts of marsh grass in a joyful explosion of color.

As he puts it, he feels “like an archeologist uncovering some hidden artifacts.” His originality is such that once you seen a Pavy, you will never mistake any of his works for someone else’s. The multitude of motifs keep looping back like the familiar lyrics to your favorite song. If you listen closely enough, you might be able to hear it. ­­— David Cheramie

Going from milking cows before dawn to playing saxophone in a legendary avant-garde ensemble is not a trail many could blaze, but Cecilia native Dickie Landry did. You may not know his name, but you probably have heard of some of his collaborators who became his friends: Philip Glass, Laurie Anderson, Robert Rauschenberg and the Talking Heads’ Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth. This too-short list of all the famous and talented artists and musicians he encountered while living in New York during its artistic halcyon days of the ‘70s gives you a small idea of Landry’s level of artistry.

He has excelled in such a diverse array of artistic expression that the term “Renaissance man” does not even begin to describe him.

An accomplished photographer, Landry was able to document the works of many important artists of that time. As a solo musician, he’d play jazz improvisations while walking around art galleries, an innovative performance strategy for the time.

In recent years, Landry has been a member of the swamp pop supergroup Lil’ Band O’ Gold and performed with the reggae group, True Man Posse. His breadth of creativity is only matched by its longevity.

The work ethic instilled in him on his family farm, the Gregorian chants sung in church and his brother’s saxophone all sent him on this incredible journey which has brought him back to where he began. Landry’s fascination with experimental sound started as a young boy as he would listen to the electric hum of newly installed powerlines. He would end up performing “Oedipus Rex” in an ancient Greek amphitheater.

Until he can return to the stage post-COVID-19, you are likely to find him back at the farm, on his tractor, picking pecans, clearing brush or just thinking up new music in his head. — ­­ David Cheramie

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CULINARY

Ken & Andrea Veron The restaurant business is, by its very nature, one of sharing and community.

Optimism, compassiond and humility are the main ingredients. You need to muscle through the tough times. In the production of the guest experience, the creation of connections and relationships, not to mention a mouth-watering menu, are essential. Not to mention having to navigate a labyrinth of problems. It is more than just managing the front and back of house. You need a team that shows up every day and leaders like Ken and Andrea Veron to inspire them.

This couple’s trail begins just down the road from where Lafayette began along

the banks of the Vermilion River. It was once a flourishing trading post known as Petit Manchac. In a house built circa 1835 — shortly after the founding of Vermilionville, today Lafayette — they offer fine dining in the eponymous and historic Café Vermilionville. These times have been the most challenging in an already difficult business, but thanks to their combined talents, they are setting the pace. With Ken’s background — he comes from a restaurant family, his father having founded the restaurant in the early ‘80s — combined with Andrea’s expertise in historic preservation, running a restaurant in a nearly two-hundredyear-old house is a natural fit.

Combined with a seasonal outdoor concert series and innovative takes on classic dishes, the duo joins the old and the new.

At a time when it seems like restaurateurs are bending over backwards trying to find a novel concept, the Verons have reinvigorated the tried-and-true formula of great food with impeccable service and fabulous atmosphere.

Whether they are serving hospitality, Oysters Herbsaint or comradery, the Verons are ready to welcome you as you blaze a trail of your own to the Café Vermilionville near the banks of where it all began. ­­— David Cheramie

Philanthropy EDUCATION

Terysa Ridgeway

T ACADIANA PROFILE APRIL/MAY 2021

MATT STULLER The little things in life often add up and so it is with communities. A single person may not think their discarded cigarette or fast food wrapper is a big deal, but when the majority people think that way, streets and neighborhoods can begin to look filthy. This can cause property values to drop and make people and businesses less likely to want to move to the area. It’s why Matt Stuller started Parish Proud: to make Lafayette’s neighborhoods as beautiful as the people who live in them.

Stuller owns Stuller, Inc., a fine jewelry manufacturer in Lafayette. Once he started his business, he traveled more and saw that other cities in the United States and across the world were much cleaner than Lafayette. So, he started Parish Proud in an effort to beautify his beloved hometown. How do you do that? Education through social media, radio and TV campaigns. When people see others behaving a certain way, they’re likely to follow suit.

“You have to have education in order to change behavior,” Stuller said. “We have to get people to take notice of the fact that we do not have to live this way.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented new challenges to Parish Proud’s efforts.

Stuller said the rise in people eating in their cars after getting food at the drive-thru plus the number of people using disposable masks means a lot more people are discarding trash (including masks) on the street. Because of the pandemic, people are also more hesitant to touch things someone else may have contaminated. So good Samaritans are less likely to pick up litter they see on the street.

Despite these challenges, Stuller said improvements have been made over the years and he is confident Lafayette can keep the momentum. Even though litter has frustrated him, he loves Acadiana intensely.

“I can live anyplace in the world I want to,” Stuller said. “But at the age of 70, I continue to live in and love Lafayette, Louisiana.”­­ — Fritz Esker

When she was growing up in Sunset, Louisiana (population approximately 2500) in the early-mid 1990s, Terysa Ridgeway’s mother would bring home an Apple computer for the summer from the school where she taught. Ridgeway was fascinated by the computer, which gave way to a lifelong love affair with computers and science.

Ridgeway has shared her passion with local students, working with children (grades 6-12) in smaller and underprivileged communities on things like basic computer skills and developing phone apps. Since she came from a small town, Ridgeway wants to give children like her a chance to learn everything she knows. She said giving these children a solid foundation in computer skills is crucial because computer science is like art in many ways. Once you learn the basics, you can be creative and innovative, but you have to learn the building blocks first.

Many of the kids lack confidence at first, but Ridgeway helps them build faith in themselves as they learn.

“Introducing technology to kids, you see the fear in their eyes. You see the shyness in their eyes, but then you see the excitement grow,” Ridgeway said.

“It’s like watching a butterfly being born.”

In 2020, Ridgeway, who has a husband and four children under the age of 10, began working for Google as a technical program manager. Since her job began during the pandemic, she has been able to remain in Louisiana and work remotely. So far, the work has been going great.

“It’s everything I always expected it to be,” Ridgeway said.

Acadiana will always hold a special place in Ridgeway’s heart. A genealogy buff, Ridgeway can trace six generations of her family back to the same square mile of land she grew up on in Sunset. — Fritz Esker

AC A DIA NA PROFILE.COM 35

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AC A DIA NA PROFILE A PRIL/M AY 2021

2021

TOP

LAWYERS

profiles by Fritz Esker select portraits by Jo Vidrine

Sometimes, people need someone to fight for them. That's what good lawyers do for clients, whether it's tax law, family law, personal injury law or any other field. But great lawyers are more than just skilled debaters. They are true advocates for their

clients, helping them in any way they can even if that's being an attentive listener or directing them to other support resources.

Our top lawyers for 2021 are true advocates for their clients in Acadiana. Here are three of their stories.

TOP LAWYERS

KEITH SALTZMAN

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hen a person is injured in an accident, it can turn their world upside down. This is doubly true if the accident was the fault of another person or if the insurance company won’t pay adequate compensation for the accident. At Lafayette’s Anderson, Dozier, Blanda & Saltzman, partner Keith Saltzman does his best to ensure a fair result for his clients.

The son of a f ifth-generation Gueydan rice farmer, Saltzman worked 16-hour days in the rice fields when he was just 13 years old. Saltzman credited his time working on the rice farm with teaching him a strong work ethic he retains today.

