Diversity Specialty Bars

The Diversity Committee is interested in highlighting events and achievements of the diverse specialty bar associations. If you have any event or achievement that you would like publicized, please email Kelly Legier.

Specialty Bar News and Announcements

Louisiana Judicial Council Conference in Monroe, Louisiana a huge success!
The Louisiana Judicial Council Conference, which occurred February 19 to 21 at the Holiday Inn in Monroe, Louisiana, was a huge success! It was very well attended by judges as well as many lawyers. The speakers, presenters and seminar facilitators were outstanding. The 9.0 hour CLE available to the participants were well grounded in current issues in the law. One unique seminar topics was "Spirituality and the Legal Profession" presented by retired Judge Yada Magee of the Orleans Parish Civil District Court and Arlene D. Knighten of the Louisiana Department of Insurance, which dealt with faith and morals in the legal profession, and the practitioners connection to a spiritual grounding in order to remain true to ethics and professionalism while zealously advocating for the clients, and for judges to maintain the dignity of the judiciary. The Louis A. Martinet Chapters across the state sponsored one of the lunches, during which NBA President Mavis Thompson served as a keynote speaker. LSBA President Kim M. Boyle spoke at a reception for the judges hosted by the Monroe Chapter of the Louis A. Martinet Society.

News from Region V of the National Bar Association
To view the January newsletter from Region V of the NBA, click on the link below.
January Newsletter

The Louis A. Martinet Legal Society (Greater Baton Rouge Chapter) and the Baton Rouge Bar Association Hosted Annual Joint Luncheon
On February 4, 2010, the Louis A. Martinet Legal Society (Greater Baton Rouge Chapter) and the Baton Rouge Bar Association hosted their Annual Joint Luncheon. Several members from both organizations joined together at De La Ronda Hall. The guest speaker was Superintendant John Dilworth of the East Baton Rouge Parish School Systems.

Baton Rouge Martinet Hosting Annual Scholarship Gala
4/17/2010 7:00 PM
The Greater Baton Rouge Chapter of the Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, Inc. is hosting its annual scholarship gala on Saturday, April 17, 2010, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. The guest speaker for the event is Lt. General Russel L. Honore'. For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, or ad space, please contact Gala Chair Eboni Townsend at 225-266-4500 or ebonit@hotmail.com. Students interested in serving on the host committee please contact Cynthia Reed at CReed@sulc.edu.
TICKETS ON SALE NOW

Greater New Orleans Louis A. Martinet Legal Society holding its next meeting on March 17
3/17/2010 8:00 AM
The next meeting of the Greater New Orleans Louis A. Martinet Legal Society will be held on March 17, 2010 at 6pm at Civil District Court, 3rd Floor. Please join us also for wine and cheese to follow the meeting, sponsored by Morgan Keegan Securities, Inc.

Meet and Greet Reception for the Lake Charles Chapter of the Louis A. Martinet Legal Society Deemed a Success!
Approximately 20 African American attorneys and judges attended a Meet and Greet Reception on January 27, 2010, to discuss revitalizing the Lake Charles Chapter of the Louis A. Martinet Legal Society. The reception, which occurred at the Law Office of Mark Delphin in Lake Charles, featured remarks from LSBA president Kim M. Boyle, Hon. Ulysses Gene Thibodeaux (chief judge, Louisiana Third Circuit Court of Appeal), Sharonda R. Williams, and Kelly McNeil Legier. To view pictures from the event, CLICK HERE.

Those interested in obtaining membership information or other details about the Lake Charles chapter should contact Chantell M. Smith ((337) 475-4882; csmith5@ldol.state.la.us) or James E. Burks (337) 474-6106; jedburks@bellsouth.net).

Greater Lafayette Martinet Society hosted a successful "Gala"
The Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, Inc. Greater Lafayette Chapter hosted its annual gala on Saturday, November 21, 2009 at A La Carte Restaurant in Lafayette, Louisiana. LSBA President Kim M. Boyle served as the keynote speaker. Entertainment was provided by August Heat. To view pictures from the event, CLICK HERE.

