Hosted by: Louisiana State Bar Association’s Specialty Bars Subcommittee
Location: Mariner’s Restaurant, 5948 Highway 1 Bypass, Natchitoches, LA
Description of Seminar:
Check In: 8:00
Schedule: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Registration Fee: $175
CLE Credit hour(s): 6.00 CLE Credit Hour(s)
Room Capacity:
Limited capacity, Maximum of 65 registrants.
On the day prior to the date of the conference, a logistics email will be sent to your email account registered with the LSBA. If not a LSBA member, the logistics email will be sent to the email address used for the registration process.
To view your LSBA continuing legal education registration history, visit your LSBA membership account. You can manage your LSBA membership account by clicking here.
Schedule
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. –
Session One 1.00 Professionalism Credit Hour(s) Access All the Way: Disability Rights and Legal Updates
Learn about Louisiana’s protection and advocacy organization and recent updates that affect people with disabilities.
An estimated one of every three Louisianans has a disability. Participants will learn about the mission and role of Disability Rights Louisiana, how to navigate recent legal updates to laws that affect people with disabilities, and gain valuable insight regarding DRLA’s recent monitoring efforts for children with disabilities in institutions.
- J. Dalton Courson, Litigation Director, Disability Rights Louisiana, New Orleans, LA
- Kellie Jackson, Tulane Law Lutz Fellow, Disability Rights Louisiana, New Orleans, LA
10:10 a.m. – 11:10 a.m. –
Session Two 1.00 General Credit Hour(s) Estate Planning and Successions: What Every Louisiana Lawyer Should Know
This one-hour program provides Louisiana attorneys with a practical overview of estate planning and succession law, focusing on the concepts and procedures every lawyer should understand regardless of practice area. The session will cover the essential estate planning documents (wills, powers of attorney, advance directives, and trusts), as well as the major features of the Louisiana succession process, including small succession affidavits, succession without administration, and full administration proceedings. Special attention will be given to Louisiana specific rules such as forced heirship, usufruct, and community property, and how these impact both estate planning and probate administration.
Participants will gain insight into common pitfalls such as unfunded trusts, unclear beneficiary designations and out of state property issues. Designed for both new and experienced practitioners, this program equips attorneys with the knowledge to answer clients’ questions confidently and to recognize key issues in estate planning and succession practice.
- Andrew B. Mims, Founder, Managing Attorney of Oaks Grove Estate Planning, Lafayette, LA
11:20 a.m. – 12:20 p.m. –
Session Three 1.00 General Credit Hour(s) What Every Louisiana Lawyer Should Know about President Trump’s Impact on U.S. Immigration Policy
This program will explain President Trump’s signature immigration policies and changes since January 20, 2025, their impact on Louisiana employers and families, as well as the ways Louisiana businesses can adapt to the changing immigration policy landscape to provide service to corporate and individual clients.
- Brandon E. Davis, Partner, Phelps Dunbar, LLP, New Orleans, LA
- Laura N. Buck, Associate, Phelps Dunbar, LLP, New Orleans, LA
12:20 p.m. – 1:10 p.m. –
Lunch (Provided by the LSBA)
1:10 p.m. – 2:10 p.m. –
Session Four 1.00 Ethics Credit Hour(s) Current Trends & Statistics in Ethics: What Should a Lawyer Know and Avoid?
Overview of current statistics within the Office of Disciplinary Counsel and how to avoid common pitfalls.
2:20 p.m. – 3:20 p.m. –
Session Five 1.00 Professionalism Credit Hour(s) Well-being in the Legal Profession
The legal field is known for its high stress and demanding workloads, which can significantly impact mental, emotional, and physical health. This seminar will bring together attorneys and well-being professionals to provide essential tools and strategies to help attorneys manage stress, improve well-being, prioritize self-care, and create a culture of care within law departments.
Participants will gain valuable insights into recognizing and addressing stressors unique to the legal profession and how to create a healthy, sustainable work-life balance. Topics will include techniques for managing workplace stress, mindfulness practices, mental health awareness, and ways to foster resilience and emotional intelligence in the face of challenging legal cases.
Through discussions, practical advice, and actionable strategies, participants will leave with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive both personally and professionally.
Whether you're a seasoned attorney or just starting out, this seminar will equip you with the resources necessary to safeguard your mental health while continuing to excel in your legal practice. Join us to learn how to stay at your best while navigating the practice of law.
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. –
Session Six 1.00 General Credit Hour(s) Voir Dire from the Prosectors Perspective
Explore the strategic art of jury selection through the lens of prosecutors. This session covers procedural foundations, effective questioning techniques, and how to identify and address implicit bias. Learn how to use voir dire to shape the narrative before opening statements even begin.
- Cloyd Benjamin, Jr., Assistant District Attorney, Natchitoches Parish District Attorney's Office, Natchitoches, LA
- Monica D. Doss, Assistant District Attorney, Rapides Parish District Attorney's Office, Alexandria, LA
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Registration Cancellation Policy:
All cancellations must be received in writing and sent to diversity@lsba.org.
Telephone cancellations will not be accepted.
Cancellations received in writing before November 6, 2025,
will be fully refunded minus an administrative fee in the amount of $40. If written confirmation of cancellation is not received by November 6, 2025,
no refunds or credits will be issued of any kind. Credits will be processed within thirty days of the cancellation request.
If you prefer not to register online, please click here for the Attorney Registration Form. Submission instructions are on the form.
If you are an out-of-state attorney, please click here for the Out-Of-State Attorney registration form.
If you are not an attorney, please click here for the Non-Attorney Registration Form.
The LSBA is not responsible for any expenses associated with travel, lodging, or other costs incurred by the registrant. This also applies if the LSBA must cancel the seminar for any reason.
On-site Registration Policy: It is the policy of the LSBA that NO CASH shall be accepted for any transaction. Payment may be made by personal check or via the LSBA registration portal if open on the day of registration.
Audio/Video Recording:
Audio or video recording or transcription of any portion of the seminar is prohibited unless express consent is granted by the LSBA.
Special Requirements/Dietary Restrictions:
Please contact the LSBA if you have a disability, dietary restrictions or a food allergy which may require special accommodations at this conference. The LSBA is committed to ensuring full accessibility for all registrants.
MCLE Attendance Reporting:
The LSBA Member Outreach and Diversity team will provide attendance records for participating Louisiana attorneys to the MCLE Department within 30 days of the seminar.
Disclaimer:
The LSBA’s inclusion of a program in its CLE programming is not to be deemed a statement or an endorsement of the views expressed therein by the LSBA or any member of the LSBA. Speakers on LSBA programs were carefully selected for their knowledge, but neither the LSBA nor the speaker warrant that the presentations or materials were free of errors or will continue to be accurate. Statements in the presentations and their materials should be verified before relying on them. Opinions expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect opinions of the LSBA, its sections, or committees. Views expressed are those of the authors and contributors only.
Questions?
Contact the Member Outreach and Diversity team members by email at diversity@lsba.org.