After graduating from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at LSU in 2006, the now 39-year-old Saltzman clerked for a judge for one year. It was during this time that he chose personal injury law as his focus.

“I wanted to help people who didn’t have the ability to fight for themselves,” Saltzman said.

Part of being a good personal injury lawyer is being a good listener. Saltzman said when a client first enters his office, they’re frustrated and upset and hurting (both physically and emotionally). They want to be heard. After Saltzman listens to their story, he must honestly and succinctly tell them what they have to prove to win their When he is not case and the likelihood that practicing law, they will be able to do so. If Saltzman spends time the client chooses to prowith his wife, Erin, and ceed, he outlines what they their toddler daughter, Kendall (named after can expect. All clients want Saltzman’s deceased a result as quickly as posfather). He is an avid sible, but Saltzman said part fan of LSU sports, of his job is giving clients a and enjoys playing realistic time frame. tennis and golf in his “The initial consultation spare time. A good with a client is the most work/life balance is important meeting you have,” important to him.

Saltzman said.

“I try my best to balance When asked to recall a my time so I can do memorable case, Saltzman everything I can for my clients and still spend time with my wife and baby girl,” Saltzman said.

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said he went to federal court in Lafayette to represent a client injured in an auto accident. Prior to trial, the defendant’s attorneys made a few very low offers to try to settle the case, which Saltzman rejected. But after Saltzman presented his case, the insurance company agreed to pay their maximum limits on the policy without even

attempting a defense in court.

Even though he has practiced law for over a decade, Saltzman said it’s a job that’s never monotonous.

“Every case is different. You meet all kinds of people and you learn a lot of information about all kinds of topics,” said Saltzman.

ADMINISTRATIVE/ REGULATORY LAW Robert M. Kallam Kean Miller LLP 600 Jefferson St., Suite 1101 Lafayette 337-235-2232 Leslie J. Schiff Schiff, Scheckman & White LLP 117 W. Landry St., Opelousas 337-942-9771 Chris A. Verret Chris A. Verret, Attorney at Law 325 Audubon Blvd., Lafayette 337-237-4600

ADMIRALTY & MARITIME LAW Bennett Boyd Anderson Jr. Anderson, Dozier, Blanda & Saltzman 2010 W. Pinhook Rd., Lafayette 337-233-3366 Jeffrey M. Bassett Morrow, Morrow, Ryan, Bassett & Haik 324 W. Landry St., Opelousas 337-948-4483 Nicholas A. Blanda Anderson, Dozier, Blanda & Saltzman 2010 W. Pinhook Rd., Lafayette 337-233-3366 Nicholas A. Blanda Anderson, Dozier, Blanda & Saltzman 2010 W. Pinhook Rd., Lafayette 337-233-3366 Lucas S. Colligan Gaar Law Firm 114 Representative Row, Lafayette 337-366-0982 Larry Curtis Larry Curtis Personal Injury Attorney 300 Rue Beauregard, Bldg. C Lafayette 337-366-8317 Susan A. Daigle Daigle Rayburn LLC 600 Jefferson St., Suite 1200, Chase Tower Lafayette 337-234-7000 Blake R. David Sr. Broussard & David 557 Jefferson St., Lafayette 337-233-2323

Richard J. Hymel Mahtook & LaFleur 600 Jefferson St., Floor 10 Lafayette 337-266-2189 Whitney S Ikerd Webre & Associates 2901 Johnston St., Suite 308 Lafayette 337-237-5052 Patrick A. Juneau Juneau David, APLC 1018 Harding St., Suite 202 Lafayette 337-269-0052 Robert M. Kallam Kean Miller LLP 600 Jefferson St., Suite 1101 Lafayette 337-235-2232 Frank X. Neuner Jr. NeunerPate 1001 W. Pinhook Rd., Suite 200 Lafayette 377-272-0311 S. Brian Perry Allen & Gooch 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 400 Lafayette 337-291-1000 Edwin G. Preis Jr. Preis PLC 102 Versailles Blvd., Suite 400 Lafayette 337-237-6062 James P. Roy Domengeaux Wright Roy & Edwards, LLC 556 Jefferson St., Suite 500 Lafayette 337-291-4878 Bryan D. Scofield Scofield & Rivera, LLC 100 E. Vermilion St., Suite 301 Lafayette 337-235-5353 Randall K. Theunissen Allen & Gooch 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 400 Lafayette 337-291-1000 Douglas W. Truxillo Onebane Law Firm 1200 Camellia Blvd., Suite 300 Lafayette 337-237-2660 Jonathan L. Woods Randazzo Giglio & Bailey LLC 900 E. Saint Mary Blvd., Suite 200 Lafayette 337-291-4900

Bob F. Wright Domengeaux Wright Roy & Edwards, LLC 556 Jefferson St., Suite 500 Lafayette 337-291-4878

ALTERNATE DISPUTE RESOLUTION David S. Cook David S. Cook, APLC 313 Beverly Dr., Lafayette 337-234-4155 Thomas R. Juneau Sr. Juneau David, APLC 1018 Harding St., Suite 202 Lafayette 337-269-0052

APPELLATE PRACTICE Marc T. Amy Jones Walker LLP 600 Jefferson St., Suite 1600 Lafayette 337-593-7662 James H. Gibson Gibson Law Partners, LLC 2448 Johnston St., Lafayette 337-761-6023 Lawrence P. Simon Jr. Liskow & Lewis 822 Harding St., Lafayette 337-267-2323 Banking and Finance Law Steven G. "Buzz" Durio Durio, McGoffin, Stagg & Ackermann, P.C. 220 Heymann Blvd., Lafayette 337-233-0300 Steven T. Ramos Andrus Boudreaux 1301 Camellia Blvd., Suite 401 Lafayette 337-984-9480 Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law Harold L. Domingue Jr. Harold L. Domingue, Jr. 711 W. Pinhook Rd., Lafayette 337-234-6003 Armistead M. Long Gordon, Arata, Montgomery, Barnett, McCollam, Duplantis & Eagan, LLC 400 E. Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 4200 Lafayette 337-237-0132

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TOP LAWYERS Gerald H. Schiff Gordon, Arata, Montgomery, Barnett, McCollam, Duplantis & Eagan, LLC 400 E. Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 4200 Lafayette 337-237-0132 Clare Sanchez Burke The Sanchez Law Firm, LLC 1200 Ryan St., Lake Charles 337-433-4405

COMMERCIAL LITIGATION James J. Davidson III Davidson Meaux Sonnier & McElligott LLP 810 S. Buchanan St., Lafayette 337-237-1660

Frank X. Neuner Jr. NeunerPate 1001 W. Pinhook Rd., Suite 200 Lafayette 377-272-0311

Steven G. "Buzz" Durio Durio, McGoffin, Stagg & Ackermann, P.C. 220 Heymann Blvd., Lafayette 337-233-0300

Thomas Lawrence Lorenzi Lorenzi & Barnatt, L.L.P. 518 Pujo St., Lake Charles 337-513-0886

John R. Pohorelsky Scofield, Gerard, Pohorelsky, Gallaugher & Landry 901 Lakeshore Dr., Suite 900 Lake Charles 337-433-9436

Joseph C. Giglio Jr. Liskow & Lewis 822 Harding St., Lafayette 337-267-2311

Patricia C. Manetsch Beasley The Sanchez Law Firm, LLC 1200 Ryan St., Lake Charles 337-433-4405

