DEI Speakers Bureau SubcommitteeThe subcommittee works to build a repository of diverse speakers on not only diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) topics, but also substantive law topics.
The subcommittee recommends diversity programs and initiatives that can be integrated throughout the following: all LSBA programming, LSBA continuing legal education seminars, and programming offered by local and specialty bar associations.
The Facilitation Team is available to present on a range of pertinent topics in the legal profession including generational differences, bias, cultural competency, mentoring and barriers to inclusion. These CLE seminars have been approved for 1.00 Professionalism credit hour.
To become a member of the Facilitation Team, attorneys participate in a Train the Trainer workshop. This training is conducted by senior facilitation team members. Senior facilitation team members are volunteer attorneys that have presented at least five presentations for the LSBA.
The Train the Trainer - Facilitator Training Workshop is approved for 3.00 Professionalism CLE credit hours.
At the workshop, attorneys will: Increase your knowledge of unconscious bias that affects each one of us; Discover new ways to reduce bias; Learn how to help others become more culturally competent; Gain tools to promote diversity and inclusion through training; and boost your confidence in delivering effective CLE presentations.
Train the Trainer - Facilitator Training Workshop Agenda:
1. Discover why diversity and inclusion is important to the Louisiana State Bar Association
2. Increase level of understanding of why diversity and inclusion is important
3. Increase knowledge of diversity and inclusion; Increase skills to educate others about diversity and inclusion
- Self-awareness
- Understand and learn ways to reduce bias
- Increase cultural competence
- Understand stereotypes, prejudices, and cultural differences
4. Discover the value of valuing diversity and inclusion
5. Best Practices
- Learn to facilitate a discussion related to sensitive topics (Learn to respond to challenges when conducting presentations --What stories to tell; What stories not to tell)
- Strategies for audience engagement
Please consider becoming a LSBA Diversity Facilitator. If you are interested in joining us, please click here for more information.
Questions? Contact the Member Outreach and Diversity team at diversity@lsba.org.
LSBA: Who We Are And How We Serve Our MembersThe LSBA Member Outreach CLE Series focuses on familiarizing members with the LSBA and services provided. This CLE series is presented by the LSBA Outreach Committee in cooperation with the LSBA Board of Governors. This seminar has been approved for 1.00 Professionalism CLE credit.
Member Outreach CLE Seminars (lsba.org)
Leadership LSBA 2023-2024 Class Project “Demystifying the Legal Profession” – Sophie B. Wright Charter High SchoolOn April 16th, Stephanie M. Poucher of the Leadership LSBA Class presented the 2023-2024 Class Project “Demystifying the Legal Profession” to students at Sophie B. Wright Charter High School in New Orleans. The purpose of the “Demystifying the Legal Profession” project is to inform high school students of the path to and benefits of a career in the legal profession.”
Pictured (L to R): Stephanie M. Poucher, Phelps Dunbar L.L.P., New Orleans, LA; Daris Taplet, Student Support, Sophie B. Wright Charter High School, New Orleans, LA.
Entertainment Law CLE Conference – April 12, 2024 On April 12, 2024, the LSBA Member Outreach and Diversity Department and the LSBA Art, Entertainment and Sports Law Section hosted the Entertainment Law CLE Conference at the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans Hotel with the theme Music and the Law. This conference helped to highlight the work of lawyers that help to protect artists.
(Top Left) Pictured: Eugene J. Radcliff, Radcliff Law Firm, Baton Rouge, LA, presented
Creating an Entertainment Law Practice – Building, Maintenance and Responsibilities.
(Top Right) Pictured: Brian Mencher, General Counsel, Global Citizen, New York, NY, presented
Get in Synch: An Intro to Music Copyrights and Licensing.
(Bottom Left) Pictured: N. Kordell Caldwell, Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell, & Berkowitz, PC, New Orleans, LA, presented
Did (A)I Do That?
