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Chances are at some point in your life you have or will have to seek out counsel from an attorney. These specialists help people filter through the red tape that comes with complex legal issues. Law is like a different language for most of the general public, but having an expert explain your options in understandable terms and fight for you during a difficult point in life is invaluable. Thrive profiled numerous local attorneys with wide-ranging specialties to emphasize the weight of the work they do, the impact they have on clients and vice-versa, and why they continue to love their profession despite the long hours and emotional toll it can take.
Attorney Justin Brashear – Brashear Law
by Kerri Cooke
Becoming an attorney was never in Justin Brashear’s game plan in his younger years.
He was an athlete, playing baseball at the University of Mississippi for three years before he went pro with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Brashear continued his pursuit for a bachelor’s degree at LSU after his departure from professional baseball and graduated with a degree in political science. He had previously considered coaching or attending medical school but decided law school fit in best with his life plan.
Brashear graduated with his juris doctor from Southern University Law Center and has been licensed to practice law within Louisiana since 2013. He is now also licensed to practice in Texas and has since completed an executive education course at Harvard Law School on mediation.
Brashear Law, Brashear’s eponymous law firm, opened in 2020 and has given him more flexibility to branch out into other areas of law. Having experience in everything from real estate law to personal injury and property damage cases, Brashear is transitioning to alternative dispute resolution and sports work. He says he like ADR work “because I have a knack for dealmaking. I enjoy the process of understanding the concerns of both sides of a legal dispute and working together toward an optimal and long-lasting solution.” The sports side of his work is a natural extension of his personal experience and an avenue through which he can still engage with a passion of his. Brashear hopes “to be a good teammate to the current and next generation of athletes. I want to make sure they are educated and empowered and given all the tools necessary to become champions in their sport and life.”
As far as the parts of a law career that can be challenging for Brashear, he says, “It is very easy to allow work to infiltrate all areas of your life and make things difficult, but I have found a really nice integration with what I am doing now into my existing life outside of the office.” He also credits his wife, Autumn, and his sons Palmer and Rourk with supporting and motivating him.
Originally choosing a law career because he “loves helping people,” Brashear continues to see that as his primary motivation and remembers many clients he has represented fondly. “I think of current and former clients daily. Every time I drive through a small town or by their house or place of business, it warms my heart to remember the journey we have or had together.”
At the end of the day, Brashear is enjoying running his own firm. “I can be creative in how to help our clients in their time of need. I like that I can be a bit nontraditional in how I operate as well,” he says.
Learn more at brashearlaw.com.
Attorney Jeanette DeWitt-Kyle – Stutes & Lavergne
by Kerri Cooke
“I like underdogs,” Jeanette DeWitt-Kyle, attorney at Stutes & Lavergne, says.
Being able to tip the scales in favor of a client is what she loves about her job. Noting that she’s always been “opinionated,” DeWitt-Kyle says, “I don’t like people who abuse power or take advantage of others. Law is a great field for anyone who loves a good soapbox.”
DeWitt-Kyle was inspired to go into law by independent women who have successful and profitable careers. First obtaining a bachelor’s degree in both English and French from McNeese State University’s Honors College, she embarked on her road towards justice by obtaining her juris doctor from LSU Law.
Having worked at Stutes & Lavergne in Lake Charles since 2012, DeWitt-Kyle specializes in personal injury and bad faith law in which she specifies empathy as a valuable skill. “Of everything the world needs more of, empathy is probably the one that would solve most problems,” she says.
The ability to get a wide view of the world is what keeps DeWitt-Kyle motivated. “I love thinking about big ideas and big principles. Plus, when you know the law, it lifts the veil on how the world really works.” She also has pride in the fact that she has learned “how to read people’s behavior to gain insight into what motivates them.”
One experience that has stuck with DeWitt-Kyle is the support she received from an elderly man who she represented while taking on a big lawsuit early in her career. “He never treated me like I was too young to deserve his trust or respect. He could see that I was working day and night, and he made a point to tell me he was proud and that I was doing a good job. It meant so much to me, and it made me realize the power of giving someone your vote of confidence.”
When it comes to obstacles DeWitt-Kyle has overcome in her law career, she notes that she doesn’t fit the stereotypical view of a lawyer. “I used to get a lot of comments about how I didn’t look like a ‘bulldog’ lawyer. I don’t let that bother me anymore. The most effective lawyers know how to create the right moment for a case to be successful by being prepared and perceptive. None of this has to do with shaking your fist or using a booming voice.”
DeWitt-Kyle also says it’s a challenge to switch from the intense world of litigation to home life with two kids but finds it doable due to the support of her husband who is always helping around the house and provides her with a thermos of tea every morning.
Learn more at stuteslaw.com.
Attorney Shayna Sonnier – Veron Bice
by Kerri Cooke
Shayna Sonnier’s interest in law began while watching her family involved in litigation as a child.
She acquired her undergraduate degree from University of Louisiana at Lafayette and her juris doctor from Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of Law with a determination to ensure nobody took advantage of her family again and to help others going through similar situations.