Gary J. Russo Jones Walker LLP 600 Jefferson St., Suite 1600 Lafayette 337-593-7610 J. Michael Veron Veron, Bice, Palermo & Wilson, LLC 721 Kirby St., Lake Charles 337-202-2922

COMMERCIAL TRANSACTIONS/ LLS LAW

Lamont P. Domingue Voorhies & Labbé 700 St. John St., Suite 499 Lafayette 337-232-9700

Kyle M. Bacon Jones Walker LLP 600 Jefferson St., Suite 1600 Lafayette 337-593-7706

James H. Gibson Gibson Law Partners, LLC 2448 Johnston St., Lafayette 337-761-6023

Steven C. Lanza Onebane Law Firm 1200 Camellia Blvd., Suite 300 Lafayette 337-237-2660

Jeremy A. Hebert Becker & Hebert 201 Rue Beauregard, Lafayette 337-233-1987

CONSTRUCTION LAW

Lee Hoffoss Hoffoss Devall, LLC 517 W. College St., Lake Charles 337-221-0230 Charles M. Kreamer Gibson Law Partners, LLC 2448 Johnston St., Lafayette 337-761-6023 Steven C. Lanza Onebane Law Firm 1200 Camellia Blvd., Suite 300 Lafayette 337-237-2660 William B. Monk Stockwell, Sievert, Viccellio, Clements & Shaddock, LLP One Lakeside Plz., 127 West Broad St., Floor 4 Lake Charles 337-493-7232

Lucas S. Colligan Gaar Law Firm 114 Representative Row, Lafayette 337-366-0982 Emmett C. Sole Stockwell, Sievert, Viccellio, Clements & Shaddock, LLP One Lakeside Plz., 127 West Broad St., Floor 4 Lake Charles 337-493-7222

CORPORATE LAW James J. Davidson III Davidson Meaux Sonnier & McElligott LLP 810 S. Buchanan St., Lafayette 337-237-1660 Billy J. Domingue Liskow & Lewis 822 Harding St., Lafayette 337-267-2342

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Paul J. Hebert Ottinger Hebert 1313 W. Pinhook Rd., Lafayette 337-232-2606 Lawrence L. Lewis III Onebane Law Firm 1200 Camellia Blvd., Suite 300 Lafayette 337-237-2660

Jack Miller Miller, Mitchell & Long, LTD 415 N. Parkerson Ave., Crowley 337-788-0768

David K. McCrory Ottinger Hebert 1313 W. Pinhook Rd., Lafayette 337-232-2606

Walter Marshall Sanchez The Sanchez Law Firm, LLC 1200 Ryan St., Lake Charles 337-433-4405

Joseph M. Placer Jr. Placer Law Firm, L.L.C 100 E. Vermilion St., Suite 202 Lafayette 337-237-2530

Kevin Stockstill Stockstill White Collar Criminal Defense 300 Stewart St., Lafayette 337-262-0203

Charles S. Weems III Gold Weems Bruser Sues & Rundell, APLC 2001 MacArthur Dr., Alexandria 318-445-6471

Glen D. Vamvoras Vamvoras Antoon 1111 Ryan St., Lake Charles 337-433-1621

CRIMINAL DEFENSE NON WHITE-COLLAR

CRIMINAL DEFENSE WHITE COLLAR

Alfred F. Boustany II Boustany Law Firm 421 W. Vermilion St., Lafayette 337-261-0225

William L. Goode The Goode Law Firm 812 Johnston St., Lafayette 337-234-0600

Joseph Martland Wilson Burke The Sanchez Law Firm, LLC 1200 Ryan St., Lake Charles 337-433-4405

Thomas Lawrence Lorenzi Lorenzi & Barnatt, L.L.P. 518 Pujo St., Lake Charles 337-513-0886

Todd S. Clemons Todd Clemons & Associates, APLC 1740 Ryan St., Lake Charles 337-477-0000 Donald D. Cleveland Donald D. Cleveland, APLC 819 St. John St., Lafayette 337-205-0319 Shane K. Hinch Hinch & Associates 201 W. College St., Suite A Lake Charles 337-222-3434

Kevin Stockstill Stockstill White Collar Criminal Defense 300 Stewart St., Lafayette 337-262-0203

EMINENT DOMAIN AND CONDEMNATION LAW James J. Davidson III Davidson Meaux Sonnier & McElligott LLP 810 S. Buchanan St., Lafayette 337-237-1660

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS LAW Joel P. Babineaux Babineaux, Poché, Anthony & Slavich, L.L.C. 1201 Camellia Blvd., Floor 3 Lafayette 337-984-2505 Robert E. Rowe Rowe Law Corporation 113 Oil Center Dr., Lafayette 337-266-9626

ENERGY LAW George Arceneaux III Liskow & Lewis 822 Harding St., Lafayette 337-267-2332 Brittan J. Bush Liskow & Lewis 822 Harding St., Lafayette 337-267-2357 Robert L. Cabes Milling Benson Woodward L.L.P. 101 La Rue France, Suite 200 Lafayette 337-232-3929 Brian W. Capell Liskow & Lewis 822 Harding St., Lafayette 337-267-2368 Billy J. Domingue Liskow & Lewis 822 Harding St., Lafayette 337-267-2342 Patrick W. Gray Johnson Gray McNamara, LLC 200 W. Congress St., Suite 900 Lafayette 337-412-6003 Jeffrey D. Lieberman Liskow & Lewis 822 Harding St., Lafayette 337-267-2349 James N. Mansfield III Liskow & Lewis 822 Harding St., Lafayette 337-267-2340 Samuel E. Masur Gordon, Arata, Montgomery, Barnett, McCollam, Duplantis & Eagan, LLC 400 E. Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 4200 Lafayette 337-237-0132

Jennifer E. Michel Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP 100 E. Vermilion St., Suite 300 Lafayette 337-205-4739 Matthew J. Randazzo III Randazzo Giglio & Bailey LLC 900 E. Saint Mary Blvd., Suite 200 Lafayette 337-291-4900 Jamie D. Rhymes Liskow & Lewis 822 Harding St., Lafayette 337-267-2360 April L. Rolen-Ogden Liskow & Lewis 822 Harding St., Lafayette 337-267-2330 Bryan D. Scofield Scofield & Rivera, LLC 100 E. Vermilion St., Suite 301 Lafayette 337-235-5353

ENVIRONMENTAL LAW Turner D Brumby Veron, Bice, Palermo & Wilson, LLC 721 Kirby St., Lake Charles 337-202-2922 Patrick A. Juneau Juneau David, APLC 1018 Harding St., Suite 202 Lafayette 337-269-0052 Alex P. Prochaska Jones Walker LLP 600 Jefferson St., Suite 1600 Lafayette 337-593-7616 Matthew J. Randazzo III Randazzo Giglio & Bailey LLC 900 E. Saint Mary Blvd., Suite 200 Lafayette 337-291-4900

FAMILY LAW Clare Sanchez Burke The Sanchez Law Firm, LLC 1200 Ryan St., Lake Charles 337-433-4405 Jeffrey A. Carrier Fuerst, Carrier & Ogden 127 W. Broad St., Suite 300 Lake Charles 337-436-3332

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TOP LAWYERS

RANDY FUERST

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hen he graduated from Washington University in St. Louis, Randy Fuerst wasn’t sure what he wanted to do with his life. He returned to his family’s home in Hollywood, Florida. There, a neighbor made a suggestion that changed his life.

“He said ‘I always thought you’d make a great lawyer — you like to talk!’” said Fuerst.

