Stephen C.
Aertker, Jr.
An LSU- and Tulane-educated, AV Preeminent-rated attorney and counselor serving Louisiana and Mississippi since 1997.
Craft-driven. Technology-powered.
Aertker Legal, LLC
Academic distinction. Practiced craft.
Born in New Orleans and a lifelong resident of the metropolitan area, Stephen "Curt" Aertker, Jr. built his practice on a foundation of academic distinction and practiced craft. In 1994 he graduated summa cum laude, with Upper Division Honors Distinction, from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science — 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.
Three years later, in 1997, he earned his Juris Doctor cum laude from Tulane University School of Law, with an Honors Designation in Trial Advocacy and a Certificate in Maritime Law — credentials that signaled, early, the rigor he would bring to every matter, at the negotiating table and in the courtroom alike.
He is licensed in Louisiana and Mississippi and admitted before all state courts of both states; the United States District Courts for the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of Louisiana and the Northern and Southern Districts of Mississippi; and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. He also represents clients in other states by pro hac vice admission through local counsel.
Stephen holds an AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell — the highest peer-review distinction, conferred by fellow attorneys and judges for pre-eminent legal ability and the highest ethical standards. In 2009, New Orleans Magazine named him among the metropolitan area's "Top Lawyers" in litigation.
I built this practice on a simple conviction: my client should always be speaking with the lawyer actually doing the work — whether that means drafting the agreement or trying the case. I bring the same preparation to every matter, because the rigor you put in early is what protects the client in the end.
Education, admissions & recognition.
Education
Admissions
Recognition
Where this experience goes to work.
Rooted on the Northshore.
Beyond the practice, Stephen invests in the community he serves — on the touchline, on nonprofit boards, and in the next generation of advocates.
Coaches multiple competitive teams and mentors fellow coaches within the club's program.
Leads the boys varsity program, pairing competitive development with a structured player-leadership approach.
Built a nationally ranked, consensus #1 girls team in Louisiana — five USYS Louisiana State Cups, three USYS Mid-South Conference championships, and three consecutive seasons in the USYS National League.
Served the abused children of St. Tammany and Washington Parishes as a voice of hope, healing, and awareness.
The St. Tammany West Chamber of Commerce program developing emerging community leaders and public involvement.
Coaches local high school students in trial advocacy — passing on the craft that defines his own practice.
Stephen is married to the former Corrine R. Blakeman. They have two daughters, Caroline Elise and Claire Delaney, and a son, Stephen Conrad, III.
Work directly with your lawyer.
Covington · St. Tammany & Tangipahoa · Louisiana & Mississippi
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