After being honorably discharged from the US Army, Lou attended the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. He then attended Campbell University School of Law writing for the Campbell Law Observer, participating on the Moot Court Trial Team, and presiding as Chief Judge of the Honor Court while working as a research assistant in the law library.

Upon graduating from law school, Lou became a Prosecutor in Cumberland County NC where he tried many cases in both Superior and District Court.

Upon leaving the District Attorney’s Office, Lou started his own law firm of Godwin and Olivera. He practiced as a trial attorney in both State and Federal Courts in Fayetteville and on Fort Bragg helping families in need.