Ruston Family Lawyers

Author and attorney Morgan Allison earned a Juris Doctorate from the LSU Hebert Law Center in 2001. He practices family and estate law in Houma, Louisiana with his wife and law partner Elizabeth Allison. In addition to his legal skills, Mr. Allison brings extensive technological skills from years of computer software coding and forensic computer investigation to the service of his clients. Mr. Allison has served the community as a volunteer EMT/firefighter, District Chairman for the Boy Scouts of America, and currently as a member of the board of directors of the Houma Rotary Club.

Peggy Gonsoulin Vallejo graduated from Tulane Law School in May 1999 and was admitted to the Louisiana State Bar in October 1999.

Her practice consists of civil litigation with a strong focus on personal injury, divorce, child support, spousal support, and succession matters. She has clients in all of the surrounding parishes in the Greater New Orleans Metro Area including St. Tammany, Orleans, Jefferson, Washington, Tangipahoa, Livingston and East Baton Rouge.

Louis J. Cosenza is a skilled litigator with experience in diverse areas including tort law, medical malpractice, lawyer disciplinary proceedings, and criminal defense and prosecution in state and federal courts and military Courts Martial. In his 40+ years as a lawyer, Mr. Cosenza has also represented clients in a wide variety of civil disputes, notably in the areas of contract and property law.

A native of New Orleans who has spent over 20 years practicing law in a large town, Louis also lived and practiced law for 10 years in rural west Louisiana. This life experience has given him a valuable...

John P. "Johnny" Barron is a native of the Lafayette, La. area. He graduated from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 1995. He later went to Law School at Louisiana State University - Baton Rouge. where he received his MBA and Law Degree in 2011. Johnny is dedicated to the probate of estates throughout Louisiana and is licensed to appear in all Louisiana probate courts. He handles probate both large and small. He has dedicated himself to helping people efficiently and effectively navigate the Louisiana probate process. When you reach out to him, he provides you with...

Jeffrey S. Wittenbrink is a Board Certified Family Law Specialist in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He handles difficult and complex custody and community property cases associated with divorce; adoptions, paternity and grandparent custody cases. He also handles personal injury cases, wills and successions and general civil and criminal litigation. He is most recently associated with First Amendment litigation on behalf of Pastor Tony Spell, of Central, Louisiana, and has defended Firehouse BBQ in Watson, Louisiana in litigation against Governor Edwards' Covid-19 restrictions.

Ellen put herself through both undergraduate and law school. She a married, mother of two. Both her husband and daughter are also attorneys as are a nephew, father-in-law, 3 brothers-in-law and one brother-in-law who was elected judge. She was drawn to the areas of family law, criminal defense and plaintiff personal injury and has never changed course. She has practiced in Ascension, East Baton Rouge Jefferson, Livingston, Orleans, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Washington Parishes for her entire 28 years of legal experience including, Amite, Baton Rouge, Chalmette, Covington, Denham Springs, Franklinton, Gonzales, Gretna, Hammond,...

Jon Bethune’s extensive knowledge and resolute style of litigation makes him one of the most sought-after independent attorneys in Louisiana. Jon has tried countless cases on both the State and Federal level all the way from initial consult through trial. His award-winning practice has garnered him both local and national attention, as well as received extremely high client satisfaction ratings. Jon Bethune is licensed to practice law in Louisiana, and specializes in Personal Injury and Family Law litigation. Our insistence on providing excellent communication between Jon Bethune and his clients sets us apart from...

(taken from firm website: RichardsonAndGuarisco.com):
Nick graduated from St. Paul’s High School in Covington, Louisiana, in 2008, before earning a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication, with a concentration on Public Relations and Journalism, as well as a minor in Business Administration, at Louisiana State University. He was a Cum Laude Honors Graduate who finished third in his graduating class at LSU’s Manship School of Mass Communication in December 2012.

While attending Tulane University Law School, Nick was elected as the Senior Managing Editor of The Sports Lawyers Journal, Vol. 23. He graduated in 2016 and was admitted to the...

Scott was recently selected as a 2018 Super Lawyers Rising Star, awarded to 2.5% of attorneys under 40. He was selected for the 2016 and 2017 “Top 10 under 40” award by the National Academy of Family Law Attorneys, as well as the 2016 and 2017 Louisiana “10 Best Attorneys” by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys for client satisfaction. He was also named as a Louisiana top 10 Attorney by Attorney and Practice Magazine for 2017.

Scott graduated cum laude from the Paul M. Hebert LSU Law center in 2015. During law school, Scott prepared for a career...

Attorney Doug Bryan has been serving the local community since 1991 with individualized, experienced legal counsel. As a lifelong resident of Louisiana, he understands the needs of clients and their families. You can rely on his knowledge and compassion throughout your case, whether you were in a car accident, injured at work, want to adopt a child or were charged with a traffic offense. The Bryan Law Firm L.L.C. provides representation in a range of areas of law with a focus on personal injury and work injuries. Doug Bryan began his legal career with a personal injury law firm and...

