Q&A with John Pearce
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Q&A
Q&A with John Pearce
John Pearce, a 1976 alumnus of Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University, is engaged in general civil practice concentrating in energy (oil and gas) and environmental law for a variety of clients both corporate (international, national, regional and local) and individual. A partner with Gordon Arata Montgomery Barnett in New Orleans, Pearce has extensive experience in civil litigation and corporate, partnership, environmental, banking, and contract law, including interpretation, negotiation and preparation of a wide variety of contracts. He also has handled or participated in a broad range of matters including litigation before both state and federal courts, regulatory and administrative agencies, as well as matters resolved through ADR. In addition, he has extensive real estate experience primarily involving abstract title examination for both major and independent oil companies and rendition of title opinions on numerous oil and gas properties.
Q: Before becoming an attorney, what was your first job?
A: I was a paper boy at 14.
Q: What motivated you to pursue a legal career?
A: There were several lawyers and doctors in my family. I admired what they did for others and wanted to emulate them.
Q: Who was your chief mentor and how did he or she influence your career?
A: My senior partners, Roger and Donald Doyle, by example. Both were brilliant, courteous professionals, and zealous advocates. One opposing counsel observed that litigating against them was comparable to being punched by a velvet glove.
Q: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
A: Always be yourself but listen proactively to others and keep an open mind.
John Pearce, a past chair of the Primerus Business Law Institute of North America, knows his way around the kitchen, pictured here peeling eggs with his granddaughter Winslow.
John Pearce
Q: What is one thing you would like to learn to do?
A: Sculpt and paint.
Q: What is your proudest career achievement?
A: My years of involvement with the New Orleans and Southeast Louisiana Legal Services Corporations, which are nonprofit law firms serving low-income community residents.
Q: What other career path might you have chosen?
A: Anthropology.
Q: What is your most treasured material possession?
A: A beautiful Pre-Columbian pottery head given to me while I was attending college pursuing a minor in anthropology by a generous gentlman who appreciated my admiration of his collection.
Q: What is your happiest childhood memory?
A: Taking Sunday evening car rides in the countryside with my family.
Q: What is your favorite movie and book?
A: “The Godfather II” and a collection of short stories by Anton Chekov.
Q: What is the most awe-inspiring place you have visited?
A: For distinct reasons, the redwood forests of northern California and the underground Churchill War Rooms in London.
Q: What are your favorite leisure time pursuits?
A: Reading, exercise, cooking, and travel.
Q: What is your favorite famous or inspirational quote?
A: The poem “It Couldn’t Be Done” by Edgar Albert Guest.
Q: Who is on your guest list for the ideal dinner party?
A: Family – my wife, children, and grandchildren.
Q: Name the top three items on your bucket list?
A: They are: (1) visit Machu Picchu; (2) visit Egypt; and (3) visit Banff, Canada, to view the Burgess Shale.