Banks, Estill D.

Before he decided to take up law as a career, Bowdre Banks had achieved success in another profession. With several degrees, including a doctoral degree in music from the University of Arizona, he was a performing musician (piano) and a college professor. The lure of the law was great for him, however, and he attended Loyola University School of Law in New Orleans, Louisiana. While a student, he excelled in his legal studies.

As a result of his superior legal scholarship and leadership ability, Bowdre was a member of the Loyola Law Review, and served as Managing Editor of the Law Review. In 1980, he graduated second in his class, with honors. Instead of pursuing a position with a large law firm, which is what many top law graduates choose to do, Bowdre started his own practice, representing individuals and small businesses. Today, twenty-six years after "hanging out his shingle", Bowdre has represented many hundreds of clients in bankruptcy matters. Although available for representation in several other areas of the civil law, bankruptcy law has been a major focal point of his practice.

With the limited time available to him, considering his busy practice and family obligations, Bowdre has continued his love for and dedication to music. He has a number of other interests as well, including the martial arts. Bowdre holds a black belt in Shotokan Karate.