(Bottom Right) Pictured: Timothy R. W. Kappel, Wells Kappel, New Orleans, LA, presented
The Case Against Work-For-Hire Language In Sound Recording Agreements.
Leadership LSBA 2023-2024 Class Project “Demystifying the Legal Profession” – Washington-Marion Magnet High SchoolOn April 9
th, Micah O. Clemons of the Leadership LSBA Class presented the 2023-2024 Class Project “Demystifying the Legal Profession” to students at Washington-Marion Magnet High School in Lake Charles. The purpose of the “Demystifying the Legal Profession” project is to inform high school students of the path to and benefits of a career in the legal profession.”
Pictured (L to R): Michael Snyder, AP US History, World History, and Law Studies, Washington-Marion Magnet High School, Lake Charles, LA; Micah O. Clemons, Todd Clemons & Associates, APLC, Lake Charles, LA.
Southern University Law Center Alumni Hall of Fame Gala – April 6, 2024 On April 6, 2024, the Southern University Law Center held its Alumni Hall of Fame Gala at the Renaissance Hotel Baton Rouge. The event honored distinguished alumni, alumni members of the judiciary, and SULC Hall of Fame inductees.
(Top) Pictured (L to R): 2024 Alumni Hall of Fame Inductees. Lee “Jody” Amedee, III, Gauthier Amedee, APLC, Gonzales, LA; Monique M. Edwards, The Edwards Law Group, L.L.C., Baton Rouge, LA; Keith E. Gammage, Solicitor-General, Atlanta Judicial Circuit, Atlanta, GA; Edward B. Jones, Attorney at Law, Patterson, LA; Tedrick K. Knightshead, Knightshead Law Firm, L.L.C., Baton Rouge, LA; Erin D. Monroe, Market Vice President, Cox Communications, Inc., Baton Rouge, LA; and Dennis D. Spurling, Dennis Spurling, PLLC, Houston, TX.
(Middle) Pictured (L to R): 2024 Alumni Judicial Wall of Fame. John K. Pierre, Chancellor, Southern University Law Center, Baton Rouge, LA; Hon. Kimya M. Holmes, Orleans Parish Criminal District Court, Section D, New Orleans, LA; Hon. Collette M. Greggs, 19
th Judicial District Court, Section 8, Baton Rouge, LA; Hon. Wilford D. Carter, Sr. (Ret.), 14
th Judicial District Court, Division F, Lake Charles, LA; Hon. Charles T. Cravins, 27
th Judicial District Court, Division C, Opelousas, LA.
(Bottom) Pictured (L to R): 2024 Distinguished Alumni Honorees. Booker T. Carmichael, Vice President & Assistant General Counsel, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Plano, TX; Gregory Brumfield, Jr., Labor Relations Manager, Starbucks, Dallas, TX; John K. Pierre, Chancellor, Southern University Law Center, Baton Rouge, LA; Samuel J. Spurgeon, Spurgeon Law Firm, LLC, Alexandria, LA; Courtney T. Joiner, Partner, McGlinchey Stafford, PLLC, Baton Rouge, LA.
Southwest Louisiana Bar Association Bench Bar Conference – March 21-23, 2024From March 21-23, 2024, the Southwest Louisiana Bar Association held its annual Bench Bar Conference at the Houstonian Hotel, Club, and Spa in Houston, TX. The conference offered attendees 6 hours of CLE credit and networking opportunities.
Pictured (L to R): Joseph B. Williams III, Southwest Louisiana Bar Association Bench Bar Conference Chair, Calcasieu Parish District Attorney’s Office; Associate Justice James T. Genovese, Louisiana Supreme Court, Third District; Hon. Guy E. Bradberry, Third Circuit Court of Appeal; Hon. Ledricka J. Thierry, Third Circuit Court of Appeal; Hon. D. Kent Savoie, Third Circuit Court of Appeal; Shayna L. Sonnier, 2023-2024 Louisiana State Bar Association President, Veron Bice, LLC; J. Lee Hoffoss, Jr., Southwest Louisiana Bar Association President, Lee Hoffoss Injury Lawyers, LLC.
