Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Areas Of Experience
Timeline
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Gregory Cook

Baton Rouge,LA

Summary

Highly analytical and detail-oriented legal professional with comprehensive background and skill-set in delivering the most effective litigation in favor of a diverse group of clients; provide criminal defense to clients with complex legal charges from fraud to homicide; protect constitutional rights of clients daily; insure the successful litigation of civil and criminal cases; skill set includes managing high-volume caseloads in populous and demanding circuits; proven track record of conducting strategic legal analysis, establishing unique data patterns, utilizing latent data, developing nuances of facts & circumstances, rules, laws, procedures and precedents; exceptional mediation, alternative dispute resolution, and settlement negotiation skills; skilled at developing and drafting contracts, briefs, and memorandum; performing administrative and accounting duties for courts of law; high level of knowledge, skills & abilities in state and federal laws, codes, procedures, precedents, government regulations, and agency rules and objectives, etc.

Proactive and goal-oriented professional with excellent time management and problem-solving skills. Known for reliability and adaptability, with swift capacity to learn and apply new skills. Committed to leveraging these qualities to drive team success and contribute to organizational growth.

Tech-savvy innovator with hands-on experience in emerging technologies and passion for continuous improvement. Skilled in identifying opportunities for technological enhancements and implementing effective solutions. Adept at leveraging new tools and methods to solve problems and enhance productivity. Excels in adapting to fast-paced environments and driving technological advancements.

Overview

24
24
years of professional experience

Work History

Chief Deputy Defender

Office of the Public Defender
09.2022 - 06.2025
  • Appointed to represent indigent clients in a variety of mid-level and complex cases before tribunals across the state; ensure that clients have effective legal representation without regard to financial status; investigate clients' legal issues, prepare and present evidence, negotiating plea deals, and protect clients’ constitutional rights; advocate for the rights of clients, including ensuring that they are treated fairly and humanely while detained; work to ensure that clients receive a fair and impartial trial, and that the prosecution has met its burden of proof; work to insure that clients are aware of their rights and the charges against them, and that clients are treated with dignity and fairness throughout the legal process; work with diverse groups of clients, including juveniles, individuals with mental health issues, and those who are facing serious criminal charges; while serving the legal needs of clients and serving an effective role in the community, I assist in managing an office of approximately 96 staff including 40 attorneys, addressing human resource issues, preparing budgets, meeting with city administrators, speaking to youth and educating communities; fundraising and promoting the values of the organization, etc.
  • Adjudicate cases before courts daily;
  • Negotiate favorable plea agreements;
  • Conduct bench and jury trials;
  • Drafts appeals, motions and writs;
  • Research statutory codes, etc.
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
  • Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.

Senior Attorney

Cook & Associates, LLC
04.2012 - 12.2022
  • Managed and ensured resolution of cases in client's best interest by devising and implementing sound legal strategies; planned and performed high-level legal research to meet requirements of case demands; delivered effective subject matter expertise to team of associates and colleagues; prepared clients for depositions, trials, and motion hearings as well as grew client base and strengthened business relationships; managed budgets, trained associates, managed court dockets, conducted hearings, etc. monitored and prioritized time sensitive matters; created and delivered quick turn-around solutions to a variety of legal matters; provided exceptional cross-functional responses to comprehensive legal issues, etc.
  • Enable & facilitate strategic management of high-volume caseload across a variety of legal issues;
  • Participate in various hearings as representative of business entities and firm clients;
  • Research and write petitions, briefs and writs;
  • Develop legal strategies for civil and criminal clients;
  • Protect the interests of clients, etc.
  • Mentored junior attorneys, fostering professional development through guidance and support in their legal practice.
  • Acted as lead counsel in high-stakes arbitrations, employing strategic negotiation techniques that resulted in advantageous awards for clients.
  • Conducted extensive legal research to stay abreast of evolving legal trends and inform strategic decision-making for clients'' benefit.

Entrepreneur – Proprietor/Manager

Cook Real Estate, LLC; Subway Franchise
01.2001 - 01.2020
  • Built strong brand recognition and customer loyalty by delivering high-quality products and services consistently over time.
  • Improved customer satisfaction with exceptional project management skills and timely delivery of products and services.
  • Established a successful startup by researching market opportunities, creating a business plan, and securing funding.
  • Managed financial aspects of the business including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and financial reporting to stakeholders.
  • Successfully navigated challenging economic conditions by adapting business strategies quickly in response to changing market dynamics.

Senior Deputy Clerk of Court

Baton Rouge City Court
12.2018 - 10.2019
  • Prepared and controlled budget with a focus on cost reduction; managed accounting functions in excess of $1M annually; directed and trained multiple staff members for continuous process improvement; administered public records requests as well as evaluated and maintained accurate payment transactions; maintained accurate cash drawers and ledger balances with a focus on minimizing financial discrepancies, etc.
  • Maintained confidentiality by adhering to strict privacy guidelines when handling sensitive information.
  • Provided quality clerical support through data entry, document management, email correspondence, and overseeing operation of office equipment.
  • Provided exceptional customer service to the public, answering inquiries and directing individuals to appropriate resources.
  • Managed financial transactions including fee collections, disbursements, and record-keeping with accuracy and integrity.
  • Contributed to a positive work environment through effective communication skills and a collaborative approach to problemsolving.

OSHA Safety Consultant

LA Workforce Commission
01.2008 - 01.2010
  • Developed emergency response plans, ensuring swift and coordinated actions during crisis situations.
  • Fostered strong relationships with regulatory agencies, facilitating smoother audits and proactive resolution of any compliance issues identified.
  • Improved company compliance with OSHA regulations through diligent inspections and corrective actions.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to implement process improvements that reduced potential hazards in the workplace.

Education

Master of Business Administration - Business Administration, Management And Accounting

Louisiana State University
Shreveport, LA
12.2022

Continuing Legal Education - Negotiations

Harvard University Program On Negotiation
Cambridge, MA
12.2012

Jurist Doctorate - Law

Southern University And A & M College
Baton Rouge, LA
05-2007

Bachelor of Science - Business & Finance

University of Southern MS
Hattiesburg, MS
12.1991

Skills

  • Friendly, positive attitude
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Customer service
  • Problem-solving

Affiliations

  • Louisiana State Bar Association
  • Baton Rouge Bar Association
  • American Bar Association

Areas Of Experience

  • Courtroom Practices & Procedures
  • Comprehensive Legal Services & Support
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Transactional & Business Law
  • Complex Problem Resolution
  • Defense & Plaintiffs’ Practice
  • Constitutional Law
  • Business Administration
  • Effective Communication and Negotiations

Timeline

Chief Deputy Defender

Office of the Public Defender
09.2022 - 06.2025

Senior Deputy Clerk of Court

Baton Rouge City Court
12.2018 - 10.2019

Senior Attorney

Cook & Associates, LLC
04.2012 - 12.2022

OSHA Safety Consultant

LA Workforce Commission
01.2008 - 01.2010

Entrepreneur – Proprietor/Manager

Cook Real Estate, LLC; Subway Franchise
01.2001 - 01.2020

Master of Business Administration - Business Administration, Management And Accounting

Louisiana State University

Continuing Legal Education - Negotiations

Harvard University Program On Negotiation

Jurist Doctorate - Law

Southern University And A & M College

Bachelor of Science - Business & Finance

University of Southern MS

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