Hevia-Cockrell, Mariana A.

With a background in journalism, Jerry has long been a champion of the underdog and has spent much of his legal career fighting against large corporations and insurance companies on behalf of injured victims. A 1979 graduate of the LSU Law Center in the top 20% of his class, Jerry entered private practice in 1981 following a two-year clerkship on the Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal. His interest in advocacy and trial work led him to streamline his practice almost exclusively to litigation.

He has won multi-million verdicts for clients in accident cases, and has been successful in numerous jury and judge-tried cases protecting the rights of injured workers and victims. Jerry has also represented local governments in a variety of legal matters, including constitutional challenges to the regulation of some forms of gambling and civil rights litigation.

Born on March 11, 1953, Jerry grew up in a working class neighborhood in the bayou country. He attended Nicholls State University, a small regional college in Thibodaux, La., graduating cum laude in 1975. To pay his way through college, he worked, often full time, at the Houma Daily Courier as a news reporter and editor. He served as managing editor for a year (1975-76) at the Houma Daily Courier before enrolling at the LSU Law Center. Scholastic achievements at Law School included recognition for the top grade in evidence law and scholarships for outstanding work in mineral law. He worked his way through law school, clerking for a local law firm and for the Sea Grant Legal Program.

The father of five children, Jerry enjoys fishing, football, and water sports during family time. He has been active in community affairs, having served on the Louisiana Coastal Commission, the Louisiana Judiciary Commission, the Houma-Terrebonne Home Rule Charter Commission and other community organizations. He is a past member of the Terrebonne Parish Democratic Executive Committee. Jerry has coached tot-ball and youth flag football.