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. (Name change approved March 28, 2023).
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)
Baton Rouge Bar Association Bench Bar – July 16–18, 2026On July 16–18, 2026, the Baton Rouge Bar Association hosted its annual Bench Bar Conference at The Lodge at Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Attendees participated in CLE sessions, networking opportunities, and events inspired by the conference's "Wicked" theme. The LSBA Member Outreach and Diversity Team participated as an Exhibitor and also offered the LSBA Photo Bar ID service.
Top Left Photo
Hon. Kory J. Tauzin, Commissioner, 19
th Judicial District Court, Section D, Baton Rouge, LA; Kelley R. Dick, Jr., Mansfield, Melancon, Cranmer and Dick, Baton Rouge, LA; Marcus J. Plaisance, BRBA Director at Large, Plaisance Law, LLC, Baton Rouge, LA
Bottom Left Photo
Vincent J. Van Deventer, Kevin A. Adamson P.C., Duluth, GA; John E. Shaw, Jr., Breazeale, Sachse & Wilson, L.L.P., Baton Rouge, LA; Cornelius T. Hall, Staff Attorney, Southeast Louisiana Legal Services, Baton Rouge, LA
Middle Photo
Loren D. Shanklin, Shaklin Sosa Injury Law, Baton Rouge Bar Association President, Baton Rouge, LA
Top Right Photo
Hon. Eboni M. Rose, 19
th Judicial District Court, Division K, Baton Rouge, LA; Hon. John M. Guidry, Associate Justice, Louisiana Supreme Court, New Orleans, LA
Bottom Right Photo
Kris T. Bromley, Phelps, Baton Rouge, LA; Nena M. Eddy, Associate, Phelps, Baton Rouge, LA; Fallon A. Voltolina, Associate, Phelps, Baton Rouge, LA
Day 5, Week 3 of Suit Up for the Future Program – 6/26/2026On the final day of Suit Up for the Future, student interns traveled to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, where they presented oral arguments before a panel of esteemed judges.
The judges’ panel included: Hon. Rhonda Goode-Douglas; Hon. Jennifer M. Medley; Hon. Karen W. Roby; Hon. Sherryl M. Howard, Orleans Parish Civil District Court - Division "N", New Orleans, LA; Hon. Rhonda J. Goode-Douglas New Orleans Criminal District Court - Division "E"; Hon. Jennifer M. Medley, New Orleans Civil District Court - Division "F"
Winners for Best Oral Argument and Memorandum were as follows: Matthew A. Vasquez (Best Defense Memorandum); Jaedon C. Phiilips (Best Defense Oral Argument Defense Afternoon); Emma J. Bordelon (Best Resume); Gracie Huang (Best Prosecution Oral Argument Afternoon); Kelli N. Carlson (Best Defense Oral Argument Morning); Amira K. Shekarri (Best Prosecution Oral Argument Morning).
Left Photo
Matthew A. Vasquez (Best Defense Memorandum); Jaedon C. Phiilips (Best Defense Oral Argument Defense Afternoon); Emma J. Bordelon (Best Resume); Gracie Huang (Best Prosecution Oral Argument Afternoon); Kelli N. Carlson (Best Defense Oral Argument Morning); Amira K. Shekarri (Best Prosecution Oral Argument Morning)
Top Right
L-R: Justin E. Davis; Amria K. Shekarri; Sophie Z. Cao; Kelli N. Carlson; Christopher R. Taylor; Hon. Sherryl M. Howard, Orleans Parish Civil District Court, Division N, New Orleans, LA; Hon. Karen Wells Roby, Just the Beginning (JTB) (Magistrate Judge, United States District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana), New Orleans, LA; Cat N. La; Jaden D. Williams; Dylan S. Jefferson; Ava C. Addison; Jackson C. Lane
Middle Right
L-R: Jaedon C. Phillips; Sophie Z. Cao; Jonathan Varkey; Cat N. La; Dylan S. Jefferson; Ethan T. Kihm; Marley G. Price; Matthew A. Vasquez; Kelli N. Carlson; Justin E. Davis; Taha Z. Azam; Emma J. Bordelon; Amira K. Shekarri; Gracie Huang; Ava C. Addison; Jaden D. Williams; Owen Moller; Chirstopher R. Taylor; Jackson C. Lane
Bottom Right
L-R: Taha Z. Azam; Amira K. Shekarri; Owen Moller; Marley G. Price; Emma J. Bordelon; Hon. Rhonda J. Goode-Douglas New Orleans Criminal District Court - Division "E"; Hon. Jennifer M. Medley, New Orleans Civil District Court - Division "F"; Gracie Huang; Matthew A. Vasquez; Jonathan Varkey; Ethan T. Khim; Jaedon C. Phillips
Day 3, Week 3 of Suit Up for the Future Program - 6/24/2026 Suit Up students began their day with a visit to the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office, where they were welcomed by District Attorney Jason Williams. Students toured the office and learned about the role of prosecutors in the criminal justice system.
The students then visited the Orleans Public Defenders Office and met with Daniel L. Engelberg, Chief District Defender. During the tour and presentation, students learned about the work of public defenders and their role in representing clients.
After lunch at the Louisiana Bar Center, students spent the afternoon preparing for their oral argument presentations and concluded the day with a game of Jeopardy.
