Erin Sayes Kenny
Taylor Porter
BRBA: Tell us about your education.
I graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. in Mass Communication (emphasis in Public Relations) and a minor in Political Science from LSU in December 2007. I also graduated as a University Medalist for completing my undergraduate studies with a 4.0 gpa.
BRBA: Where are you from?
I was born in Shreveport, LA but grew up across the river in Bossier City (locals will tell you there is a difference!).
BRBA: Where and what type of law do you practice?
I am a partner at Taylor, Porter, Brooks & Phillips, LLP. I represent national and local companies in the hospitality industry, including restaurants, hotels and retail stores, with an emphasis in alcoholic beverage licensing, compliance and enforcement issues. I also have a varied state and federal civil litigation and appellate practice, with an emphasis in commercial and tort litigation, including insurance defense and insurance coverage cases.
BRBA: Why did you want to become an attorney?
My abilities in reading and writing have always been stronger than my understanding of math and science. I knew that those skills would help me be successful in law school, and a law degree would be a valuable and versatile degree. I had no specific career plans when I entered law school, and I was fortunate to land at a great firm through the clerkship program at LSU.
BRBA: If you were not practicing law, what would be your alternate profession?
If I was not practicing law (and money were no object), I would probably pursue a career that involved more creative writing, perhaps as a journalist or author.
BRBA: What is one thing you wish you would have known before you went to law school?
Two things: the realities of student loans and the billable hour. When you are entering law school, and even while you are in school, it’s hard to appreciate the long-term commitment of paying for a legal education after you have graduated. Recording billable hours is truly an art that takes practice to master, and the learning curve can be daunting for a new attorney.
BRBA: Are you involved with the BRBA? If so, how?
Yes, I am the 2020 Chair of the Young Lawyers Section Council. I have served on the YLS Council since 2015.
BRBA: What motivated you to become involved with the BRBA?
The BRBA is a thriving organization that attracts Baton Rouge’s finest attorneys and provides numerous tools to further my legal career. The BRBA offers quality CLE courses, as well as the opportunity to be a CLE presenter. There are several fun social events throughout the year that allow me to network with other lawyers of all ages. The BRBA is also involved in several charitable initiatives that serve the Baton Rouge community.
BRBA: What is your favorite BRBA activity or event?
Cocktails with the Court is held each fall and is a great event that brings young lawyers and local judges together in a casual setting. We always have great food, drinks and attendance.
BRBA: Are you involved with any other organizations or causes?
Yes, I am a member of the Board of Trustees for the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Baton Rouge.
BRBA: What is the best piece of advice you have received?
Have confidence in yourself, and “fake it ‘til you make it.”
BRBA: What are your leisure activities?
I have a 10-month-old son, so “leisure” is not a part of my life right now! When we can snag a babysitter, my husband and I enjoy going to dinner or an LSU football game. I also have the opportunity to travel to some fun destinations for work.
BRBA: What is the last book that you read?
See above regarding small child – I have not done much reading outside of the office lately! I do have two books on loan from my mother-in-law that I plan to read eventually: “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens and “Girl, Wash Your Face” by Rachel Hollis.
BRBA: Tell us something interesting about yourself.
My grandmother is from Canada and became a United States citizen in her seventies. Her father, the only other lawyer in our family, was a barrister in Canada and wore robes and white collars to court. His collar box is displayed in my office.
If you would like to contact Erin, her email address is Erin.Kenny@taylorporter.com.
For more information or to comment on this this Member Spotlight feature, contact Landon Hester at landon@brba.org or 225-214-5560.