Some attorneys may be in it all for the money. Not Chris Odinet.
The New Orleans native went into law, where he specializes in real estate and commercial transactions, because it’s a way to get involved in the community and make a meaningful difference.
Odinet believes Baton Rouge is a community that is “really coming into its own.”
“I think this is an exciting time to be in Baton Rouge,” says Odinet, a former student body president at LSU, where he got his undergraduate and law degrees. “When I moved here for college, I was surprised at what this city was like, and it’s grown and changed through the last several years.”
And Odinet has made sure he’s involved in the growth process along the way.
Since receiving his law degree, he has made an impact behind the scenes with memberships in several legal organizations.
As important as those are to him, though, his membership on the board of the Baton Rouge Speech and Hearing Foundation addresses a cause close to his heart.
Odinet says several family members and friends have been affected by autism. Among other services, BRSHF provides comprehensive communication therapy for children on the spectrum.
“Autism covers a wide spectrum of disorders and affects a lot of people,” Odinet said. “I wanted to find some way to help with awareness of the condition and do anything I can to help people who are dealing with it.”
Odinet also seeks the greater good as a lawyer.
He says his approach to practicing law is a little different. Instead of keeping law and his human side completely compartmentalized, Odinet doesn’t shy away from blurring the lines.
“I think you have to get involved in your community, because in order to do your job well, you have to relate to your clients and the people who come to you,” he says. “To help them as much as you can, they have to have some sense of who you are—your personality and your character and things that are very important to you. Showing that you care about the place where you live goes a long way in people believing in you and trusting you.”
I wanted to be a travelling dentist. I wanted to go around in a mobile dental office and help people with their teeth.
I have no idea.
I think you have to get involved in your community, because in order to do your job well, you have to relate to your clients and the people who come to you. To help them as much as you can, they have to have some sense of who you are—your personality and your character and things that are very important to you. Showing that you care about the place where you live goes a long way in people believing in you and trusting you.
It’s geographic assets like the LSU lakes, the downtown area or the path along the levy. Those kinds of places make young people what to come here.
Highland Coffee
I would want more people to live and work in the city and not the far-flung parts of the parish because it builds a sense of community and that’s what we need right now.
Getting people comfortable with your level of skill an expertise despite looking young.
Hopefully right here in Baton Rouge living in the Garden District where I’m supposed to.
