Rick A. La Trace

Rick A. La Trace has built a respected career spanning more than two decades, representing banks, lenders, and financial institutions in Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi. His experience covers complex asset recovery, foreclosures, commercial and SBA loans, workouts, and collection matters, regularly appearing before both state and federal courts with effective advocacy and precision.

Rick earned two Bachelor of Arts degrees—one in Criminal Justice and another in Psychology—from Saint Louis University in 1997, graduating summa cum laude in both fields. He later obtained his J.D., with honors, from Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago-Kent College of Law in 2002, laying a strong academic foundation for his multifaceted legal practice and courtroom success.

Rick has argued and won several notable appellate cases, including Biel REO, LLC v. Lee Freyer Kennedy Crestview, LLC, where his arguments led to a reversal and a six-million-dollar judgment. He also succeeded in La Trace v. Webster, an Alabama appellate case cited widely for its interpretation of warranties under the Uniform Commercial Code, demonstrating his deep legal insight and persuasive reasoning.

Rick extends his practice beyond finance, representing clients in real estate matters such as property sales, tax sales, quiet title actions, and homeowners’ association disputes. He also advises business owners on formation, governance, and contract issues involving asset or stock transactions, offering pragmatic counsel tailored to each client’s goals.

Rick A. La Trace has maintained a significant immigration practice for over 15 years, assisting individuals and employers with family- and employment-based visas, including H-1B, EB-2, EB-3, and TN categories. He is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and provides compliance guidance on Form I-9 procedures and employer verification audits, reflecting his commitment to excellence and integrity in every aspect of his work.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Johnstone Adams, LLC
• Member, Alabama State Bar
• Member, Mississippi Bar Association
• Member, Florida Bar
• Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association

Licensed State

• Alabama
• Mississippi
• Florida

Education

• Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago-Kent College of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Saint Louis University
  BA in Criminal Justice with Summa Cum Laude

Awards & Badges