Sowing Seeds of Support: How Leake Andersson Helped Bottomlands Grow 

At Leake Andersson, we believe in the power of community and the importance of giving back through pro bono work. One of our latest initiatives, driven by the hard work and dedication of Alex Tilling and Megan Haynes, has taken root in the heart of New Orleans. We’re excited to announce that we’ve partnered with Sprout NOLA to support local farmers and community gardeners. Through this collaboration, we are proud to have helped Bottomlands take a significant step toward success. 

Breaking Ground with Sprout NOLA 

Sprout NOLA is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering local growers by providing technical assistance, social support, and help with land leasing and ownership. One of their key partners is Bottomlands, an agricultural cooperative made up of 11 farmers, nursery growers, beekeepers, craftspeople, and other producers in the greater New Orleans area. Their vision is “to lower the barriers to bringing plant starts, fresh produce, cut flowers, and value-added products to broader communities.” Bottomlands was born from a vision to create a horizontally organized marketing system with the shared goal of building community through collaboration 

When Bottomlands needed legal support to achieve incorporation and state certification, Leake Andersson attorneys stepped in to help with pro bono work. Two partners at our firm, Alex Tilling and Megan Haynes, worked closely with the collective to navigate the complexities of legal documentation. Their help ensured that Bottomlands became both legally incorporated and state-certified. As a result, Bottomlands is now a proud and active member of the Crescent City Farmer’s Market, where they bring fresh, locally grown produce to the community. 

Making an Impact Through Pro Bono Work 

For Bottomlands, this partnership was more than just paperwork, it was the turning point that allowed them to become an integral part of New Orleans’ local food ecosystem. By gaining certification and incorporation, they unlocked opportunities to share their harvest with more people while fostering sustainable agricultural practices.  

“It has been incredibly rewarding to watch Bottomlands flourish,” says Alex Tilling, one of the lead attorneys on the project. “Helping [them] become legally incorporated means more than just giving them a business structure—it means supporting the community’s access to fresh, local produce.” 

Looking Ahead 

Our work with Sprout NOLA and Bottomlands is just the beginning. At Leake Andersson, we are committed to building partnerships that address four areas of key community needs: agriculture and food-based initiatives, STEM and education resources, cultural projects, and medical access.  

We are proud to stand alongside organizations like Sprout NOLA and will continue to use our legal expertise to empower local changemakers. Stay tuned for more stories about how Leake Andersson attorneys are making a difference through pro bono work.  

Visit Sprout NOLA & the Bottomlands Co-Op at Crescent City Farmer’s Markets across New Orleans

	Where?	When?
Uptown	200 Broadway St at the River	Tuesdays, 8am-12pm
Mid-City	Lafitte Greenway Plaza, 500 N. Norman C. Francis Parkway at the Bayou	Thursdays, 3-6pm
City Park	City Putt Parking Lot, Dreyfous Drive at Anseman Ave.	Sundays, 8am-12pm

For more information about Sprout NOLA and their mission, visit their website. To learn more about the Bottomlands Co-Op, click here.