We Hold Nothing Back

Attorney Stephen M. Gelé

Practice Areas

  • Professional Liability
  • Property and Environmental Litigation
  • Business and Corporate Law
  • Complex Insurance Litigation
  • Government Relations

Biography

Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, Stephen Gelé is committed to the culture and institutions of Southeast Louisiana. He grew up in the Gelé family's generational hunting and fishing store, earned a degree in Political Science from Loyola University, and then a law degree at Loyola School of Law.

He enjoys both the policy and procedure of the law. He has litigated a great variety of disputes in multiple forums throughout his almost thirty years of practicing law, including such diverse issues as internal business disputes, injuries to person and property, construction defect, campaign challenges, and intellectual property. He has also consulted with multiple clients regarding legislation, public policy, campaigns, and public interest organizations. He revels in his civic engagement, including: acting as Chairman of the Board of a think tank focused on improving Louisiana law and government; serving as an elected member of the Orleans Parish Republican Executive Committee; and enjoying D.C. Mardi Gras as a member of the Mystick Krewe of Louisianians. In the past, he has served as the president of his neighborhood association.

He resides in Uptown New Orleans with his three daughters Julia, Emma, and Vivian.

 

Education

  • Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, New Orleans, Louisiana
    • J.D. - 1993
    • Honors: GPA: 3.448
    • Honors: Top 10%
    • Honors: Study Group Coordinator
    • Honors: Full tuition scholarship
    • Honors: Law Review, Runner Up Outstanding Comment Competition
    • Honors: Loyola 1993 Spring Moot Court Team
    • Honors: Who’s Who Among American Law Students; Alpha Sigma Nu (National Jesuit Honor Society)
    • Honors: Moot Court, Sports Law Team Quarterfinalist, Tulane Invitational Tournament, 1992
  • Loyola University
    • B.S. - 1990
    • Honors: cum laude
    • Honors: GPA 3.679
    • Honors: Dean's List
    • Honors: Presidential Scholar
    • Honors: Honors Diploma
    • Honors: Political Science Award
    • Honors: VP Pi Sigma Alpha honorary
    • Honors: VP Loyola Debate Society
    • Honors: Loyola Union Ideas & Issues Chairman – Programmed major speakers for University
    • Honors: Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity – Scholarship Chariman / Secreatry / Delegate to Conclave / Interfraternity Council Secretary / Treasurer
    • Honors: Wesley P. Moynan Award for Outstanding Graduating Senior
    • Honors: Quality of Greek Life Committee Chairman, addressed minority participation in Greek Life
    • Honors: Alumni Association of LA Γ Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, Board of Directors, Past President
    • Major: Political Science
    • Minor: Economics

Bar Admissions

  • Louisiana, 1993
  • U.S. District Court Eastern District of Louisiana, 1993
  • U.S. District Court Middle District of Louisiana, 1993
  • U.S. District Court Western District of Louisiana, 1993

Professional Associations

  • New Orleans Association of Defense Counsel, 2008
  • Certified Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), 1998
  • Certified in Insurance Regulation, Insurance Institute of America, 1997

Honors

  • AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell

Classes & Seminars

  • Continued Legal Education Seminar, Selection of Experts, Loyola Institute of Politics, 2017
  • Continued Legal Education Seminar, Louisiana Election Law, Loyola Institute of Politics, 2011

Pro-Bono Activities

  • Member of the Orleans Parish Republican Executive Committee
  • Member, D.C. Mardi Gras, Mystick Krewe of Louisianians
  • Notary Public, Former President
  • National Institute of Trial Advocacy Graduate, 1995 to 1995
  • Audubon Riverside Neighborhood Association, Past President, 2003
  • Audubon Riverside Neighborhood Association, Chairman of Planning & Zoning Committee, 2002
  • The Pelican Institute for Public Policy, Co-Founder, Current Chairman, 2008-present
  • Young Republicans, Greater New Orleans Republicans, Director since 1996 / Past President and Chairman
  • Young Republicans, Louisiana Young Republican Federation, Chairman, 2005-2007
  • Young Republicans, Young Republican National Federation, General Counsel 2007-2009
  • Republican Party of Louisiana, 2008
  • Republican Party of Louisiana, Orleans Republican Parish Executive Committee, 2012 to 2016
  • Mystic Krewe of Louisianians, Krewe Member 2008 to present
  • Young Professionals for Fred Thompson for President 2008, Chair of Fred Force
  • Future Leaders for John McCain for President 2008, Chairman of Policy Committee
  • Louisiana Lawyers for Life, Past President
  • Louisiana Choose Life Advisory Council, Member