Leadership LSBA 2023-2024 Class Project “Demystifying the Legal Profession” – Northside High SchoolOn March 18, Andrew M. Albritton and Catherine S. Carrier of the Leadership LSBA Class presented the 2023-2024 Class Project “Demystifying the Legal Profession” to students at Northside High School in Lafayette. The purpose of the “Demystifying the Legal Profession” project is to inform high school students of the path to and benefits of a career in the legal profession.”
Pictured (L to R): Andrew M. Albritton, McGlinchey Stafford, PLLC, New Orleans, LA; Catherine S. Carrier, Galloway, Johnson, Tompkins, Burr & Smith, APLC, Lafayette, LA.
Lafayette Bar Foundation Wills for Heroes – March 16, 2024 On March 16, 2024, the Lafayette Bar Foundation held its Wills for Heroes event. The goal of the Wills for Heroes program is to provide free wills for first responders.
Pictured (L to R): Lebra R. Bias, Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Lafayette, LA; Jared E. A. Nelson, Liskow & Lewis, APLC, Lafayette, LA; Taneisha W. Riggs, Law Offices of Taneisha W. Riggs, Lafayette, LA; Antwon D. Bloxson, Law Office of Antwon D. Bloxson, LLC, Lafayette, LA; Karly K. Dorr, NeunerPate, Lafayette, LA; Reed K. Ellis, Broussard, David & Moroux, Lafayette, LA; Arthur D. Mouton, Davidson, Meaux, Sonnier, McElligott, Fontenot, Gideon & Edwards, LLP, Lafayette, LA; Casey L. Thibodeaux, Jones Walker LLP, Lafayette, LA; Kelsi G. Flores, NeunerPate, Lafayette, LA.
Baton Rouge Bar Association Court Opening – January 31, 2024 On January 31, 2024, the Baton Rouge Bar Association held its Memorial Ceremony and Court Opening at the 19th Judicial District Courthouse in Baton Rouge. The ceremony featured a recognition of 50, 55, and 60-year members of the bar by Monica Vela-Vick, 2024 BRBA President-Elect; a remembrance of deceased members by Janice M. Reaves, Baton Rouge Association of Women Attorneys President, and Harry Landry III, Louis A. Martinet Legal Society Inc., Baton Rouge Chapter President; and an introduction of new members of the bar by Edward J. Walters, Jr., 2024-2025 LSBA President-Elect.
Pictured (L to R): Edward J. Walters Jr., 2024-2025 LSBA President-Elect, Walters, Thomas, Cullens, LLC; K. Luke Williamson, 2024 BRBA President, Williamson Campbell & Whittington, LLC; Brad Cranmer, 2024 BRBA Young Lawyers Section Chair, Mansfield, Melancon, Cranmer & Dick; Harry Landry III, President, Louis A. Martinet Legal Society Inc., Baton Rouge Chapter, East Baton Rouge District Attorney’s Office.
Leadership LSBA Class Recognition – January 20, 2024 On January 20, 2024, the 2023-2024 Leadership LSBA Class was recognized during the House of Delegates meeting held in conjunction with the LSBA Midyear Meeting at the Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel.
