Rhodes Law Insights
Legal insights for entrepreneurs, employees, families, and property owners across Louisiana.
Jonathan Rhodes Honored by New Orleans City Council with Proclamation for Community Work
The New Orleans City Council unanimously recognized Attorney Jonathan Rhodes with a formal proclamation for his leadership as Board President of St. Claude Main Street, a community and economic development organization dedicated to the commercial and cultural rebirth of the 8th and 9th Wards.
Read More
Rhodes and Entergy Corporation Share Prestigious Corporate Pro Bono Award
Entergy Corporation (NYSE: ETR) received the national Corporate Pro Bono Partner Award in 2016 for its role supporting the Self Help Resource Center — a New Orleans court help desk created by Jonathan Rhodes that assists more than 5,000 low-income litigants each year.
Read More
Rhodes and Team Win Legal Innovation Award
Attorney Jonathan Rhodes and the Louisiana Justice Center receive the Legal Innovation Award for launching 'The Justice Tour' — bringing free legal clinics to 15 parishes and assisting over 500 low-income Louisianans in the state's most rural communities.
Read MoreAccess to Justice in Louisiana: Free Legal Resources and Pro Bono Services
Since 2010, Attorney Jonathan Rhodes has helped design and launch Louisiana's first courthouse help desks for self-represented litigants — a program that has now helped more than 10,000 people access justice across the state.
Read More
The Intersection of Blockchain and AI: A Legal Revolution for Startups
The future of contracting is blockchain coupled with advancements in AI. Now we have a future where contracts speak to each other across organizations — with a single source of truth and AI that can self-execute terms without human intervention.
Read More
The End of Hourly Billing: How AI and Legal Ops Innovations Are Reshaping Legal Services for Startups
The AI era has been transformational for companies and for the practice of law. Here's how AI and legal operations innovations are helping to put an end to hourly billing — and how new service models are benefiting startups.
Read More
5 Legal Essentials Every Startup Founder Needs to Know
From entity formation to founder agreements, getting the legal foundation right from day one can save your startup from costly disputes and missed opportunities down the road.
Read More
Lessons from the Death of Alex Pretti: Our Top 5 Constitutional Rights (And One More for Good Measure)
On January 24, 2026, Alex Jeffrey Pretti — a 37-year-old ICU nurse and Minneapolis resident — was shot and killed by U.S. Border Patrol agents on a public street. His death raises urgent and profound questions about the meaning and protection of our most fundamental constitutional rights.
Read MoreWhat to Look for in a Commercial Real Estate Contract
Commercial real estate transactions move fast — and the details in your purchase agreement can make or break a deal. An experienced attorney can protect your interests before you sign.
Read More
Space: To Boldly Go Where No (Lawyer) Has Gone Before
At The Rhodes Law Firm, we are seeing a new phase of entrepreneurship move into space. We lay out the fundamentals of space law, the challenges ahead, and what it means for startups in the space sector.
Read More
When Tesla Crashes Main Street, Is there Any Safety for Shareholders?
Tesla CEO Elon Musk's controversial political activities caused the company's stock to plummet as much as 50%, erasing over $150B in value. So how do we make sure mom and pop on Main Street don't get injured when a CEO's dangerous behavior wrecks a company's value?
Read More
The Rhodes Law Firm Launches Civil Rights & Pro Bono Practice to Combat Federal Constitutional Violations
The Rhodes Law Firm officially launches its Civil Rights and Pro Bono Practice Group, dedicated to defending individuals whose constitutional rights have been violated by local, state, or federal law enforcement agencies — including ICE, DHS, and other federal authorities.
Read MoreProtecting Your Family: Why Every Parent Needs an Estate Plan
A will, healthcare directive, and proper beneficiary designations aren't just for the wealthy — they're essential tools for every parent who wants to protect their children and legacy.
Read MoreUnderstanding Historic Tax Credits in Louisiana Real Estate
Louisiana's historic tax credit program is one of the most powerful tools for real estate developers — but navigating the rules requires expertise. Here's what you need to know.
Read MoreC-Corp vs. LLC: Choosing the Best Entity for Your Startup
The entity structure you choose at incorporation shapes everything — from how you raise capital, to how you pay taxes, to whether top talent will join your team. Here's a comprehensive comparison of C-Corps and LLCs for founders.