Top Left
Christopher R. Taylor; Robert Jones, Director of Community Outreach, Orleans Parish Public Defenders Office, New Orleans, LA
Top Right
Jaedon C. Phillips; Justin E. Davis
Bottom Right
Cat N. La; Ethan T. Kihm; Matthew A. Vasquez; Jonathan Varkey; Sophie Z. Cao; Marley G. Price; Kelli N. Carlson; Dylan S. Jefferson; Intern Emma M. Bonney, Suit Up Alumni 2024, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC; Intern Sia P. Mirpuri, Suit Up Alumni 2024, University of California, Los Angeles, CA; Amira K. Shekarri
Bottom Left
Marley G. Price; Gracie Huang; Sophie Z. Cao; Emma J. Bordelon; Intern Tyler D. Bickham, Suit Up Alumni 2025, Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy, Avondale, LA; Intern Emma R. Graff, Suit Up Alumni 2021, LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center, Baton Rouge, LA; Jaden D. Williams; Johnathan Varkey; Intern Malaysia R. McAfee, Prairie View Agricultural and Mechanical University, Prairie View, TX; Jackson C. Lane; Ethan T. Kihm; Intern Emma M. Bonney, Suit Up Alumni 2024, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC
Matthew A. Vasquez; Owen Moller; Ava C. Addison; Cat N. La; Dylan S. Jefferson; Amira K. Shekarri; Jason Williams, District Attorney, Orleans Parish, New Orleans; Justin E. Davis; Jaedon C. Phillips; Christopher R. Taylor; Taha Z. Azam; Intern Sia P. Mirpuri, Suit Up Alumni 2024, University of California, Los Angeles, CA
Day 2, Week 3 of Suit Up for the Future Program - 6/23/2026 Suit Up students began their day with a tour of Orleans Parish Criminal District Court, where they were welcomed by the Honorable Tracey E. Flemings-Davillier. During the visit, students gained insight into the criminal justice system.
Following lunch, students toured the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, where they were welcomed by the Honorable Karen Wells Roby. Brandon C. Briscoe assisted with the tour and delivered a presentation to students, while Judge Roby provided an in-depth overview of the federal court system.
Right
Intern Emma R. Graff, Suit Up Alumni 2021, LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center, Baton Rouge, LA; Intern Angelica H. Rodriguez, Suit Up Alumni 2025, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA; Dylan S. Jefferson; Intern Malaysia R. McAfee, Prairie View Agricultural and Mechanical University, Prairie View, TX
Jonathan Varkey; Cat N. La; Intern Emma M. Bonney, Suit Up Alumni 2024, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC; Intern Tyler D. Bickham, Suit Up Alumni 2025, Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy, Avondale, LA; Kelli N. Carlson; Emma J. Bordelon
Ethan T. Kihm; Jaden D. Williams; Hon. Tracey E. Flemings-Davillier, Section B, Orleans Parish Criminal District Court, New Orleans, LA; Gracie Huang; Amira K. Shekarri
Matthew A. Vasquez; Taha Z. Azam; Ava C. Addison; Marley G. Price;
Owen Moller Jackson C. Lane; Justin E. Davis; Sophie Z. Cao
Top Left
Jaedon C. Phillips; Amira K Shekarri; Cat N. La; Taha Z. Azam; Sophie Z. Cao; Gracie Huang; Christopher R. Taylor; Marley G. Price; Brandon C. Briscoe, Chief Deputy Clerk, United States District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA
Bottom Left
Hon. Karen Wells Roby, Just the Beginning (JTB) (Magistrate Judge, United States District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana), New Orleans, LA
Day 1, Week 3 of Suit Up for the Future Program - 6/22/2026 Suit Up students began their third week with a tour of the Louisiana Supreme Court, including its library and museum. Presentations were delivered by Miriam D. Childs, Director of the Louisiana Supreme Court Library, and Trina S. Vincent, Deputy Judicial Administrator for Community Relations.
Top Right
Dylan S. Jefferson; Jaedon C. Phillips
Top Left
Intern, GlenAndrea L. Brown, 2L, Southern University Law Center, Baton Rouge, LA; Ava C. Addison; Amirka K. Shekarri
Bottom Left
Intern Emma M. Bonney, Suit Up Alumni 2024, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC; Intern Sia P. Mirpuri, Suit Up Alumni 2024, University of California, Los Angeles, CA; Justin E. Davis; Jaedon C. Phillips; Amira K. Shekarri
Intern Angelica H. Rodriguez, Suit Up Alumni 2025, Louisiana State University, Gretna, LA; Ethan T. Kihm; Jonathan Varkey; Marley G. Price; Ava C. Addison; Taha Z. Azam; Intern Tyler D. Bickham, Suit Up Alumni 2025, Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy, Avondale, LA; Kelli N. Carlson; Jackson C. Lane
Own Moller; Christopher R. Taylor; Emma J. Bordelon; Cat N. La; Sophie Z. Cao; Gracie Huang; Matthew A. Vasquez; Jaen D. Wiliams; Dylan S. Jefferson; Intern Emma R. Graff, Suit Up Alumni 2021, LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center, Baton Rouge, LA
Bottom Right
Emma J. Bordeon; Marley G. Price; Sophie Z. Cao; Intern Emma R. Graff, Suit Up Alumni 2021, LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center, Baton Rouge, LA; Christopher R. Taylor; Jackson C. Lane; Jaden C. Phillips; Dylan S. Jefferson; Justin E. Davis; Amira K. Shekarri; Kelli N. Carlson; Chief Justice John L. Weimer III, Louisiana Supreme Court; New Orleans, LA; Justice Piper D. Griffin, Louisiana Supreme Court, 7th District, New Orleans, LA; Intern Emma M. Bonney, Suit Up Alumni 2024, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC; Intern Sia P. Mirpuri, Suit Up Alumni 2024, University of California, Los Angeles, CA; Intern Angelica H. Rodriguez, Suit Up Alumni 2025, Louisiana State University, Gretna, LA; Ethan T. Kihm; Intern Tyler D. Bickham, Suit Up Alumni 2025, Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy, Avondale, LA; Jonathan Varkey; Cat N. La; Jaden D. Williams; Matthew A. Vasquez; Taha Z. Azam; Owen Moller; Ava C. Addison; Garcie Huang
Day 3, Week 2 of Suit Up for the Future Program - 6/17/2026On the third day of Week Two of the Suit Up for the Future Program, students participated in job shadowing opportunities.
