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Ernest E Svenson

also known as Ernie the Attorney

This attorney is not accepting clients.

Reason: Not Practicing

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Avvo Rating9.6
  • New Orleans, LA
  • Licensed for 34 years
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About Ernest

I worked in a large New Orleans firm for 18 years handling complex commercial litigation cases (think: LOTS of paper). Eventually, soaring overhead, crazy billable hours, and mindless bureaucracy left me completely burned out.

But then I discovered how to become paperless, which enabled me to automate key workflows (instead of begging people to do the work and then stay on top of them to make sure they did it right). My low-cost website attracted a steady flow of clients, which made my solo practice financially successful as well.

Now, I help other lawyers who want to modernize their practices to work less yet earn more (plus spend more time away from the office relaxing!)

I give them a strategic blueprint for leveraging technology that explains everything in bite-sized chunks. And I provide ongoing guidance so that they can keep streamlining their practices week-by-week.

Practice areas

BusinessFranchisingLawsuits and disputes
  1. Lawsuits and disputes: 45%

    I specialize in business disputes that wind up in federal court, although I handle state court cases as well. Among the types of cases I have handled are: copyright, trademark, unfair trade practices, non-compete provisions, anti-trust matters, and securities issues.

    30 years, 150 cases

  2. Franchising: 40%

    I have represented companies such as Popeyes, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, and Italian Pie Franchise. In the past few years I have taken on a few cases on behalf of franchisees.

    25 years, 75 cases

  3. Business: 15%

    Business advice & lawsuits

    25 years

Languages spoken

Spanish

Photos and videos

1785958 1436305042

Contact

6071 Laurel St.
address map

PaperlessChase

6071 Laurel St.
New Orleans, LA, 70118

Posts on 'Ernie The Attorney' (R

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
LAEligible to practice law198511/02/2019
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers0
Legal guides0
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Gisevius Distinguished Alumni AwardLoyola University School of Law Moot Court1998
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
AttorneySvenson Law Firm2006 - Present
LawyerGordon Arata McCollam Duplantis & Eagan1987 - 2006
Law ClerkHonorable Adrian G. Duplantier1985 - 1987
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
Thomas More-Loyola Law School American Inn of CourtBoard of Directors2001 - 2011
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
Covenants Against Competition in Franchise AgreementsLouisiana law chapter2002
Fifth Circuit ReporterCan a Preliminary Injunction be granted on basis of affidavits alone?1993
Litigation News (ABA)Various articles1992
Litigation News (ABA)Various articles1991
Litigation News (ABA)Various articles1990
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
Loyola University New Orleans College of LawJD - Juris Doctor1985
Tulane UniversityB.A.1980
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
Loyola Law School SeminarElectronic Discovery for Solo & Small Firms2009
Louisiana State Bar Ass'n SeminarRequesting Electronic Discovery; Forensics and E-Discovery Vendors Managing the Rule 26(f) Conference2009
LADB SeminarUsing Technology to Improve Cross-Examination2009
Baton Rouge Bar ExpoThe Road to a Paperless Office2009
Solo & Small Firm ConferenceDeveloping a paperless law practice2008
New Hampshire Assn of Criminal Defense AttorneysGathering & working with digital information2008
ARMA annual seminarManaging electronic records2008
Ethics & Professionalism for LawyersE-Discovery law2007
Boise Bar AssociationDisaster recovery for lawyers2006
ABA TechShowTechnology tips for lawyers2005
ABA TechShowInternet tips for lawyers2004
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
Wolfe Law Group, L.L.C., et al. v. Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary BoardLouisiana Ad Rule 7.6 Unconstitutional
Planet Beach v. RicheyGranting our motion to compel arbitration

Attorney endorsements

(6)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Kyle Deese, Consumer protection Attorney on Aug 28, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I met Ernie at his legal conference in New Orleans in 2017. As many lawyers already know, there are far too many marketing charlatans out there deceiving lawyers who are seeking to build a successful law practice. But, Ernie is the real deal! Ernie teaches lawyers how to ethically build a successful law practice. I would not hesitate to recommend him to any lawyer seeking to build their practice the right way!

Charles Irvin, Criminal defense Attorney on May 19, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Ernie is a passionate advocate for helping attorneys build efficient and effective law practices that benefit clients. He has really been a lifesaver for me as I have grown my practice. My clients benefit from all of his goodwill. I would not hesitate to recommend Ernie to anyone who wants to build a client centered practice.

Ronald Nelson, Family Attorney on Dec 29, 2012
Relationship: Friend

I endorse this lawyer.

Michael Tonsing, Employment and labor Attorney on Oct 21, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. I have admired Ernie's clarity of thinking and the quality of his writing from afar for many years due to his tremendous commitment to the betterment of the legal profession. I would not hesitate to refer any client of mine to him were they to need services in his fields of specialization in his geographic area.

Dane Ciolino, Ethics and professional responsibility Attorney on Nov 30, 2009
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer's work. Excellent lawyer on all fronts (brief writing, organizing facts, oral advocacy, etc.). Tech savvy. Efficient. Very concerned about keeping litigation costs reasonable.

Scott Wolfe, Construction and development Attorney on Aug 27, 2009
Relationship: Worked together on matter

Ernie is a sharp legal mind with a knack for cutting through the fat of legal arguments and circumstance, and is the model of attorney efficiency. From a practical perspective, Ernie understands how technology can help the legal profession and his clients, and he leverages the power of technology to save his clients money. Pure and simple. From a legal perspective, Ernie has a gift of looking at a legal issue and seeing its skeleton instantly. He sees the arguments that work, and the one's that don't, and puts the arguments most likely to succeed in his crosshairs. You're in good hands with Ernie the Attorney.

Cost

RATES
  • Hourly Rates$300-$450/hour

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