Attorney Directory 2023 by BayouLife Magazine

The BayouLife Attorney Directory is your source for obtaining current information for attorneys licensed to practice in Louisiana. From personal injury attorneys to those specializing in family law, this list is comprised of some of the best in the industry.

Bayou DeSiar d Title Company

M ather ne & Davis, APLC

417 North 3rd Street, Monroe 318.325.8800

3006 Armand Street, P.O. Box 6135, Monroe 318.807.9030

Cr eed & Cr eed

North Delta Title Company

1805 Tower Drive, Monroe 318.387.5800

1100 North 19th Street, Monroe 318.387.1100

Guer r iero & Guer r iero

Paul Hur d L aw Office

2200 Forsythe Avenue, Monroe 318.600.0000

1896 Hudson Circle, Suite 5, Monroe 318.323.3838

The L aw Office of Molly M. Clement, LLC

Watson, McMill an & Str eet, LLP M ar athon Title

103 South Briggs, Oak Grove 318.428.3219

1881 Hudson Circle, Monroe 318-322-9700

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L O C A L I N J U RY AT T O R N E Y S

ince 1995, Christian and Catherine Creed have provided outstanding legal representation to their clients in northeast Louisiana. As members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, which recognizes prestigious trial lawyers in the United States, Creed & Creed focuses on personal injury litigation, including automobile accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, offshore accidents, wrongful death, and social security disability claims. Also, as members of the American Academy of Trial Attorneys, representing the top one percent of trial attorneys, the firm believes those who have suffered personal injuries due to negligence, through no fault of their own, should be fairly and adequately compensated. They believe in dedicated and personal service. 1805 Tower Drive, Monroe Christian and Catherine creedlaw.com | 318 - 387- 580 0 meet personally with their clients to better LOCAL understand the needs PERSONAL INJURY AT TOR NEYS of their clients and the details of their case. They know how insurance companies operate, and they fight to protect the rights of their clients. In fact, the firm was recently recognized as one of the nation’s top personal injury law firms by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel and is the proud recipient of The American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys’ Client Satisfaction Award. Christian Creed is an experienced trial attorney and persuasive negotiator. A graduate of LSU and Loyola University College of Law, Christian is also a licensed investigator, making him uniquely qualified

Creed & Creed

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to fight on their clients’ behalf. Moreover, Christian previously worked as a claims adjuster for several national insurance companies, so he knows how insurance adjusters operate and the strategies they employ. He has been representing clients throughout northeast Louisiana for over 25 years, and his experience ensures their clients the favorable outcome they deserve. Catherine Creed is a lifelong resident of our community with over 25 years of legal experience. A graduate of LSU and Loyola University College of Law, she is a former real estate attorney, who now devotes her entire practice to personal injury law. Catherine is a member of the Louisiana Association of Justice and Louisiana Land and Title Association. She is also a sustaining member of the Monroe Junior League and is actively involved with the United Way of Northeast Louisiana. Christian and Catherine take pride in their Louisiana roots and are actively involved in their community. The Creeds are ardent supporters of our area’s schools, universities and non-profits. Creed & Creed was voted Best Law Firm in 2021 and is an eleven-time winner of The Best of the Delta, Best Attorney. Creed & Creed is a past recipient of the Good Neighbor Award presented by the Better Business Bureau and the Bart Award, which recognizes contributions by local businesses to the arts in northeast Louisiana by the Downtown Arts Alliance. Also, Christian was previously recognized as the James M. Shipp Jr. Memorial Young Business Leader of the Year by the Monroe Chamber of Commerce and received the first Community Spirit Award presented by NELA United Way. The Creeds take pride in being our area’s local injury attorneys.