Pictured (L to R): Brian J. Lindsey, Kean Miller LLP, Lafayette, LA; Tiyanna D. Lords, McGlinchey Stafford, PLLC, New Orleans, LA; Reed K. Ellis, Broussard, David & Moroux, Lafayette, LA ; Karina Shareen, Deutsch Kerrigan LLP, New Orleans, LA ; Kristina F. Douglas, City of Shreveport, Shreveport, LA ; Stephanie M. Poucher, Phelps Dunbar, L.L.P., New Orleans, LA; Brittany E. Bell Chavis, Chavis Law L.L.C., Lake Charles, LA ; Trinity C. Goines, Attorney at Law, Shreveport, LA ; Andrew M. Albritton, McGlinchey Stafford, PLLC, New Orleans, LA ; Josef P. M. Ventulan, Louisiana State Law Institute, Baton Rouge, LA; Catherine S. Carrier, Long Law Firm, L.L.P., Baton Rouge, LA; Bailey E. Anderson, Attorney at Law, Lake Charles, LA; Micah O. Clemons, Todd Clemons & Associates, APLC, Lake Charles, LA; Candace B. Ford, 2023-2024 Leadership LSBA Class Co-Chair, Attorney at Law, Baton Rouge, LA. Not pictured are Nicholas S. Bergeron, Gieger, Laborde & Laperouse, LLC, New Orleans, LA, and R. Clayton Christian, 2023-2024 Leadership LSBA Class Co-Chair, Nelson & Hammons, APLC, Shreveport, LA.
LSBA Midyear Meeting CLE Seminar – January 18, 2024 On January 18, 2024, the LSBA Member Outreach and Diversity Department hosted a CLE seminar in conjunction with the LSBA Midyear Meeting at the Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel. This year’s seminar provided legal professionals with the opportunity to earn CLE credit hours, obtain a new Photo Bar ID card, and socialize with other attorneys. The LSBA thanks all speakers and attendees for making the seminar a success.
(Pictured Left) Vickie S. Evans, Founder, RedCape, Austin, TX, presented
Microsoft Productivity Tips for Attorneys: Windows, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
(Pictured Center) Christopher D. Kiesel, Office of Disciplinary Counsel, Baton Rouge, LA, presented
Trust Accounting – Basics and Best Practices.
(Pictured Right) Left to Right: Judges with Louisiana Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal, Hon. Rachael D. Johnson, Division D, New Orleans, LA; Hon. Nakisha Ervin-Knott, Division A, New Orleans, LA; and Hon. Paula A. Brown, Division C, New Orleans, LA, presented
Professional Development Workshop Series: Take Command, Be Empowered, and Own Your Future.
Baton Rouge Bar Association Board Installation – January 11, 2024On January 11, 2024, the Baton Rouge Bar Association installed its 2024 Board of Directors in a joint ceremony with the Federal Bar Association, Baton Rouge Chapter. The event was held at the United States District Court, Middle District of Louisiana.
Pictured (L to R): 2024 Baton Rouge Bar Association Board of Directors. Marcus J. Plaisance, Director at Large, Plaisance Law, LLC; Lori E. Palmintier, Director at Large, Brock & Palmintier Law, LLC; Valerie A. Black, Director at Large, The Water Institute of the Gulf; Hayden A. Moore, Secretary, Walters, Thomas, Cullens, LLC; K. Luke Williamson, President, Williamson Campbell & Whittington, LLC; Melanie Newkome Jones, Immediate Past President, Attorney at Law; Vincent V. “Trey” Tumminello III, Director at Large, Taylor, Porter, Brooks & Phillips, L.L.P.; Kelley R. Dick Jr., Director at Large, Mansfield, Melancon, Cranmer & Dick, LLC; Monica M. Vela-Vick, President- Elect, Phelps Dunbar, L.L.P. Not pictured are Loren D. Shanklin Fleshman, Treasurer, Smith Shanklin Sosa, LLC, and Kellye R. Grinton, Director at Large, Porteous, Hainkel & Johnson, L.L.P.
Southwest Louisiana Bar Association Member Outreach CLE Seminar – December 7, 2023On December 7, 2023, a CLE session was held in conjunction with the Southwest Louisiana Bar Association CLE by the Hour. The session was titled
LSBA: Who We Are and How We Serve Our Members. The featured speakers were
Justin S. Brashear, Brashear Law, LLC, Lake Charles, LA, and Ezra Pettis Jr., Delphin Law Offices, PLC, Lake Charles, LA. Attendees were provided an opportunity to learn more about the benefits of being a member of the LSBA.
