Jason Bonaventure
In one way or another, the law has been a part of Jason’s entire adult life. After high school and to finance his way through college, Jason served his home parish as a deputy sheriff, working weekend nights and attending school during the week. Through this work, the path for what would be a practice based upon serving others was begun. That path led him directly to the doors of Southern University Law Center where in 1998, he graduated 7th in his class. During Law School, Jason continued to working for the firm of Degravelle, Palimintier and Holthaus, LLC.
After law school, Jason accepted a prestigious federal clerkship in Baton Rouge with Chief Judge John V. Parker. Although the clerkship was for a one-year term, because of his work ethic, he was asked by an incoming federal judge, Ralph E. Tyson, to serve another year under him. At the end of his tenure with the federal
court and eager to begin practicing law, Jason began what would be a lifetime vocation by joining a regional construction law firm. After a few years, Jason sought to add diversity to his field of practice and joined Forrester, Jordan and Dick, LLC, a distinguished boutique defense firm, where he added to his expertise in business and employment law.
In 2005, Hurricane Katrina and Rita struck and caused tragedy throughout South Louisiana. As the State sought to recover, Jason was asked to lead construction recovery efforts for the State of Louisiana. While working within the administrative arm of state government, Jason was instrumental in drafting Public Works Law, negotiating business and property transactions, and litigating significant cases involving government administration, construction, employment, and a plethora of other areas.
As the major recovery work subsided, Jason decided the time was right for him to transition back into private practice and launch Bonaventure Law Firm. As his small firm began to grow, Jason began taking on additional business responsibilities with one of his construction clients that was seeking to rise to the “next level”. The company quickly grew, which led Jason being appointed the chief operations officer of the company. During his tenure, Jason gained the unique insight that many legal practitioners do not have. With his background, he was able to navigate the pitfalls of rapid growth. Armed with practical insight, Jason made the decision to re-launch Bonaventure Law Firm, based upon a more holistic approach, which includes not only the short-term concept of helping a client build the best case but also a more long-term view of helping a client build its business. He also founded Next Level MPL, LLC, a management firm that provides “an ounce or prevention” for clients rather than the “pound of cure” litigation work of Bonaventure Law Firm, LLC.
Today, Jason is recognized by Martindale Hubble, the leading attorney rating system in the US, as having an AV rating, the highest possible rating as a result of him demonstrating the strongest legal ability and highest ethical standards in his practice areas. Jason's leadership in these areas include serving as committee chair for the bar and teaching various continuing education courses on the subject to his fellow attorneys and industrial groups. Jason's leadership is not reserved to his vocation, as much of his free time is given back to the community as the president of his local Rotary, board members on local non-profits, an adult leader in Boy Scouts of America, and ministry leader at his church.