Today we’d like to introduce you to Paul DeRousselle.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Growing up in the small town of Eunice, Louisiana, I can most definitely stay that my story wouldn’t be possible without the prayers of a village that believed in me unconditionally. At first, like most kids growing up in the ’90s, I wanted to be the next Michael Jordan, go the NBA, win championships, and make cool sneakers. That changed in the summer of 1994 during what was billed “The Trial of the Century.” I was too young to really know the implications of the O.J. Simpson trial. All I knew that there was an attorney that I was fascinated by- Johnnie Cochran. His charisma and diction were unmatched as he navigated through the courtroom. I’d made up my mind. I was going to be an attorney.
As fate would have it, that next year in 5th grade I was in a play called “The Trial of Peter Zenger.” In that play, I was cast to be an attorney. I memorized every line and studied every element of the law I could. Simply put, I’d found my calling. I graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Southern University Law Center in 2009. In 2010, I was fortunate enough to join Weil Gotshal & Manges in the Complex Commercial Litigation Department. Following my big firm experience, I served as an Assistant City Attorney in Dallas where I had the privilege to serve and cultivate meaningful relationships with the citizens of this great city. Currently, I am employed as Senior Counsel with Doran & Cawthorne, where my primary focus will be in Personal Injury.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There’s always struggles along the process. The practice of law is challenging because it’s constantly changing and you’re going to get pushed outside of your comfort zone time and time again. While at a big firm came with a great deal of prestige, it’s almost impossible to have an appropriate work-life balance with all of the work that they put on you. You have to be really proactive about addressing your mental health in this profession. Additionally, I struggled early on because I was trying to find my purpose in this business. It was really hard for me to care about Fortune 500 companies fighting with other Fortune 500 companies over billions of dollars. And while working as a City Attorney, I struggled with dealing with some of the politics that came along with working along with some of the Councilmembers.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Doran & Cawthorne provides people with the legal representation that they need to effectively pursue favorable results. Our firm’s personal injury lawyers and defense attorneys are knowledgeable, experienced, and resolute trial lawyers who are among the best at what we do: providing aggressive, competent representation for our clients. So many times people get caught up in trying to “be like a lawyer.” Unnecessarily using all of these big words and talking above people’s heads to uphold this mystique of what a lawyer should be. I’ve always prided myself on being the “people’s attorney.” I have the innate ability to connect with everyone, from a Harvard graduate to a kid in 5th grade shooting ball at the gym. That has always been my superpower and I live by the 3 C’s of Character. Competence. Consistency.
In addition to being a veteran attorney, I am also an NFLPA Certified Contract Advisor where I’ve helped guide the careers of several NFL Players while securing lucrative endorsement deals with companies such as Nike, Fanatics, Adidas, Panini Trading Cards, Leaf Trading Cars, Card.com, and Dick’s Sporting Goods in addition to facilitating countless autograph signings and player appearances. My work ethic and attention to detail show themselves in both of my careers.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
- My Fiance’ Amber.
- The unwavering love and support of my loved ones.
- Seeing my beautiful daughter Alanna’s face light up every time she sees me.
- Giving my clients everything I have and earning their respect.
- My #GoBeGreat Scholarship Initiative which has given back to my community on numerous instances.
- Knowing that my sister Shelana, who has been in a wheelchair her whole life, is proud of me.
- Watching ESPN.
- Boiled Crawfish.
- Competing in anything from Tennis to Taboo.
Contact Info:
- Email: paul@doranlawfirm.com
- Website: www.realtalkandresults.com
- Instagram: @yallcallpauld
- Facebook: Paul T. DeRousselle
- Twitter: @paulderousselle
Image Credits
Miles Stevens Photography
