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)
Day 2, Week 1 of Suit Up for the Future Program – June 10, 2025On the second day of Suit Up for the Future, Suit Up interns assisted students with Memorandum Outline Preparation.
Following Memorandum Outline Preparation, students stepped into the classroom for a presentation on Contracts. Instruction was provided by Professor Kenya J. H. Smith, Associate Law Professor, Byron R. Kantrow Endowed Professor of Law, Wedon T. Smith Endowed Professor in Civil Law #2, LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center, Baton Rouge, LA.
Top Left
(Pictured L to R): Otto K. Massie, Angelica H. Rodriguez, Professor Kenya J. H. Smith, Associate Law Professor, Byron R. Kantrow Endowed Professor of Law, Wedon T. Smith Endowed Professor in Civil Law #2, LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center, Baton Rouge, LA; Ximena G. Vasquez, Ja’Ryan D. Berryhill
Bottom Left
(Pictured L to Right): Macy J. Hall, Emma L. Ladisky; