I was born in New Orleans, the fourth of five children of Charles Mary, Jr., M.D., and Lynn Mary. As a child, I attended Saint Andrew’s Episcopal School and Christian Brothers School. I am a proud graduate of De La Salle High School, Class of 1988. I then attended Loyola University New Orleans, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 1992.

During the closing months of my college career, I was the victim of a violent home invasion robbery that altered the course of my life. After spending several months searching for direction, I had a fortuitous meeting with a Criminal District Court judge who was a friend of my father. He offered me a position as his minute clerk, which I accepted in February 1992. Little did I know that his act of kindness would become a watershed moment in my life.

After beginning work at the court, I decided to pursue a law degree. However, I chose a less conventional path. Judge Marullo allowed me to continue working while attending Loyola University School of Law’s evening program. In May 1997, I earned my Juris Doctor.

During my six years at Criminal District Court, I learned that hard work brings rewards. More importantly, I learned that public service carries its own immeasurable reward. I was immersed in fast-paced, high-stakes litigation that often seemed more dramatic than anything portrayed on television or in movies. I witnessed both the best and worst that humanity has to offer and learned lessons no classroom could teach. I participated, albeit in a modest role, in several of the most notorious criminal trials in modern New Orleans history. Most importantly, I learned how the judicial process truly works.

I was involved in preparing court dockets, minutes, and the extensive documentation generated in criminal proceedings. I assisted in the selection of every jury during those years, quietly observing and absorbing the process. I encountered the larger-than-life personalities who populated the courthouse, as well as tens of thousands of ordinary citizens whose lives passed through its doors. Through those experiences, I learned a critical lesson: the actions of lawyers and judges affect far more than the victims, witnesses, and defendants before the court. The ripple effects of judicial proceedings extend throughout the community. That realization left a lasting impression on me.

I met some of the kindest, smartest, and most selfless people I have ever known. Assistant district attorneys, court staff, public defenders, law enforcement officers, and witnesses continually impressed me with their dedication to their work and their devotion to the people they served. I was fortunate to work alongside some of the most talented young lawyers in the profession and was inspired to emulate their zeal, passion, and commitment to the law. Most profoundly, I was struck by their unwavering commitment to public service. Having now practiced alongside many of those same individuals for nearly three decades, I am proud to count them among my colleagues and friends.

Upon graduating from law school, I accepted a position as an Assistant District Attorney in Jefferson Parish. Because of my prior courtroom experience, I was immediately entrusted with significant responsibility and assigned to the Felony Trials Division. In fact, I participated in a trial on my second day. On my third day, I was assigned to assist another prosecutor in trying an attempted murder case, where I examined witnesses and delivered closing arguments. It was the first of many such experiences.

The confidence of youth and the desire to provide greater financial security for my family led me to explore opportunities in private practice. I accepted a position with Abbott, Simses, Knister & Kucher in New Orleans. There, I worked on complex multiparty litigation, including matters arising from the 1995 chemical release at the Bogalusa paper mill. I practiced in both state and federal courts and participated in the representation of multinational corporations, including Dow Chemical.