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American Bar Association

ABA Career Counsel
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Attorney By Attorney
Career Profiles of the Profession

Who?

Marian Mayer Berkett
Partner, emerita
mberkett@dksno.com

What?

Primary Practice Area & Subspecialty Fields:
Probate, trusts, construction law, surety law, torts and general practice.

When?

Years in Practice Area:
Since 1937

Years in the Legal Profession:
Since 1937

Where?

Employer:
Deutsch, Kerrigan & Stiles, L.L.P.
www.dkslaw.com

Size/Sector:
About 70

City/State:
New Orleans, LA

Law School:
Tulane University

Other Post-Graduate Education:
Master of Arts (Political Science) Louisiana State University; Geneva School of International Relations, Geneva, Switzerland

Undergraduate School/Degree:
Louisiana State University, BA

Why?

Pluses/Challenges of Practice Area:
When I came to the law shortly after the depression, we did not specialize; we were delighted to get whatever legal problem was presented. As a result we got a broad view of the law, how it function in each area, and this is exceedingly valuable.

Core Skills/Key Knowledge Needed in Your Practice Area:
In construction law one needs to know the language and the mechanics of construction and the divisions of responsibility between the various participants in the construction process.

Advice to Lawyers and Law Students Interested in Your Practice Area:
Learn the mechanics as well as the law and sharpen your ability to articulate your ideas, vocally and in writing.

How?

Influences and Mentors:
Eberhard P. Deutsch, Charles W. Pipkin, Harriet Daggett.

Bar Affiliations and Activities:

New Orleans and Louisiana Bar Associations, American Law Institute, Vice-chair and member of Governing Committee of ABA Forum on the Construction Industry, Honorary member of the LSU chapter of the Coif, named Distinguished Graduate of Tulane University Law School, Corner Stone Award from Forum on the Construction Industry, Award of Special Distinction from New Orleans Bar Association, Vice-chair of the Louisiana State Civil Service Commission.

Intriguing Interests:

Travel, reading, video and video editing.