Candace B. Ford
East Baton Rouge Parish Attorney's Office

BRBA: Tell us about your education. 

In 2013, I received my Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, summa cum laude, with a concentration in Pre-law and Paralegal Studies from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. In 2017, I received my Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

BRBA: Where are you from?

I was born in Bossier City, Louisiana on Barksdale Air Force Base, and I spent most of my childhood in Shreveport, Louisiana. However, my parents currently live in Haughton, Louisiana.

BRBA: Where and what type of law do you practice?

I am an Assistant Parish Attorney for the City of Baton Rouge/Parish of East Baton Rouge with the Office of the Parish Attorney. I practice civil litigation, which includes a wide range of litigation, such as automobile accidents, general personal injury claims, Section 1983 excessive force claims, Planning and Zoning Commission lawsuits, and class action lawsuits.

BRBA: Why did you want to become an attorney?

In high school I participated in the Bossier Parish Teen Court as a prosecuting attorney. It was a great experience that really affirmed my passion for the law. I knew I wanted to be an attorney after that experience.

 

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

My alternate profession would be a college professor.

 

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

I wish I would have really understood the importance of being a good writer before attending law school. I would have minored in Rhetoric or general writing while in undergraduate school.

 

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

Yes, I am a member of the Teen Court Committee and Youth Education Committee. I regularly participate in Teen Court hearings, and I have helped conduct Teen Court training sessions.

 

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

I have always strived to be an active member in organizations that directly impact my life in some way. The BRBA is very important as a practicing attorney in Baton Rouge due to the many opportunities available through the organization.

BRBA: What is your favorite BRBA activity or event?

Teen Court.

 

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

Yes, I am a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® Gamma Eta Omega Chapter located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where I serve as Chair of the sorority’s Signature Program #CAP^SM (College Admissions Process). This educational initiative is designed to assist junior and senior high school students as they seek admission to college by providing guidance and support in completing the application and enrollment process. #CAP^SM is a step-by-step approach to facilitate college admissions from researching various institutions and submitting applications through completion of the enrollment process.

 

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

My advice comes from a quote: “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” - Maya Angelou

 

BRBA: What are your leisure activities?

My leisure activities include spending time with my husband, doing yard work, and taking my beagle to the dog park. 

 

BRBA: What is the last book that you read?

10,000 Depositions Later: 33 Tips for Taking Superior Depositions by Jim Garrity

 

BRBA: Tell us something interesting about yourself.

In 2009, I was a LHSAA 4A State Championship Women’s Varsity Pole Vault Finalist.

If you would like to contact Candace, her email address is  CFORD@brla.gov.

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