The Greater Baton Rouge Chapter, Louis A. Martinet Legal Society commemorated an historical event and celebrated Laura Lee Harris and Johnnie A. Jones
On January 27, 2010, the Greater Baton Rouge Chapter of the Louis A. Martinet Legal Society commemorated an historical event and celebrated Ms. Laura Lee Harris, whose actions led to a 1963 United States Supreme Court ruling to desegregate seating within the 19th Judicial District Court. During the event, the chapter honored Ms. Laura Lee Harris and Mr. Johnnie A. Jones (Baton Rouge Civil Rights Attorney & Attorney for Ms. Laura Lee Harris). The program, which occurred at the 19th Judicial District Court, featured remarks from LSBA Kim M. Boyle, Baton Rouge Bar Association President Fred Crifasi, Southern University Law Center Chancellor Freddie Pitcher as well as prominent judges and attorneys in the Baton Rouge area. This event was chaired by Monique Edwards. More then 100 guest gathered to honor the two trailblazers in the civil rights movement. Several of Louis A. Martinet Baton Rouge Chapter past presidents were in attendance.

Association for Women Attorneys Annual Dinner Meeting
The Association for Women Attorneys hosted its annual dinner meeting at Commander's Palace in New Orleans, Louisiana, on January 21, 2010. During the dinner, Hon. Fredricka Homberg Wicker received the Michaelle Pitard Wynne Professionalism Award. The keynote speaker for the dinner was Phoebe Ferguson of the Plessy and Ferguson Foundation. Phoebe Ferguson is the great, great granddaughter of John Howard Ferguson, the Defendant in the famous case that created the separate but equal doctrine.

Greater New Orleans Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, Inc. was spotlighted at Irvin Mayfield's Jazz Playhouse
Irvin Mayfield's Jazz Playhouse in the Royal Sonesta Hotel spotlighted the Greater New Orleans Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, Inc. at its "Play hour: Networking with Jazz" on Thursday, January 14. Members used the opportunity to network with other professionals from the Young Leadership Council and the New Orleans Opera. They enjoyed drink specials, hors d'oeuvres, and music by Roman Skakun, an emerging vibraphonist.

Association for Women Attorneys New Orleans Chapter hosted its Annual Holiday Tea
The Association for Women Attorneys New Orleans Chapter hosted its Annual Holiday Tea at The Windsor Court in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Thursday, December 17, 2009. AWA members and guests enjoyed the event and were able to network and reconnect with colleagues and friends. Many members also generously brought gifts for a family in need as part of the AWA's Community Service program. Since 1976, the AWA has been a resource for information, networking and camaraderie in the metropolitan legal community of New Orleans and its environs. The AWA membership consists of every sector of the legal community--public and private practitioners in civil and criminal law; judges; professors; corporate counsel; law clerks; and law students--who regularly gather and share common experiences and goals.

Greater New Orleans Martinet Christmas Social
The Greater New Orleans Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, Inc. hosted its annual Christmas Social on Friday, December 18, 2009, at the Mckenna Museum of African American Art.
Christmas Invitation

Greater Baton Rouge Louis A. Martinet Legal Foundation Third Annual Toy Drive/Christmas Party
The Louis A. Martinet Legal Foundation hosted its third annual toy drive and Christmas Party Monday, December 14, 2009, at one of Baton Rouge's premiere hot spots, Ringside (located inside Sullivan's Steakhouse), at 5252 Corporate Blvd. In an effort to donate much needed Christmas gifts to deserving children within South Baton Rouge Community, the organization collected either one unwrapped child's gift or a $10 donation for the price of admission.

