Marcus J. Plaisance

 Plaisance Law, LLC

BRBA: Tell us about your education.  

I graduated from Redemptorist High School in North Baton Rouge in 2003. Thereafter I obtained a Bachelor of Science in Management Degree at Tulane University, majoring in Legal Studies in Business and Marketing. I then earned a JD and Graduate Diploma in Civil Law from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at LSU. 

BRBA: Where are you from? 

I was born in the amazing city of New Iberia, Louisiana, where we lived for almost two years before moving to Baker, Louisiana, where I was raised. I currently live in Prairieville with my wife, Katie Gravois Plaisance, also an attorney, our daughter, Avery Kate, and our two rescue puppies, Bourbon and Eli. 

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

I previously practiced exclusively in personal injury. In late 2017, my father (Mark D. Plaisance) and I formed Plaisance Law, LLC. We concentrate in legal writing and appellate work. I am proud to say most of our “clients” are other attorneys. We consult and prepare anything from motions in limine and motions for summary judgment to emergency supervisory writs and appeals. Though our practice has taken us to all appeal courts in Louisiana, we most actively practice in the First and Fifth Circuits, as well as the Louisiana Supreme Court. We also handle federal appeals and recently took a criminal writ of certiorari to the United States Supreme Court. 

BRBA: Why did you want to become an attorney? 

The most fun part of my job, and I think most attorneys would agree, is preparing and executing a thoughtful argument. I grew up in a house with a father as an attorney and a mother as a college educator. Even mundane childhood arguments honed the skills I now use today. 

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

If law practice was impossible, I would be happy to travel and be a professional photographer. 

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

Unless you’re in the top 5-10% of your law school class, it’s not what you know but who you know. Networking trumps outlining every day of the week. No one ever landed a job while at the law library. 

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

I’ve volunteered on the Belly Up with the Bar Committee for about 7 years now. It’s one of the BRBA’s largest fundraisers for the Baton Rouge Bar Foundation. Though it’s chiefly organized by the Bar’s young attorneys, the event is open to everyone in the community.

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

Upon taking the bar exam, I immediately moved to Thibodaux to clerk for The Honorable Walter I. Lanier, III, at the 17th JDC (now a judge at the First Circuit). When I returned to Baton Rouge after the clerkship I found the BRBA a great way to network and get back in touch with classmates. 

BRBA: What is your favorite BRBA activity or event? 

It’s probably a tie between the Bench Bar Conference and Belly Up. 

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

I have been involved in my current and former homeowners’ associations for many years. I find a little time commitment goes a long way to bettering my immediate community. 

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

You have two ears but one mouth, for a reason. 

BRBA: What are your leisure activities? 

Most of my free time is spent with my wife and daughter, and our two dogs. We enjoy traveling. That includes short day trips to the Audubon Zoo or New Iberia and longer trips, like our recent vacation in Washington, D.C. We are also expecting a second daughter in December, so those leisure activities may be limited for some time!

BRBA: What is the last book that you read? 

Hello, Washington, D.C.!, a children’s book. 

BRBA: Tell us something interesting about yourself. 

While in high school, I was fortunate enough to serve as a Congressional Page to U.S. Rep. Richard Baker for a summer. My job responsibilities included operating the bell system which surrounds the Capitol when votes occurred as well as raising and lowering the flag on the roof of the Capitol when the House was in session. Accessing the roof included using 4-5 keys while accessing various offices, the C-SPAN editing room, and the attic of the Capitol, which is filled with antiques and relics, as well as the average attic junk. 

If you would like to contact Marcus, his email address is:  marcus@plaisancelaw.com

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