Fuerst’s girlfriend at the time moved to New Orleans, and Fuerst enrolled in law school at Loyola University New Orleans. Two weeks after starting classes, his girlfriend ran away with a saxophone player. But his legal studies had a happier ending.

Now 67, Fuerst is the founding partner of Fuerst, Carrier & Ogden in Lake Charles. After graduating from law school, Fuerst briefly worked in a defense attorney for insurance companies. He quickly realized it was not for him and switched to family law.

After 40 years of practicing law, Fuerst estimated he’s spoken to over 15,000 people who were looking for help over the course of his career.

He did not represent all of When Fuerst is not them, but said he has been practicing law, he honored to be someone enjoys golf, gardening people in the community and spending time turn to for help during difwith his three children ficult times.

(Rachel, Leah, and Fuerst said he is able to Jonathan). empathize with his clients because he came from a divorced family himself and knows how tough it can be for everyone involved. His work isn’t limited to the courtroom, either. Sometimes, clients need emotional or financial assistance and he helps them get it in the form of counselors or financial advisors.

“You’re the captain of a team and that team includes anyone the client needs, even people outside the firm,” Fuerst said.

When asked if a single case was the most rewarding in his career, Fuerst

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could not pick one. He pointed to every time a man or woman approached him to thank him for helping them get custody of their child or every time a man or woman who’d been a child in one of his custody cases thanked him for helping them get placed with the right parent.

“That’s the thing that keeps me going,” Fuerst said.

Keeping going has been a challenge for Fuerst over the past year. His firm’s offices were destroyed in Hur-

ricane Laura in summer 2020. After a friend helped him find new office space, it was still hard to find phone and internet service. For about three months, 12 people in his office were getting by with using one cell phone.

After his offices were up and running again, Fuerst caught COVID-19. It took him a full three and a half weeks to recover. But he’s back in the office and ready to keep working for families in Lake Charles.

Bradford H. Felder Veazey Felder & Renegar LLC 2 Flagg Pl., Lafayette 337-446-2709 Randy J. Fuerst Fuerst, Carrier & Ogden 127 W. Broad St., Suite 300 Lake Charles 337-436-3332 Rachel B. Godley Rachel B. Godley, Attorney at Law, LLC 511 Shore Dr., Suite 2 Youngsville 337-456-3457 Frank A. Granger Frank Granger, APLC 1135 Lake Shore Dr., Floor 6 Lake Charles 337-439-2732 John Green Jr. Law Offices of John Green Jr. 1135 Hodges St., Lake Charles 337-656-1032 Rebecca Jacobs Hunter The Sanchez Law Firm, LLC 1200 Ryan St., Lake Charles 337-433-4405 Philip C. Kobetz Philip C. Kobetz, LTD APLC 120 Representative Row, Lafayette 337-291-1990 Jack Miller Miller, Mitchell & Long, LTD 415 N. Parkerson Ave., Crowley 337-788-0768 Dona K. Renegar Veazey Felder & Renegar LLC 2 Flagg Pl., Lafayette 337-446-2709 Vincent Saitta Colomb & Saitta 113 Oil Center Dr., Lafayette 337-231-5250 Walter Marshall Sanchez The Sanchez Law Firm, LLC 1200 Ryan St., Lake Charles 337-433-4405 Danna E. Schwab The Schwab Law Firm 7847 W. Main St., Houma 985-262-3778

D. Reardon Stanford Hoyt, Stanford, & Wynne 315 S. College Rd., Suite 165 Lafayette 337-234-1012

Robert J. David Jr. Juneau David, APLC 1018 Harding St., Suite 202 Lafayette 337-269-0052

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS PRACTICE

Charles J. Foret Briney Foret Corry 413 Travis St., Suite 200 Lafayette 337-456-9819

Tyron D Picard The Picard Group 1200 Camellia Blvd., Suite 101 Lafayette 337-989-0071

David A. Fraser Fraser Wheeler & Courtney LLP 4350 Nelson Rd., Lake Charles 337-478-8595

HEALTH CARE LAW

Michael G. Lemoine Jones Walker LLP 600 Jefferson St., Suite 1600 Lafayette 337-593-7601

Lauren R. Ambler Sullivan Stolier Schulze & Grubb, LLC 1042 Camellia Blvd., Suite 2 Lafayette 504-561-1044 Nadia de la Houssaye Jones Walker LLP 600 Jefferson St., Suite 1600 Lafayette 337-593-7634 Nicholas Gachassin III Gachassin Law Firm 400 E. Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 6100 Lafayette 337-235-4576 Michael R. Schulze Sullivan Stolier Schulze & Grubb, LLC 1042 Camellia Blvd., Suite 2 Lafayette 504-561-1044

IMMIGRATION LAW Anna M. Grand Gibson Law Partners, LLC 2448 Johnston St., Lafayette 337-761-6250 Elena Arcos Knezek Knezek Law 95 Woods Crossing, Suite 100 Lafayette 337-266-2233 Mark S. Owens Jr. Knezek Law 95 Woods Crossing, Suite 100 Lafayette 337-266-2233

INSURANCE LAW Michael P. Corry Sr. Briney Foret Corry 413 Travis St., Suite 200 Lafayette 337-456-9817

Ian A. MacDonald Jones Walker LLP 600 Jefferson St., Suite 1600 Lafayette 337-593-7617 James L. Pate NeunerPate 1001 W. Pinhook Rd., Suite 200 Lafayette 337-272-0337 Gary J. Russo Jones Walker LLP 600 Jefferson St., Suite 1600 Lafayette 337-593-7610 Michael H. Schwartzberg The Roach Law Firm 2917 Ryan St., Lake Charles 337-240-9760 Randall K. Theunissen Allen & Gooch 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 400 Lafayette 337-291-1000 Terry Thibodeaux The Thibodeaux Law Firm, L.L.C. 1 Lakeshore Dr., Suite 1220 Lake Charles 337-433-5523

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW Christopher H. Riviere Riviere Abel 103 W. 3rd St., Thibodaux 985-447-7440 Blair B. Suire Jones Walker LLP 600 Jefferson St., Suite 1600 Lafayette 337-593-7648

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TOP LAWYERS

MASS TORT LITIGATION/CLASS ACTIONS

Robert L. Waddell Jones Walker LLP 600 Jefferson St., Suite 1600 Lafayette 337-593-7623

LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT LAW Joel P. Babineaux Babineaux, Poché, Anthony & Slavich, L.L.C. 1201 Camellia Blvd., Floor 3 Lafayette 337-984-2505 John S. Bradford Stockwell, Sievert, Viccellio, Clements & Shaddock, LLP One Lakeside Plz., 127 West Broad St., Floor 4 Lake Charles 337-493-7224 Robert J. David Jr. Juneau David, APLC 1018 Harding St., Suite 202 Lafayette 337-269-0052 Greg Guidry Ogletree Deakins 325 Settlers Trace Blvd., Suite 201 Lafayette 337-769-6583 Ken Spears Spears and Gary Law Firm, L.L.C. 4865 Ihles Rd., Lake Charles 337-513-4333 Kenneth D. St. Pé Kenneth D. St. Pé, APLC 311 W. University Ave., Suite A Lafayette 337-534-4043 James E. Sudduth III Sudduth & Associates, LLC 1109 Pithon St., Lake Charles 833-783-3884

LEGAL MALPRACTICE LAW Alan W. Stewart Gibson Law Partners, LLC 2448 Johnston St., Lafayette 337-761-6023 Scott Webre Webre & Associates 2901 Johnston St., Suite 307 Lafayette 337-237-5051

