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Robert “Rob” N. Ray, Attorney |
Rob was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on the day the Phillies (Professional Baseball Team) won their first and up to last season only World Series. The Phillies, behind the strong arms of Steve Carlton and Tug McGraw and the big bats of Mike Schmidt and Pete Rose, defeated the Houston Astros for the National League Championship and the Kansas City Royals in the World Series. To this day, the Philadelphia Phillies remain Rob’s favorite baseball team and he could not think of a better present to a new father than for his team to win a championship. See, the Phillies second World Series came for the 2008 season and coincided with the birth of Rob’s first child.
Despite Rob’s love for the Philadelphia Phillies, the cold winters of the North ran him South as quickly as his legs could carry him. As he made his way down South, Rob briefly resided in Goose Creek, South Carolina, just outside of beautiful Charleston for a few years. South Carolina provided incredible weather, rich history, and heavenly beaches, which served to mold Rob’s sense of adventure and love for the outdoors.
A wise person once said that “home is where the heart is.” Well it only took Rob eleven years to find his way “home” as he said goodbye to South Carolina and moved to Baker, Louisiana to live with his grandparents. Rob faced many changes during his youth. However, there was always one constant.... baseball. No matter where “fate” placed him, a baseball field was always nearby. His love of the game lead his grandparents to become very involved in the Baker Little League as well as other community activities. While in high school, Rob became a three sport lettermen for the Baker Buffaloes and graduated with honors in the top of his class. Unfortunately, Rob suffered a major knee injury in the State Baseball Playoffs his senior year that lead to reconstructive surgery and eventually the end of his baseball career.
Rob enrolled at LSU with the intentions of obtaining a Sports Medicine Degree, which would allow him to stay on the baseball diamond. “Fate” had other plans for Rob though. As a one legged (still on crutches) freshman, Rob randomly registered for an “Introduction to Theatre” course as an elective. The instructor for the course offered the class bonus points to audition for the Department’s main stage production of “Modern Bride.” Completely surprised, Rob was cast in a principle role in the play. The run of that play was one of the happiest times in his life and individuals explained to him that few seniors in the Department ever get the opportunity to grace the stage of the Shaver Theatre. This prompted Rob to switch his major to Theatre with a concentration in performance.
Gambit Weekly Article about Robert “Rob” N. Ray in Theater
It is funny how elective classes can change someone’s life, but Rob went two for two when he enrolled in a “Modern Dance” course to “meet girls.” Boy, did he meet girls. In fact he met the girl, a very talented dancer from Lafayette named Beven. Rob used his graceful leg swings to steal the attention of this beautiful blonde. However, she had the last laugh as she stole his heart (and breath when she became his wife).
Additionally, Rob spent his college years giving back to the community of Baker. His grandparents became increasingly ill and he decided the best way to honor the individuals who raised him was to pick up their torch. Rob began coaching baseball, umpiring and helping around the ball park for Baker Little League. His contributions to the program lead to receiving the honor of “Volunteer of the Year” and eventually a spot on the Board of Directors. Rob also volunteered time for the Baker Civic Club, who honored him as their King of the Crewe of Mystery in 2003. He continues to volunteer his time to the BCC every year as the annual Master of Ceremony for the Crewe. Rob increased his appearance in the community by taking a writing/reporting position with the Baker Observer newspaper. Rob was also responsible for bringing national attention to the community when his film company, Aurora Digital Films (which he incorporated at the age of 18), was featured in numerous publications for their first full length film, Cramweek.
After graduation from LSU, Rob and Beven were married in Lafayette with plans to leave Louisiana for New York City or the other LA, Los Angeles. However, Beven called an “audible” (sports term for the quarterback changing the play at the line scrimmage) and told Rob that she could not leave her family in Louisiana. The Baton Rouge job market did not have much of a demand for actors, which left Rob continuing his employment with the Banking industry until “fate” again stepped into the picture.
Rob was summoned for jury duty at the 19th Judicial District Court in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Rob sat (happy to serve his civic duty like all Americans) and watched two attorneys fight harder to find their voice than advocate for their clients. “Fate” at that moment told Rob, “Well, I could do that.” Rob went home that night and told his bride about the experience. Not one to question “fate,” Rob took the LSAT, applied to law school, and yet again changed his path in life.
While in law school, Rob continued to work for Regions Bank, served as a teacher’s assistant to aid in the development of first year law students, clerked for a small firm, was elected to the Board of Directors for multiple organizations, earned Cum Laude honors, and graduated in the top of his class. However, the most rewarding aspect of law school was the chance meeting with Kris Kahao. Kris became Rob’s best friend and study partner.
Shortly (and I mean shortly) after completion of the Louisiana State Bar Exam, Rob and Beven welcomed their first child, Cooper Jackson Ray, into the world. Rob seemed to finally have it all; a beautiful wife, a healthy baby boy, a nice house, a legal degree and bar license, but something was missing. Rob needed a home and luckily this time it did not take eleven years to find.
Rob’s relationship with Kris lead him to an opportunity to accept a position with Kleinpeter and Schwartzberg. The wonderful atmosphere created by the staff and senior attorneys lead Rob to realize very quickly that “fate” had found him a “home.”
“Fate” has presented Rob with many different doors in his life, which he always seems to open. So, should “fate” ever lead you to his door, trust that it will be open.
Areas of Practice
Criminal Law
Personal Injury
Workers’ Compensation
Family Law
Professional Memberships
Baton Rouge Bar Association
Louisiana State Bar Association
Louisiana Association for Justice (LAJ)
American Association for Justice (AAJ)
Admitted to Practice
Louisiana State Bar 2008
U. S. Court of Appeals - Fifth Circuit
Education
Southern University Law Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 2008
Birth Information
October 12, 1980, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Direct e-mail: robray@ksbrlaw.com.
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