Greater New Orleans Martinet Legal Society hosted its 2009 Scholarship Gala
The Greater New Orleans Louis A. Martinet Foundation and the Greater New Orleans Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, Inc. hosted a successful scholarship gala on October 17, 2009 at Dooky Chase Restaurant in New Orleans for a gathering of at least 100 people. The purpose of the gala was to raise proceeds for scholarships to be award to deserving law students via an essay contest. To view pictures from the event, CLICK HERE. To read the entire article, please click on the link below.
Martinet Gala Article

Greater Baton Rouge Chapter of the Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, Inc. partnered with Baton Rouge firms to host a successful pre-law reception for incoming 1L students
The Greater Baton Rouge Chapter of the Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, Inc., along with Judge Wilson Fields and the law firm of McGlynn, Glisson, and Mouton Law Firm, hosted a reception at the Buzz Cafe' in downtown Baton Rouge. The reception was held for students participating in the Southern University Law Center's 2009 Pre-Law Program. Over 50 incoming 1Ls attended this event.

The event allowed Pre-Law Program participants to meet many of the current Martinet Society members and pose questions ranging from first year law school expectations to the actual practice of law after graduation and bar passage.

The attorneys of McGlynn, Glisson, and Mouton were hospitable hosts. They provided tours of their law firm to the participants, as well as, an explanation of their practice.

Greater New Orleans Martinet hosted a successful Power Hour at Morton's Steakhouse
The Greater New Orleans Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, Inc. hosted a meet and greet at Morton�s Steakhouse on Tuesday, August 11, 2009 from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Attendees networked with Martinet members and participated in a drawing for a chance to win a $150 Morton�s gift card and Morton�s Cookbook.

Hispanic Lawyers Association of Louisiana hosted a successful networking social in October
The Hispanic Lawyers Association of Louisiana hosted a networking social in lieu of its monthly October meeting on October 28 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Churro's Cafe in Metairie, Louisiana. The social was open to all attorneys and law students throughout the state who are interested in Hispanic issues impacting the community and the profession.

Jamaican Sunset CLE 2009 was a success!
Many minority attorneys and judges received refreshing information and sun during the 2009 Jamaican Sunset CLE. The conference was held in Negril, Jamaica from Thursday, July 9, 2009 through Thursday July 16, 2009. For further information regarding the 2010 program, please contact Keith A. Doley at 504-943-7071 or kadoley@aol.com.

National Bar Association hosted a successful Bayou Classic Kick Off reception to highlight the 2010 Annual Convention scheduled in New Orleans
The National Bar Association (NBA) hosted its kick off reception for the 2010 NBA Annual Convention on November 27, 2009, at the Intercontinental Hotel in New Orleans. The reception occurred during Bayou Classic weekend, one of the most celebrated sporting events between Grambling University and Southern University, two Southwestern Athletic Conference rivals.

NBA President, Mavis Thompson, provided greetings to a standing room only crowd filled with lawyers, judges, law students and members of the business community. Pres. Thompson shared information regarding past activities of the NBA and upcoming events. Sharon Bridges (NBA Vice President of Membership) served as chair for this event. The planning committee included Karl Connor (Vice President-Region & Affiliates), Sharonda Williams (Co-Chair 2010 NBA Annual Convention), Cherrell Sims (Co-Chair 2010 Annual Convention), Carol Guess, Eboni Townsend and Monique Edwards. To view pictures from the event, CLICK HERE.

Greater New Orleans Louis A. Martinet Legal Society hosted a successful networking mixer at Morton's Steakhouse
The Greater New Orleans Louis A. Martinet Legal Society hosted a well attended networking mixer on November 17, 2009 at Morton's Steakhouse. It was a great opportunity for new members to join and current members to network with new and old members.

The membership drive is ongoing. To join, please complete and return the application available at the link below.
New Orleans Martinet Membership Application

The Greater New Orleans Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, Inc. hosted a reception in honor of Justice Bernette Johnson
The Greater New Orleans Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, Inc.
hosted a reception honoring Justice Bernette Johnson on
Saturday, July 11, 2009 from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. at the Uncommon Bar - Renaissance Pere Marquette Hotel (817 Common Street New Orleans, LA 70112). The Special Guest for the evening was LSBA President Kim Boyle. The event was co-sponsored by Spears Consulting Group, LLC.