Guerriero & Guerriero 220 0 Forsythe Avenue, Monroe theinjuryattorney.com | 318.60 0.0 0 0 0 OFFICIAL INJURY AT TOR NEY FOR THE UL M WA R HAW KS TOUGH, AGGRESSIVE, LOCAL LEGAL REPRESEN TATION 97 YEA RS STRONG

ounded 97 years ago, the law firm of Guerriero and Guerriero is one of the oldest and most prestigious firms in North Louisiana. With over three decades of litigation experience, Jeff Guerriero continues the legacy started by his grandfather, Joseph S. Guerriero, and his father, Joe D. Guerriero. Jeff, his wife Elizabeth, and son-in-law Bryan Creekmore are proud to be a part of the legal profession and to carry on a family tradition of providing tough and aggressive legal representation to Louisiana plaintiffs. Jeff, a respected attorney known for his compassionate and tenacious representation, has obtained some of the largest settlements and verdicts in Northeast Louisiana, collecting millions of dollars for his clients. He gives each case his personal attention and cares about his clients like family. Guerriero & Guerriero is proud to be the official injury attorney for the ULM Warhawks. The firm handles cases involving personal injury; 18-wheeler, motorcycle, and car accidents; wrongful death; nursing home neglect; medical malpractice; drug recalls/injuries; defective products; oil field/

rig accidents; and mass tort/class action litigation. Over his accomplished legal career, Jeff has won numerous distinguished awards including Bayou Life’s Best of the Bayou Top Attorney; Shreveport Bossier Magazine’s Top Attorney; Super Lawyer distinction; Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year; and the Better Business Bureau’s Good Neighbor award. Additionally, the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys recently voted Guerriero Law firm one of the 10 Best Law Firms for Exceptional Client Services. Jeff and Elizabeth both attended ULM and received their Juris Doctorates from Tulane University School of Law. Jeff served on the House of Delegates, the Board of Governors, and the Legislative Committee for the Louisiana State Bar Association for several years. He also served as the chairman of the Ethics Committee for the Fourth Judicial District Bar Association for over 10 years. Elizabeth, an accomplished attorney in her own right, taught Business Law at ULM for 25 years and served on the House of Delegates for the Louisiana Bar

Association. Specializing in contract law, she has negotiated multi-million dollar entertainment, television and sports contracts. Bryan, a graduate of ULM and Southern School of Law, is an integral part of the firm and puts his legal research and analytical skills to work for the firm’s clients. He has recently been selected as one of the Top 40 Under 40 community members by the Chamber of Commerce as well as being selected as a fellow to participate in the 2023 Delta Regional Authority leadership institute in order to help progress our region. Guerriero & Guerriero is truly a local family business that for generations has, and continues to, serve and support the greater Ouachita area. The firm gives back to the community by supporting local charities and schools, sponsoring coat and toy drives, bike giveaways, Jungle Bells (free zoo admission with many holiday activities) and by participating in Christmas, Mardi Gras and Black History parades. The Guerriero law firm is available 24/7 to call for FREE consultations. Just dial 6 million - 318-600-0000 WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | MARCH 2023 79

Matherne & Davis, Attorneys at Law 30 06 Armand Street, P.O. Box 6135, Monroe 318.807. 9030 Wills, Powers of Attorney, Trusts, Successions

atherne and Davis, Attorneys at Law, are based in Monroe and represent clients throughout Northeast Louisiana. Their firm provides a broad range of legal services to clients, specializing in estate planning. They bring extensive experience and professionalism in every case and customize their support with every client based upon specific needs, concerns and goals. Almost all individuals, regardless of age, marital status or net worth need to have an ongoing relationship and open conversation with a competent estate planning attorney. By creating a plan for the management of your assets in the event of disability and/or a plan for the disposition of your assets at death, the time and expense of the probate process and any potential estate tax liability, can be greatly reduced and the burden on loved ones can be minimized. They assist clients with comprehensive wealth management and estate planning strategies to best meet their needs and to help families with the transition of assets during lifetime and at death in the most efficient manner possible. Their services include the drafting and administration of wills, powers of attorney,