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Kenneth W. DeJean Law Offices of Kenneth W. DeJean 417 W. University Ave., Lafayette 337-235-5294 Thomas A. Filo Cox, Cox, Filo, Camel & Wilson L.L.C. 723 Broad St., Lake Charles 337-436-6611 Kristie M. Hightower Lundy Lundy Soileau & South, LLP 501 Broad St., Lake Charles 337-439-0707 Christopher P. Ieyoub Plauché, Smith & Nieset, LLC 1123 Pithon St., Lake Charles 337-436-0522 Robert M. Kallam Kean Miller LLP 600 Jefferson St., Suite 1101 Lafayette 337-235-2232 Amy Allums Lee Johnson Gray McNamara, LLC 200 W. Congress St., Suite 900 Lafayette 337-412-6003 Derriel McCorvey McCorvey Law, LLC 102 Versailles Blvd., Suite 620 Lafayette 337-291-2431 John E. McElligott Jr. Davidson Meaux Sonnier & McElligott LLP 810 S. Buchanan St., Lafayette 337-237-1660 William B. Monk Stockwell, Sievert, Viccellio, Clements & Shaddock, LLP One Lakeside Plz., 127 West Broad St., Floor 4 Lake Charles 337-493-7232 Edwin G. Preis Jr. Preis PLC 102 Versailles Blvd., Suite 400 Lafayette 337-237-6062 James P. Roy Domengeaux Wright Roy & Edwards, LLC 556 Jefferson St., Suite 500 Lafayette 337-291-4878

ACADIANA PROFILE / APRIL / MAY / 2021

John P. Roy Domengeaux Wright Roy & Edwards, LLC 556 Jefferson St., Suite 500 Lafayette 337-291-4878 Elwood C. Stevens Jr. Domengeaux Wright Roy & Edwards, LLC 556 Jefferson St., Suite 500 Lafayette 337-291-4878 Alan K. Breaud Breaud & Meyers, APLC 420 Oil Center Dr. , Lafayette 337-266-2200

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE LAW Kenneth W. DeJean Law Offices of Kenneth W. DeJean 417 W. University Ave., Lafayette 337-235-5294 Marc W. Judice Judice & Adley 926 Coolidge Blvd., Lafayette 337-235-2405 Christopher T. Lee Christopher T. Lee 311 W. University Ave., Lafayette 337-232-2390 Derriel McCorvey McCorvey Law, LLC 102 Versailles Blvd., Suite 620 Lafayette 337-291-2431 P. Craig Morrow Jr. Morrow, Morrow, Ryan, Bassett & Haik 324 W. Landry St., Opelousas 337-948-4483 William H. Parker III Allen & Gooch 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 400 Lafayette 337-291-1000 Sera H. Russell III The Law Office of Sera H. Russell, III 111 Mercury St., Lafayette 337-205-9786 Michael H. Schwartzberg The Roach Law Firm 2917 Ryan St., Lake Charles 337-240-9760 Bryan D. Scofield Scofield & Rivera, LLC 100 E. Vermilion St., Suite 301 Lafayette 337-235-5353

Kenneth D. St. Pé Kenneth D. St. Pé, APLC 311 W. University Ave., Suite A Lafayette 337-534-4043 Chris Villemarette Chris Villemarette, Trial Lawyer 3404 Moss St., Lafayette 337-232-3100 Scott Webre Webre & Associates 2901 Johnston St., Suite 307 Lafayette 337-237-5051

MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS LAW Kyle M. Bacon Jones Walker LLP 600 Jefferson St., Suite 1600 Lafayette 337-593-7706 Steven C. Lanza Onebane Law Firm 1200 Camellia Blvd., Suite 300 Lafayette 337-237-2660 Samuel E. Masur Gordon, Arata, Montgomery, Barnett, McCollam, Duplantis & Eagan, LLC 400 E. Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 4200 Lafayette 337-237-0132

NATURAL RESOURCES LAW Patrick W. Gray Johnson Gray McNamara, LLC 200 W. Congress St., Suite 900 Lafayette 337-412-6003 James N. Mansfield III Liskow & Lewis 822 Harding St., Lafayette 337-267-2340 Matthew J. Randazzo III Randazzo Giglio & Bailey LLC 900 E. Saint Mary Blvd., Suite 200 Lafayette 337-291-4900 Lawrence P. Simon Jr. Liskow & Lewis 822 Harding St., Lafayette 337-267-2323

OIL AND GAS LAW George Arceneaux III Liskow & Lewis 822 Harding St., Lafayette 337-267-2332 Bob J. Duplantis Gordon, Arata, Montgomery, Barnett, McCollam, Duplantis & Eagan, LLC 400 E. Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 4200 Lafayette 337-237-0132 Gregory G. Duplantis Gordon, Arata, Montgomery, Barnett, McCollam, Duplantis & Eagan, LLC 400 E. Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 4200 Lafayette 337-237-0132 J. Michael Fussell Jr. Ottinger Hebert 1313 W. Pinhook Rd., Lafayette 337-232-2606 Amy Duplantis Gautreaux Gordon, Arata, Montgomery, Barnett, McCollam, Duplantis & Eagan, LLC 400 E. Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 4200 Lafayette 337-237-0132 James N. Mansfield III Liskow & Lewis 822 Harding St., Lafayette 337-267-2340 D'Ann Penner Penner Law, LLC 109 E. Vermilion St., Lafayette 337-564-2217 Matthew J. Randazzo III Randazzo Giglio & Bailey LLC 900 E. Saint Mary Blvd., Suite 200 Lafayette 337-291-4900 April L. Rolen-Ogden Liskow & Lewis 822 Harding St., Lafayette 337-267-2330 Julia Love Taylor Veron, Bice, Palermo & Wilson, LLC 721 Kirby St., Lake Charles 337-202-2922

PERSONAL INJURY LITIGATION Bennett Boyd Anderson Jr. Anderson, Dozier, Blanda & Saltzman 2010 W. Pinhook Rd., Lafayette 337-233-3366 Glenn Armentor The Glenn Armentor Law Corporation 300 Stewart St., Lafayette 337-233-1471 Taylor J. Bassett Morrow, Morrow, Ryan, Bassett & Haik 324 W. Landry St., Opelousas 337-948-4483 Jere Jay Bice Veron, Bice, Palermo & Wilson, LLC 721 Kirby St., Lake Charles 337-202-2922 Nicholas A. Blanda Anderson, Dozier, Blanda & Saltzman 2010 W. Pinhook Rd., Lafayette 337-233-3366 Charles Brandt Brandt & Sherman, LLP 111 Mercury St., Lafayette 337-800-4000 Aaron Broussard Broussard & Hart, LLC 1301 Common St., Lake Charles 337-274-5164 Richard C. Broussard Broussard & David 557 Jefferson St., Lafayette 337-233-2323 Roger G. Burgess Baggett, McCall, Burgess, Watson & Gaughan, LLC 3006 Country Club Rd., Lake Charles 337-478-8888 Larry Curtis Larry Curtis Personal Injury Attorney 300 Rue Beauregard, Bldg. C Lafayette 337-366-8317 Blake R. David Sr. Broussard & David 557 Jefferson St., Lafayette 337-233-2323 James Domengeaux Jr. Davidson Meaux Sonnier & McElligott LLP 810 S. Buchanan St., Lafayette 337-237-1660

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TOP LAWYERS

ANGIE BRYSON

W

hen she was at LSU, Angie Bryson studied zoology with plans of entering medical school. She wanted to serve others, but after graduation, Bryson said she felt a calling for a different kind of service: helping clients as a lawyer.