Thank you to all participating employers!
Top Right
Ariel E. Mitchell, Staff Attorney 24
th Judicial District Court, Gretna, LA; Allison L. Honeywood, Intern, 24
th Judicial District Court, Judge Lee Faulkner, Gretna, LA; Hon. Lee V. Faulkner, 24th Judicial District Court, Division P, Gretna, LA; Ethan T. Kihm Dawson Judice, Intern, 24th Judicial District Court, Judge Lee V. Faulkner, Jr., Gretna, LA
Bottom Left
Catherine R. Filippi, Partner, Deutsch Kerrigan, New Orleans, LA; Casey B. Wendling, Partner, Deutsch Kerrigan, New Orleans, LA; Karina Shareen, Associate, Deutsch Kerrigan, New Orleans, LA; Jackson C. Lane; Amira K. Shekarri
Bottom Middle
Hon. Marcus O. DeLarge, Orleans Parish Criminal District Court, Section K, New Orleans, LA; Jonathan Varkey
Left
Christopher R. Taylor; Jerome W. Matthews, Jr., Founder, Matthews Law Office, LLC, Gretna, LA
Day 2, Week 2 of Suit Up for the Future Program - 6/16/2026On the second day of Week Two of the Suit Up for the Future Program, students participated in job shadowing opportunities.
Thank you to all participating employers!
Top Left
Sophie Z. Cao; Hon. Stephen C. Grefer, 24
th Judicial District Court, Division J, Gretna, LA; Emma J. Bordelon
Top Right
Kevin M. Michot, Staff Attorney, 24
th Judicial District Court, Judge June B. Darensburg, Gretna, LA; Hon. June B. Darensburg, 24
th Judicial District Court, Division C, Gretna, LA; Jackson C. Lane
Bottom Left
Dylan S. Jefferson; Hon. Marcus O. DeLarge, Orleans Parish Criminal District Court, Section K, New Orleans, LA; Ava C. Addison
Bottom Right
Allison L. Honeywood, Intern, 24th Judicial District Court, Judge Lee V. Faulkner, Jr., Gretna, LA; Dawson Judice, Intern, 24th Judicial District Court, Judge Lee V. Faulkner, Jr., Gretna, LA; Hon. Lee V. Faulkner, 24th Judicial District Court, Division P, Gretna, LA; Justin Davis; Paige Ready, Intern, 4th Judicial District Court, Gretna, LA; Ariel E. Mitchell, Law Clerk, 24th Judicial District Court, Judge Lee V. Faulkner, Jr., Gretna, LA
Day 1 Week 2 of Suit Up for the Future Program - 6/15/2026The first day of Week Two of Suit Up began with students submitting their draft memorandum assignments and working diligently on their final memorandums.
In the afternoon, students participated in a Job Shadowing Lunch Meet and Greet, where attorneys, firms, courts, and agencies offering placements were invited to meet the students.
Top Left
Jaden D. Williams; Jerome W. Matthews, Founder, Matthews Law Office; Christopher R. Taylor
Bottom Left
Jaedon C. Phillips; Brittney B. Ankersen, Courington, Kiefer & Ankerson, L.L.C, New Orleans, LA; Ava C. Addison
Top Right
Karina Shareen, Associate, Deutsch Kerrigan, New Orleans, LA; Jackson C. Lane; Catherine R. Filippi, Partner, Deutsch Kerrigan, New Orleans, LA; Amira K. Shekarri
Bottom Right
Justin E. Davis; Allison L. Honeywood, Intern, 24
th Judicial District Court, Judge Lee Faulkner, Gretna, LA; Ariel E. Mitchell, Staff Attorney 24
th Judicial District Court, Gretna, LA; Ethan T. Kihm
LGBT Legal Issues CLE Seminar – June 13, 2026On June 13, 2026, the LSBA Diversity Committee’s LGBT Subcommittee hosted a CLE seminar titled
LGBT Legal Issues CLE Seminar. The seminar provided four hours of CLE credit and featured multiple sessions led by legal professionals who discussed legal issues impacting the LGB community.