Read More
Attorney Jonathan Rhodes Wins Federal Overdetention Appeal, Holding Government Accountable
Jonathan Rhodes, managing attorney of The Rhodes Law Firm, successfully won a civil rights appeal in the U.S. 5th Circuit Court, setting a new precedent for overdetained citizens to hold the government accountable.
Read MoreNo-Fault vs. Fault-Based Divorce in Louisiana: Understanding the 102 and 103 Divorce
Louisiana offers both no-fault and fault-based divorce. Learn about the 180-day and 365-day separation requirements, what qualifies as fault, and which path may be right for your situation.
Read MoreFounder Agreements: What to Include to Prevent Future Disputes
Co-founder disputes are one of the leading causes of early-stage startup failure. A well-drafted founder agreement addresses equity splits, vesting, roles, IP ownership, and what happens when a founder leaves — before any of those conversations become contentious.
Read More
Judge Blasts Louisiana Prisons for Over-detention in Rhodes Law Case
Check out this coverage of the Rhodes Law Firm winning appeal for our client who was over-detained for 337 days past his release date.
Read MoreImmediate Divorce in Louisiana: Adultery, Felony Conviction, and Domestic Abuse
Did you know Louisiana allows an immediate divorce — no waiting period — in cases of adultery, felony conviction, or domestic abuse? Learn what you must prove and how to protect yourself.
Read More
Race, Redlining and the Digital Divide
As the Affordable Connectivity Plan comes to an end, what's next for digital equity? Jonathan Rhodes discusses his work to bridge the digital divide in New Orleans and the link between historic redlining and today's connectivity gap.
Read MoreTrademark Registration: How to Search for and Protect Your Brand
Your brand name, logo, and tagline may be among the most valuable assets your business owns. Federal trademark registration gives you nationwide protection and the legal tools to stop infringers. Here's how the process works.
Read MoreCovenant Marriage in Louisiana: What It Is and How to Get a Divorce
Louisiana is one of only three states that offers covenant marriage — a legally distinct marriage with stricter divorce requirements. Learn what it means and your options if you want to end one.
Read MorePatent Strategies for Startups: Provisionals, Software, and When to File
A strategic patent portfolio can be a startup's most durable competitive moat. But patents are expensive, slow, and complex. Here's what founders need to know about provisional patents, software patent eligibility, and how to build a patent strategy that makes sense for your business.
Read MoreThe 'Best Interest of the Child' Standard in Louisiana Custody Cases
Every Louisiana child custody decision is governed by the 'best interest of the child' standard. Learn what factors courts consider and how to build a strong custody case.
Read MoreIP Assignment: How to Ensure Your Company Actually Owns Its Technology
Thousands of startup deals and acquisitions have been complicated — or killed — by IP ownership gaps. Ensuring that your company owns all the intellectual property in its product is not optional. Here's how to get it right.
Read More50/50 Joint Custody in Louisiana: How to Achieve and Manage Shared Custody
Can you get 50/50 custody in Louisiana? Learn how courts approach shared custody arrangements, what parenting plans look like, and how to make equal custody work for your family.
Read MoreRelocation with a Child in Louisiana: What Parents Need to Know Before Moving
Want to relocate with your child after a Louisiana custody order? The law requires notice and potentially court approval. Learn your rights and obligations before you make any move.
Read MoreNDAs: How to Use Non-Disclosure Agreements to Protect Your Business
Non-disclosure agreements are among the most commonly used — and most commonly misused — legal tools in business. Here's what every business owner needs to know about drafting, negotiating, and enforcing NDAs effectively.
Read MoreGrandparent Rights in Louisiana: Visitation, Custody, and When Courts Get Involved
Can grandparents in Louisiana seek visitation or custody of their grandchildren? Learn when Louisiana courts recognize grandparent rights and what you must prove to succeed.
Read MoreEmployee vs. Independent Contractor: How to Classify Workers Correctly
Misclassifying employees as independent contractors is one of the most common and expensive legal mistakes businesses make. The IRS, DOL, and state agencies all have their own tests — and getting it wrong means back taxes, penalties, and potential litigation.