Now, she and her husband Cary run the Bryson Law Firm.

Angie works with her clients on tax-related legal issues. She said communications skills and a passion for helping others are the most important skills in her job. A good tax lawyer has to concisely and accurately convey the necessary info to clients, both about the law and what to expect with their case.

But good communication isn’t limited to clients.

“Communication with a When Bryson is not client can look a lot different practicing the law, than communicating with she enjoys spending the taxing authorities we time with her husband negotiate with, and those and law partner, Cary, communications look difas well as their six ferent than our communichildren. She remains cations with our colleagues,” active and plays tennis regularly.

Bryson said.

Br yson added that a good lawyer should also remember they are a servant to their clients. You must “be able to put yourself in a client’s shoes, try to have a true understanding of their situation, and use that in your representation.”

Part of being able to communicate with a client and putting herself in their shoes is being a good listener. Bryson said every client has their own unique story and set of challenges they must face.

Each is a human being and deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.

“I love getting to be a part of their life stories by being a light in their lives as we resolve their tax troubles and find them peace and freedom from the worry and burden it caused in their life,” Bryson said. “We always advocate passionately for our clients and remember that our clients are affected by the work we do, so we must always do it well.”

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/ MAY / 2021

A practicing attorney since 1991, the 54-year-old Bryson has not just done tax work. She also worked a memorable open adoption case. A woman from South Texas called her out of the blue saying she wanted a young mom to help her with her adoption case. At the time, Bryson had three children under the age of four.

“I knew nothing about adoption but agreed to take the case after hearing her,” Bryson said.

Bryson studied everything she could about adoption as quickly as she could.

She drafted the documents and was ready for her day in court, but was still quite nervous. Thankfully, everything went seamlessly.

“It was intellectually, emotionally, and physically challenging for me, but it was also one of the highlights of my career,” Bryson said.

Digger Earles Laborde Earles Law Firm 1901 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Lafayette 337-221-9907 Thomas A. Filo Cox, Cox, Filo, Camel & Wilson L.L.C. 723 Broad St., Lake Charles 337-436-6611 Charles J. Foret Briney Foret Corry 413 Travis St., Suite 200 Lafayette 337-456-9819 William H. Goforth Goforth & Lilley 109 Stewart St., Lafayette 337-237-5777 John P. Graf Anderson, Dozier, Blanda & Saltzman 2010 W. Pinhook Rd., Lafayette 337-233-3366 Richard T. Haik Jr. Morrow, Morrow, Ryan, Bassett & Haik 324 W. Landry St., Opelousas 337-948-4483 Steven W. Hale Hale Law Firm 1735 Ryan St., Lake Charles 337-433-0613 W. Taylor Hale Hale Law Firm 1735 Ryan St., Lake Charles 337-234-6003 Patrick A. Juneau Juneau David, APLC 1018 Harding St., Suite 202 Lafayette 337-269-0052 Cliffe E. Laborde III Mahtook & LaFleur 600 Jefferson St., Floor 10 Lafayette 337-266-2189 Danny Lirette Lirette & Gary, L.L.C. 880 School St., Houma 985-876-2997 Jerome H. Moroux Broussard & David 557 Jefferson St., Lafayette 337-233-2323 P. Craig Morrow Morrow, Morrow, Ryan, Bassett & Haik 324 W. Landry St., Opelousas 337-948-4483

Patrick C. Morrow Morrow, Morrow, Ryan, Bassett & Haik 324 W. Landry St., Opelousas 337-948-4483 Donovan "Donnie" J. O'Pry II O'Pry Law Firm 2014 W. Pinhook Rd., Suite 507 Lafayette 337-236-6779 Edwin G. Preis Jr. Preis PLC 102 Versailles Blvd., Suite 400 Lafayette 337-237-6062 Chaz Roberts Chaz Roberts Law 100 Magnate Dr., Lafayette 337-504-3202 James P. Roy Domengeaux Wright Roy & Edwards, LLC 556 Jefferson St., Suite 500 Lafayette 337-291-4878 Keith P. Saltzman Anderson, Dozier, Blanda & Saltzman 2010 W. Pinhook Rd., Lafayette 337-233-3366 Oliver Schrumpf Schrumpf Law Office, PLC 3801 Maplewood Dr., Sulphur 337-625-9077 Elwood C. Stevens Jr. Domengeaux Wright Roy & Edwards, LLC 556 Jefferson St., Suite 500 Lafayette 337-291-4878 J. Michael Veron Veron, Bice, Palermo & Wilson, LLC 721 Kirby St., Lake Charles 337-202-2922 Jason M. Welborn Gaar Law Firm 114 Representative Row, Lafayette 337-366-0982 Richard E. Wilson Cox, Cox, Filo, Camel & Wilson L.L.C. 723 Broad St., Lake Charles 337-436-6611 Bob F. Wright Domengeaux Wright Roy & Edwards, LLC 556 Jefferson St., Suite 500 Lafayette 337-291-4878

PRODUCT LIABILITY LITIGATION Bennett Boyd Anderson Jr. Anderson, Dozier, Blanda & Saltzman 2010 W. Pinhook Rd., Lafayette 337-233-3366 Nicholas A. Blanda Anderson, Dozier, Blanda & Saltzman 2010 W. Pinhook Rd., Lafayette 337-233-3366 Roger G. Burgess Baggett, McCall, Burgess, Watson & Gaughan, LLC 3006 Country Club Rd., Lake Charles 337-478-8888 Richard D. Chappuis Jr. Voorhies & Labbé 700 St. John St., Suite 500 Lafayette 337-232-9700 Anthony M. Fazzio Anthony Fazzio LLC 4906 Ambassador Caffery Pkwy., Suite 1000, Bldg. J Lafayette 337-406-1122 Joseph F. Gaar Jr. Gaar Law Firm 114 Representative Row, Lafayette 337-366-0982 Kristie M. Hightower Lundy Lundy Soileau & South, LLP 501 Broad St., Lake Charles 337-439-0707 Patrick A. Juneau Juneau David, APLC 1018 Harding St., Suite 202 Lafayette 337-269-0052 Emmett C. Sole Stockwell, Sievert, Viccellio, Clements & Shaddock, LLP One Lakeside Plz., 127 West Broad St., Floor 4 Lake Charles 337-493-7222 Todd Alan Townsley The Townsley Law Firm 3102 Enterprise Blvd., Lake Charles 337-377-0584

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TOP LAWYERS RAILROAD LAW Kevin M. Dills Davidson Meaux Sonnier & McElligott LLP 810 S. Buchanan St., Lafayette 337-237-1660 Kyle L. Gideon Davidson Meaux Sonnier & McElligott LLP 810 S. Buchanan St., Lafayette 337-237-1660 W. Taylor Hale Hale Law Firm 1735 Ryan St., Lake Charles 337-426-1071 Elena Arcos Knezek Knezek Law 95 Woods Crossing, Suite 100 Lafayette 337-266-2233 John E. McElligott Jr. Davidson Meaux Sonnier & McElligott LLP 810 S. Buchanan St., Lafayette 337-237-1660

