LSBA Names Old Republic as New Endorsed Malpractice Insurance Provider
Enhanced coverage and new benefits for Louisiana lawyers begin January 2026.
After a year-long review process, the LSBA has selected Old Republic Lawyers Specialty Insurance (ORLSI) as the Association’s endorsed provider of lawyer’s malpractice insurance, partnering with Gilsbar to manage and administer the program. The change marks a major enhancement to the LSBA Insurance Program, which now offers more flexible pricing, additional premium credits, and stronger risk management benefits designed to reward careful, claims-free practice.
Interested in an Appointed LSBA HOD Leadership Position?
Several LSBA House of Delegates seats received no qualifiers by the Oct. 13, 2025, qualifying deadline. These positions will be filled by presidential appointment.
Online Registration Open for 2026 Midyear Meeting in Baton Rouge
Online registration is open for the LSBA’s Midyear Meeting, scheduled for Thursday through Saturday, Jan. 22-24, 2026, at the Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel, 7000 Bluebonnet Blvd. Registration for the Midyear Meeting is free. Pre-registration is required for the free CLEs scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 22. Click here to register online and to review meeting programming.
Louisiana Supreme Court Amends Plan of Legal Specialization
The Louisiana Supreme Court has issued an order amending Sections 8.4, 9.2, and 10 of the Louisiana State Bar Association Plan of Legal Specialization.
The amendments recognize qualifying judicial and academic service as satisfying full-time practice requirements and establish an automatic inactive designation for board-certified specialists who take judicial office and are prohibited from practicing law. Specialists granted inactive status during judicial service are exempt from maintenance and recertification requirements and may apply for reinstatement to active status within one year of leaving office.
U.S. 5th Circuit Adopts Amendments and Local Rule Change
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit has adopted amendments to its local rules, effective December 1, 2025, to align with recent changes to the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure.
The full text of the amended rules and related guidance is available on the Fifth Circuit’s website at www.ca5.uscourts.gov. New YLD Podcast Debuts
The LSBA Young Lawyers Division has introduced a new podcast featuring discussions with YLD leaders. Click here to find out more on the YLD page. Free Trust Accounting & Billing Software by Smokeball
The Louisiana State Bar Association Partners with Smokeball to Grant All Members Free Access to Trust and Billing Software
Louisiana Supreme Court Revises MCLE Age-Based Exemption Effective Jan. 1, 2026
The Louisiana Supreme Court has amended Rule XXX of the Rules for Continuing Legal Education, modifying the long-standing age-based exemption for attorneys. The change, effective January 1, 2026, reflects the reality that many attorneys are practicing well past traditional retirement age, while also acknowledging the corresponding unique challenges faced by those attorneys. Deadlines, Requirements & Transcript Reminder: MCLE Compliance Deadline is Dec. 31, 2025
The deadline for earning mandatory continuing legal education credits is Dec. 31, 2025. The deadline for filing those credits or an exemption is Jan. 31, 2026.
Attorneys Apply for Recertification as Legal Specialists
Pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization, notice is hereby given that the following attorneys have applied for recertification as legal specialists for the period January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2030. Any person wishing to comment upon the qualifications of any applicant should submit his or her comments to the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization, 601 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA 70130 or maryann.wegmann@lsba.org, no later than Friday, December 19, 2025.
View Full Article
Attorneys Apply for Certification as Legal Specialists
Pursuant to the Rules and Regulations of the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization, notice is hereby given that the following attorneys have applied for certification as a legal specialist. Any person wishing to comment upon the qualifications of any applicant should submit his/her comments to the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization, 601 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA 70130, c/o Mary Ann Wegmann, Specialization Director, no later than December 19, 2025.
View Full Article
LA Board of Legal Specialization Will Accept Applications for Board Certification Through Feb. 28, 2026
The LBLS is accepting applications for board certification in seven (7) areas — appellate practice, employment law, estate planning and administration, family law, health law, labor law, and tax law - from November 1, 2025 through February 28, 2026. The LBLS is accepting applications for business bankruptcy law and consumer bankruptcy law certification from January 1, 2026 through September 30, 2026.
CLE Compliance for Board Certified Specialists Deadline December 31, 2025
CLE Compliance deadline for Board Certified Specialists is December 31, 2025; CLE must be Reported to MCLE no later than January 31, 2026 to avoid penalties.
LBF Seeking Nominations for 2026 Boisfontaine Award
The Louisiana Bar Foundation (LBF) is seeking nominations for the 2026 Curtis R. Boisfontaine Trial Advocacy Award. Nominations must be received in the LBF office by Friday, Feb. 6, 2026. Nominations should include the nominee’s name, contact information, a brief written statement on the background of the nominee, and reasons why the nominee is proposed as the award recipient. Nominations should be forwarded to Jacie Lemon at the LBF, 601 Poydras St., Suite 1777, New Orleans, LA 70130, or emailed to jacie@raisingthebar.org by the deadline. Learn more online here.
- Ongoing News