Cummins and Fitts

The Area’s Largest Family Law Firm

CUMMINS AND FITTS, THE AREA’S largest family law firm, is pleased to announce the addition of two new attorneys to its downtown Monroe law firm. In the five years since its founding, Cummins and Fitts, founded by Daniel Cummins and Jessica Fitts, has grown to expand its practice to include all family law matters: divorce, custody, child and spousal support, community property partition, and adoptions. Daniel and Jessica work alongside Sophie Barksdale, Therese Nagem, and are now excited to add Colleen Butler and Lauren Jarrett to their team of experienced attorneys ready to serve clients in the Ouachita Parish area.

Colleen Butler joined Cummins and Fitts in February 2023, specializing in divorce, custody, and support. As a native of Ruston, Louisiana, Colleen was eager to return to NELA after earning her Juris Doctorate from Southern University Law Center in 2019 where she graduated with cum laude honors. During her time at Southern,

Colleen was a member and editor of the Journal of Race, Gender, and Poverty in which her article pertaining to the legal rights of adoptees was published. Colleen also participated in the juvenile legal clinic offered by Southern University Law Center. During her last semester at Southern, Colleen had the opportunity to participate in an externship with the District Attorney’s Office in the 15th Judicial District.

After graduating with her Juris Doctorate, Colleen began her legal career in the Fourth Judicial District as an Assistant District Attorney at the Ouachita Parish District Attorney’s Office, where she prosecuted domestic violence. She was there for over three years and gained invaluable experience. As a mom of three, Colleen spends her time enjoying the company of her children and family, typically either on the water or at the hunting camp. Having personally endured a custody dispute, Colleen understands how emotional and difficult this process can be and would be honored to fight for you and your family to help make such a time proceed as smoothy as possible.

Lauren Jarrett is a native of Monroe, Louisiana, and a graduate of St. Frederick High School. Lauren attended Louisiana State University and received her bachelor’s degree of Science in Education. At LSU, Lauren was involved in numerous organizations, including Kappa Delta Sorority. After graduation from LSU, Lauren attended Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law School, where she earned her Juris Doctorate. During law school, Lauren was a Dean’s Scholar and served as a Judicial Extern for Chief Judge Shelly D. Dick in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana.

After returning to Monroe, Lauren worked with Gene Hastings in the Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Trustee office, and then with Hammonds, Sills, Adkins, Guice, Noah & Perkins as an Associate Attorney.

Outside of work, Lauren enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Lauren enjoys watching her younger brother, William Patrick, play baseball and football at St. Frederick. Lauren is excited to be a part of the Cummins and Fitts legal team. She offers an empathetic approach to what can often be an extremely emotional and stressful experience in a client’s life. Lauren specializes in the division of community property.