Morris Bart doesn’t just practice law; he has changed the game entirely. As one of the first legal advertisers in America, he faced a great deal of opposition to his advertising. However, with grit and a traditional “never say die” attitude, he took on the legal establishment, wasn’t afraid of controversy, and put people first instead of just following tradition. In the process, he created a whole new kind of law firm.
The Lawsuit Years
The legal world has always been uncomfortable with being too visible or reaching out to a lot of people. So, when Morris Bart decided to advertise, he immediately became a target. He remembers, “When I was young, getting the word out about who I was and how I could help people was very challenging.”
Bart had to fight countless legal and institutional battles to defend his right to advertise. For him, it wasn’t just about his personal beliefs. It was about challenging the system itself. He had to fight not only for his constitutional right to advertise, but also to prove that he was providing a needed service to lower-income people.
Making the Untraditional Mainstream
For Bart, advertising was about more than getting attention: it was about reaching out specifically to the underprivileged, working-class communities who truly needed legal help. He says his unique perspective is “the focus on people.” He works hard to teach this philosophy to all of the attorneys in his firm, knowing that many clients have never spoken to one before and need education and guidance through their legal proceedings.
What was once a controversial practice eventually became a trusted brand. Bart believes his firm grew not just because of advertising, but because they got great results for their clients. “Eventually, those in the legal establishment began to embrace and accept my law firm,” he notes.
Disruption With a Heart
Bart’s firm still has that challenging spirit, but it has always been balanced with a great deal of humanity. He focuses on educating clients, showing empathy, and getting real results for real people. His life’s compass is thus: “If I had to narrow down my inspiration to only one source, I would have to say, people! I love people and I love helping people!”
Morris Bart has grown his firm to help thousands of clients every year. He’s received many awards, including Super Lawyer, Million Dollar Advocate, Gambit Weekly magazine’s “Best Attorney,” and a “Leadership in Law” award from New Orleans City Business magazine. However, some of his most meaningful achievements are his philanthropic efforts, such as the Cathy and Morris Bart Volunteer Center at the Second Harvest Food Bank, and his time as an Assistant District Attorney in the New Orleans District Attorney’s Office.
Looking Back and Future Plans
The biggest piece of advice that shaped Bart’s career came from his father, who studied marketing and used to say, “Early to bed, early to rise. Work like hell, and advertise!” The quote, Bart says, really captures the hard work and dedication it takes to succeed.
From the very beginning, Bart’s goal was always to help people. Now, he wants to keep expanding and assisting people throughout the South Gulf Coast region, especially with injury and storm claims.
As for retirement, Bart has no plans, simply stating, “I love what I do.”
