Anthony Hebert | Westlake Personal Injury Lawyer

• Louisiana Bar Association

I have trial experience in a wide range of criminal and civil matters from defending an individual in a capital murder case to misdemeanor cases and trial experience in civil trials including million dollar cases. My main goal is to make sure the client is satisfied with my representation.

My 26 year practice is built on hard work and developing a good relationship with my clients which generates new clients by word of mouth.

The main thing a client should look for in a lawyer is being able to speak with the lawyer and/or his staff when they need information. Too many of my clients tell me that in other situations they could not get the attorney to return their calls. This leads to unhappy clients and distrust with their lawyer. Secondly, clients need to make sure the lawyer is experienced in the area of Law in which they are seeking representation. I have referred potential clients to other lawyers if I don't generally practice in that area of law. For example: Real Estate, bankruptcy or social security.

Local knowledge is extremely important because while the law may be blind and not bias the judges, prosecutors and defense attorneys are not. A good attorney will know what will impress the judges, the reputation of other counsel and in the case of jury trials, whether they are conservative, neutral or generous.

In an initial phone conference it is necessary to have the clients full name, date of birth, address and a summary of their legal need and knowledge of their prior legal proceeding if applicable to the instant case. However, if their case involves documents it is difficulty to even give them information without reviewing the documents. This is especially true if it is an ongoing domestic case.

In the initial phone call I can provide a general overview of the law and what the client can expect to happen and the procedures which will follow so they can have a basic knowledge of what will happen next. This usually helps a client to feel a little more comfortable especially if this is the first time they are dealing with the legal system. Most lawyers will not give out much information for ""free"" but I think the phone call is a time saver for both myself and the client. Most of the time the prospective client will tell me that no one has ever explained it to them before and usually they come in and retain my firm.

I have been in practice for over 26 years and as stated above the most important thing is to communicate with your client and to be prepared for their case when appearing in court. If you have built a good relationship with your client by keeping them informed about the good and bad in their case there will not be many surprises in the outcome and you usually will have a satisfied client. Very seldom will you have a satisfied client make a complaint to the disciplinary board.

The most rewarding aspect of being an attorney is helping others navigate the legal system. While it is a great feeling when the jury or judge makes a ruling in your client's favor as a lawyer we are called upon to also be an advisor and counselor to our clients in stressful situations. It is especially rewarding to help someone turn their life around as is the case with someone with a substance abuse problem and facing jail time.

In my spare time my wife and I support my 16 year old daughter in her chosen sport of high school rodeo. We have traveled to many states for her to compete in high school rodeo and other open events. I also raise a number of farm animals such as miniature cows and goats. While there is limited time for other interest I do love to hunt deer and duck and fish somewhat.

My firm is involved in the community by financially sponsoring some of the local youth sports in the area. In addition we try to find a family in need during the holidays and either I will donate items or solicit additional support from fellow attorneys. In one instant a grandmother took in her granddaughter who was having to sleep on the floor. We purchased a new bedroom set and mattress and delivered it to them for Christmas.