Carole Gillio has been practicing law in southern louisiana for over 20 years. She specializes in personal injury, uncontested divorces, wills and successions, powers of attorney, and DUI/DWI.

Marynell Piglia exudes confidence in her practice and epitomizes the effectiveness of hard work and tenacity. Practicing civil litigation, family law, and employment law, she represents clients in matters such as discrimination, sexual harassment, workers’ compensation, divorce, and related family law matters. Ms. Piglia earned her undergraduate degree from Southeastern Louisiana University, magna cum laud. She was the recipient of a President’s Medal for Academic Excellence. She went on to receive her law degree from Loyola University, where she served on the Loyola Law Review, as chair of the Moot Court Board, and a member of the Moot Court teaching...

.Attorney and Counselor at Law
Notary Public

Jennifer M. Bonneau has represented individuals, insurers, small businesses, insurance companies, and corporations in a variety of cases. She has extensive experience in helping clients resolve disputes through negotiations, trials, mediation, arbitration, and appeals.

Jennifer has served as both lead and assistant counsel in litigation resulting in millions of dollars in recovery to clients injured as a result of others. She represents clients in state and federal courts in matters both simple and highly complex. Jennifer is a Qualified Family Law Mediator and has also served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for...

Robert T. Weimer is a partner of the firm and oversees its estate/succession litigation division. He holds in-depth experience with mental health disputes and family law matters, offering clients his expertise on complicated successions as well as conflicts among executors, legatees, and heirs. With extensive experience in family law, Robert is a reliable attorney who has successfully represented clients on numerous issues including but not limited to custody, visitation, divorce, tutorship and curatorship. Moreover, he regularly speaks at conferences related to estate matters in Louisiana. Licensed by both Texas and Louisiana Bar Associations as well as being an active member...

Douglas D. Brown, Attorney at Law, is a husband and father of three, and has practiced personal injury law, criminal defense and family law in Tangipahoa Parish for two decades. After working in Washington, D.C. for Congressman Richard Baker, Brown served as a judicial law clerk for State District Judges Ray Chutz in Amite and M. Douglas Hughes in Livingston. He later served as the City of Hammond's Assistant City Prosecutor and first In House Attorney. Before earning a JD degree at Louisiana State University's Paul M. Hebert Law Center, Brown attended Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. and earned a...

Melanie Lockett is an experienced litigator in diverse areas of law including insurance coverage and defense, education, commercial litigation, employment law, professional liability, and family law. She has litigated a vast array of legal issues in Louisiana state and federal courts. She has also successfully appealed cases to Louisiana Courts of Appeal and Louisiana Supreme Court. Melanie’s innovative and diligent approach to representing clients has led to notable successes for insurance companies, insurance agents, tenured professors, university students, and victims of discrimination. Melanie is an involved member of several professional organizations. She is an active member...

With a mission to serve her clients with respect, professionalism, and skill, Tracy Rotharmel Shanks uses her experience to successfully represent people in family law, personal injury, and other legal issues.

It shouldn’t cost you an arm and a leg every time you want to talk with your lawyer. By aiming to keep expenses reasonable and services efficient, Rotharmel Shanks, LLC is breaking new ground in client relations. With a cost-conscious attitude and a wealth of knowledge and experience, Tracy has capably counseled clients from all areas of Louisiana.

Tracy Shanks - New Orleans Divorce Attorney. Serving clients in Jefferson, Orleans, St....

After practicing for several years at one of the most respected and top rated defense firms in Louisiana, Collin and three other experienced lawyers formed Mansfield Melancon with the goal of providing his clients the personal attention that they deserve and expect from their attorney.

Collin has experience advocating for clients in both Louisiana federal and state courts. He has handled cases ranging from complex business disputes to individual disagreements. Collin is admitted to practice in all Louisiana state courts, in the United States District Courts for the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of Louisiana, and the United States...

Bogalusa, LA – Patrick G. Murray, managing partner of Murray Law Office.

Born in Bogalusa, LA to Lewis and Debbie Murray. Graduated Valedictorian from Bowling Green High School in 2007 and went on to study International Business at The University of Southern Mississippi. After obtaining his Degree in International Business, he continued his education at Loyola University New Orleans College of Law. Working with the District Attorney's Office during the day while studying law at night, Patrick developed a passion for serving the community and a strong desire to start a practice in Bogalusa. Completing...

Michael D. Allday experiences range from the representation of clients in local commercial matters, family disputes, personal injury and bankruptcy to the representation of large corporations in international arbitration, including the Iran-U.S. Claims Tribunal at the Hague. In today’s competitive environment, Michael D. Allday law office has the advantage of combining large firm experience with personal attention to clients’ needs at affordable rates. Every client receives “hands on” attention, and your goals and needs are the top priority. When necessary, Michael D. Allday has a network of respected colleagues in those areas of law that require a high degree of...