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trusts, and successions. In addition, they are experienced and available to counsel and advise clients in the areas of donations, marriage contracts, tutorships, interdictions, Medicaid planning, business formation, taxation, and business contracts. The faces behind Matherne and Davis may be familiar to you as they were both born and raised in North Louisiana and are very involved in the community. Valerie Van Matherne has been practicing law in Monroe for over 25 years. After graduating from Ouachita Parish High School, and ULM with a Bachelor of Business in Accounting, she attended Mississippi College School of Law. While attending law school, she passed the CPA exam and maintains her CPA status as “inactive.” She began her practice as a sole practitioner specializing in corporate law, successions, wills, trusts and tax planning. She also spent several years working in the banking industry as a trust officer. In 2005, Valerie received her Certified Financial Planner™ Certification and has been a Board-Certified Estate Planning and Administration Specialist with the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization since 2007. In 2013, Valerie partnered with Lauren Davis to form Matherne & Davis, APLC.

Lauren Pickett Davis is a native of Delhi and high school graduate of Riverfield Academy. She graduated from ULM with a Bachelor of Arts in Government/History in 2001 and received her Juris Doctorate in Civil Law from Loyola University School of Law in New Orleans in 2007. After graduation, Lauren clerked for the Fourth Judicial District Court. Upon completion of her clerkship, Lauren practiced in Shreveport until 2012 when she and her family returned to Monroe. Lauren currently serves on the Board of Directors for Commercial Capital Bank. She is also an elected member of the School Council for Jesus the Good Shepherd School. Valerie and Lauren’s work history and knowledge are invaluable in assisting their clients in the estate planning field as they work closely with many of their client’s tax advisors and financial planners to ensure that their clients benefit from a comprehensive approach. Contact Matherne and Davis today to plan for your future. Whether you are planning a new business, in need of a pre or post marriage contract or estate planning, Matherne and Davis can help you today, so you don’t have to worry about tomorrow.

Law Office of Paul Loy Hurd 1896 Hudson Circle, Suite 5, Monroe 318. 323. 3838 Real Estate, Successions, Business Formation

Home Title Guaranty Company paul@ paulhurdlawof f ice.com 318. 323. 3838 Real Estate Transactions, Closings, Title Insurance

Louisiana Excellence, Inc. paul@LouisianaExcel.org 318. 323. 3495 Non-prof it Educational, Public Policy Advocacy

aul Loy Hurd has been an active member of the legal and business community in northeast Louisiana for over forty (40) years, and is the founder of the law firm “Paul Loy Hurd, APLC.” Mr Hurd is a graduate of Tulane University, School of Arts and Science (1976), and Tulane School of Law (1978). The firm continues to provide creative, insightful legal advice and counsel to our clients covering a wide range of legal matters and business transactions. The firm provides legal counsel concerning complex land title abstracts; identification of alternative legal procedures available to clear clouds on title to real estate; negotiation of terms of buy/sell agreements from both the buyer and seller side and ultimately the preparation and closing of real estate and business transactions, refinancing and personal donations. Additionally, the Hurd Firm handles a wide array of probate and succession matters, completing the process of transferring property to legatees and

heirs of a deceased family member. This forward looking management analysis often involves creation of inter vivos trusts, testamentary trusts, and the creation of new legal entities. Ultimately, the Hurd Firm implements its forward looking analysis to assure our clients are in the best legal position to hold and manage their property, and to be prepared to pass it on to the next generation. Home Title Gauranty Company, a full service title insurance and real estate closing company that is owned and operated by Mr. Hurd for over twenty-five years. Home Title provides a broad range of closing service, and title insurance through First American Title Insurance Company of Louisiana. Home Title is especially committed to assisting its clients in their first acquisition of a family home, and the subsequent refinancing of this major family asset. In 2023, Mr. Hurd became the President of Louisiana Excellence, Inc., a non-profit public policy, educational and advocacy group, whose members