Sonnier joined Veron Bice as an attorney in 2023 after co-counseling with them on numerous cases and is involved with estate planning, succession work, and corporate and civil litigation. “I feel privileged to do what I do,” she says. “It’s not always easy. You do see the worst in people but also the best in people. It’s a calling.”
In relation to her estate planning and succession work, Sonnier gets gratification from helping those in times of great need. “I truly enjoy helping people navigate a difficult time in life and helping with the technicalities when people are mourning a loved one.” These clients often turn into friends due to working closely together on extremely personal issues. “It doesn’t happen with everybody, but when it does, it’s special,” she says.
Detailing one instance in which she felt particularly useful, Sonnier emphasizes how personal relationships can become. One client she helped was an elderly lady whose husband had recently passed away. The two had married late in life, so they didn’t share children. One of the deceased’s children locked the woman out of the home she had been living in and wouldn’t let her retrieve items she needed. “She was the sweetest woman in the world,” Sonnier says. “We were able to overcome the obstacles and get through the situation. We’re fortunate it all worked out. She didn’t deserve to go through all of that, but I was blessed because I got to meet her.”
When it comes to corporate litigation, Sonnier says she has enjoyed working with local small businesses. “It’s inspiring to see such close-knit families. I’m privileged to get to advocate for people given the circumstances they’re in.”
The one thing Sonnier finds the most challenging about being an attorney is “realizing that even if the law and facts are on your side, things won’t always go your way.” Humans are fallible and their decisions might not always reflect what other people believe is right.
Sonnier truly loves her job and the firm at which she works. At Veron Bice, she says, “Everyone brings the same energy to every case. We celebrate each other’s wins. We work together well and share the same goals and ideals. Everyone lifts each other up. I absolutely love it here.”
Learn more at veronbice.com.
Attorney Micah O. Clemons – Todd Clemons & Associates
by Haley Tarasiewicz
For Attorney Micah Clemons with Todd Clemons & Associates, law runs in the family.
“With a father who is a reputable attorney and other family members who are in the legal profession, I have always had an interest in law,” he says. “I am grateful for their full support and am blessed to follow in their footsteps.”
He graduated from Louisiana State University with a bachelor’s degree in business management and earned his juris doctor from Southern University Law Center. While attending Southern, Clemons served as a member of the Moot Court Board, the Board of Student Advisors as a teaching assistant for both criminal and family law, and the National Black Law Students Association. He also interned at the United States District Court Middle District of Louisiana for the Honorable Judge Brian A. Jackson and was a long-time intern for attorney Adam Johnson at the Johnson Firm.
Prior to joining Todd Clemons and Associates in 2022, Clemons clerked for the Honorable Judge Derrick D. Kee at the 14th Judicial District Court in Lake Charles.
Practicing law is Clemons’s ultimate passion because he gets to serve the citizens of Louisiana and support them during some of their most difficult times. “While I practice family and general civil litigation, a large part of my practice focuses on criminal defense because I relish the opportunity to represent people whose backs are against the wall,” he says. “I truly believe that every person in our society deserves and is entitled to zealous representation, regardless of what the prosecution can or cannot prove. This principle is deeply rooted within my morals and is a cornerstone of our Constitution.”
As a Lake Charles native, Clemons says it is his community that keeps him motivated. “Being a lawyer is one of the most unique careers in the world,” he adds. “It allows you to learn something new every day, overcome challenges and push yourself out of your comfort zone. My clients have helped me grow as a person and an attorney.”
Clemons says one of his most impactful cases was his very first bench trial. “The court initially ruled against my client, terminating his parental rights, but the fight was not over. I worked diligently to file an appeal of the court’s ruling to the Louisiana Third Circuit Court of Appeal, and the appellate court overwhelmingly agreed with my argument, swiftly restoring my client’s parental rights. My client also had criminal charges pending from the same set of facts, which were later dismissed. I will never forget the joy on my client’s face!”
Learn more at toddclemons.com.
Attorney John L. Fourcade, III – Sudduth & Associates
by Kerri Cooke
John L. Fourcade’s interest in a law career came from the desire to “guide and passionately advocate for individuals going through unknown, unprecedented times in their lives.”
A graduate of LSU with a bachelor’s degree in business with a focus on entrepreneurship, Fourcade obtained his juris doctor from Southern University Law Center.
Having joined Sudduth & Associates four years ago, Fourcade focuses his practice on personal injury and family law, both of which can deal with circumstances that are extremely emotional for clients. He says, “Whether I’m helping a client recover from a serious injury or guiding a family through a difficult transition, the ability to bring clarity, advocacy and resolution to challenging situations is incredibly fulfilling. Every case is a reminder that the law is not just a profession—it’s a responsibility to stand up for others and help them move forward with confidence and dignity.”
Emotionally charged cases call for not only understanding, but also a clear and cool head. Fourcade has found that one of the biggest challenges for him over his law career was discovering equilibrium. He’s had to learn “how to balance empathy with objectivity. Working in personal injury and family law, I often represent clients who are going through incredibly emotional and life-altering experiences. Early on, I had to learn how to support them with compassion while maintaining the focus needed to advocate effectively.”