Top Left
Shannon T. Mathew, Staff Attorney, Orleans Public Defenders, New Orleans, LA; Matthew S. Kellner, Training Supervising Attorney, Orleans Public Defenders, New Orleans, LA
Top Right
Todd G. Brower, Professor of Law - Emeritus, Western State College of Law, Irvine, CA
Bottom Left
Nicholas J. Hite, Senior Attorney and McDonald/Wright Distinguished Counsel, Lambda Legal Defense & Education, Dallas, TX
Bottom Right
Tyler J. Arbour, Attorney at Law, Bondurant Law, Covington, LA
Day 5, Week 1 of Suit Up for the Future Program - 6/12/2026 The final day of Week One of Suit Up began with a College Admission Preparation Workshop led by Roth Coats, Assistant Director of Admissions at Tulane University. This session provided additional insight into the admissions process, reinforcing key concepts introduced earlier in the week. Students then participated in a LinkedIn training session with Ja’Ryan D. Berryhill, a 2025 Suit Up alumnus, and the Suit Up interns, who guided them through strategies for building a professional online presence and leveraging networking tools. Following the LinkedIn session, students participated in a Statutory Interpretation Session led by Micah C. Zeno, Kristen A. Lee and Bianca N. Moore.
The afternoon included Law School Admission Preparation and Personal Statement Tips workshop, where Blair R. Boles, Associate Director of Admissions for the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center, provided practical advice on strengthening Law School applications and crafting compelling personal narratives.
Following that session, the day concluded with Memorandum Preparation, allowing students to draft and refine their writing with guidance from the Suit Up interns.
Top Left
Dylan S. Jefferon; Emma J. Bordelon; Blair R. Boles, Associate Director of Admissions, LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center, Baton Rouge, LA: Jaden D. Williams
Top Right
Bianca N. Moore, Associate, Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, LLP, New Orleans, LA; Kristen A. Lee, Louisiana Supreme Court, New Orleans LA; Amira K. Shekarri; Micah C. Zeno, Snellings, Breard, Sartor, Inabett & Trascher, LLP, New Orleans, LA; Marley G. Price; Jaedon C. Phillips; Justin E. Davis
Bottom Left
Ja’Ryan D. Berryhill, 2025 Suit Up Alumnus, Edna Karr High School, New Orleans, LA
Bottom RIght
Amira K. Shekarri; Cat N. La; Roth Coats, Assistant Director of Admissions, Tulane University Office of Undergraduate Admissions, New Orleans, LA, Matthew A. Vasquez; Owen Moller
Day 4, Week 1 of Suit Up for the Future Program - 6/11/2026 On the fourth day of Suit Up, interns assisted students as they worked on their resumes. Following the session, Professor Angela A. Allen-Bell, B.K. Agnihotri Endowed Professor at the Southern University Law Center, presented an abbreviated law class focused on civil rights, human rights, and social justice.
In the afternoon, Professor Jeffrey C. Brooks, Assistant Professor of Professional Practice at LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center, emphasized the importance of using impactful language during his Oral Argument Workshop. The day concluded with Suit Up interns assisting students with Memorandum Outline Preparation.
Top Right
Amira K. Shekarri; Emma J. Bordelon; Professor Angela A. Allen-Bell, B.K. Agnihotri Endowed Professor, Southern University Law Center, Baton Rouge, LA; Gracie Huang; Ava C. Addison
Top Left
Taha Z. Azam; Owen Moller; Jaedon C. Phillips; Professor Angela A. Allen-Bell, B.K. Agnihotri Endowed Professor, Southern University Law Center, Baton Rouge, LA; Justin E. Davis; Jackson C. Lane
Bottom Right
Jonahtan Varkey; Professor Jeffrey C. Brooks, Assistant Professor of Professional Practice, LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center, Baton Rouge, LA
Bottom Left
Ava C. Addison; Cat N. La; Professor Jeffrey C. Brooks, Assistant Professor of Professional Practice, LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center, Baton Rouge, LA; Amirka K. Shekarri; Dylan S. Jefferson; Justin E. Davis
Day 3, Week 1 of Suit Up for the Future Program - 6/10/2026 On the third day of Suit Up for the Future, students began with a visit to Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, where Kimberly Jones, MS, JD, Associate Dean of Operations & Enrollment Management, welcomed them and led a comprehensive tour and presentation on academic programs, student support services, and the path to law school success.
The group then continued to Tulane University Law School, where students enjoyed lunch followed by an engaging presentation from Tracie N. Ransom and Julia M. Spencer. Both presenters offered insight into the admissions process, law school culture, and the opportunities available to law students.
The afternoon included additional Memorandum Outline Preparation, followed by a Resume Preparation workshop designed to help students begin crafting professional resumes that reflect their strengths, experiences, and goals.
Day 1, Week 1 of Suit Up for the Future Program – 6/8/2026The 2026 Suit Up for the Future Program welcomed twenty 11th- and 12th-graders, along with recent graduates, for an engaging and educational first week. Students began the day with a warm welcome from Curtis R. Joseph, Jr., 2026 – 2027 LSBA President. The LSBA’s Pipeline to Diversity and Outreach Subcommittee Co-chairs Denia S. Aiyegbusi and Tiffany L. Delery also delivered welcoming remarks and facilitated activities centered on the question: “What does it mean to be a lawyer?”
