Jay A. Parker

 Marks & Lear, PLC

Areas of practice:

Plaintiff personal injury, focusing on auto, motorcycle and trucking accidents; maritime claims; other serious personal injury and wrongful death claims.

Favorite BRBA project or event:

Baton Rouge Bench Bar - It's a great opportunity to interact with our local bar members, judiciary and the exceptional staff of the BRBA. The CLE offerings are great, too. We learn in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. I strongly advise anyone who hasn't already done so to give it a try.

Generally likes to read:

James Patterson novels, or other good mystery and law novels; travel information.

Memorable vacation(s):

25th anniversary trip to San Francisco and Napa Valley; 10th anniversary trip to Las Vegas, where my wife and I were serenaded by an Elvis impersonator at the Little White Chapel (for which my wife has yet to forgive me!). 

Family:

My wife of 30 years, Pam, who is the coordinator of volunteers at Woman's Hospital; Daughter, Lauren, a graduate of LSU in fashion merchandizing; Daughter, Jamie, a sophomore at LSU in pre-med; and Bacchus, our Brittany Spaniel.

If you could be anyone else for a day, who would it be?

Jimmy Buffett.

If you weren't an attorney, what profession do you think you would be in?

Vacation planner.

What has changed the most technologically or practice-wise since you have been licensed?

The advent of computers in the workplace and how we use them to run our practice. The Internet and social media have also impacted all aspects of practice.

Favorite restaurant:

Criolla's on Santa Rosa Beach, Florida -- gone now and sorely missed.

Mountain or Beach?

Mountains in the fall; beach in the summer.

Community involvement:

Bench Bar Conference Committee - 2014 Chairman;
Former member of Lake Rosemond Association Board;
Member of Bacchus (Mardi Gras Krewe)

Preferred sporting activity/event:

Mardi Gras. As a horse-riding lieutenant in Bacchus, I can testify it's a marathon, not a sprint!

What was your first job:

Parking cars in the garage of the Marriott Hotel in New Orleans every summer during high school.

Advice for young lawyers:

Invest the time to really learn your craft. Be respectful of your colleagues and your opponents.
Always be over-prepared; you will gain the respect of the Bench and the Bar.
Treat your staff well and they will have your back.

If you would like to contact Jay, her email address is:  jay@markslear.com

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