Aaron J. Chaisson, Jr., CPCU, API
Craig D. Gremillion and Associates
BRBA: Tell us about your education.
AC: I graduated from Holy Cross High School in New Orleans. I received my BA in Political Science from LSU, and my JD from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at LSU.
BRBA: Where are you from?
AC: Chalmette, La.
BRBA: Where and what type of law do you practice?
AC: Craig D. Gremillion and Associates (formerly known as Terry J. Butcher and Associates) employees of the Corporate Law Department for State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company. I defend State Farm insureds and the company in lawsuits involving auto accidents, premises liability, dog bites, and other general liability claims made against State Farm insureds and the company. I also defend State Farm on coverage issues.
BRBA: Why did you want to become an attorney?
AC: When I was in high school everyone said I should be an attorney. I was stubborn and decided to major in engineering. One day at LSU I was sitting in a multidimensional calculus and differential equations class and realized I did not want to do that for the rest of my life. I was taking a political science as an elective, which I really enjoyed. I realized that if I changed my major to political science, I could still graduate in 4 years and then go to law school.
BRBA: If you were not practicing law, what would be your alternate profession?
AC: I think I would have enjoyed being a political speech writer, or possibly a lobbyist.
BRBA: What is one thing you wish you would have known before you went to law school?
AC: To take advantage of the opportunities offered by external moot court teams. I did Flory and Tullis while at LSU, but did not participate on any external teams.
BRBA: Are you involved with the BRBA?
AC: I am a member of the Bench Bar Conference Committee. I have also presented CLE at CLE by the hour and at the Baton Rouge Bar Expo.
BRBA: What motivated you to become involved with the BRBA?
AC: I really enjoy working with the members of the Bench Bar Committee. They do a great job of choosing CLE topics and speakers that are interesting and relevant.
BRBA: What is your favorite BRBA activity or event?
AC: The BRBA has many great events, but my favorite is the Bench Bar Conference. I strongly encourage any local attorney to give it a try. Go once, and you will want to go every year.
BRBA: Are you involved with any other organizations or causes?
AC: This year I am President of the Bayou Chapter of the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters Society. I serve as a member of the Ascension Parish Planning and Zoning Commission. I am involved with Team Hanna for the Epilepsy Foundation of Louisiana's Seize the Day event, and a member of St John the Evangelist Catholic Church where I am also a member of the Knight's of Columbus. I previously spent 8 years coaching recreational, academy and competitive soccer for the Gonzales Soccer Club, although I hung up my whistle a few years ago.
BRBA: What is the best piece of advice you have received?
AC: The Baton Rouge legal community is small and what goes around, comes around. So treat others like you want to be treated.
BRBA: What are your leisure activities?
AC: Attending my children’s band functions (football games, marching festivals, concerts etc…), tailgating at LSU football games, RVing, and grilling/smoking/cooking for family and friends. I also enjoy fishing, although I don’t get to do that nearly as often as I would like.
BRBA: Tell us something interesting about yourself.
AC: My wife and I met when we were both members of LSU’s “The Golden Band from Tigerland.”
If you would like to contact Gail, her email address is aaron.chaisson.skta@statefarm.com
For more information or to comment on this this Member Spotlight feature, contact Landon Hester at landon@brba.org or 225-214-5560.