In the afternoon, students participated in an in-depth legal research and writing session led by Professor Emily A. Bishop, Director of the Lawyering Program and Professor of Practice at Loyola University New Orleans College of Law.
Thank you to our presenters for making Day One of Suit Up for the Future a success!
Top Right
Karina A. Coronado; Cat N. La; Professor Emily A. Bishop, Director of the Lawyering Program and Professor of Practice, Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, New Orleans, LA; Amira K. Shekarri
Top Left
Tiffany L. Delery, Diversity Committee’s Pipeline to Diversity and Outreach Subcommittee Co-Chair, Chehardy Sherman Williams Recile & Hayes, New Orleans, LA; Hon. Eva J. Dossier, (Magistrate Judge, United States District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana), New Orleans, LA; Denia S. Aiyegbusi, Diversity Committee’s Pipeline to Diversity and Outreach Subcommittee Past Co-Chair; Curtis R. Joseph, Jr., Louisiana State Bar President, Partner, Blanchard, Walker, O’Quin & Roberts, APLC, Shreveport, LA
Bottom Left
Justin E. Davis; Christopher R. Taylor; Curtis R. Joseph, Jr., Louisiana State Bar President, Partner, Blanchard, Walker, O’Quin & Roberts, APLC, Shreveport, LA; Taha Z. Azam
Bottom Right
L-R: Emma M. Bonney, Suit Up Alumni 2024, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC; Tyler D. Bickham, Suit Up Alumni 2025, Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy, Avondale, LA; Emma R. Graff, Suit Up Alumni 2021, LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center, Baton Rouge, LA; Jackson C. Lane; Justin E. Davis; Ava C. Addison; Amira K. Shekarri; Marley G. Price; Curtis R. Joseph, Jr., Louisiana State Bar President, Partner, Blanchard, Walker, O’Quin & Roberts, APLC, Shreveport, LA; Jaedon C. Phillips; Taha Z. Azam; Owen Moller; Kelli N. Carlson; Johnathan Varkey; Angelica H. Rodriguez, Suit Up Alumni 2025, Thomas Jefferson Academy for Advanced Studies, Gretna, LA
Hon. Eva J. Dossier, (Magistrate Judge, United States District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana), New Orleans, LA; Denia S. Aiyegbusi, Diversity Committee’s Pipeline to Diversity and Outreach Subcommittee Past Co-Chair; Ethan T. Kihm; Dylan S. Jefferson; Sophie Z. Cao; Jaden D. Williams; Christopher R. Taylor; Gracie Huang; Emma J. Bordelon; Cat N. La; Karina A. Coronado; Malaysia R. McAfee, Prairie View Agricultural and Mechanical University, Prairie View, TX; Matthew A. Vasquez
Day 2, Week 1 of Suit Up for the Future Program – 6/9/2026On the second day of Suit Up for the Future, Suit Up interns assisted students with Memorandum Outline Preparation. The morning also included College Admission Preparation and Personal Statement Tips workshops, where Samantha Sims of Southeastern Louisiana University and Daniela Maldonado Mejia of Nicholls State University provided practical advice on strengthening college applications and crafting compelling personal narratives.
The afternoon continued with a second round of Memorandum and Oral Argument Preparation, giving students the opportunity to refine their reasoning, ask clarifying questions, and practice articulating their arguments.
Top Right
Jack Durocher, Admissions Counselor, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, LA
Top Left
Emma M. Bonney, Suit Up Alumni 2024, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC; Tyler D. Bickham, Suit Up Alumni 2025, Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy, Avondale, LA; Emma R. Graff, Suit Up Alumni 2021, LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center 2L, Baton Rouge, LA; Angelica H. Rodriguez, Suit Up Alumni 2025, Thomas Jefferson Academy for Advanced Studies, Gretna, LA; Malaysia R. McAfee, Prairie View Agricultural and Mechanical University, Prairie View, TX
Bottom Left
Kyle Hidalgo, Admissions Counselor, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, LA
Bottom Right
Daniela Maldonado-Mejia, Admissions Counselor, Nicholls State University, Thibodaux, LA
Bottom Middle
Tai Battle, Admissions Counselor, Nicholls State University, Thibodaux, LA
LSBA Entertainment Law CLE Seminar – April 16-17, 2026The Louisiana State Bar Association Diversity Committee’s Pipeline to Diversity and Outreach Subcommittee hosted a two-day Entertainment Law CLE Seminar on April 16–17, 2026, in New Orleans. The CLE seminar brought together legal professionals and industry experts to examine key issues and trends at the intersection of law, sports, and entertainment.
Top Left
N. Kordell Caldwell, Associate, Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, New Orleans, LA
Top Middle
Justin S. Brashear, Founder and CEO, Brashear Law LLC, Lake Charles, LA
Top Right
Walter "Fritz" Metzinger III, Associate, Stone Pigman Walther Wittmann LLC, New Orleans, LA
Right
Shane D. Williams, Maven Sports Group, Strategic Partner of Cash Money Records, Alexandria, LA
Bottom Left
Edgar "Dino" Gankendorff, Co-Managing Partner, Provosty & Gankendorff, LLC, New Orleans, LA
Bottom Middle
Ashlye M. Keaton, Co-Founder, The Ella Project, New Orleans, LA
Bottom Right
Michael B. Victorian, Counsel, Phelps, Baton Rouge, LA
LSBA Lunch and Learn CLE Seminar – April 15, 2026On April 15, 2026, the LSBA’s Diversity Committee’s Pipeline to Diversity and Outreach held a CLE seminar at the Louisiana Bar Center. The CLE seminar was presented by Dima Ghawi, where attendees earned 1.25 professionalism credit hour(s) for Continuing Legal Education, and she delivered an engaging and insightful presentation on
Generational Differences.
