WHO WE ARE
The Experienced Team You Can Trust.
Whether you’ve been injured in an accident, you’re preparing for the future with estate planning, you’re getting ready to close on real estate, or you’re suffering damages due to a recent storm, you need an experienced attorney to help you navigate the legal system.
The door to our cozy office in historic Downtown Ponchatoula has been open since 1981. We’ve helped thousands of Louisiana families and individuals successfully win cases, close on real estate, and regain their peace-of-mind.
Our lawyer team of Ernie Drake III, Ryan J. Williams and Summer Vicknair are determined, compassionate, and dedicated to helping resolve your legal matters.
Ernest "Ernie" G. Drake III
Attorney-At-Law
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A native of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, Ernest G. Drake, III, earned his Juris Doctorate from Loyola Law School in 2008. He obtained an undergraduate degree in Biology at Louisiana State University and is a graduate Episcopal High School. Ernie has been at Drake Williams Law Firm since 2008 handling a variety of legal matters in the areas of real estate, business transactions, personal injury, and property damage insurance claims.
As an active Ponchatoula government leader, Ernie serves as both the attorney for the City of Ponchatoula as well as the magistrate for the City of Ponchatoula Mayor’s Court. Ernie is also the attorney for the Town of Killian.
Ernie resides in Ponchatoula with his wife, Dr. Laura Drake, and their three children Tj, Gabriel, and Sawyer. Ernie enjoys spending time watching LSU sports, bike riding, deer hunting, and coaching athletics. Ernie and his family are active members at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ponchatoula.
Ryan J. Williams
Attorney-At-Law
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A native of Hammond, Louisiana, Ryan J. Williams earned his Juris Doctorate and Graduate Diploma in Comparative Law from the LSU Law Center. He obtained an undergraduate degree in Political Science at Louisiana State University and is a graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas High School. While at LSU Law, Ryan participated in the Succession Clinic resolving estate and property title issues for underprivileged families in East Baton Rouge Parish.
Ryan returned home after graduating from law school to join Ernest “Ernie” G. Drake, III’s office in 2018, where he has remained since and was ultimately named partner and co-owner in 2021. Ryan has extensive experience in handling complex personal injury and medical malpractice cases. In addition, he also focuses on succession and Title issues. As a closing attorney, he has successfully negotiated and closed many commercial and residential real estate transactions across southeast Louisiana.
Ryan currently resides in downtown Ponchatoula with his wife, Lila, their daughter, Margot, and their two dogs, Georgie and Archie. Ryan and his family are active members of the Holy Ghost Catholic Church. Ryan enjoys spending time with family and friends, golfing, and cheering on the LSU Tigers, Saints, Pelicans, and Atlanta Braves.
Summer Vicknair
Attorney-At-Law
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Summer is a lifelong resident of Hammond, Louisiana, where she attended St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic High School. After high school, she pursued Bachelor degrees in French and Spanish from Southeastern Louisiana University. She graduated from Southeastern in 1996 and began studying for her Master’s in Public Administration at the University of New Orleans when her studies were interrupted upon being accepted into law school at Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge. She graduated from law school in 2005, and has practiced primarily in estate planning, personal injury, and criminal defense since then.
Mrs. Vicknair is an experienced attorney in estate planning, successions, and probate matters, having handled complex cases for more than 15 years. She has assisted clients in every stage of the estate planning process, from simply drafting Wills and Power of Attorneys, establishing trusts, and opening succession, to administering a client’s estate when necessary. She has a passion for elder rights and enjoys working with her clients to create the best plan for ensuring they or their loved ones, as well as their assets, will be protected.
In addition to estate planning, Mrs. Vicknair is an accomplished trial attorney who has represented criminal clients from arrest to appeal in every stage of the criminal justice system. She has taught classes and continuing education seminars on various topics relative to criminal defense. She is a member of the Louisiana Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Association, the National Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Association, the Louisiana Public Defender’s Association, and the National Association for Public Defense. A self-described techno geek, she enjoys gardening, hiking and cooking. She is married with three stepchildren and five grandchildren. She is an active member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church and her community.
Morgan S. Daniels
Attorney-At-Law
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Growing up in the vibrant community of Hammond, Louisiana, I was immersed in the values of family, compassion, and justice from a young age. These values served as the foundation for my career path in law, particularly in the intricate realm of family law.
After completing my undergraduate studies at Loyola University, I felt drawn to pursue a legal education at Loyola Law School. It was there that I honed my skills and deepened my understanding of the complexities within the legal system. Throughout my time at law school, I was fortunate to receive numerous honors and awards, which only fueled my passion for advocating for families in need.
Upon graduating, I embarked on a fifteen-year journey in the Greater New Orleans Area, where I dedicated myself to serving individuals and families facing some of life's most challenging circumstances. From navigating divorce proceedings to advocating for child custody arrangements, I approached each case with empathy, integrity, and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for my clients.
Despite the fulfillment I found in my work, the call to be closer to home and my growing family became increasingly irresistible. With a loving husband and two young children to prioritize, I made the decision to seek opportunities closer to Hammond, where I could continue to serve my community while being present for my loved ones.
Joining Drake Williams Law Firm of Ponchatoula as a new addition to their esteemed team is not only a professional milestone but also a deeply personal one. It allows me to bring my expertise back to the place where it all began, offering compassionate guidance and legal support to those navigating the complexities of familial relationships.
As I embark on this new chapter, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences that have shaped me and enthusiasm for the opportunities that lie ahead. With a steadfast dedication to serving the best interests of families, I am ready to continue my journey of navigating the heart within the realm of family law.