Pictured (L to R): Ezra Pettis Jr., Delphin Law Offices PLC, Lake Charles, LA; Justin S. Brashear, Brashear Law, LLC, Lake Charles, LA.
Baton Rouge Bar Association November Bar Luncheon and CLE Seminar – November 30, 2023 On November 30, 2023, the Baton Rouge Bar Association held its November Bar Luncheon and CLE Seminar at the City Club of Baton Rouge. The luncheon featured a CLE seminar presented by LSU Law Center Dean Alena Allen titled “The Impact of
SFFA v. UNC and
SFFA v. Harvard College on Legal Education.”
Pictured (L to R): Melanie Newkome Jones, 2023-2024 Baton Rouge Bar Association President, Attorney at Law; Alena Allen, Dean, Louisiana State University Law Center; K. Luke Williamson, 2023-2024 Baton Rouge Bar Association President-Elect, Williamson Campbell & Whittington, LLC.
Shreveport Bar Association Memorial and Recognition Ceremony – November 9, 2023On November 9, 2023, the Shreveport Bar Association held a Memorial and Recognition Ceremony. The event featured an In Memoriam and an Introduction of New Attorneys.
Pictured (L to R): Gemma Zuniga, 2023-2024 Shreveport Bar Association Young Lawyers Section President, Thomas, Soileau, Jackson & Cole, L.L.P.; Lawrence J. Pettiette., Jr., 2022-2023 Shreveport Bar Foundation President, Pettiette, Armand, Dunkelman, Woodley, Byrd & Cromwell, LLP; Nancy G. Cooper, 2023-2024 Shreveport Bar Association President, Attorney at Law, Shreveport, LA.
Lafayette Bar Association Wills for Heroes - October 21, 2023 On October 21, 2023, the Lafayette Bar Association Young Lawyers Section held its Wills for Heroes event.
The goal of the Wills for Heroes program is to provide free wills for first responders.
Pictured (l to r): Ani H. Boudreaux, Neuner Pate, Lafayette, LA; Jared E.A. Nelson, Liskow & Lewis, APLC, Lafayette, LA; Karly K. Door, Neuner Pate, Lafayette, LA.
Southwest Louisiana Bar Association Court Opening – October 20, 2023 On October 20, 2023, the Southwest Louisiana Bar Association held its Fall Court Ceremony. The event was a joint ceremony for the 14
th, 36
th, and 38
th Judicial District Courts. The Fall Court Ceremony featured eulogies in memory of recently deceased attorneys; a recognition of practice of law by Adam P. Johnson, SWLBA President; an introduction of new members by Russell J. Stutes, III, SWLBA YLS President; the presentation of the Jim Ortego Pro Bono Award and the Charles A. Downing Humanitarian Award; and remarks from Edward J. Walters, Jr., 2024-2025 LSBA President-Elect.
Pictured (L to R): Adam P. Johnson, 2023-2024 SWLBA President, The Johnson Firm; Edward J. Walters, Jr., 2024-2025 LSBA President-Elect, Walters, Thomas, Cullens, LLC; Shayna L. Sonnier, 2023-2024 LSBA President, Veron Bice, LLC.
Lafayette Bar Association Court Opening - October 5, 2023 On October 5, 2023, the Lafayette Bar Association held its Court Opening at the 15
th Judicial District Courthouse in Lafayette. The Court Opening Ceremony featured an introduction of new attorney members by Jami L. Ishee, LBA YLS President; a welcome from the LSBA from Shayna L. Sonnier, 2023-2024 LSBA President; and a recognition of recently deceased attorneys by Robert M. Kallam, LBA President. The ceremony was followed by a reception at Rock N’ Bowl.
(Pictured): 2023-2024 LSBA President Shayna L. Sonnier, Veron Bice, LLC, delivers a welcome to new attorneys.