When a lawyer sees the work they are doing help others right in front of their eyes, it makes for particularly special moments. Fourcade had a heart-warming experience early on in his career that has stayed with him for years and continues to fuel his passion for law. “A client sent me a video of her being reunited with her daughter after we secured custody in a long, emotional case,” he says. “Watching that moment—the tears, the embrace, the sheer relief—was incredibly powerful. It reminded me that behind every case file is a real person, a real family, and sometimes, a second chance at stability and love.”
Learn more at saa.legal.
Attorney Cooper Fournet – Johnson Law Firm
by Kristy Como Armand
For Attorney Cooper Fournet with The Johnson Firm, the courtroom is more than just a venue for legal arguments—it’s one of the last places ordinary people can stand toe-to-toe with powerful institutions and be heard.
“Regular people are given equal footing in the courtroom,” he says. “The system isn’t perfect, but with truth, preparation and persistence, justice can prevail, even when the odds are stacked against you. I believe in fighting for those moments where the facts and the law matter more than money or influence. That’s why I became a lawyer.”
After graduating from St. Louis High School in Lake Charles, Fournet earned a bachelor’s degree in government from McNeese State University and his law degree at Loyola University College of Law in New Orleans. Before joining The Johnson Firm, Fournet gained twelve years of experience in the legal field, working as an assistant district attorney in the Calcasieu Parish District Attorney’s Office, and then practicing as a personal injury and property damage trial attorney.
Today, Fournet focuses on personal injury, wrongful death and residential property damage cases; areas where individuals often find themselves as the underdog while facing large corporations. “I’m in the trenches of the battle between individuals seeking fair treatment and companies looking to minimize costs. For a company, it might be just a line item, but for my clients, it’s their home, their health, their dignity,” he stresses. “That imbalance fuels my commitment. As long as people are being bullied, ignored or pressured to settle for less than they deserve, I’ll be here to fight back for them.”
He says one of the most defining periods of his career came in the aftermath of Hurricane Laura. “Practicing law in my hometown, a city reeling from devastation, during the height of the pandemic, was a challenge unlike any other. It felt like more than just legal work. It was about standing up for the people of Lake Charles during one of its darkest times,” he reflects. “The weight of that responsibility was huge, but it remains one of the most meaningful chapters of my career.”
For Fournet, every case is a chance to level the playing field and remind people that they deserve to be heard. While many of his case results are confidential, he says it’s the personal moments of justice that resonate the most. “The cases that go to trial always stick with me. They are intense, emotional and full of unforgettable stories. What matters most is when a client walks in feeling powerless and walks out with their dignity restored. Any time we can flip the script and turn the tables for someone who was being taken advantage of—those are the wins I’ll never forget.”
Learn more at johnsonfirmla.com.
Attorney Jason Bell – SWLA Injury Attorneys
by Kerri Cooke
Jason Bell’s interest in law began while pursuing an English degree at McNeese State University.
He registered for government and political science classes, which he enjoyed and ultimately steered him towards law school.
Another pivotal moment happened while he was at McNeese. “After getting into a car wreck while I was in college and having to deal with an insurance company to get my vehicle repaired and medical bills paid, I realized how frustrating it was and wanted to help people if I could,” Bell says.
Bell graduated with his juris doctor from Faulkner State University’s Jones School of Law in Alabama and has been a local, practicing attorney for 18 years. Currently, he focuses on personal injury and workers’ compensation cases at SWLA Injury Attorneys, which opened its doors in March 2023. He says he and his colleagues have a “shared commitment to client-first advocacy. We’re a tight-knit team that treats our clients with professionalism and dignity.”
You need to love being an attorney to have longevity and success in the field of law. Bell notes that it’s the real-life impact he has on people’s lives that makes everything worthwhile. “Every client is a reminder that our work matters. We’re motivated by the responsibility to protect their rights, secure their futures and hold wrongdoers accountable. Seeing the relief and gratitude on a client’s face after a successful resolution makes every challenge worthwhile.”
Speaking of challenges, law can be a taxing career with a wide range of them. One of the primary difficulties Bell details is “navigating the emotional weight that comes with advocating for clients during some of the most difficult moments in their lives. Balancing empathy with professionalism requires experience, emotional intelligence and resilience.”
It’s also essential to keep up with regular changes relating to both law and insurance companies. Bell says, “staying current with evolving laws and insurance tactics is a continual challenge, but it’s also what keeps the profession intellectually engaging.”
Not long after SWLA Injury Attorneys opened, Bell received the confirmation he needed to know that opening the law firm was a good decision. “We got a call from a mother who had received our new firm announcement and was looking for guidance after her young son had been hit by a truck while riding his bike. He suffered serious head injuries and required a few surgeries. Thankfully, he recovered and we were able to help her navigate the insurance claim process and make sure all of his medical needs were met.”
Learn more at swlaia.com.
