Rachal Chance Kramar

“Be yourself” and “be direct with your client” are central tenets of Rachal’s legal practice. In the courtroom, she’s seen that advocates who are not authentic and direct often have difficulty connecting with juries, and, thus, are less likely to achieve the desired result on behalf of their clients. Rachal knows she has been fortunate to work with excellent trial lawyers as mentors throughout her career. Regardless of courtroom style, “preparation is paramount.” Similarly, for mediation and arbitration, proper preparation allows one to best evaluate a claim. All of this goes to making the client’s experience as simple, stress-free, and expeditious as possible.

Based in New Orleans, Rachal has argued in 30 of Louisiana’s 43 state district courts and all federal district courts of Louisiana. In this way, her legal career reflects her personal experiences, having resided in most of Louisiana’s major cities and having relatives across the Pelican State – from the pine trees to the bayous. This also mirrors educational opportunities Rachal had when selected to represent the State of Louisiana in events such as the United States Senate Youth Program and the International Science and Engineering Fair.

At LSU’s Law Center, she worked as a research assistant to the late Susan B. Kalinka, beloved tax professor, and, upon graduation, she clerked for the Honorable John C. Davidson, Judge of the Ninth Judicial District Court. These experiences gave her a deeper appreciation for her home state and its legal landscape.

Since then, Rachal has practiced litigation in Louisiana and provided coverage analyses for diverse subject matter including, but not limited to, contractual issues, professional liability, product liability, maritime personal injury, and longshore and harbor workers’ compensation. She has represented clients by pro hac vice admission in Texas, Mississippi, and Florida. Rachal joins SBSB-Eastham’s experienced trial team and has expanded her practice to represent DBA clients in all administrative law districts.

Outside the office, Rachal’s creative outlets include sketching, painting, and sewing. She enjoys supporting the vibrant art community of New Orleans, along with her husband, who is a TV producer and professional art photographer.