are joining together to make three major, strategic changes to Louisiana State government and taxation. See, Louisiana Excellence’s six strategic changes at www.LouisianaExcel.org. The Mission of Louisiana Excellence is Economic Revival of Louisiana by reversing our decade-long loss of population. With Mr. Hurd’s background in constitutional law, government structure, government taxation, Louisiana Excellence, Inc. is gathering new members and in 2023 will demand strategic change in State taxation, education, public safety and enhancement of Louisiana’s unique cultural assets. These changes will guarantee economic prosperity and growth and transform the State of Louisiana into the business and recreational capital of the Gulf South. The Firm, Home Title and Louisiana Excellence are unified and dedicated to serving the People of Louisiana, focused on creating profitable business, and growing our unique Louisiana entertainment and recreational way of life. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | MARCH 2023 81

ow celebrating its’ 25th year in business, Bayou DeSiard Title Company would like to thank all of the clients, lenders, realtors and other individuals who have supported the company since its’ founding. Gene Hastings and the other attorneys and staff members of Bayou DeSiard Title recognize that any company that has been successful for over two decades owes its existence to the individuals and community that it serves. Bayou DeSiard Title specializes in providing closing services in connection with all types of real estate transactions. It handles transactions involving residential and commercial properties including sales, mortgages, refinances, donations, servitudes and lease/ purchases. The company provides escrow services and writes title insurance for national title insurers. Bayou DeSiard Title is approved to handle matters on behalf of almost every banker,

Bayou DeSiard Title Company 417 North 3rd Street, Monroe 318 - 325 - 880 0

he Law Office of Molly M. Clement, LLC, located in the heart of Oak Grove, Louisiana, is a solo law practice owned and operated by Molly McEacharn Clement. Molly Clement is a Louisiana licensed title insurance producer. Real estate is the firm’s specialty, providing services including, but not limited to title insurance, abstracting and deeds. However, the firm provides a wide variety of other legal services to the parishes of East and West Carroll as well as the surrounding parishes. The small town firm offers estate planning, probate matters, business transactions, business entity formation and organization, property settlement, domestic,and many other areas of practice unique to a small town firm. The business, located in West Carroll Parish’s courthouse square, was purchased from retired 5th District Attorney and solo practitioner Mack Lancaster in 2020 with the vision of continuing the tradition of delivering reliable legal services with a smile, handshake and a shared sense of community. Owner and attorney, Molly Clement, was born and raised in Delhi, Louisiana and has been practicing law in Northeast Louisiana since 2010. After graduating from Riverfield Academy

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mortgage broker and realty office in Northeast Louisiana. The company was formed in 1997 by local attorney Gene Hastings and he has since been joined by two other attorneys, Cooper Hastings and Larry Mullens. The attorneys are supported by a staff which prides itself on being experienced, professional and friendly. The individuals that make up our team are all determined to provide professional title services while maintaining a personal relationship with our clients. Everyone at Bayou DeSiard Title is a specialist when it comes to real estate transactions and this is why they can live up to the company slogan of “closing loans at the lowest possible cost to you.” Because of its history of professionalism and community involvement Bayou DeSiard Title has been recognized with various awards over the years since its formation including the Chamber of Commerce’s Thomas H Scott Award of Excellence and the Rivertown Award of Excellence.

in Rayville, Louisiana, she earned bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Louisiana State University and Juris Doctorate from Southern University Law School. Upon graduation, Molly clerked for criminal and civil sections of the Fourth Judicial District Court and then proceeded to a Monroe area law firm where she practiced personal injury and civil litigation. Molly is in her 10th year as an Assistant District Attorney, currently serving the 5th Judicial District, prosecuting all criminal matters for the Parish of West Carroll. Prior to serving West Carroll, she served as an Assistant District Attorney for the parishes in the 6th Judicial District. Molly also presides as Magistrate for the Town of Lake Providence Mayor’s Court and currently serves on the board of the Kelly-Dumas Airport. Molly also maintains an active license to practice law in the State of Mississippi. Molly is uniquely situated both professionally and geographically to serve the needs of many communities and parishes in Northeast Louisiana; not just her home parishes. The Law Office of Molly M. Clement is dedicated to meeting the legal needs of its community and the surrounding areas by always being available to clients whether in person, via email or telephone and strives to create and maintain personal connections that strengthen people, businesses, and local resources. Molly is dedicated to her passion; she is a servant leader with an unparalleled ability to fuel progress.

