Ernie the Attorney announced in a March 1 post that he is starting a new law firm. Ernie is a tremendous writer, and I have learned more about the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina from him than all other media combined. He tells human stories, the daily ups and downs of life after disaster. So it is no surprise that his announcement was delivered with an eloquence no one can match. Certainly not me. So, in Ernie's own words:
The day after Mardi Gras is always a day of reflection for people in New Orleans. This year, the "day after" is a special milestone: it's been six months since Katrina hit the the Gulf Coast and ravaged Mississippi and Eastern Louisiana. For those of us who lived through the turmoil --and its bizarre aftermath-- the last six months has been a continual stream of reflection. Like many people who lived in New Orleans before Katrina, I've spent a lot of time thinking about what really matters most in life (short answer: friends and family). I've also thought a lot about what other changes (ones that I control) might be worth making. Dreams that seemed not so pressing before Katrina now seem to be more urgent. I've learned a lot from Katrina, as I'm sure many people have. One thing Katrina taught us is that massive change can arrive very quickly, and have unpredictable results. If uncontrolled massive change can come into your life then why not try to bring about a little purposeful change just to balance things out? I've reflected on what changes I would make if I could
So, after months of reflection I've decided to try to practice law on my own. Of course, it will be challenging. And that's the best reason to do it. The whole city of New Orleans faces enormous challenges. But the city is in a great position to make significant improvements. And that's how I feel about practicing law. I want to make significant improvements in how I practice law, and the best way for me to do this is on my own. It is with more than a large dose of sorrow that I announce I'm leaving Gordon, Arata --the wonderful law firm where I've practiced law for the past eighteen years. But --effective today-- I'll be practicing under the rubric Svenson Law Firm LLC.
I'll continue handling the same types of business disputes that I worked on before, but with less overhead and a lower billable rate. I'll strive to use non-hourly billable arrangements, and to use technology to increase productivity and effectiveness wherever possible.More information about my new firm is available at: www.ernestsvenson.com
And, of course, you can always keep up with me here.My new contact information is:
Ernest Svenson
Svenson Law Firm LLC
432 Henry Clay Ave
New Orleans, LA 70118-5724
Tel: 504.669.5150 | Fax: 504.324.0453
Email: esvenson@gmail.com
Godspeed, Ernie. I really admire you, what you're doing and why. I hope your new venture brings you unimaginable rewards.
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