My name is Rachel Williams, and I was born and raised in south Louisiana. Primarily growing up in Slidell, I then moved to Baton Rouge in 2003 to attend LSU, where I remained all the way through law school. I was admitted to practice law in 2011, and I’ve been through various financial/real estate type practices including bankruptcy, creditor’s rights, and now title. My husband, Casey, is also from Slidell, and together we have two beautiful boys – Liam, who is 9, and Tighe who is 2
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am married and have two boys. My oldest is a diehard sports fan and aspires to make a career somewhere in the professional sports wold – although I am constantly reminding him to make sure he takes school seriously, so he has other options! My youngest is your typical buck wild second child. He was born with mild hearing loss and wears hearing aids. No one else in our family has hearing loss, so we it is a world we are all exploring together. And my third child…I mean, husband…is about as goofy as one comes, always keeping us laughing.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Career-wise, the practice of law has been the only one. If I had not found title, I don’t know if I would have remained in the legal world. It definitely does NOT look like what you imagine! I always describe real estate as a hidden gem in the legal world – it’s about as close as you’ll get to normal hours, there are no crazy legal deadlines, no trials, and typically no bickering with other attorneys. Just to be clear, the title world does have it’s own stresses, complications, and demands! At the end of the day, however, I get to be involved with helping people achieve a very common dream goal of homeownership!
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
BRQ, City Cafe, Elsie’s, Albasha, Little Village, and Superior are some favorites!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I moved to Baton Rouge in 2003 to attend LSU for undergrad and law school. I have remained here for the most part, with a short move to Monroe from 2013 to 2016. I couldn’t get back to south Louisiana quick enough!
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
If she sees this, I think she may laugh, but one really interesting person in our community is Joanna Arnold. I don’t think I’ve ever had one conversation with her where I didn’t learn some really fun/ridiculous fact about her!
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
PARIS! That is hands down my most favorite place in the world. LSU Law has a study abroad program that most students attend after their first year. It is based in Lyon, France, but you get to travel around Europe on your days off of class. Unfortunately, I lost my passport early on into the trip, so I was stuck in France. I spent a lot of time in Paris, and I dream of going back one day!
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
GAME.OF.THRONES. I didn’t start watching until right before the last season came out, and man, I have never enjoyed a TV show so much! I think I watched season 1 through 7 in less than a month, and made it through all the books just as quickly.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
I think people are losing sight of other people’s value. Everyone wants to be paid for their own work, but they don’t seem to want to pay for other people’s work that benefits them. It’s a very twisted perception. I would encourage people to remember that we are all out here trying to make a living and have are own obligations. Remember to give, don’t just take.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
My bucket list is probably entirely made up of travel destinations, lol. I want to visit pretty much EVERYWHERE.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
My husband hates this, but I love the pop music on the radio. If I’m downloading songs or albums, it’s likely going to be something involving indie rock. I can’t say I have a go-to band, however.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
SERRANO’S! I truly miss that place. I spent a lot of time there during law school with some of my closest friends. I would love just one more boozy brunch there.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Tom Hanks, fo sho. I love a humble, down to earth celebrity! I think Tom would be into a Chimes experience.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
There’s always something going on somewhere!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Hopefully, I’ll still be doing title work in BR! I have no desire to switch gears at this time.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I love dogs, lol. Everyone seems to think I don’t like dogs because I have cats, but I’m just an all around animal lover. Cats are just easier pets!
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been? Why did it make such an impression on you?
Europe is just incredible. I don’t think I could ever adjust to all the absolutely beautiful, historic buildings. I prefer that look over the skyscrapers of the larger cities in America.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Whatever holiday happens to have good weather that year is probably going to be my favorite. That’s the formula for me versus the actual holiday, I think. Hot Thanksgiving? Terrible. Hate it. Fall weather Thanksgiving? Yes, please! Hot Christmas? Gross. Winter Christmas – I’m there for it!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
I’m sure everyone would agree that the food in Louisiana is a 10 out of 10.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My children! When you really think about how much one’s upbringing affects who they become as an adult, it really forces you to pay attention to what you are modeling for your children. So everyday, I’m trying my best to be a good example and provide a loving, caring, and supportive environment for them to become the best men they can be!
Q: If you stop at the corner gas station, what is the one food item that is begging you to purchase?
Sorry, I’m not a gas station food/snack, gal. A bottled water, maybe?
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, comfort, and laughter.