Lauren M. Temento
Louisiana Public Service Commission


BRBA: Tell us about your education.

I received a B.A. in Political Communication from LSU in 2007, a M.S. in Sports Management from LSU in 2009, and a J.D. from LSU in 2013.

BRBA: Where are you from?

I’m originally from Metairie, LA, but I’ve lived in Baton Rouge since college.

 

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

I’m a Staff Attorney for the Louisiana Public Service Commission where I practice public utility law.

BRBA: Why did you want to become an attorney?

Honestly, I wanted to be a physical therapist until I took Civics in high school.  My teacher had us write weekly opinion essays on current events, and by the end of the year, she had convinced me that I should be an attorney.

 

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

If I could pick anything, I’d either be a penguin keeper at the aquarium or work in the LSU athletic department.  Realistically, I’d probably be a kindergarten teacher.

 

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

Learn as much as you can from your legal writing courses because you will absolutely need those skills in practice.

 

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

I am on the Young Lawyer’s Section Council, and am the council liaison for the Summer Sizzlin CLE.  I’m also chair of the Holiday Star Committee and am working on the BRBA’s 90th Anniversary Celebration Committee.

 

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

A friend encouraged me to get involved a few of years ago.  I started working with the Volunteer Committee and Holiday Star Committee and was introduced to all of the wonderful things the BRBA does for Baton Rouge lawyers and the Baton Rouge community.  I knew I wanted to get more involved and that’s when I ran for council.

 

BRBA: What is your favorite BRBA activity or event?

I have two – the Summer Sizzlin CLE and Holiday Star.   The Summer Sizzlin CLE is an easy way to pick up the much-needed ethics and professionalism CLE credits since it’s at the BRBA office.  Plus, Total Care sponsors the event, which means free massages during the presentations.  This year it is on a Friday afternoon (June 28) and we have a networking social after the CLE at Cocha (also sponsored by Total Care), so it’s kind of a two-for-one BRBA event.  We also have a pretty good lineup this year – we will hear from the Pro Bono Committee on how easy it is to get pro bono hours through the BRBA, we will get some much needed guidance on ethics in advertising and how to build a brand in the digital age, members of the Young Lawyers Council will conduct a panel discussion on professionalism, and we were lucky to snag Judge Guy Holdridge for some updates in Civil Procedure.

The Holiday Star program provides gifts for underprivileged children who would not otherwise receive presents during the holidays.  It always impresses me how BRBA members come together during the busy holiday season to volunteer for this program – either by donating gifts, money, or their time to be personal shoppers.  It’s overwhelming to see the truck loaded up with all of the donated toys.  It’s never too early to start thinking about how your organization wants to get involved this year!

 

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

My dad always told me “HWPO” – Hard Work Pays Off – and that advice applies to almost every situation.  It’s played a huge part in my success thus far.

 

BRBA: What are your leisure activities?

When I’m not consumed by LSU baseball or LSU football (and the tailgating that comes with), I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, swimming, and watching cooking shows on TV.

 

BRBA: What is the last book that you read?

 started listening to audiobooks while I sit in traffic (which I highly recommend as a stress reliever), and I’ve found that Liane Moriarty’s books are perfect for that purpose.  The last one I finished is The Husband’s Secret.

 

BRBA: Tell us something interesting about yourself.

When I was little and getting ready for LSU football games, I would start by putting everything purple and gold that I owned in the middle of my room.  I would then “pick my outfit” by decking myself out with as much as I could from the pile.  It produced some pretty interesting outfit choices – kudos to my parents for letting me out the house like that.


If you would like to contact Lauren, her email address is Lauren.Temento@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.