We empower home owners, buyers, real estate professionals and entrepreneurs through exceptional support, innovative solutions, and seamless transactions, fostering vibrant communities by investing in the success of those we serve.
Our Team
Trusted Partners, Infinite Possibilities
Title Stream, powered by Smith & Treuting Law Firm, is the premier real estate law firm serving Southeast Louisiana, with 9 experienced attorneys across 7 convenient locations—New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Metairie, Hammond, Destrehan, and Mandeville. We specialize in real estate closings and successions while providing comprehensive education and support to real estate agents. What sets us apart is our in-house abstracting team that eliminates delays, combined with our commitment to responsive, proactive communication.
James E.
Smith
James E. Smith Jr. (Jim) manages Title Stream’s Uptown Office and leads the Residential Services Department, bringing decades of real estate law experience to the table. He works closely with buyers, sellers, and lenders, helping them navigate contracts, financing, and closings with confidence and clarity.
A passionate mentor, Jim is especially dedicated to teaching real estate agents how to grow their businesses and succeed in a complex market.
Earlier in his career, he helped draft Louisiana’s Riverboat Gaming Act and served as a staff attorney for the Federal Energy Commission. He holds degrees from Boston College, Cambridge University, and George Washington University, and is licensed to practice before both federal and state courts.
Outside the office, Jim enjoys fishing, sailing, and spending time with his wife, their children and grandchildren, and the family dog. Known for his wit and steady presence, he ensures every closing is a smooth, stress-free experience.
Andrew J.
Treuting
Andrew J. Treuting leads Title Stream’s Commercial Services Department, managing commercial real estate transactions for clients across Louisiana. He brings extensive experience in property law, contract drafting, business organization, and estate planning. A Louisiana native, Andrew earned his B.A. from Louisiana State University and his law degree from Loyola University New Orleans. He is a member of the Louisiana and American Bar Associations, the Louisiana Land Title Association, and the American Land Title Association. Andrew is also a licensed title insurance producer, an affiliate member of the New Orleans Metropolitan Association of Realtors, and a certified real estate course instructor
Olivia K.
Byers
Olivia specializes in residential real estate with a strong focus on successions. Known for her proactive approach, she dives into land records early to identify and resolve potential title issues before they impact a closing. She earned her B.S. and Juris Doctorate from LSU’s Paul M. Hebert Law Center and brings a strategic, detail-oriented mindset to every transaction, ensuring a smooth and seamless experience for clients and agents alike.
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In addition to her legal practice, Olivia Keen is committed to community outreach and public education. She regularly participates in panels aimed at empowering individuals and families, particularly within underserved communities, to understand their rights in real estate transactions, estate planning, and property ownership. Outside of the office, Olivia is a proud boy mom to George and Jack and is married to her husband, Beau.
Malissa
Munlin
A licensed attorney with a background in accounting, Malissa ensures the company’s operations, compliance, and internal processes run efficiently and effectively. She earned her B.S. in Accounting from the University of New Orleans and her Juris Doctorate from LSU’s School of Law. With a career spanning legal practice and organizational leadership, Malissa brings a versatile and solutions-driven approach to Title Stream’s day-to-day operations.
Randi L.
Peyton
Randi L. Peyton specializes in residential and commercial real estate closings, title examinations, and land law research. She also serves as a continuing education instructor approved by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission. Before joining Title Stream, Randi litigated civil cases involving real estate transactions, lease agreements, evictions, successions, and family law matters. She holds a B.A. from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and a J.D. and D.C.L. from LSU’s Paul M. Hebert Law Center and Université Jean Moulin, Lyon III.
Adam
Beckman
Adam B. Beckman provides legal oversight for real estate closings and addresses a wide range of property issues across Louisiana. He is a certified instructor with the Louisiana Real Estate Commission, teaching continuing education courses for real estate agents. Adam earned his B.S. in Political Science from Mississippi State University and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Alabama School of Law. A natural conversationalist, Adam previously enjoyed a diverse career in the legal world alongside sales & marketing. While not engaged with clients or solving complex title issues, he coaches his son's baseball team and enjoys outdoor adventures. No matter the audience, Adam is a people person and finds fulfillment sharing his legal stories and personal experiences with the intent to help others.
Brint
Marks
​Brint Marks oversees Title Stream’s Tax Title Division and Relocation Department, specializing in residential and commercial real estate transactions, including properties acquired through the Louisiana Tax Sale process. He brings experience as a former litigator, in-house counsel for CivicSource, and real estate closing attorney in the River Parishes. Brint earned his B.A. in History and Political Science from Louisiana State University and his J.D. and D.C.L. from LSU’s Paul M. Hebert Law Center.
Kathryn
Watson
Kathryn Watson is the manager of the Baton Rouge Title Stream offices and specializes in residential real estate. She loves sifting through court records helping agents determine who owns the property and identifying any title conflicts. Kathryn’s favorite part of the job is creating a fun closing table experience.
A native of Baton Rouge, Kathryn obtained a B.A. in Public Relations from Louisiana State University and went on to receive her Juris Doctorate from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law. Prior to joining Title Stream, Kathryn held diverse roles in the legal profession, working closely with local, state, and federal government agencies. When she’s not at the closing table, you can find her on the tennis court closing out a match.
Michael F.
Schott, Jr.
Michael brings over a decade of experience in real estate, secured lending, and business transactions. After earning his law degree from Loyola University New Orleans and passing the Louisiana Bar in 2013, he built a well-rounded legal career across private practice, title insurance, and federal service.
He began his career under attorney Kevin G. Heigle in Metairie, where he handled contract negotiation, title exams, closings, zoning issues, and succession matters. He later joined CivicSource, focusing on tax sales and adjudicated properties, where he also served as underwriting counsel.
In 2019, Michael joined Newman, Mathis, Brady & Spedale, representing developers, lenders, SBA Certified Development Companies, and homebuyers. As President of the firm’s title company, Gulf Title Corporation, he oversaw high-volume closings and earned “Designated Attorney” status with the SBA.
Most recently, Michael served as an Attorney Advisor with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), ensuring FHA-insured transactions met state and federal compliance.
Now, Michael joins Title Stream’s Commercial Services Department, where he’ll handle commercial transactions across Louisiana and advise clients on a wide range of real estate matters.
John
Costello
John brings over two decades of experience in the title industry. A licensed notary and title insurance agent in both Louisiana and Mississippi, John has conducted hundreds of real estate closings and is known for resolving complex title issues. He was named Affiliate of the Year by the New Orleans Metropolitan Association of Realtors in 2004 and has served as Vice President and President of the Mortgage Lenders Association of Greater New Orleans. John remains active in industry leadership through NOMAR’s Affiliate Committee and memberships in the Louisiana and National Notary Associations.
Marianne
Lavin
Marianne Lavin brings extensive legal support experience and precision to her role as notary with the Title Stream team in Destrehan. Her background as a paralegal with Title Stream provides her with comprehensive knowledge of the closing process, enabling her to deliver exceptional service at the closing table and across multiple office locations.
A member of both the Louisiana Notary Association and the National Notary Association, Marianne is currently pursuing certification as a Notary Signing Agent. Known for her meticulous attention to detail and professional excellence, she ensures every transaction proceeds with confidence and efficiency.
Melinda
Milton
Melinda is a Louisiana Notary Public with nine years of experience specializing in real estate closings. She has completed over 400 mortgage closings and is passionate about her work because it builds communities and welcomes new families to Louisiana's beautiful areas.
Melinda's goal is to make every closing smooth and stress-free by explaining everything in plain English. Her extensive experience and unwavering commitment to client satisfaction ensure every transaction is handled with precision and care.
