Meet Guy Lain, CWLS

I am an attorney with the Louisiana State Department of Children and Family Services in the Alexandria Region. I began working for the Department in June of 2006 due in large part to the efforts and recommendations of Robert Elliott, who was an attorney with the Department. For over nine years I had the honor and privilege of working with and gaining from the knowledge and experience of Robert. He dedicated his career to advancing the well-being of children. Sadly in 2015 Robert lost his battle with lung cancer. A close friend, fellow child advocate and mentor was lost.

For six years prior to working for the Department I was a private practice attorney under contract with the local Indigent Defender Office. I represented children in a two parish area in child welfare cases. For a short time before I was appointed to represent parents in child welfare proceedings.

When I entered the legal profession I plotted a course for myself. I decided first to have a general law practice to be exposed to as many areas of law as possible. I was confident that eventually one area would capture my passion. Child welfare law became that passion.

Through my appointment as counsel for parents, representing children, and now as counsel for the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services my dedication and commitment to child welfare law has grown. Part of my commitment has been a desire to continuously gain knowledge and a better understanding of child welfare law. Thanks to the Pelican Center, a nonprofit organization in Louisiana, I was given the opportunity to seek certification as a Child Welfare Law Specialist. The process of becoming a Specialist has deepened my respect for the depth and breadth of child welfare law. To effectively practice child welfare law requires a dedication to apply oneself continuously to study, grow and develop. I know that my journey has only begun.

Without the love and support of my wife, Lauren, my journey would have taken a different course. We met and married early in my undergraduate studies. Our only child, Bryce, was born during law school. Lauren and I have seen the challenges of school, raising a son, and beginning and developing a legal career together. While in private practice we worked together for more than ten years.  This December we will celebrate thirty-five years of marriage. I am looking forward to many more years of our marriage and to following my passion of practicing child welfare law.