Meet Erica Gregg, Our Estate Planning Paralegal
After a decade of working in real estate, Erica Gregg was eager to find a new career that would afford her a greater sense of purpose. When an opportunity to join our firm arose, she jumped at the chance. More than a year later, Erica has passed the state’s rigorous Louisiana Notary Public exam and is providing notary and paralegal services for our attorneys and clients. The work is a great fit, she says. “I am one who loves to plan,
and I am detail-oriented.” Most of all, Erica says she loves the firm’s positive, proactive culture. “It feels like family,” she says. Erica’s first role for us was client relations, and about six months after joining the firm, she passed the state’s tough seven-hour notary test. Often called a “mini-bar exam,” Louisiana’s notary test is regarded as the most difficult in the country. Only about 20% of those who take it pass. “It was a huge accomplishment for me,” she says. Erica sees a real need for our services since only 30% of people have estate plans. She likes providing clients with “the reassurance that their hard work and everything they’ve built in their lifetime is going to go to whom or where they want. Giving them that peace of mind really makes me happy.” She always strives to ensure every client is well-informed and confident throughout their planning journey. “Our approach with each client is very customized,” she says.
She recently worked with a grandmother to photograph, itemize, and make a list of a variety of jewelry pieces to allay her concerns that each item was certain to go to the grandchild she intended. Erica brings to her work a decade of experience as a communications liaison and strategic marketer in real estate, including several years in Arizona. “I felt homesick, and I missed Mardi Gras.” The festive Louisiana holiday, she adds, “is just a Tuesday everywhere else!” Away from the office, Erica loves playing with her two dogs, a German shepherd-husky mix named Andouille and a goldendoodle, Jacques-Imo. Andouille “wants to run laps and jump on everything,” and Jacques-Imo likes playing a “make the bunny disappear” game by tapping on Erica’s iPad with his paw. “They are both spoiled rotten, and they keep me energized and active,” Erica says. Delighted to be back in Louisiana, she looks forward to Mardi Gras each year!
DEAR DIARY, PLEASE DON’T BE USED AGAINST ME IN COURT
Many of us have fond memories of writing in diaries or journals throughout our youth. We would share our thoughts and feelings in a book we would keep hidden from friends, family members, and others. It was our sanctuary where we could be ourselves without worrying about judgment or embarrassment. You may even remember the feeling of rage or hopelessness when you spotted your brother or sister holding your diary. Thankfully, there usually wasn’t anything too incriminating in our teenage diaries, and some of us have continued the practice well into adulthood. However, a recent news story proves we should be cautious about the information we share in our private journals. Last year, a Minnesota woman was arrested for auto theft. While investigating the incident and looking into Vanessa Guerra, a suspect in the case, a law enforcement officer allegedly found her diary. He flipped through the pages, looking for any information that would catch his eye, when he
stumbled upon an entry from Aug. 12, the same day a 2004 Ford Freestar van was stolen and resold at an auto salvage business. “Totally stole a car today! Something I never thought of doing,” Guerra allegedly wrote in her diary. “Super-freaking out about it.” Guerra was charged with receiving stolen property and theft, although she claims she didn’t know the vehicle was stolen. However, workers at the auto salvage business informed law enforcement they recognized Guerra as the seller of the stolen vehicle. Most people will probably not blab to others about crimes they have committed, especially if they are currently unsolved. This case reminds us to be just as cautious about what we write in private journals. While your diary may be your safe place to share your innermost thoughts and feelings, your entries could come back to haunt you if you’re involved in a criminal case, especially if you blatantly admit to the crime.
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