Catherine Anne Cocchiara

 Nancy Sue Gregorie, PLC



 

Areas of practice:

Family law.


Best thing about being a lawyer:

I love being able to come to work knowing I will be working on something different every day. Whether it is working with a new client, going to court or revisiting an older case, I enjoy the variety that comes with the work.


Bet you didn't know:

I was the first person in my family to attend law school and pursue a career as a lawyer.


Currently reading:

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn.


If I had more time, I would:

Travel as much as possible both within the United States and internationally. I love talking with new people and learning about different ways of life. I hope to travel a lot more throughout my life. Some cities I would love to visit within the U.S. include Chicago, Boston and New York. I would also love to go back to Italy and visit the UK and Germany at some point in time.


Latest pursuit:

My latest pursuit has really been just enjoying the free time I have now that I'm no longer studying for school or the bar exam. I love getting together with friends, cooking when I can, going to the movies and reading. I definitely would like to hone my cooking skills a little more.


Education:

I attended the University of Arizona in Tuscon, Ariz., for my undergraduate education. I received a B.S. in Business Administration. I then attended the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center for law school. I was able to study abroad through the LSU Law Center as well as gain practical experience with domestic mediations through my participation in the LSU Law Clinic.


Family:

I have one older sister, Christiana, who is married with two children. My brother-in-law's name is Daniel and they have the two cutest kids. I am a proud aunt to Charlotte and Theodore, 18 months and 6 months old, respectively. My immediate family lives in Scottsdale, Ariz., so I cherish the time I get to visit with them.


Where did you grow up?

I am originally from New Orleans, La. My family moved to Scottsdale, Ariz., when I was 11. I like to claim both places. I spent my junior high, high school and college days in Arizona, but we always came back to visit family in Louisiana. I love how traditional Louisiana is and how new/modern Scottsdale is. I think I get the best of both worlds.


What was the turning point that made you decide to become an attorney?

It was always the plan to go to law school, but I think the turning point on what type of law I wanted to practice came to me during my first year of law school. My mother is a nurse and has always been able to give back to her community through the services she provided. It wasn't until I completed my first year that I realized that I wanted to pick a career where I, too, would be able to interact with people on a daily basis and be able to feel like I was helping and serving my community. Practicing family law is a great way to connect with people, and help them through tough, emotional times of their lives.


Person I would like to have lunch with:

On a personal level, I would love to be able to have lunch with my grandfather on my mother's side. I was very young when he died and don't have many memories of him. He was definitely viewed as the patriarch of our family. I would love the opportunity to get to talk to him and hear stories about his life experiences growing up, especially since it was during such a different time period than what I've experienced.


Favorite place in Baton Rouge:

I think Baton Rouge has a lot to offer. I loved living by LSU's campus and being able to walk to the lakes around campus when the weather was nice. Also, duing football season being on LSU's campus is always fun. I enjoy the outdoor venues like Perkins Rowe and Towne Center as well, whether it is to go eat at a nice restaurant or sit outside at a coffee shop. I have only lived here a few years, so I'm sure there are many places I need to explore.


Favorite Food:

I come from a large Italian family where recipes have been passed down for generations. Between my grandmother, my aunts and my mother, the Italian women in my family, hands down, make the best meatballs and spaghetti.


Favorite law school memory:

It is too hard to pick just one. I was fortunate enough to study abroad in between my first and second year of law school in Lyon, France. It was a summer filled with new people and new adventures. And of course, the traditional LSU Law Center annual functions, such as Barrister's Bowl, Barrister's Ball, and Assault and Flattery always made for great memories. I was able to meet so many great people and really feel like I've gained lifelong friends from my law school experience.


Advice to law students:

My advice to law students is to cherish the position they are in and to soak up as much knowledge and advice from older attorneys at they can. One of my greatest experiences in law school was having the opportunity to work during school and be involved in the LSU Law Clinic. I was able to receive practical experience through both of those things, which I feel really helped my transition into the workplace.


 

If you would like to contact Catherine, her email address is:  cacocchiara@gmail.com.


For more information or to comment on this Member Spotlight feature, contact Susan Kelley at
susan@brba.org or 225-214-5559.