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Your Trusted Legal Partner in Baton Rouge, LA
Erlingson Banks is a litigation and business law firm headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, serving clients across the state. Our practice spans representation of corporations, insurers, government agencies, and nonprofits, with a focus on delivering aggressive, efficient, and responsive legal solutions tailored to client needs. We prioritize building long-term relationships by understanding industry-specific challenges and leveraging technology to enhance service delivery. Our attorneys combine decades of experience with a commitment to community involvement, regularly participating in civic and nonprofit initiatives. With offices in North and South Louisiana, we provide scalable legal expertise for complex matters while maintaining personalized attention.

Our track record of success in litigation and transactional work underscores our dedication to achieving client objectives. We emphasize risk mitigation, compliance, and proactive legal strategies to help clients navigate evolving regulatory landscapes. From business formation to estate planning, our services address diverse legal needs. Community engagement remains central to our values, with attorneys serving on nonprofit boards and participating in local legal education programs. This holistic approach ensures we deliver not only legal excellence but also meaningful contributions to the communities we serve.
Services
Business Law Construction Law Corrections Defense Employment Law Estate Planning Local Government Law Litigation Services Risk Management Transactional Law
Highlights and features
  • We offer decades of combined experience in Louisiana litigation and business law
  • Our attorneys provide personalized legal strategies tailored to industry-specific needs
  • We leverage technology for responsive, cost-effective client communication
  • Our team maintains active roles in legal education and community development
  • Proven success in complex cases across construction, corrections, and employment law
What people say
Tailored legal solutions Responsive service Proven track record Community commitment Industry expertise
Services
Business Law
Our business law practice advises companies on corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, contract negotiations, and regulatory compliance. We represent small businesses to national franchises in structuring transactions and mitigating legal risks. Our attorneys provide ongoing counsel for employment issues, real estate matters, and operational compliance.
Construction Law
We handle construction disputes and transactional matters for owners, contractors, and suppliers. Services include contract drafting, lien enforcement, bid protest defense, and litigation for construction defects or delays. Our team understands the technical aspects of construction projects and related insurance issues.
Corrections Defense
Specialized defense for correctional facilities in civil rights claims, ADA violations, and conditions-of-confinement lawsuits. Our attorneys combine courtroom experience with risk management training to prevent future litigation through policy development and staff education programs.
Employment Law
We counsel employers on compliance with federal and state labor laws, including wage disputes, discrimination claims, and FMLA regulations. Services cover policy development, non-compete agreements, and litigation defense in wrongful termination and harassment cases across Louisiana courts.
Estate Planning
Our estate planning attorneys create customized wills, trusts, and incapacity plans for Louisiana residents. We guide families through succession proceedings, asset distribution, and probate processes while addressing tax implications and nursing home eligibility concerns.
People
Mary G. Erlingson
Partner
Mary G. Erlingson specializes in litigation strategy and risk management. With over 25 years of experience, she represents clients in complex legal disputes and frequently speaks at national legal conferences on emerging litigation trends.
Tara L. Johnston
Partner
Tara L. Johnston focuses on corrections defense and civil rights litigation. She holds a Certified Litigation Professional designation in corrections law and leads training programs for Louisiana correctional facilities on legal compliance.
Judson G. Banks
Founding Partner
Judson G. Banks established the firm's foundation in business litigation. His practice spans corporate governance and commercial disputes, drawing on three decades of experience representing Louisiana businesses in high-stakes legal matters.
James L. Hilburn
Partner
James L. Hilburn specializes in local government law and public entity representation. He advises municipalities on regulatory compliance and has litigated numerous public works contract disputes across the state.
Catherine S. St. Pierre
Attorney
Catherine S. St. Pierre focuses on estate planning and administration. She assists families with wills, trusts, and succession matters, emphasizing clear asset distribution strategies that align with Louisiana's unique legal framework.
Questions
What areas of law does Erlingson Banks specialize in?
We focus on business law, construction litigation, corrections defense, employment law, estate planning, and local government representation across Louisiana.
Do you represent both businesses and individuals?
Yes, we serve corporations, government agencies, nonprofits, and private clients with tailored legal solutions for their specific needs.
How does your firm handle complex litigation?
Our attorneys combine courtroom experience with strategic preparation, using technology to streamline case management while maintaining aggressive advocacy for client interests.
What makes your estate planning services unique?
We create customized plans addressing Louisiana-specific succession laws, nursing home eligibility, and blended family dynamics to ensure smooth asset transitions.
Do you offer preventive legal counseling?
Yes, we provide risk management services including policy development, staff training, and compliance audits to help clients avoid litigation.