DRAKE/WILLIAMS LAW OFFICE GROWING TO SERVE YOU BETTER

Story by Betsy O'Leary | Photos by Riyen Helg

PONCHATOULA’S ONLY FULL-SERVICE LAW FIRM

Those with knowledge of Ponchatoula’s past may have noticed that a new development took place this year at the former Ideal Theater located at 154 West Pine Street. That’s where the Drake Williams Law Firm and Drake Title Company renovated the space after experiencing growing pains at their office’s former location.

Ryan J. Williams and Ernie Drake III have worked together for the last six years, becoming equal partners in the business in 2020. Until earlier this year, they operated out of the late Judge Drake’s office, which he founded in the early 80s, but the young attorneys had expansion on their minds.

More Room Allows for More Attorneys.

Not only did they want to accommodate their existing clients, but by adding attorneys Summer Vicknair and Morgan Daniels to their practice, they could also offer family law, estate planning, and other legal services. Now, in addition to their thriving real estate title closing company, the four attorneys also practice general business, successions, personal injury, and medical malpractice.

The new location offers a large, accommodating conference room ideal for real estate closings and hashing out other legal and business matters in the heart of historic downtown Ponchatoula.

A Couple of Hometown Boys.

Ryan grew up in Hammond and went to St. Thomas Aquinas High School. Ernie is a lifelong Ponchatoula resident who graduated from Episcopal High School in Baton Rouge. Unlike many attorneys who seek their fame and fortune in the larger cities of southeast Louisiana, both men realized that when it was time to practice law, their destinations lay close to home.

Ryan and his wife, Lila (a physical therapist at North Oaks Medical Center), are building their dream home in downtown Ponchatoula where they will live with their 1-year-old daughter, Margot. They also have a three-year-old Golden Retriever, Georgie, and an 8-month-old Bernedoodle, Archie. Georgie and Archie often take turns “going to work” at Drake Williams. Clients and staff love it when the dogs visit. Some clients even request that a dog be there on the day of their appointments!

Ernie is married to Laura Drake, M.D., an owner and pediatrician at Ponchatoula’s Strawberry Patch Pediatrics. They are the parents of three children. Their eldest son, TJ, is in the 8th grade at Archbishop Hannan, while Gabriel and Sawyer are enrolled at St. Joseph School in Ponchatoula.

The Joys of Small-Town Life.

When asked about plans, the attorneys’ focus remains on their newly-designed Ponchatoula office, with no plans to expand to another location. Ryan stated, “Both Ernie and I are passionate about providing the local community with expert legal services that are second to none.” Both are also dedicated to being a part of the fabric of Ponchatoula. Ernie coaches baseball and basketball for the City of Ponchatoula and St. Joseph School. Ryan enjoys his role as head of the Ponchatoula Jaycees Annual Jambalaya Cook-Off in October and celebrating the Strawberry Festival that adds so much to the town’s coffers each April.

If you have a legal problem that needs expert attention, give the attorneys at Drake Williams a call at 985-386-7600.