ince opening in 1994, North Delta Title has successfully closed over 30,000 real estate transactions and is the largest title company in Northeast Louisiana. Although their offices are located in Ouachita Parish, North Delta Title provides residential and commercial real estate closing services throughout the state of Louisiana. North Delta Title conducts all types of residential purchase and sale transactions as well as refinances from the opening of escrow to the final settlement of the sale. Their company facilitates every aspect of the transaction and works closely with the real estate professionals, the lender, buyer, and seller to ensure that every settlement runs smoothly, and is handled in an efficient and stressfree manner. Partner, Amy Price Sawyer, was born in Northeast Louisiana and currently resides in Monroe with her two children, Claire and Will. She is a 1997 graduate of St. Frederick High School. Sawyer earned a bachelor of arts in Political Science from Louisiana State University in 2001. She graduated Cum Laude from Southern University Law Center 110 0 North 19th Street, Monroe in 2009, earning her Juris Doctorate. Sawyer was a NorthDeltaTitle.com | 318 - 387-110 0

North Delta Title Company

member of the Southern University Law Review, and is the author of You Mean My Doctor Is Not an Expert?: The Admissibility of the Medical Review Panel Opinion in Summary Judgment Proceedings, 36 S. U. L. Rev. 337 (2009). She joined North Delta Title Company in February 2011 and was named partner in February 2014. She specializes in residential and commercial real estate transactions, business, estate planning and succession law. Before associating with Price & Sawyer, LLC and North Delta Title Company, Sawyer clerked for the Honorable Laura Prosser Davis of Baton Rouge City Court and the Honorable Annette M. Lassalle of The Family Court of East Baton Rouge Parish. Mrs. Sawyer is a member of the American Bar Association, the Louisiana State Bar Association, the Fourth District Bar Association, Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, the Northeast Louisiana Association of Realtors. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Louisiana Land Title Association and as a member of the Louisiana Law Institute Property Committee. She is the past Chairman of the Board of the Northeast Louisiana United Way and serves as the President of the Parents Association at St. Frederick High School. She is an active member of Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic Church. She was recently awarded the 32nd Annual James M. Shipp, Jr. Memorial Young Business Leader of the Year.

Watson, McMillin & Street, LLP 1881 Hudson Circle, Monroe wmhllp.com | 318 - 322-970 0 AT TOR NEYS AT LAW | TI TLE COMPA NY

n 2012, Watson, McMillin & Street LLP formed Marathon Title Company. As a full service agency, Marathon Title offers complete real estate title services from a basic title search and report to a fully insured closing. As an agent for various title insurance companies, they have the expertise and ability to provide the most comprehensive title insurance coverage available in the industry. Their focus is superior customer service. For you, this means fast turn-around, reasonable prices and the highest level of professionalism in all aspects of the closing process. From simple acquisitions and sale transactions to organizing all aspects of large scale developments and financing, our attorneys’ skills in negotiating, structuring and documenting complex transactions are

put to work for you. Marathon’s continued growth reflects the firm as being one of the premier loan closing and title companies in Northeast Louisiana. While the law firm has extended its services to include title services, William Brooks Watson, David C. McMillin and Mike Street additionally practice personal injury, employment law, banking law, estate planning, business planning, real estate law and tax law. The diversity of practice allows them to serve clients across a wide spectrum of legal concerns, while their detail-oriented approach ensures deeply committed and personalized representation. The firm’s mission is to bring your legal issue to resolution in a timely fashion and at a fair price.