Covington attorney Douglas McGinity at McGinity Law Firm has been helping families across Covington, New Orleans, Metairie, Hammond, Mandeville, Kenner, and Baton Rouge for the past 15 years. He aims to help personal injury victims receive max compensation for injuries suffered as a result of car or truck accidents, wrongful death, product liability, and more. Douglas McGinity knows that when it comes to personal injury, experience means everything. You need an attorney who knows how the system works and can help you get what you need. You should never be alone when grieving for the loss of...

Attorney Beau R. Layfield received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Louisiana State University. He then earned his Juris Doctorate and Bachelor of Civil Law degrees from Paul M. Hebert Law Center of Louisiana State University. Before establishing his Baton Rouge law firm, The Layfield Law Firm, LLC, Attorney Layfield worked for a general practice law firm. While working there, he focused on assisting individuals who had been involved in vehicular accidents, and those who were undergoing family law matters. This experience allowed Attorney Layfield to gain extensive knowledge in areas involving civil litigation, business matters, municipal law, and construction...

Felix Anthony DeJean IV, known to friends and family as Andy DeJean, opened DeJean Law Office, LLC in 1997. Andy, was born and raised in Louisiana and received his JD from Southern University Law School in 1997. Andy is married to Amy Maida DeJean, and they have four children together. Andy's guiding concern is to give clients clear and straightforward advice on complex areas of law. He does not want to settle a case before it even gets to court. He wants to take your matters to trial to aggressively seek the results you want and deserve. Andy DeJean he has...

Allen Parish Wills & Successions Attorney

Marlin Gusman, Jr. was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. Marlin Gusman, Jr. earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Texas Christian University. Marlin earned his Master of Business Administration from Loyola University Chicago.

Marlin Gusman, Jr. completed In-Service Training in South Africa with DaimlerChrysler Financials Services. Marlin earned his Juris Doctorate and a Certificate in Taxation from Loyola University New Orleans.

Marlin Gusman, Jr. is married to Varsha with whom he has two children: Priscilla and Marlin III.

Felony Prosecutor 18th JDC Louisiana Family Law Plaintiff’s Personal Injury Trials and Appeals

Laurel Salley was born and raised in the New Orleans area. She attended St. Martin's Episcopal School, the University of Miami, Louisiana State University and Tulane Law School.

While at St. Martin's, Laurel was very involved in the Key Club, a community service organization for high school students. During her years at LSU, she was involved with many campus organizations, including Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. After graduation from LSU, Laurel joined the Lakeside Kiwanis Club, the same community service organization that sponsored her high school's Key Club. She is a member of the Lakeside Kiwanis Club to this day.

While attending Tulane...

Erin Abrams is an associate attorney practicing domestic law. She was born and raised in southern California, where attended San Diego State University, played Division I water polo, and had the opportunity to study abroad at the University of Oxford. Erin finished her Juris Doctorate at the Paul M. Hebert School of Law at Louisiana State University, was an inaugural member of the Order of the Barristers, and a part of the Trial Advocacy Board. Erin is zealous about the courtroom, understanding the unique and emotional situations her clients face, and highly respects and protects the trust they place in her...

Malveau Law Firm, L.L.C. provides legal representation for clients with Criminal, Family, Juvenile, Personal Injury, Traffic & Municipal matters in the New Orleans metropolitan area.

James Graham has worked as an educator in New Orleans. He then served in executive positions in real estate and education. After earning a degree from Loyola Law School, Mr. Graham sought to use his real world experience to benefit clients in his community. He is a member of the New Orleans Bar Association and the American Bar Association. Mr. Graham is admitted to practice before state and district courts in Louisiana.

A shining moment for Mr. Graham came when he assisted his first client to secure incorporation papers so that he could legally operate his new business in Louisiana. Another...

Erik Burns was born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where he continues to reside with his two sons. Prior to graduating from the Louisiana State University, Paul M. Hebert Law Center in 1993, Erik graduated from Catholic High School of Baton Rouge and then obtained a B.A. degree in Business Management with a minor in marketing from Southeastern Louisiana University. Erik began his practice in downtown Baton Rouge as a solo practitioner where he did significant personal injury work having worked closely with a seasoned attorney. In 1997 Erik was presented with an opportunity to move his office...

Attorney Joshua S. Guillory is ready to fight for your rights. He prides himself on giving individual attention to each and every client. If you or a loved one are in need of quality legal representation in the areas of family law, personal injury, car accidents, or criminal defense, call The Law Office of Joshua S. Guillory today at (337) 233-1303 or visit us online at www.jsguillorylaw.com. It's your life...call someone you can count on. Call Attorney Josh Guillory today.

James is the managing member and managing attorney of Zitzmann Law, LLC and founded the firm in 2014.

He attended Louisiana State University for his undergraduate degree. While at Louisiana State, James was involved in Louisiana State University Student Government and was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.

He attended the Loyola University New Orleans College of Law where he was a member of the Loyola Law and Technology Annual. While attending, he received the Loyola Alumni Association Legacy Scholarship and the Academic Excellence...