Dima Ghawi, Dima Ghawi LLC, Baton Rouge, LA
New Orleans Bar Association's Bench Bar Conference - March 27-29, 2026 On March 27–29,2026 , the New Orleans Bar Association’s annual Bench Bar Conference brought legal professionals together for a dynamic and engaging event. Attendees enjoyed insightful discussions, networking opportunities, and a refreshing coastal setting.
Top Right
Hon. Racheal D. Johnson, Orleans Parish Civil District Court, Division B, New Orleans, LA; Hon. Omar Mason, Orleans Parish Civil District Court, Division E, New Orleans, LA; Hon. Nakisha Ervin-Knott, 2026 New Orleans Bar Association Vice President, Louisiana Court of Appeal, Fourth Circuit, Division A, New Orleans, LA
Botton Right
Hon. Sandra C. Jenkins, Louisiana Court of Appeal, Fourth Circuit, Division A, New Orleans, LA; Hon. Marcus O. DeLarge, Orleans Parish Criminal District Court, Section K, New Orleans, LA
Top Left
Clarence M. Roby, III, The Law Office of Clarence Roby, Jr., New Orleans, LA; Hon. Karen Wells Roby, Magistrate Judge, United States District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana, Division 4, New Orleans, LA
Bottom Left
Hon. Brandon S. Long, United States District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana, Section O, New Orleans, LA; Kelly Juneau Rookard, 2026 New Orleans Bar Association Vice President, Partner, Irwin Fritchie, New Orleans, LA; Lawrence G. Pugh, III, 2026 New Orleans Bar Association President, Co-Founder, Pugh Accardo, New Orleans, LA; Angelina Christina, 2026 New Orleans Bar Association President-Elect, Flanagan Partners LLP, New Orleans, LA; Cayce C. Peterson 2026 New Orleans Bar Association Secretary, Founder, JJC Law LLC, New Orleans, LA
Leadership LSBA: A Deep Dive into Modern-Day Legal Research - March 24, 2026On March 24, 2026, the 2025–2026 Leadership LSBA Class hosted the CLE seminar, “A Deep Dive into Modern-Day Legal Research,” at the Louisiana Bar Center in New Orleans. The program featured panelists from LexisNexis, Thomson Reuters, and Clio/Fastcase. A class member with experience using PACER also provided a demonstration of modern legal research tools and shared practical strategies for efficient case analysis.
Sharita L. Spears, Attorney at Law, Zachary, LA; Christine E. Wells, Tanner and Justice, Baton Rouge, LA; Aimee Bain, Customer Education Manager, Thomson Reuters, New Orleans, LA; Karen McCardle, Legal Consultant, LexisNexis, Metairie, LA; Erin N. Alpandinar, Jones Walker, LLP, Baton Rouge, LA; Meghan E. Notariano, Parker Layrisson Law Firm, Ponchatoula, LA; Ed Walters, VP Legal Innovation & Strategy at Clio, Co-Founder of Fastcase, Washington, DC (Not Pictured)
Southwest Louisiana Bar Association Bench Bar – March 12 – 14, 2026The Southwest Louisiana Bar Association held its annual Bench Bar Conference from March 12–14, 2026, at The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa in Houston, Texas. The conference provided attendees with the opportunity to earn six CLE credit hours while engaging in professional development and networking.
