Ebony S. Morris, BA 2011

Associate Attorney, Garrison, Yount, Forte, & Mulcahy, L.L.C.

After receiving her undergraduate degree (with honors) from Southeastern, Ebony went on to earn a Juris Doctorate degree (with honors) from Southern University Law Center in 2014. She is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of Louisiana and the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Ebony represents product manufacturers, corporations, national franchise restaurants, insurers, and their insureds through all phases of litigation. Her practice areas include personal injury, product liability litigation, premise liability litigation, retail and hospitality litigation, and mass tort defense.

Ebony volunteering

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Why did you choose to attend Southeastern?

I chose to attend Southeastern for three reasons: 1) my mother graduated from Southeastern with a Bachelor of Arts and hearing her experience with Southeastern inspired me to attend; 2) affordable tuition; and 3) convenience, as Southeastern is only a few minutes from my hometown.

Is there one thing or iconic place on campus that reminds you of your time spent at Southeastern?

Southeastern has so many iconic things so it is difficult to name just one. However, one iconic thing that reminds me of my time spent is Gumbo Yaya. In addition to great food, I always had a chance to connect with my friends and classmates.

Did a Southeastern professor inspire you? Who was that and how was that person inspirational?

There are too many to name; however, I would be remiss if I did not name Dr. Ronald Traylor, Dr. Peter Petrakis, and the late Rebecca Hensley. Dr. Traylor, Dr. Petrakis, and Professor Hensley encouraged critical thinking from their students, and all were engaged and invested in the success of their students. I am certain their guidance influenced my success in law school.

What do you enjoy about your current position/profession?

The law is an incredibly powerful weapon, and I enjoy using the law to advocate for my clients and their profession. I love getting the bests results for my clients, and I honestly cannot imagine working in any other profession.

What unexpected experience or event has shaped and/or influenced your current professional life?

In the second or third year of my career, I began to doubt whether I chose the right profession. It is no secret that minority women attorneys make up a very small percentage of the legal profession. Minority women attorneys not only have to deal with sexism, but racism, in the legal profession. I was often faced with the question of “are you the paralegal?” or “are you the secretary?,” or even worse, questioning whether I was an attorney at all (even after I gave proof). I did not expect this to happen and almost gave up on the profession. But thankfully, divine mentors and sponsors were placed in my path, and they encouraged me to press forward. While that experience was unexpected and hurtful, it was necessary for my professional growth.

What advice would you give to a driven college student about to enter the "real world"?

The “real world” is nothing to fear. There will be plenty of mountains and valleys, but that makes the experience valuable and unique. The world belongs to you. It is up to you what you do with it.

What advice should they ignore?

Ignore anything and anyone who says you cannot accomplish your goals. Ignore those who try to convince you to pursue another path. If your heart is set on that path, fearlessly pursue it.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I love love love reading (audible and hard copies), writing, volunteering, and spending time with my family.

Do you have a fun or interesting fact that you would like to share about yourself?

I was voted “most likely to succeed” in high school.