LAW OFFICE OF BRUCE C - Key Persons


Bruce C. Betzer

Job Titles:
  • Attorney at Law
Bruce C. Betzer, a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, is the esteemed owner and lead attorney of The Law Office of Bruce C. Betzer. Established in 2006, his law firm serves clients in the Metairie and New Orleans areas, providing exceptional legal representation in various practice areas. With close to 25 years of experience, Mr. Betzer and his team of skilled attorneys specialize in injury cases involving Property Damage/Home Owner's claims, Employment cases, Excessive Force claims, Worker's Compensation claims, and Bad Faith litigation. Born and raised in St. Bernard Parish, Mr. Betzer personally understands the hardships faced by his clients. Having lost his own home to Hurricane Katrina and endured a violent attack by a police officer, he empathizes with their struggles and challenges. When he achieves success on behalf of his clients, both in and out of court, he celebrates their victories as his own. Throughout his career, Mr. Betzer has handled thousands of cases, ranging from Class Actions against major corporations like FORD Motor Company and Murphy Oil, to Civil Rights claims involving the use of excessive force. He also has helped dozens of people with FMLA and employment claims against big corporations like Capital One and JP Morgan Chase. He believes that each case contributes to his professional journey. Mr. Betzer pursued his legal education at Loyola University School of Law in New Orleans, obtaining his Juris Doctor in May 2000. Prior to establishing his own law firm in 2006, he gained valuable experience working for Personal Injury Attorney Edward Gothard in Metairie, Louisiana. His exceptional achievements in the legal field are reflected in his numerous significant verdicts and the recovery of millions of dollars for his clients. While he has made substantial contributions to the betterment of Louisiana, he remains deeply connected to his roots, taking pride in his state and its people.

Lynn Perelli Riddell

Job Titles:
  • Legal Secretary & Paralegal
Lynn Perelli Riddell was born and raised in Metairie and has lived in Kenner for the last 35 years. She graduated from Archbishop Chapelle High School and the University of New Orleans. She also received a paralegal certificate from the University of New Orleans. Lynn began working for The Law Office of Bruce C. Betzer in 2023 as a paralegal/legal secretary but has been working in the legal profession as a legal secretary for over 35 years. Out of the office, Lynn is a mother of two and a grandmother of two. She enjoys spending time with her family and doing various crafting projects. She enjoys her work and being around her co-workers every day. She is available to assist our current clients and meeting new clients. Practice Areas Personal Injury

Michelle Schmidt Torres

Job Titles:
  • Associate
  • Attorney
Attorney Michelle Torres, born and raised in Metairie, LA, joined the Law Office of Bruce C. Betzer as an associate attorney in 2015. Michelle graduated from Loyola University New Orleans in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science in Music Industry Studies and a Minor in Business. While attending Loyola, Michelle began working for Bruce C. Betzer as a legal assistant until she left to attend law school. Michelle Torres obtained her Juris Doctorate from Loyola University College of Law in 2015. Michelle is admitted to all state courts in the State of Louisiana. Since returning to the law firm, Michelle focuses on advocating for her clients who have been injured by the negligence of others and has gained experience before the Louisiana Courts of Appeal.

Shanna LaGarde

Job Titles:
  • Bookkeeper
  • Manager
Shanna Bernard LaGarde is a native of New Orleans. She graduated from Dominican High School and attended the University of New Orleans. Shanna began working for The Law Office of Bruce C. Betzer in 2007 as a legal secretary and she is currently the office manager and bookkeeper. Out of the office, Shanna is a mother of two boys, ages 15 and 12, and step-mother to three, ages 19, 17 and 15. She loves to take family trips with them, making new memories each time. She enjoys going to work every day and being surrounded by her motivating co-workers who have become like family to her. Shanna's favorite part about working at the boutique law firm is that it grants her the unique experience to build close relationships with each and every one of our clients. I strive to have a relationship with each client so that I can better serve you. Practice Areas Personal Injury