(L to R): Ezra Pettis, Jr., 2025 – 2026 Southwest Louisiana Bar Association President, Delphin Law Offices, PLC, Lake Charles, LA; Hon. Joel G. Davis, 33rd Judicial District (Ret.), Oakdale, LA; Dean J. Manning, Hearing Officer, 14th Judicial District Court, Lake Charles, LA; Hon. Ulysses G. Thibodeaux, Louisiana Court of Appeal, Third Circuit (Ret.), Delphin Law Offices, PLC, Lake Charles, LA; Hon. Charles Schrumpf, Sulphur City Court, Sulphur, LA; Hon. David A. Ritchie, 14th Judicial District Court, Division E, Lake Charles, LA; Hon. Van H. Kyzar, Louisiana Court of Appeal, Third Circuit, District 1, Natchitoches, LA; Hon. Tony C. Fazzio, Magistrate Judge, 14th Judicial District Court, Lake Charles, LA; B. Thomas Shea, Hearing Officer, 14th Judicial District Court, Lake Charles, LA; Hon. James D. Cain, Jr., United States District Court, Western District of Louisiana, Lake Charles, LA; Hon. John M. Guidry, Associate Justice, Louisiana Supreme Court, Second District, New Orleans, LA; Hon. Elizabeth A. Pickett, Chief Judge, Louisiana Court of Appeal, Third Circuit, Many, LA; Hon. Kendrick J. Guidry, 14th Judicial District Court, Division H, Lake Charles LA; Hon. J. Lee Hoffoss, 14th Judicial District Court, Division B, Lake Charles, LA; Hon. Melissa A. St. Mary (Ret.), Louisiana Office of Worker’s Compensation, Of Counsel, Pitre Law Firm, Opelousas, LA; Hon. Cade R. Cole, Associate Justice, Louisiana Supreme Court, Third District, New Orleans, LA; Hon. Cynthia C. Guillory, Chief Judge, 14th Judicial District Court, Division J, Lake Charles, LA; Hon. Clayton A. L. Davis, Louisiana Court of Appeal, Third Circuit, Lake Charles, LA; Hon. Sharon D. Wilson, Louisiana Court of Appeal, Third Circuit, Lake Charles, LA; Hon. Bobby L. Holmes, 14th Judicial District Court, Division F, Lake Charles, LA; Hon. Charles G. Fitzgerald, Louisiana Court of Appeal, Third Circuit, Lake Charles, LA; Hon. William J. Cutrera, 14th Judicial District Court, Division C, Lake Charles, LA; Hon. W. Mitchell Redd, 14th Judicial District Court, Division A, Lake Charles, LA; Hon. Guy E. Bradberry, Louisiana Court of Appeal, Third Circuit, Lake Charles, LA; Hon. Thomas E. Townsley, Louisiana Office of Worker’s Compensation, Lake Charles, LA; Jonathan L. Johnson, Southwest Louisiana Bar Association, Bench Bar Conference Chair, Partner, Johnson & Vercher, LLC, Lake Charles, LA
Jefferson Bar Association's CLE by the Sea – March 11-14, 2026On March 11-14, 2026, the Jefferson Bar Association hosted its annual CLE by the Sea bench bar conference in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
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Hon. Stephen J. Windhorst, Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal, Division E, Gretna, LA; Hon. John J. Molaison, Jr., Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal, Division G, Gretna, LA; Hon. Raymond S. Stieb, Jr., 24th Judicial District Court, Division A, Gretna, LA; Hon. June B. Darensburg, 24th Judicial District Court, Division C, Gretna, LA; Stephen D. Enright, Jr., 24th Judicial District Court, Division N, Gretna, LA ; Hon. Michael P. Mentz, 24th Judicial District Court, Division F, Gretna, LA
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(L-R): Renee L. Swanson, Jefferson Bar Association
Secretary, Renee Swanson, LLC, Gretna, LA; Micah C. Zeno, Jefferson Bar Association
President Elect, Attorney at Law, New Orleans, LA; John F. Lee, Jefferson Bar Association
Treasurer, Attorney at Law, Metairie, LA; Jason R. Anders, President, Attorney at Law, Metairie, LA; Betty A. Maury, Jefferson Bar Association
Representative-at-Large, Derbes Law Firm, LLC, Metairie, LA; Rachel I. Silvers, Jefferson Bar Association
Representative-at-Large, Silvers Law Firm, LLC, New Orleans, LA; Albert J. Derbes IV, Jefferson Bar Association
Vice President, The Derbes Law Firm, LLC, Metairie, LA; Sandra Plauche, CLE Coordinator, Jefferson Bar
Association, Metairie, LA
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Micah C. Zeno, Jefferson Bar Association
President Elect, Attorney at Law, New Orleans, LA; Edward J. Walters Jr., 2025–2026 Louisiana State Bar Association President, Founder, Walters, Thomas, Cullens LLC, Baton Rouge, LA; Jason R. Anders, President, Attorney at Law, Metairie, LA
Baton Rouge Bar Association Memorial and Opening of Court – January 28, 2026On January 28, 2026, the Baton Rouge Bar Association held its Memorial Ceremony and Court Opening at the 19th Judicial District Courthouse in Baton Rouge, LA. During the ceremony, 50, 55, 60, 65, and 70-year members of the bar were recognized by Loren D. Shanklin, Baton Rouge Bar Association President; and new members of the bar were introduced by Edward J. Walters, Jr., 2025 - 2026 Louisiana State Bar Association President.
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Loren D. Shanklin, 2025-2026 Baton Rouge Bar Association President, Co-Founder, Shanklin Sosa, LLC, Baton Rouge, LA; Edward J. Walters, Jr., 2025-2026 Louisiana State Bar Association President, Co-Founder, Walters, Thomas, Cullens LLC, Baton Rouge, LA
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Harry Landry III, Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, Inc., Greater Baton Rouge Chapter President, East Baton Rouge District Attorney’s Office, Baton Rouge, LA; Jovontee J. Curlee, Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, Inc., Greater Baton Rouge Chapter Treasurer, The Law Office of Jovontee Curlee, LLC, Baton Rouge, LA; Michael B. Victorian, Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, Inc., Greater Baton Rouge Chapter Immediate Past President, Counsel, Phelps, Baton Rouge, LA
LGBT Legal Issues CLE Seminar – September 23, 2025On September 23, 2025, the LSBA Diversity Committee’s LGBT Subcommittee and the LSU OUTLaw Student Organization hosted a CLE seminar titled Out in the Law: Building a Career with Pride and Protection. The seminar addressed how Title VII and related case law protect identity in the workplace.
