I began litigating criminal cases in Orleans Parish Criminal District Court during my second year of law school. My career has spanned over two decades and includes extensive trial experience as a criminal defense attorney (both private practice and public defense) in the District Courts of Orleans and Jefferson Parishes as well as Federal practice in the Eastern District of Louisiana and as a prosecutor in Orleans Parish. I spent eleven years of my legal practice in North Carolina practicing civil and criminal law; direct criminal appeals and trial practice as private and public defense counsel in both State and Federal courts.
My vast experience as a criminal defense attorney representing individuals facing the death penalty to charges of simple drug possession. I now spend a large portion of my legal practice on criminal appeals across the entire State of Louisiana.
In my appellate practice, I am highly detailed oriented, conducting a lengthy and thorough review of the trial court record. I exhaust all possible theories through extensive legal research to determine the client's best option to effectively argue for relief on appeal or post-conviction relief.
In my litigation practice, I seek to build a strong attorney-client relationship and to determine if investigative action should be taken shortly after arrest. Once/if formal charges are filed, an extensive case review and legal analysis should be conducted to determine what strategy is best given the client's criminal history (from a risk assessment perspective), the strength of law enforcement's investigation, and other necessary factors. Together the attorney and client determine which strategy is best to provide the possible defense and mitigate risks.
I am in good standing and licensed to practice law in the States of Louisiana and North Carolina.
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Chat withState: North Carolina
Acquired: 2013
No misconduct found
State: Louisiana
Acquired: 2003
No misconduct found
4000 Bienville Street, Suite C, New Orleans, LA, 70119
34 Client Reviews
Showing 6 - 10 of 12 reviews | Communication Style
Posted by David | July 13, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Bravissimo!
Ms. Ciaravella handled the inception of my divorce case quickly, thoroughly and precisely and patiently answered all of my questions. Based on our initial encounter I have the confidence that she and her staff will handle my case very well. Highly recommended family law attorney.
Posted by Shannon | January 24, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Family
Susan Ciaravella
Ms. Ciaravella is an excellent attorney, very patient and understanding, she corresponds with her clients thoughroly so they understand the legal process completely, answers all questions quickly and guided me thru the legal process as easily as possible. I would completely and whole heartedly recomm...
Posted by April | December 20, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
Review For Susan Ciaravella
I hired Ms. Ciaravella for child custody in response to my child's father filing for 100% custody out of the blue. I had never had to hire an attorney for anything before and was anxious, sad, and unsure of what to expect. Susan made me feel at ease right from the start. She explained the custody pro...
Posted by Richard | November 08, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Success
Susan provided excellent legal advice and through negotiation with the opposing attorney resulting in a very positive outcome in my favor. From our first meeting to resolution she asked key questions to fully understand my case and contacted the opposing attorney the first day we met We attended cou...
Posted by Mario | October 15, 2015 | Hired Attorney
Impeccable
Susan Ciaravella was impeccable. She was professional,timely and extremely knowledgeable. Her advice always had my best interest in mind. She was helpful in explaining my case and options. I would highly recommend her to anyone in need of legal representation.
"I've worked with Susan regarding various cases in the past and she's always been willing to fight on behalf of her client. She's incredibly knowledgeable of the law and is looking after the best interests of those she represents."
"I endorse this lawyer. Susan Ciaravella is a strong and dedicated advocate for her clients. Her honesty and integrity lend her real credibility with the court making her both respected and highly effective. A true professional."
"A knowledgeable and tenacious advocate, who is also compassionate and caring. I highly recommend Susan for your Family Law and other legal needs!"
"I've known Susan for a number of years and have no reservations referring my clients over to her to handle their divorce, child custody, or to receive guidance on how to resolve a family dispute. She has an excellent demeanor and will provide you with counsel that will achieve the best, most practical outcome."
"I endorse this lawyer. Susan is an outstanding attorney. She is extremely conscientious, knowledgeable, and hardworking."
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2019
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
Clients' Choice Award, AVVO
2023 - 2024
Assistant District Attorney, Orleans Parish District Attorney's Office
2013 - 2023
Attorney, Susan Ciaravella Law, PC
2005 - 2012
Criminal Defense Attorney, Jefferson Parish Public Defender's Office
2004 - 2005
Assistant District Attorney, Orleans Parish District Attorney
2003 - 2012
Criminal Defense Attorney, Susan Ciaravella, Attorney at Law
2013 - Present
North Carolina State BarAdmitted/Member
2003 - Present
Louisiana State BarAdmitted/Member
2003 - Present
United States District Court for the Eastern District of LouisianaMember
2014 - 2023
Family Law Section of the NCBAMember
2014 - 2023
United States District Court for the Western District of North CarolinaAdmitted
2013 - 2023
28th Judicial District Bar AssociationMember
2013 - 2023
North Carolina State Bar Association
2003 - 2012
Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
ER Custody Granted
ER Custody Granted, Client Granted Primary Legal and Physical Custody
TPR Granted, Adoption Granted
Opposing Party's Motion to Modify Denied
2003
JD - Juris Doctor
1998
BA
N/A
2014
Criminal Justice System Overview
2012
5th Amendment
2016
2015
2014
English
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