About Stephen C. Aertker, Jr.
LSU-and-Tulane-Educated. Trial-Tested. Northshore-Rooted.
There is no hand-off at Aertker Legal, LLC. When you hire this firm, you work directly with Stephen "Curt" Aertker, Jr. — from the initial consultation through the final resolution of your matter. No junior associates. No paralegals standing between you and your attorney. Just experienced, focused counsel from a lawyer who has been doing this work in Louisiana and Mississippi courts for over two decades.
That model is a deliberate choice. Stephen built Aertker Legal LLC as a boutique practice precisely because it produces better outcomes for clients — deeper familiarity with the facts, more responsive communication, and an attorney who is personally invested in the result.
Old-Fashioned Service. Modern Capability.
There is a version of solo practice that looks like a lawyer buried in paper, juggling too many matters, returning calls three days late. That is not Aertker Legal LLC.
Stephen has built a technology-powered practice infrastructure that allows a single attorney to deliver the organization, responsiveness, and document quality that clients used to associate only with larger firms — without the overhead, the billing padding, or the hand-offs that come with them. Advanced AI-assisted research, drafting, and state-of=the-art matter management tools run behind the scenes so that the time Stephen spends on your matter is spent on what actually requires a lawyer: analysis, strategy, judgment, and advocacy.
The result is a practice that is genuinely personal — you always reach Curt directly — and genuinely capable. Your calls are returned. Your documents are precise. Your matter gets the attention it deserves.
This is what Craft-Driven. Technology-Powered. means in practice.
Education & Credentials
Stephen's academic record reflects the same standard of excellence he brings to every case. He graduated summa cum laude with Upper Division Honors Distinction from Louisiana State University in 1994, where he was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi, and the Golden Key National Honor Society, and was named LSU's Outstanding Student in Political Science.
He went on to earn his Juris Doctor cum laude from Tulane University School of Law in 1997, receiving an Honors Designation in Trial Advocacy and a Certificate in Maritime Law — a foundation that has shaped his litigation-first approach to every practice area.
Admissions & Peer Recognition
Stephen is licensed to practice law in Louisiana and Mississippi. He is admitted to practice in all state courts of both states, as well as the United States District Courts for the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of Louisiana and the Northern and Southern Districts of Mississippi. He is also admitted to practice before the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit — one of the most consequential federal appellate courts in the country. When a client's matter requires going to federal court or beyond, Stephen is already there.
Stephen holds an AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell — the highest distinction awarded through peer review by fellow attorneys and judges, recognizing both pre-eminent legal ability and the highest professional ethics. In 2009, New Orleans Magazine recognized him as one of the area's Top Lawyers in litigation. He also represents clients in other states through pro hac vice admission in coordination with local counsel.
Practice
Aertker Legal LLC is a Covington-based boutique practice serving individuals, families, and businesses throughout the Northshore,and across southeast Louisiana and south Mississippi. The firm handles personal injury and medical malpractice, family law, business counsel and litigation, estate planning, successions and probate, landlord-tenant matters, creditor-debtor disputes, workers' compensation, and criminal defense.
The firm has been in continuous practice since 2003 — through hurricanes, recessions, a pandemic, and more than two decades of Louisiana and Mississippi courtrooms. That longevity reflects a simple reality: clients get results, and they refer their families and friends.
Community & Coaching
Stephen has always understood that being a good lawyer and being an active community member are not competing obligations — they reinforce each other. His civic and community involvement has been a consistent thread throughout his career.
Since 2023, Stephen has served as the Head Coach of the Mandeville High School Boys Varsity Soccer program, where he leads a competitive LHSAA program within St. Tammany Parish's most prominent public high school. He .brings the same preparation and attention to detail to the sideline that he brings to the courtroom.
Before his tenure at Mandeville High, Stephen served as Director of Coaching for Covington FC and founded and coached the FC Tammany Tigers 02/03 girls soccer program — which became the consensus number-one ranked girls soccer team in Louisiana, winning five USYS Louisiana State Cups, three USYS Mid-South Conference Championships, and competing in the USYS National League for three consecutive seasons.
Stephen is a graduate of the Leadership St. Tammany program, a community leadership initiative sponsored by the St. Tammany West Chamber of Commerce. He previously served as President of the Board of Directors of the Children's Advocacy Center/Hope House, a nonprofit serving abused children in St. Tammany and Washington Parishes. He has also coached high school students in trial advocacy for the Louisiana State Bar Association's Mock Trial Tournament — giving back to the legal tradition that has defined
Beyond the Office
Curt is married to the former Corrine R. Blakeman. They have two daughters, Caroline Elise and Claire Delaney, and a son, Stephen Conrad III. The Aertker family resides in Mandeville, Louisiana.
Ready to put 25+ years of litigation and transactional experience to work for you? Contact Aertker Legal today.