Taylor J. Crousillac

Phelps Dunbar LLP 

BRBA: Tell us about your education. 
I went to LSU for both undergrad and law school.

BRBA: Where are you from?
I lived in Port Allen until Middle School.  In Junior High my family moved to Monroe and I lived there until I finished High School. So I claim both south Louisiana and north Louisiana roots. I have lived in Baton Rouge since I started at LSU.

BRBA: Where and what type of law do you practice?
I work for Phelps Dunbar in its Labor and Employment group. I am typically on the management side, which means our client is usually the employer. We advise our clients on what are best employment practices and also represent them in litigation.

BRBA: Why did you want to become an attorney?
I wanted to become an attorney because of my late-grandfather, Judge Melvin Shortess. I remember as a young kid going to sit in his courtroom with my sister. So hearing about the legal profession was something that we grew up with. He taught us so much about how to treat people and the importance of equality before the law.

BRBA: If you were not practicing law, what would be your alternate profession? 
I have always loved animals, especially dogs, so becoming a veterinarian was on my short list.

BRBA: What is one thing you wish you would have known before you went to law school?
A major aspect of practicing law is basically writing research papers under time constraints and with high expectations.

BRBA: Are you involved with the BRBA? If so, how?
I try to attend events when I can.  I go to some of the monthly luncheons, and I have been to the Opening of Court Ceremony a few times.  I always enjoy participating on our firm’s Belly Up team.

BRBA: What motivated you to become involved with the BRBA?
I think it is easy to get caught up in the day-to-day task orientated aspects of our profession, which can cause us to miss out on the big picture. I know I fall victim to this often.  BRBA is a great reminder of what our profession means to the community and the importance of the services that we provide.

BRBA: What is your favorite BRBA activity or event?
Belly Up with the Bar.

BRBA: What is the best piece of advice you have received?
My Dad has always advised me to “go with the flow” and to not let small things or things out of my control bother me. I think it is great advice. However, I struggle with following it!

BRBA: What are your leisure activities?
I do a lot of things with my wife, Allison. We like to travel when we get the chance and we both love doing stuff with our dog, Maggie. I also enjoy outdoor activities like hunting and fishing, and, of course, I love attending LSU games.

BRBA: What is the last book that you read?
I have gotten into listening to audio books because I read so much at work already. I recently finished listening to The Return of the King which is the final book in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. I had always wanted to listen/read those.

BRBA: Tell us something interesting about yourself.
During undergrad, I rode a bull in the LSU student rodeo and managed to walk away uninjured.