Kelsey K. Funes 

Phelps Dunbar LLP 

BRBA: Tell us about your education.

I graduated from LSU with a double major in history and political science in 1994.  I graduated from LSU Law School in 1997.

BRBA: Where are you from?

Arabi, Louisiana

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

I am a construction lawyer in the Baton Rouge office of Phelps Dunbar LLP.

BRBA: Why did you want to become an attorney?

There were no lawyers in my family while I was growing up.  In fact, I don’t remember really even knowing any lawyers until I got to college – though I know I watched some lawyer tv shows!  I am not sure what first turned me on to it but I decided to be a lawyer to help people solve problems. 

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

I would either be a doctor or own my own business (or both).

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

I wish I would have known how all-consuming the practice can be.

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

Yes.  Early in my career I was very active with the Young Lawyers Section, eventually serving as Chair, and was able to be on the ground floor of some great events that have become BRBA staples like Belly Up with the Bar.  Currently, I am a member of the Construction Law Section and a member of the 90^th Anniversary Celebration Committee.

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

I have always been very active in clubs – first in middle and high school, then in college and law school.  When my education was done, I was looking for an outlet for all of my organizational energy and thought the BRBA would provide me with opportunities to get involved in the legal community and meet new people in the profession.  It did those things and more!

BRBA: What is your favorite BRBA activity or event?

Holiday Star.  The number of children that members of the BRBA adopt each year is astounding.  I am so happy to be a small part of the effort the generous members of our bar put forth to provide a happy holiday for the less fortunate (and youngest) members of our community.

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

Yes.  I am very active in the American Bar Association Forum on Construction Law, am a board member for the Center for Planning Excellence and am active at St. Aloysius Church.

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

I have been lucky to have had a lot of great mentors and received a lot of great advice over the years so it is hard to narrow down.  But something someone just shared with me this week was a lesson from the author Tony Morrison, “Let your face speak what’s in your heart.”

BRBA: What are your leisure activities?

Do brief and contract writing count as leisure?  If not, then I enjoy cooking, travel and spending time with my family.

BRBA: What is the last book that you read?

The last book I completed was Where the Crawdads Sing. I am currently reading A Gentleman in Moscow.

BRBA: Tell us something interesting about yourself.

I worked with two friends/neighbors to raise almost $100,000 to supplement BREC’s renovation of Webb Park in Baton Rouge.  It is great to see so many families enjoying the renovated space and to see how many people were anxious to come together to make it happen.  It is the most fulfilling project I have ever worked on.