REAL ESTATE LAW Harold M. Block Block and Bouterie 408 W. 3rd St., Thibodaux 985-447-6767 Philip H. Boudreaux Andrus Boudreaux 1301 Camellia Blvd., Suite 401 Lafayette 337-984-9480 ext. 3010 Michael D. Carleton Chaffe McCall, LLP 1 Lakeshore Dr., Suite 1750 Lake Charles 337-419-1825 David L Carriere Law Office of David L. Carriere, A PLLC 322 S. Market St., Opelousas 337-948-6217 Billy J. Domingue Liskow & Lewis 822 Harding St., Lafayette 337-267-2342

SECURITIES/ CAPITAL MARKETS LAW Scott D. Chenevert Fishman Haygood, L.L.P. 201 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans 225-706-4060 Van R. Mayhall Jr. Breazeale, Sachse & Wilson, L.L.P. 301 Main St., Suite 2300 Baton Rouge 225-381-8009

TAX LAW Angela Smith Bryson Bryson Law Firm, LLC 515 W. Convent St., Lafayette 337-233-4210 Cary B. Bryson Bryson Law Firm, LLC 515 W. Convent St., Lafayette 337-233-4210 Ted W. Hoyt Hoyt, Stanford, & Wynne 315 S. College Rd., Suite 165 Lafayette 337-234-1012 Edwin K. Hunter Hunter, Hunter & Sonnier, LLC 1807 Lake St., Lake Charles 337-436-1600 Lawrence L. Lewis III Onebane Law Firm 1200 Camellia Blvd., Suite 300 Lafayette 337-237-2660 David L. Sigler Sigler, Arabie & Cannon 630 Kirby St., Lake Charles 337-439-2033 William P Stubbs Jr. Stubbs & Hightower, L.L.C. 201 Rue Beauregard, Lafayette 337-233-9755 Russell J Stutes Jr. Stutes & Lavergne, LLC 600 Broad St., Lake Charles 337-433-0022

TRANSPORTATION LAW Alan K Breaud Breaud & Meyers, APLC 420 Oil Center Dr. , Lafayette 337-266-2200 Richard D. Chappuis Jr. Voorhies & Labbé 700 St. John St., Suite 500 Lafayette 337-232-9700 James M. Dill The Dill Firm 825 Lafayette St., Lafayette 337-261-1408 Robert M. Kallam Kean Miller LLP 600 Jefferson St., Suite 1101 Lafayette 337-235-2232 Elena Arcos Knezek Knezek Law 96 Woods Crossing, Suite 100 Lafayette 337-266-2233 Ralph E. Kraft Kraft Lege LLC 600 Jefferson St., Suite 410 Lafayette 337-706-1818 John E. McElligott Jr. Davidson Meaux Sonnier & McElligott LLP 810 S. Buchanan St., Lafayette 337-237-1660 Kevin P. Merchant NeunerPate 1001 W. Pinhook Rd., Suite 200 Lafayette 337-272-0322

Chris A. Verret Chris A. Verret, Attorney at Law 325 Audubon Blvd., Lafayette 337-237-4600

Jennifer E. Michel Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP 100 E. Vermilion St., Suite 300 Lafayette 337-205-4739

Jack G. Wheeler Fraser Wheeler & Courtney LLP 4350 Nelson Rd., Lake Charles 337-478-8595

Katie Penny Galloway, Johnson, Tompkins, Burr & Smith 328 Settlers Trace Blvd., Lafayette 337-735-1760

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H. Aubrey White III Stockwell, Sievert, Viccellio, Clements & Shaddock, LLP One Lakeside Plz., 127 West Broad St., Floor 4 Lake Charles 337-493-7294

/ MAY / 2021

Edwin G. Preis Jr. Preis PLC 102 Versailles Blvd., Suite 400 Lafayette 337-237-6062

Jack G. Wheeler Fraser Wheeler & Courtney LLP 4350 Nelson Rd., Lake Charles 337-478-8595

Jason M. Welborn The Law Office of Jason M. Welborn 114 Representative Row, Lafayette 337-234-5533

H. Aubrey White III Stockwell, Sievert, Viccellio, Clements & Shaddock, LLP One Lakeside Plz., 127 West Broad St., Floor 4 Lake Charles 337-493-7294

TRUSTS AND ESTATES Dorrell J. Brister Gold Weems Bruser Sues & Rundell, APLC 2001 MacArthur Dr., Alexandria 318-445-6471 L. Milton Cancienne Jr. Cancienne Law Firm 515 Barrow St., Houma 985-876-5656 Michael D. Carleton Chaffe McCall, LLP 1 Lakeshore Dr., Suite 1750 Lake Charles 337-419-1825 David L. Carriere Law Office of David L. Carriere, A PLLC 322 S. Market St., Opelousas 337-948-6217 Megan M. Clark Galloway, Johnson, Tompkins, Burr & Smith 328 Settlers Trace Blvd., Lafayette 337-735-1760 Lawrence L. Lewis III Onebane Law Firm 1200 Camellia Blvd., Suite 300 Lafayette 337-237-2660 Robert E. Rowe Rowe Law Corporation 113 Oil Center Dr., Lafayette 337-266-9626

WORKERS COMPENSATION LAW Glenn Armentor The Glenn Armentor Law Corporation 300 Stewart St., Lafayette 337-233-1471 Shannon Dartez The Glenn Armentor Law Corporation 300 Stewart St., Lafayette 337-233-1471 Thomas A. Filo Cox, Cox, Filo, Camel & Wilson L.L.C. 723 Broad St., Lake Charles 337-436-6611 Joseph F. Gaar Jr. Gaar Law Firm 114 Representative Row, Lafayette 337-366-0982 Rémy A.M. Jardell Law Office of Rémy A. M. Jardell 625 St. John St., Lafayette 337-267-0985 Patrick A. Johnson Allen & Gooch 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 400 Lafayette 337-291-1000

David L. Sigler Sigler, Arabie & Cannon 630 Kirby St., Lake Charles 337-439-2033

Donovan "Donnie" J. O'Pry II O'Pry Law Firm 2014 W. Pinhook Rd., Suite 507 Lafayette 337-236-6779

William P Stubbs Jr. Stubbs & Hightower, L.L.C. 201 Rue Beauregard, Lafayette 337-233-9755

Mark S. Owens Jr. Knezek Law 95 Woods Crossing, Suite 100 Lafayette 337-266-2233

Chris A. Verret Chris A. Verret, Attorney at Law 325 Audubon Blvd., Lafayette 337-237-4600

Michael E. Parker Allen & Gooch 2000 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Suite 400 Lafayette 337-291-1000

Rex D. Townsley The Townsley Law Firm 3102 Enterprise Blvd., Lake Charles 337-377-0584 Jonathan L. Woods Randazzo Giglio & Bailey LLC 900 E. Saint Mary Blvd., Suite 200 Lafayette 337-291-4900

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AC A DIA NA PROFILE DECEMBER 2020/JA NUA RY 2021

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LET T R ES D'AMO UR

Bright Lights, Bigger City A young boy from Mamou realizes his childhood dreams with a move to Lafayette, inspiration from the culture and ingenuity of Acadianians

By Corey Jack Illustration by Christina Brown

As a kid growing up in the small, rural town

of Mamou, I had huge aspirations of starting my own business one day. At least once every couple of months, my mother and I would come to Lafayette to go to the Acadiana Mall, among other places. As we drove into the city, I would gaze out of the passenger side car window at the office buildings and businesses, the likes of which you would not see in my hometown. I knew that one day I would have an office in a building like the ones I would see when I would come to the city. My mother knew the aspirations I had and would talk to me about the impact she knew I would make as I grew older, which further motivated me. I eventually graduated from high school and moved to Lafayette to attend college. This is when I began to fall in love with Acadiana.

