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Firm's New Office Opens
"The building was originally constructed as a warehouse to serve the thriving Mississippi River trade in the busy port of Baton Rouge," said Michael C. Palmintier, the firm's partner in charge of the project. At the time it was originally built, it was a proud addition to the bustling downtown of turn-of-the-century Baton Rouge. Unfortunately, the building, like downtown Baton Rouge itself, fell on hard times as businesses began to move to the suburbs as a part of a nationwide trend in the 60s through the 90s. "We are proud that our project is an important part of the revitalization of this now vibrant part of Baton Rouge," Palmintier added. In addition to many private projects in the new downtown, the State is in the process of completing a major construction project which includes the construction of four major office buildings and two parking garages.
This new-age technology is blended seamlessly into architect Hebert's stately design of this historic building. "The 19,247-square-foot building is unlike any other in the city, with its lushly landscaped interior atriums providing a wash of interior light through the entire facility," said architect Hebert. The main atrium opens up over 40 feet high and has clerestory windows facing south to let sunlight in during the winter. Hugh Alexander palms and bamboo reach over 30 feet into the clerestory with dramatic effect.
The firm, originally formed in 1987, has grown steadily since its beginning. "The need to move was a natural product of the success we have been blessed with," said partner John W. deGravelles. I am sure that our new offices will allow us to continue to grow and serve our clients well."
Partner John W. deGravelles finished his five-month Fulbright teaching scholarship on February 1, 2002. In April 2001, deGravelles was named a Fulbright Scholar and awarded a Fulbright teaching scholarship to teach maritime private international law and lecture on the American judicial system at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Law School in Thessaloniki, Greece. "I felt honored and very lucky to have this opportunity," said deGravelles. The Fulbright Scholars program is sponsored by the United States Department of State, Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs and grants awards to outstanding scholars to participate in university lectures, advanced research and other educational activities in foreign countries. "Since the very beginning of my practice," deGravelles said, "I have had a great interest in maritime law. This teaching scholarship allowed me to continue to develop and share my interest and knowledge of international maritime law with Greek and European law students. By being at a fine university in another country," deGravelles added, "I was able to learn at least as much as I taught. It was an extremely fulfilling experience which I know will aid me in my ability to help my clients." deGravelles and his wife, Jan, lived in the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki for the duration of the scholarship. Leaving the U.S. shortly after the September 11 tragedy added another dimension to the trip. "It was a little unsettling to leave our country, family and friends at such a time," said Jan deGravelles, "but we felt that it was the right thing to do."
Partner Michael C. Palmintier recently completed his one-year term as President of the Louisiana Trial Lawyers' Association (LTLA). The LTLA is a statewide organization of lawyers who practice primarily in the area of plaintiffs' civil litigation. The purpose of the organization is to assure that its members provide quality representation to their clients by offering continuing legal education and skills training. In addition, LTLA actively participates in both state and national political issues that impact upon the clients that its members represent. "I was very honored to have been chosen to lead this great group for a year," Palmintier said. "It is a sacrifice of time, but a sacrifice that is much needed in order to preserve the rights of the people we represent." Palmintier has served the organization in many capacities since first joining in the mid-1970s, including membership on the group's Board of Governors and Executive Committee. "Our firm has a conscious policy of encouraging our lawyers and staff to look beyond the 'nine to five' mentality in what we do," Palmintier added. "Our first duty is quality representation of our clients but we want to go beyond to serve and improve our profession and our community." Partner C. Frank Holthaus served as the President of the Baton Rouge Bar Association in 1996-97. Partner John W. deGravelles served as President of LTLA in 1992-93 and President of the Louisiana Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) in 1998. |
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deGravelles, Palmintier, Holthaus & Frugé is extremely proud to announce the opening of its new office at 618 Main Street in downtown Baton Rouge. The opening is the culmination of a year-long renovation project in Baton Rouge's historic downtown.
The renovation project is the combined effort to architect Gary Hebert, building contractor Frank Culotta, landscape architect Lorie Hensley, and the law partnership's vision of its new quarters. "We saw this project not simply as a change to more spacious surroundings," said partner C. Frank Holthaus, "but a real opportunity to make our firm's technical capabilities state-of-the-art." Holthaus and partner Scott Frugé, along with office manager Betty Hebert, made up the firm's technology committee charged with making this goal a reality. "With the installation of the latest in computer and communication technology, we believe we have achieved that goal," Holthaus added. "This will allow us to continue to give our clients the first-rate representation they have come to expect and deserve."
"The natural light, interior glass walls and three clerestories give the office an open and airy feel," added Hebert. "Our employees are delighted with the building," Palmintier noted, "as are we."