LSBA Member Outreach CLE Seminar – October 4, 2023 On October 4, 2023, Dwazendra J. Smith, D. Smith Legal, L.L.C, Lafayette, LA, presented
LSBA: Who We Are and How We Serve Our Members. The seminar took place at the Lafayette Bar Center and was co-hosted by the Lafayette Bar Association. Attendees were provided an opportunity to earn one professionalism CLE credit hour and learn more about the benefits of being a member of the LSBA.
Pictured: Presenter Dwazendra J. Smith, D. Smith Legal, L.L.C., Lafayette, LA.
Ruby Receptionist CLE Seminar – September 22, 2023On September 22, 2023, the LSBA Outreach Committee hosted the Ruby Receptionist CLE Seminar. The title of the seminar was A Higher Bar: How to Exceed Client Expectations in a Virtual World – Exceeding Client Expectations and Improving Client Experience to Grow Your Firm. The seminar focused on growing law firms by adapting to new client expectations and digital technologies. The seminar was held at the Louisiana Bar Center in New Orleans.
Pictured: Speaker Eric Smith, Partner Marketing Specialist, Ruby Receptionist, Portland, OR.
Lambda Legal CLE Seminar - September 15, 2023On September 15, 2023, the LSBA Diversity Committee’s LGBT Subcommittee hosted the
LGBTQ+ Families and Relationships: What Practitioners Need to Know CLE Seminar. The CLE Seminar addressed the impact of the Dobbs decision on LGBTQ+ civil rights in the future as well as the impact of the Respect for Marriage Act on LGBTQ+ Families and Relationships. The seminar was held at the Louisiana Bar Center in New Orleans.
Pictured: Speaker Shelly L. Skeen, Lambda Legal, Dallas, TX.
Alexandria Bar Association Court Opening - September 6, 2023 On September 6, 2023, the Alexandria Bar Association held their Opening of Court Ceremony at the 9
th Judicial District Courthouse, Rapides Parish. The ceremony was opened by Judge W. Gregory Beard, Chief Judge, 9
th Judicial District Court. Welcoming remarks were provided by Samuel J. Spurgeon, Alexandria Bar Association President; R. Morgan Briggs, Alexandria Bar Association Young Lawyers Division Chair; and Steven I. Dwyer, LSBA Immediate Past President.
Pictured (L to R): Allison P. Nowlin, Criminal Staff Attorney, 9
th Judicial District Court, Alexandria Bar Association Secretary; Matthew L. Nowlin, Keiser Law Firm, Alexandria Bar Association Treasurer; Samuel J. Spurgeon, Spurgeon Law Firm, Alexandria Bar Association President; E. June Wells-Foster, Attorney at Law, Alexandria Bar Association Vice-President; Steven I. Dwyer, Dwyer, Cambre & Suffern, APLC, LSBA Immediate Past President.
Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, Inc., Greater Baton Rouge Chapter Scholarship Brunch – September 2, 2023On September 2, 2023, the Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, Inc., Greater Baton Rouge Chapter, hosted a Scholarship Brunch at the City Club of Baton Rouge. The goal of the Scholarship Brunch was to raise funds for bar preparation scholarships to be provided to law students.
Pictured (L to R): Hon. Erika L. Green, East Baton Rouge Parish Family Court; Michael B. Victorian, Phelps Dunbar, LLP, President of Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, Inc., Greater Baton Rouge Chapter.
2023-2024 Leadership LSBA Class Orientation - August 25, 2023On August 25, 2023, an orientation was held at the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans for the 2023-2024 Leadership LSBA Class. The Leadership LSBA program provides exposure for young lawyers on how the LSBA functions as well as the pressing issues that face the Association and the legal profession.