View Invitation

Congratulations to the new 2009-10 Officers of the Greater New Orleans Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, Inc.
The Martinet Society elected the following officers for the 2009-2010 year on September 9, 2009:

President: Warren P. McKenna, III
President Elect: Sharrolyn J. Miles
Vice President: Gregory J. Lewis
Treasurer: Halima N. Smith
Corresponding Secretary: Jennifer M. Medley
Recording Secretary: Kevin R. Mason
Induction Flyer

The Greater Baton Rouge Chapter of Martinet Played Ball
The Greater Baton Rouge Chapter of the Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, Inc. participated in the Baton Rouge Bar Association's annual softball tournament on August 14th and 15th at Highland Road Park.
View a Picture from the Event

Greater New Orleans Louis A. Martinet Legal Society Has Launched "MARTINETWORK" On Facebook
The Greater New Orleans Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, Inc. proudly announces the launch of "MARTINETWORK" on Facebook. A discussion group where attorneys can connect and network with African American attorneys from across the state to discuss hot topics in the news or facing the legal community and to find out what's going on. Please join this group by logging onto Facebook and becoming a "fan."
Become a "fan" of MARTINETWORK on Facebook to stay abreast of current events and issues impacting African American attorneys in Louisiana!

THE BATON ROUGE AND LAFAYETTE CHAPTERS OF MARTINET CO-SPONSORED A SUCCESSFUL ULL vs. SU PRE-GAME CLE TITLED "HOW TO USE MEDICAL AUTHORITY" TO PROVE LEGITIMACY OF THE SOFT TISSUE INJURY
The Baton Rouge and Lafayette Chapters of the Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, Inc. joined forces to co-host a CLE September 5, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Staybridge Suites Hotel, 129 E. Kaliste Saloom Road, Lafayette, LA to coincide with the ULL vs. SU Game. It was free for Martinet members (in any Louisiana chapter). View pictures from the event by clicking HERE.
The Baton Rouge and Lafayette Chapters of Martinet are working together to assist attorneys in their professional development.

Martinet and Black Lawyer Association Membership Drives Are Ongoing
All of the Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, Inc. Chapters and the Black Lawyers Association in Louisiana are accepting membership applications for the 2009-2010 year. Please contact the president of the chapter in which you are interested:

Greater New Orleans Louis A. Martinet Legal Society
Mr. Warren P. McKenna, III. - (504) 581-9322; EMAIL

Greater Baton Rouge Louis A. Martinet Legal Society
Mr. Alejandro R. Perkins - (225) 923-3462; EMAIL

Louis A. Martinet Legal Society of Central Louisiana
Mr. Clifton J. Spears, Jr. - (318) 442-6240; EMAIL

Louis A. Martinet Legal Society Inc. Greater Lafayette Chapter
Ms. Tricia R. Pierre - (337) 261-9094; EMAIL

Shreveport-Bossier Black Lawyers Association
Mr. Shante Ya Tease Reece Wells - (318) 349-1441; EMAIL

Louis Martinet Society Lake Charles Chapter
Mr. James E. Burks - (337) 474-6106; EMAIL

Northeast Louisiana Louis A. Martinet Legal Society
Mr. George W. Britton, III - (318) 323-6107; EMAIL

NATIONAL BAR ASSOCIATION - www.nationalbar.org

IT'S NOT TOO LATE FOR ATTORNEYS AND LAW STUDENTS TO JOIN AND BECOME ACTIVE!!!

The NBA Seeks Mentors for NBLSA Students
The NBA seeks volunteers for its mentor program. The NBA is dedicated and committed to mentoring NBLSA students. Because 350 NBLSA students have requested mentors for this year, it is requesting NBA members in the New Orleans area to mentor local students. Contact Sharrolyn Miles ((504) 596-2842; smiles@mcglinchey.com), secretary of The Greater New Orleans Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, Inc. for additional information.

Hispanic Lawyers Assoication presented Workers Compensation Hornbook 101 CLE
The Hispanic Lawyers Association of Louisiana partnered with the Louisiana State Bar Association and Loyola University College of Law to host a 5.5 hour CLE titled Workers' Compensation Hornbook 101, on June 19 at Loyola.

