E. Jane Sherman

 Attorney at Law

Areas of Practice:

I represent various corporate entities, both non-profit and commercial.

How have you been involved with the BRBA?

I joined the BRBA when I moved to Baton Rouge in 1986 and became active in its Pro Bono and Legal Aid Committees and as a Board member of the former Capital Area Legal Services, Corp. As chair of the LSBA Young Lawyers Division in 1987-1988, I became a charter member of the Louisiana Bar Foundation in 1987, and served on the first Grants Committee for the mandatory IOLTA Program in 1988, which remained a passion. I now serve as president-elect of the Louisiana Bar Foundation, which provides funding to the BRBF and other non-profits for civil legal service programs in the state.

Of what accomplishments are you most proud?

I hope we are all proud of our profession as lawyers. My four children are my proudest accomplishments, along with the work of the LBF in helping to bring access to justice for all.

Favorite artist(s):

I love art of all sorts, but especially the talent of our local artists here in Baton Rouge, including Debbie Luke, Sam Courso, Lauren Barksdale and Helen Bolen.

The last movies I saw:

were The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and Unbroken.

Generally likes to read:

I have read a variety of genres of books throughout the stages of my life, from children's series and beach novels to legal fiction. I most enjoy science fiction, inspirational and religious history books.

My most memorable vacation was:

to Bora Bora and Rangiroa for our 25th wedding  anniversary where we scuba dived and snorkeled outside our bungalow with a team of sharks circling us..

The biggest challenge facing attorneys today:

continues to be how to juggle the stress of practice while maintaining a healthy personal and family life.

Family:

I have a wonderful husband of 27 years, Dr. Steve Sherman, a local orthodontist in Baton Rouge, Central and Dutchtown. We have three sons and a daughter, all born on holidays, if you can believe it! Stephen, Kramer, Bennett and Elizabeth. Of the four, three are pursing careers in dentistry. I guess that says a lot for my influence on them.

If I could be anyone else, I would be:

Margaret Thatcher.

If I were not an attorney, I would:

own my own business of some sort.

Favorite saying:

Life doesn't require that we be the best, only that we try our best. 

Favorite restaurant:

Revolution in New Orleans. 

Community involvement:

I've been on the LBF Board of Directors since 2011, and its Executive Board since 2013. I currently serve as LBF vice-president, as a member and past chair of the LBF Grants Committee, and co-chair of the Louisiana Campaign to Preserve Civil Legal Aid, a state-wide campaign to increase awareness and funding for civil legal aid in Louisiana. I am also a Eucharistic minister, BR Area Coordinator of the COME, Lord Jesus program, and a study group leader at St. Aloysius Church. I assist with my daughter's charity 4theKids Baton Rouge, Inc., a teen charity to support OLOL Children's Hospital and inspire teen leadership and involvement.

Preferred sporting activity/event:

Anything LSU.

What was your first job?

I was an accounting assistant in high school at Haddad's Clothing in Monroe, La.

Advice for young lawyers:

get involved! Get involved in your profession, your community, your church and your children's activities.