Read MoreCommunity Property Division in Louisiana: The 50/50 Split Rule Explained
Louisiana is a community property state — meaning assets and debts acquired during marriage are generally split 50/50 in a divorce. Learn what this means for your financial future.
Read MoreEquity Incentive Plans: Issuing Stock Options to Attract and Retain Talent
Equity compensation is how startups compete for talent against established companies that can pay higher salaries. Understanding the mechanics of stock option plans — ISOs vs. NSOs, exercise prices, vesting, and 409A valuations — is essential for any founder.
Read MoreSeparate Property vs. Community Property in Louisiana: How to Protect What's Yours
Not everything you own is subject to equal division in a Louisiana divorce. Learn the difference between separate and community property — and how to prove and protect your separate assets.
Read MoreData Privacy Compliance: GDPR, CCPA, and the Growing Patchwork of State Laws
Data privacy regulation is expanding rapidly. Every business that collects personal data — which is nearly every business with a website — must understand its legal obligations under GDPR, CCPA, and an growing number of state privacy laws. Here's what you need to know.
Read MoreAI Regulation in 2026: State Laws, Governance Frameworks, and What Businesses Must Know
AI regulation is no longer theoretical. State legislatures are passing enforceable laws governing algorithmic decision-making, synthetic media, AI in employment, and more. Here's what businesses deploying AI systems need to know in 2026.
Read MoreChild Support in Louisiana: How Payments Are Calculated and Enforced
How is child support calculated in Louisiana? Learn about the income shares model, what expenses are included, how to modify an order, and what happens when a parent doesn't pay.
Read MoreTerms of Service and Website Policies: Drafting Legally Binding Terms for Your Users
Terms of service and privacy policies aren't just legal formalities — they're your primary legal defense in user disputes, your compliance mechanism for data privacy law, and the foundation of your relationship with every person who uses your product.
Read MoreLouisiana Title Search Requirements: How to Search Public Records Before You Buy
Before purchasing real estate in Louisiana, a thorough title search through parish Clerk of Court records is essential. Here's what the process involves, what it reveals, and why it protects buyers.
Read MoreAcquisitive Prescription in Louisiana: How to Gain (or Lose) Property Through Possession
Acquisitive prescription — Louisiana's equivalent of adverse possession — allows someone to gain legal ownership of property through long-term, open, continuous, and peaceable possession. Here's how the doctrine works, when it applies, and how property owners can protect themselves.
Read MoreEasements and Rights-of-Way in Louisiana: A Complete Guide
Easements — called 'servitudes' in Louisiana civil law — are usage rights that one property has over another. Understanding how they're created, what they allow, and how disputes are resolved is essential for any property owner.
Read MoreLouisiana Act 557 Tax Lien Changes (2026): What Property Owners and Investors Must Know
Louisiana's Act 557 fundamentally changes how delinquent property taxes are handled — shifting from fractional ownership sales to tax lien certificate auctions. Here's what the change means for property owners, investors, and anyone dealing with adjudicated property.
Read MoreLesion Beyond Moiety: Louisiana's Unique Real Estate Rescission Doctrine
Louisiana is the only state that allows a seller to rescind a completed real estate sale if the sale price was less than half the property's fair market value. Here's what buyers and sellers need to know about this uniquely Louisiana doctrine.
Read MoreLouisiana Eviction Law: The Rule for Possession and Tenant Rights
Louisiana's eviction procedure — the 'rule for possession' — has specific notice requirements, court procedures, and timelines that landlords must follow exactly. Here's a complete guide to Louisiana's eviction process for both landlords and tenants.
Read MoreExecutory Process in Louisiana: Foreclosure Without a Full Trial
Louisiana's executory process is a uniquely streamlined foreclosure mechanism that allows mortgage lenders to seize and sell property without a full civil trial. Here's how the process works — and what options borrowers have to fight back.
Read MoreShort-Term Rental Regulations in New Orleans and Louisiana: What Hosts Must Know
New Orleans has some of the most contentious short-term rental regulation battles in the country. Here's the current legal landscape for Airbnb and VRBO hosts in Louisiana — and what the ongoing changes mean for property owners.
Read More