As I reflect on what I love most about Acadiana, I believe that it is the ingenuity and creativity of the people. This mindset spans the region and has created many entrepreneurs, many of whom I have seen create businesses within Corey Jack is an entrepreneur, structural constraints and the founder of using limited resources.

Youth Literacy I have had the honor of Foundation working with many of Acadiana and a past Acadiana them, most of which are Trailblazers minority-owned, as they honoree. started businesses and created side hustles to generate income to support their families.

It is no secret that Acadiana is known for its culture, creating a good foundation from which local entrepreneurs produce products or perform services. People within the Acadiana region are utilizing its food, arts and culture to fuel their entrepreneurial endeavors. They have found ways to monetize their skills to cook and prepare Creole and Cajun cuisine, utilize their ability to capture the beautiful sights of our region on canvas

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AC A DIA NA PROFILE A PRIL/M AY 2021

and through photography, produce and perform music unique to our culture, and much more. They are making a living while being a part of our cultural economy. I am proud to have built a business that has been able to assist them along the journey.

Many of my philanthropic efforts and volunteerism are focused on teaching financial literacy and entrepreneurship to the youth in Acadiana. It is the most fulfilling thing that I do as I often see a younger version of myself

in them. Like the adults that I work with, I try and teach them how to use Acadiana’s unique culture as an asset for their entrepreneurial pursuits. I believe that doing this will expose them to the opportunities that exist locally, help them build an appreciation for the region and prevent Acadiana from losing bright, young talent to other cities and states.

Growing up in Acadiana has had a tremendous impact on me and I plan to continue doing my part to make it a better place for all. ■

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PLUS Ç A C HA NG E

To Roux or Not to Roux That is the question of store bought versus homemade

by David Cheramie illustration by Christina Brown

The question came up innocently enough

on a Facebook group page about south Louisiana culture. Some of the most intense discussions seem to revolve around food, which should be no surprise since so many of our conversations involve what our next meal will be, often with our mouths already full with the current meal. Debates about gumbo — whether tomatoes can be an ingredient or if

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AC A DIA NA PROFILE A PRIL/M AY 2021

potato salad is served as a side dish or plunged in it — can sometimes tear families asunder and destroy relationships. They even serve as a litmus test for marital compatibility. Given the intensity of these opinions, one would think the question of whether there is any difference between a gumbo made with roux from a jar and one prepared with homemade roux would not be fiercely argued. One would think, but one would be mistaken.

If there is one thing we like as much as eating, if not more, it is cooking. Everyone has at least one secret recipe handed down through generations immemorial for everything from rice and gravy to bread pudding and oyster dressing to sweet dough pie. In these cases, we tend to respect differences and attribute them to regional variations and family traditions. There even seems to be universal agreement on the proper tools of the trade: cast iron pots and skillets, wellworn wooden stirring spoons and Magnalite roasting pans are de rigueur in any selfrespecting south Louisiana chef ’s kitchen.

But when it comes to preparing the base of the most basic of classic south Louisiana dishes, a deep divide opens. Even though most of us no longer go out to the yard to choose the unlucky chicken going into the pot nor do we for the most part harvest the vegetables comprising the “Holy Trinity” from our gardens, we still

take pride in self-reliance and an ethos of do-it-yourself. It seems the last vestige of the days when everyone grew or raised almost everything edible is in the graceful gesture of slowly stirring the simmering mixture of oil and flour. We do not always have the time, nor the desire to stand motionless except for the constant swaying of one’s arm, silent except for the wooden spoon scrapping the bottom of the pot, for what can seem like an eternity.

On the other hand, there are those who swear by one brand or another and who consider the whole undertaking of homemade roux a monumental waste of time. The disparities seem insurmountable.

Personally, I am forced to admit that I cannot taste the difference, but I know there one. It is in the zen-like practice of mindful patience in bringing the roux to the desired shade of brown. It is in the metamorphosis of motion, heat, fat, and ground grains into an experience to be shared among friends and family. It is the tie that binds disparate components into a cohesive composition of comestible camaraderie. This simple act transforms the gumbo from a mere provider of calories into nourishment for both body and soul. ■

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EN F RA NÇ A I S, S ’IL VO US P L A Î T

Le Coton jaune La fibre courte avec une longue histoire par David Cheramie

Oublié depuis longtemps à cause de sa

faible valeur commerciale, le coton jaune connaît une renaissance de popularité parmi celles et ceux qui veulent retrouver l’esthétique de « fait-maison ». Pas aussi convoité commercialement que le coton blanc, sa culture est longtemps restée une affaire de famille. Sa fibre plus courte rendait le coton jaune difficile à exploiter à grande échelle, et donc difficile à vendre. Les habitants faisaient pousser le coton jaune pour leur propre consommation. L’arrivée des vêtements prêt-àporter dans les magasins, ainsi qu’une plus grande circulation d’argent liquide, aurait pu signaler la fin de l’histoire du coton jaune et pourtant...

La culture du coton jaune nécessite une attention particulière et un effort physique considérable. On plante les graines une par une à un ou deux pouces de profondeur.

Traditionnellement, la plantation avait lieu après Pâques, quand le sol ne risquait plus de geler, et après celle du coton blanc. Selon Gladys LeBlanc Clark, considérée comme la plus grande des maîtresses-tisserandes, son père Ambrose choisissait l’heure la plus chaude de la journée pour planter. Les premières pousses apparaissent de trois à cinq jours après. On doit garder sa pioche aiguisée pour ôter les mauvaises herbes qui menacent d’étouffer les grabots avant qu’ils ne fleurissent quelques semaines après leur parution.

Sa saison de croissance dure deux mois à peu près après la floraison. La récolte du coton jaune est un peu plus facile que celle du coton blanc parce que ses tiges sont plus hautes et donc on doit moins se pencher. Mais on doit le faire plus souvent.

For an english Une fois ramassé, le translation travail ne fait que com- visit acadianamencer. Le coton doit se profile.com faire égrener et peigner, des tâches laborieuses qui mobilisent le voisinage. Souvent les plus jeunes de la famille étaient enrôlés à séparer les graines du coton dans un travail collectif, la graboterie. On organisait des réunions de femmes qu’on appelait des écarderies. Les écardes sont des planches en bois avec une

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manche et des petits peignes. On frotte les deux planches ensemble avec le coton au milieu pour faire une roulée. Ensuite, on met la roulée sur le rouet pour faire du fil. Le fil va sur le métier pour le tisser. Enfin, on prend le tissu pour tailler des vêtements. Cette procédure peut prendre plus d’un an avant de pouvoir porter une nouvelle jupe ou chemise. Ce n’est pas étonnant que dès qu’il était possible, on préférait acheter son linge.

Un peu comme les écarderies et les graboteries, qui sont dans la même veine de travail

communal que les boucheries, c’est grâce aux efforts d’une communauté d’activistes rassemblés autour d’un but commun que le coton jaune revient à la mode. Sans mauvaise blague, c’est dans l’étoffe de notre culture. Sa redécouverte a inspiré un documentaire, le bien-nommé « Coton jaune » et des expositions qui ont attiré de nouveaux adeptes. Ils ont même formé un groupe, « Field to Fashion in Acadiana » dédié, comme Voltaire, à cultiver son jardin de coton jaune. ■

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