The goal of the program was to arm attorneys, especially those who fluently speak Spanish, with information to more effectively represent members of the Latino community who are working within Louisiana, getting hurt on the job, and having difficulty finding legal representation.

"Invariably, there exists a shortage of attorneys willing to handle workers' compensation claims, particularly on the injured worker side. This is particularly true with regard to the representation of non-English speaking clients. The need for attorneys and particularly multi-lingual attorneys is great. Post-Katrina, the gap between that need and the resources has widened." Hon. Sheral C. Kellar said. She explained further that the Hearings Section of the Louisiana Workforce Commission believes that providing members of the Louisiana Hispanic Lawyers Association with the tools necessary (continuing legal education) to adequately represent the growing Latino population who may become workers compensation claimants is important. "Everybody wins!" Judge Kellar remarked. "The workers compensation courts get lawyers well-versed in this area of law. Latino claimants get lawyers who can adequately communicate with them and the court. And, the Louisiana Workforce Commission fulfills its vision to be an indispensable source of workforce solutions."

About 45 attendees received basic information from a distinguished faculty of workers compensation judges and practitioners: Hon. Sheral C. Kellar, Chirs D. Broadwater, Hon. Sharon M. Morrow, Hon. Elizabeth C. Lanier, Hon. John C. Grout, Jr., Hon. Sylvia Steib-Dunn and Judy S. Franklin.

Immediately following the CLE, several judges and some attendees networked and watched the LSU baseball game at Cooter Brown's Tavern Grill & Oyster Bar.

Click here to view pictures from the CLE.

Judicial Conference for the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals -- Reception for African American federal judges
The Greater Baton Rouge and Greater New Orleans (NBA Affiliate) Chapters of the Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, Inc. and Juneau family hosted a reception on May 5, 2009 during the Judicial Conference for the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals for the African American federal judges for courts falling within the U.S. Fifth Circuit. The reception was well attended and provided a great networking opportunity for the lawyers and attorneys present.

Click here to see pictures from this event.
Check out the pictures!

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NEW OFFICERS OF THE LSBA MINORITY INVOLVEMENT SECTION
The LSBA Minority Involvement Section sworn in its new officers during its holiday celebration on December 17, 2008 at the LSBA Bar Center. The Section will continue reenergizing itself and activitly soliciting statewide involvement from minority members of the Bar. Congratulations to the following officers:

CHAIR
Luis A. Leitzelar (Baton Rouge)
VICE CHAIR
Tara B. Hawkins (Lake Charles)
SECRETARY
Sharonda R. Williams (New Orleans)
TREASURER
Claudia Patricia Santoyo (New Orleans)
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR
Kiana M. Mitchell (New Orleans)

If you are interested in membership or have questions, please contact Luis Leitzelar ((225) 248-2136; lleitzelar@joneswalker.com).

Congratulations to the newly elected 2009-10 Executive Board of the Greater Baton Rouge Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, Inc.
Congratulations to the newly elected officers! The election results are in and the the Louis A. Martinet Legal Society is pleased to announce the 2009-2010 Executive Board:
President - Alejandro Perkins
1st Vice President - Eboni Townsend
2nd Vice President - Christopher Hebert
Treasurer - Michael Tyler
Secretary - Leticia Jackson-Mabry

Diversity Fellows Program for 2009/2010
The General Practice Solo and Small Firm Division established the Diversity Fellows Program in the 1999/2000 bar year. The program is designed to promote diversity within the Division and the ABA, while providing leadership development opportunities within the Division for women, attorneys of color, and those with disabilities and persons of differing sexual orientations and gender identities. Send or email completed applications and nominations to American Bar Association, GP/Solo and Small Firm Division, Diversity Fellowship Program, Dee C. Lee, Finance and Committees LCoordinator, 321 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60654 Fax (312) 988-5711 email: genpractice@abanet.org. Visit website for application www.abanet.org/genpractice/diversity
The ABA & Solo and Small Firm Division''s Diversity Fellowship Program for 2009/2010