Gail Grover
Juvenile Court Judge, Division B
BRBA: Tell us about your education.
I graduated from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches with a Bachelor’s in political science in 1995. After that, I attended LSU Law School from 1995-1998.
BRBA: Where are you from?
I was born in Washington, D.C. and later moved to Pensacola, Florida until 5th grade. I then moved back to the D.C./Maryland area until graduating high school.
BRBA: Where and what type of law do you practice?
I was recently elected as Juvenile Court Judge, Division B. I have also served as the Assistant Secretary in the Office of Juvenile Justice. Before that position, I served as the Director of the Department of Juvenile Services and the Assistant Chief Administrative Officer for Mayor Holden. Prior to that, I practiced law with the East Baton Rouge District Attorney’s Office for 10 years.
BRBA: Why did you want to become an attorney?
I have been an advocate my entire life. I remember getting in trouble as a young child because I would interfere when others were being punished. I was always one to jump in and help them pled their case. Thus, I have always had a propensity to advocate for others, and as I became an adult and went through the military, I just grew more and more as an advocate. So, law school was a natural fit.
BRBA: If you were not practicing law, what would be your alternate profession?
I would be an educator. Regardless of level of education, I love having the opportunity to teach others.
BRBA:What is one thing you wish you would have known before you went to law school?
I started law school at age 32 with three kids . . . five, six and eight. I always knew that law school would be difficult, but it would have been extremely helpful to know that there were sample exams in the library. Given the fact that I was raising a family, it would have been really helpful to know this before hand.
BRBA: Are you involved with the BRBA? If so, how?
Yes, I am currently the chair of the BRBA’s Youth Education Committee. I also volunteer with the BRBA’s Teen Court Program, Mock Trail and Law Day. I am involved with pretty much everything involving youth education.
BRBA: What motivated you to become involved with the BRBA?
My first job after law school was as judicial clerk at the 23rd JDC assigned to work with Judge Ralph Tureau. He was a great mentor and encouraged me to get involved with the Baton Rouge Bar Association and to be a part of Inns of Court. To this day, I am so grateful that he lead me in that path because these organizations have helped me connect to senior lawyers, understand what practicing law is all about and allowed me to network with other young lawyers coming into the profession.
BRBA: What is your favorite BRBA activity or event?
Teen Court is my favorite BRBA activity and Mock Trial is my favorite event. The students at the Mock Trial Competition are so impressive, and it is wonderful to see so many of our attorneys putting in so much hard work to teach these the law and get them prepared for the competition.
BRBA: Are you involved with any other organizations and causes?
I serve on several boards in the community but my greatest cause is to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to show the love of Christ through service. I do this mostly through church ministries at Shiloh Baptist Church and teaching in the school program in Bible Study Fellowship International (BSF).
BRBA: What is the best piece of advice you have received?
I have to go back to go back to the Bible for the best advice that I have received, “Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” In the practice of law, wisdom is an attribute that I think every lawyer should have. If I can add another one, it would be to always look beyond the obvious. Things aren’t always what they appear to be on the surface.
BRBA: What are your leisure activities?
I love to run, dance, read and ride the motorcycle with my husband.
If you would like to contact Gail, her email address is Gail.Grover@la.gov
For more information or to comment on this this Member Spotlight feature, contact Landon Hester at landon@brba.org or 225-214-5560.