Rotharmel Shanks LLC

Rotharmel Shanks LLC stands as a compassionate, professional family law firm serving the New Orleans metropolitan area with expertise, dignity, and genuine care for clients navigating family transitions. Founded in 2010 by Tracy Rotharmel Shanks, the firm has quickly established itself as a trusted resource for individuals and families seeking skilled legal representation during divorce, custody disputes, and other family law matters. With offices in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Rotharmel Shanks serves clients throughout Southeast Louisiana, from New Orleans proper to Metairie, Westbank, Kenner, Chalmette, and beyond.

Tracy Rotharmel Shanks brings substantial professional credentials and genuine commitment to family law excellence. She earned her Bachelor's degree from Tulane University, one of the nation's most prestigious universities, providing excellent academic preparation for legal study. She subsequently earned her Juris Doctor from Loyola University College of Law, where she was recognized as a Law Review Member—a distinction reserved for students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and writing ability. Law Review membership indicates Tracy's early recognition as a legal scholar and careful thinker about complex legal issues.

Before founding Rotharmel Shanks in 2010, Tracy worked at some of the biggest law firms in New Orleans, including those involved in complex commercial litigation and diverse legal matters. This experience at major law firms equipped her with sophisticated legal knowledge, courtroom skills, and professional networks that enhance her ability to serve family law clients effectively. Having worked in larger firm environments, Tracy gained exposure to complex cases and diverse legal issues, making her equally comfortable navigating complicated family law matters and high-stakes litigation.

Tracy's recognition as a Super Lawyer reflects peer acknowledgment of her legal skill and professional achievement. The Super Lawyers designation is competitive and selective, awarded only to attorneys who meet rigorous criteria based on professional achievement and peer recognition. This distinction signals that Tracy has earned the respect and admiration of fellow attorneys and judges who recognize her legal acumen and professional excellence.

Rotharmel Shanks' approach to family law is distinguished by both expertise and compassion. The firm recognizes that divorce and family law matters involve real people facing real challenges—fear about the future, concern for children, anxiety about financial security, and grief over family change. This human understanding informs every interaction and every strategic decision. The firm's explicit mission to help clients "navigate the difficult time leading up to and following a family separation" with "attentiveness and compassion" reflects Tracy's fundamental belief about what excellent family law representation entails.

The firm's practice encompasses both contested and uncontested divorces. For couples in fundamental disagreement about key issues, the firm is fully prepared to litigate vigorously in court. For couples able to reach agreement on property division, custody, and support matters, the firm streamlines the process, saving time, expense, and emotional toll. In fact, Rotharmel Shanks offers innovative flat-fee options for no-court divorces starting at $2,500, making legal representation accessible to families of varying economic circumstances. Cost-conscious fees for amicable and contested divorces ensure that excellent legal representation remains affordable for those who need it.

Beyond divorce matters, the firm handles child custody, child support, spousal support, and community property issues with equal expertise and care. Succession and adoption matters also receive the firm's attention, reflecting a comprehensive approach to family law. The firm also maintains experience with personal injury and minor criminal matters, recognizing that these issues sometimes intersect with family law in complex ways.

What sets Rotharmel Shanks apart is Tracy's understanding that family law representation should serve families' long-term interests, not simply short-term litigation advantage. She works with clients to develop custody arrangements that genuinely serve children's welfare, support determinations that are fair and sustainable, and property divisions that both spouses can accept and move forward from. This orientation toward balanced, fair outcomes produces consistently positive results and client satisfaction.

The firm's multiple office locations—New Orleans, Metairie, and expansion into Baton Rouge and the Northshore—reflect Tracy's commitment to making legal representation geographically accessible to families throughout Southeast Louisiana. Whether clients are located in Orleans Parish, Jefferson Parish, or surrounding areas, Rotharmel Shanks can serve them effectively.

Clients consistently describe Tracy as accessible, responsive, and genuinely invested in their welfare. In an era when some attorneys are difficult to reach, Tracy maintains a practice where clients can actually communicate with their lawyer and receive timely guidance. This hands-on approach combined with her substantial legal expertise creates exceptional value for clients.

For families in New Orleans and Southeast Louisiana seeking family law representation from an attorney who combines law review credentials, major firm experience, Super Lawyer recognition, and genuine commitment to compassionate client service, Rotharmel Shanks LLC offers exceptional representation. Tracy's dedication to guiding families through family separation with dignity, professionalism, and reasonable costs makes her an outstanding choice for anyone navigating divorce or custody matters in Southeast Louisiana.