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(Pictured L to R): J. Dalton Courson, Litigation Director, Disability Rights Louisiana, New Orleans, LA; Nicholas J. Hite, Lambda Legal, Dallas, TX; Hieu T. “Scott” Le, Mouledoux, Bland, Legrand & Brackett, LLC, New Orleans, LA; Rachel M. Scarafia, Special Counsel, Jones Walker LLP, New Orleans, LA
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Top Row (Pictured L to R): Camila Valenzuela, Vice President of Administration, 2L; Jonathan Lynn, President,2L; Alexandra Basse, Vice President of Public Relations, 2L; Makinzie Ganey, Vice President of Programming, 2L
Bottom Row (Pictured L to R): J. Dalton Courson, Litigation Director, Disability Rights Louisiana, New Orleans, LA; Nicholas J. Hite, Lambda Legal, Dallas, TX; Hieu T. “Scott” Le, Mouledoux, Bland, Legrand & Brackett, LLC, New Orleans, LA; Rachel M. Scarafia, Special Counsel, Jones Walker LLP, New Orleans, LA
Alexandria Bar Association Opening of Court – September 3, 2025On September 3, 2025, the Alexandria Bar Association held its Opening of Court at the Ninth Judicial District Court in Rapides Parish. Chief Judge Monique F. Rauls of the Ninth Judicial District Court opened the ceremony. Attendees were welcomed by 2025–2026 Alexandria Bar Association President Allison P. Nowlin.
Left Photo (Pictured L to R): Judge Richard E. Starling, Jr., Alexandria City Court, Alexandria, LA; Justice John M. Guidry, Louisiana Supreme Court, Second District, New Orleans, LA; Judge Greg Beard, Ninth Judicial District Court, Division G, Alexandria, LA; Judge Shannon J. Gremillion, Third Circuit Court of Appeal, District 1, Lake Charles, LA; Chief Judge Monique F. Rauls, Ninth Judicial District Court, Division A, Alexandria, LA; Judge Mary L. Doggett, Ninth Judicial District Court, Division C, Alexandria, LA
Right Photo(Pictured L to R): Derrick J. Johnson, 2025–2026 Alexandria Bar Association Secretary, Rapides Parish District Attorney's Office, Alexandria, LA; Matthew L. Nowlin, 2025–2026 Alexandria Bar Association Treasurer, Keiser and Nowlin, Alexandria, LA; E. June Wells-Foster, 2024–2025 Alexandria Bar Association President, Rapides Parish District Attorney's Office, Alexandria, LA; Allison P. Nowlin, 2025–2026 Alexandria Bar Association President, City of Alexandria, Alexandria, LA; Samuel J. Spurgeon, 2023–2024 Alexandria Bar Association President, Partner, Spurgeon Law Firm, Alexandria, LA; Jonathan A. Cobb, 2025–2026 Alexandria Bar Association YLD Chair, Faircloth Melton Bash & Green, LLC, Alexandria, LA; R. Morgan Briggs, 2025–2026 Alexandria Bar Association Vice President, Gold Weems Bruser Sues & Rundell, APLC, Alexandria, LA
Leadership LSBA Class Reception – August 21, 2025On August 21, 2025, a reception was held to welcome the incoming Leadership LSBA Class. The event provided an opportunity for participants to engage with members of the legal community. Several past LSBA presidents were also in attendance to show their support.
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First Row (Pictured L to R): Edward J. Walters Jr., 2025–2026 Louisiana State Bar Association President, Founder, Walters, Thomas, Cullens LLC, Baton Rouge, LA; Zachary D. Berryman, Liskow & Lewis, APLC, New Orleans, LA; Shana M. Robertson, Tina L. Suggs & Association, Metairie, LA; Corrie R. Gallien, Attorney at Law, Lafayette, LA; Christine E. Wells, Tanner and Justice, Baton Rouge, LA; Lauren S. Bennett, Orleans Parish Civil District Court, New Orleans, LA; Shiena Marie N. Burke, Kean Miller LLP, Baton Rouge, LA; Erin N. Alpandinar, U.S. District Court, Western District of Louisiana, Baton Rouge, LA; Taquincia M. Jairles, Chehardy, Sherman, Williams, Recile & Hayes L.L.P., Metairie, LA; Meghan E. Notariano, Parker Layrisson Law Firm, Ponchatoula, LA; Garret W. Wick, 2025–2026 Leadership LSBA Class Co-chair, Clary Suba Neale, Baton Rouge, LA
Second Row (Pictured L to R): Hannah K. Cobb, Long Law Firm, Baton Rouge, LA; Sharita L. Spears, Attorney at Law, Zachary, LA; Anna C. Tucker, Blanchard, Walker, O'Quin & Roberts APLC, Shreveport, LA; Curtis R. Joseph Jr., 2025–2026 Louisiana State Bar Association President–Elect, Partner, Blanchard, Walker, O'Quin & Roberts APLC, Shreveport, LA
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(Pictured L to R): Michael W. McKay, 2004–2005 Louisiana State Bar Association President, Of Counsel, Long Law Firm, Baton Rouge, LA; Kim M. Boyle, 2009–2010 Louisiana State Bar Association President, Partner, Phelps, New Orleans, LA; S. Guy deLaup, 2007–2008 Louisiana State Bar Association President, Attorney at Law, Metairie, LA; Mickey S. deLaup, maps | Mediation & Arbitration, Metairie, LA