Pictured (L to R): 2023-2024 Leadership LSBA Class. R. Clayton Christian, Nelson & Hammons, APLC, Leadership LSBA Class Co-Chair; Candace B. Ford, Breazeale, Sachse, & Wilson, LLP, Leadership LSBA Class Co-Chair; Brian J. Lindsey, Kean Miller, LLP; Kristina F. Douglas, City of Shreveport; Tiyanna D. Lords, McGlinchey Stafford, PLLC; Bailey E. Anderson, Johnson & Vercher, LLC; Nicholas S. Bergeron, Gieger, Laborde & Laperouse, LLC; Karina Shareen, Deutsch Kerrigan, LLP; Josef P. M. Ventulan, Louisiana State Law Institute; Brittany E. Bell Chavis, Attorney at Law; Reed K. Ellis, Broussard, David & Moroux; Andrew M. Albritton, McGlinchey Stafford, PLLC; Stephanie M. Poucher, Phelps Dunbar, LLP; Catherine S. Carrier, Long Law Firm; Micah O. Clemons, Todd Clemons & Associates.
LSBA Professional Development Workshop - August 25, 2023On August 25, 2023, at the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans, a luncheon and CLE seminar was hosted by the LSBA Diversity Committee’s Pipeline to Diversity and Outreach Subcommittee and Adams and Reese LLP. The seminar was titled LSBA Professional Development Workshop:
Take Command, Be Empowered, and Own Your Future.
Pictured (L to R): Hon. Dana M. Douglas, U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit; Hon. Piper D. Griffin, Associate Justice, Louisiana Supreme Court; Hon. Erin Wilder-Doomes, Magistrate Judge, U.S. District Court, Middle District of Louisiana; Kellen J. Mathews, Adams and Reese LLP (Moderator).
2023-2024 Leadership LSBA Class Reception - August 24, 2023The Leadership LSBA Reception for new class members was held on August 24, 2023, at the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans. The event served as a networking opportunity for class members to meet LSBA past presidents and members of the Board of Governors.
Pictured (L to R): Senae D. Hall, Young Lawyers Division Chair, Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office; Candace B. Ford, Leadership Class Co-Chair, Breazeale, Sachse & Wilson, L.L.P; R. Clayton Christian, Leadership Class Co-Chair, Nelson & Hammons, APLC; Shayna L. Sonnier, 2023-2024 LSBA President, Veron Bice, LLC
Specialty Bars Meeting- August 11, 2023 On August 11, 2023, a Specialty Bars Meeting was held at the Four Seasons New Orleans Hotel, in conjunction with the 15
th Annual Conclave on Diversity in the Legal Profession.
Pictured (l to r): Demarcus J. Gordon, (Conclave Co-Chair), Chair, Minority Involvement Section, Kelly Hart & Pitre, New Orleans, LA; Christine T. C. Bruneau, Past-President, Louisiana Asian Pacific American Bar Association, Cotten Schmidt, LLP, New Orleans, LA; H. Scott Le, The Hoang Law Firm, Gretna, LA; Gina Zapanta, President, Hispanic Lawyers Association of Louisiana, Z. A. Lawyers, Covington, LA; Michael B. Victorian, President, Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, Inc., Greater Baton Rouge Chapter, Phelps Dunbar, LLP, Baton Rouge, LA.
15th Annual Conclave on Diversity in the Legal Profession - August 11, 2023For fifteen years the Louisiana State Bar Association has hosted the Conclave on Diversity in the Legal Profession. The Conclave continues to serve as an opportunity for attorneys and judges to convene and discuss the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession. The Conclave would not be a success without our attendees, speakers, and sponsors.
The theme of the 15th Annual Conclave on Diversity in the Legal Profession was
From Theory to Practice. The Conclave was held at the Four Seasons New Orleans Hotel on August 11, 2023.
An attendee had this to say about their experience:
“This was my first time attending and I was beyond impressed. I look forward to attending again in the future.”
Pictured (L to R): Conclave Co-Chair Demarcus J. Gordon, Kelly Hart & Pitre; Conclave Co-Chair Susan R. Laporte, Kuchler Polk Weiner, L.L.C.; Conclave Chair J. Dalton Courson, Disability Rights Louisiana.
Photo by Emily Scalf, Sunlit Studio Photography