Brad Cranmer

 Mansfield Melancon Cranmer & Dick

 

BRBA: Tell us about your education.

I graduated from Catholic High School in Baton Rouge. I then attended LSU for undergrad and LSU law. It’s safe to say I’m kind of a big LSU fan.             

 

BRBA: Where are you from?

Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. My father is from Krotz Springs, Louisiana but moved here in his early twenties. My mother is from New Orleans but moved to Baton Rouge at a young age to pursue a career in the healthcare field.

 

BRBA: What type of law do you practice?

I practice mostly family and personal injury law in Baton Rouge and surrounding areas. As a former prosecutor for the city of Baton Rouge I have experience practicing criminal law but have been practicing mostly family law for the last year.

 

BRBA: Why did you want to become an attorney?

I’m the only attorney in my family so growing up the only perception I had of attorneys was based off of what I saw on television. At a young age I was intrigued by the work of the prosecutors on various legal shows such as “Law and Order”. That intrigue grew to a full-on passion for the law as I got older and began to understand how helpful attorneys can be for someone who is faced with a legal problem affecting their life. Attorneys can help individuals in ways no other profession can. Once I figured that out, I knew I wanted to be an attorney.

 

BRBA: If you were not practicing law, what would be your alternate profession?

If I was not an attorney, I’d probably own a business focused around customer service. I worked customer service jobs in high school and college and I love the satisfaction one gets after making another person truly happy through your service. I do my best to make sure my clients are satisfied with my legal services!

 

BRBA: What is one thing you wish you would have known before you went to law school?

I wish I knew the importance of old exams.  I really didn’t figure out how helpful reviewing old exams was until my second year of law school. Sometimes teachers will re-use old exam problems or make slight changes to the hypotheticals from the old exams. Also, get to know your professors! It helps having a decent repertoire with a professor come exam time when you need a little more help to figure out that difficult legal problem.

 

BRBA: Are you involved with the BRBA? If so, how?

I am currently involved with the planning committee for Belly Up at the Bar and I’m a member of the Family Law Section. I’ve been involved with Belly Up since law school and I think it’s a great way for law students to get started with BRBA. I hope to be involved with the Bench Bar committee for 2020 (wink wink Amy Lambert and Hayden Moore). I went to Bench Bar for the first time this year and had an amazing time. I’d definitely recommend it for all attorneys who have never been.  I’ve also been involved with the annual BRBA softball tournament.

 

BRBA: What motivated you to become involved with the BRBA?

I can’t remember how or why I first got involved with BRBA, probably at the urging of an older classmate in law school, but it’s been a great experience thus far. If you’re questioning getting involved with your local bar association then stop! It provides a great opportunity to give back to your community and also meet a ton of attorneys, and great people, in and around your area.  Stop questioning and start getting involved. 

 

BRBA: What is your favorite BRBA activity or event?

Bench Bar takes the cake so far.

                         

BRBA: Are you involved with any other organizations or causes?

I’m involved with numerous organizations including LSBA, LAJ, LACDL, Boy’s Hope/Girl’s Hope, volunteer at St. Vincent de Paul, volunteer at Capital Area Welfare Society, Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, and I’m trying to get more involved with Club BLUE locally.  

 

BRBA: What is the best piece of advice you have received?

My high school football coach, the great Dale Weiner, once said in reference to inclement weather before a game, “Worry about the things you can control and let go of the things that are out of your control.” I find that this quote has helped me deal with the stresses of the legal profession and being a small business owner.  If you ever feel overwhelmed, then take a step back and re-analyze your situation applying the above quote.  It may help put some of your issues into perspective.  

 

BRBA:  What are your leisure activities?

I like traveling and golf. If I’m not doing either of those then I’m spending time with family and friends.

 

BRBA: What is the last book that you read?

Sacked! The Dark Side of Sports at Louisiana State University by Bob Brodhead. This book provided a candid view of the inner workings of LSU athletics from a former athletic director. It’s actually a great time to read it again given the recent changes at LSU.

 

BRBA: Tell us something interesting about yourself.

My dad owned a few businesses before he retired, and he’s passed that entrepreneurial spirit onto me. I am a founding member of Mansfield, Melancon, Cranmer & Dick with offices in Baton Rouge and New Orleans.  I also started two part-time businesses in college.  I have three dogs/fur babies: Lola, Louie, and Levi (pics available on my Facebook page!) and I speak a little French (un peu).  

If you would like to contact Brad, his email address is:  brad@mansfieldmelancon.com

For more information or to comment on this Member Spotlight feature, contact Landon Hester at landon@brba.org or 225-214-5560.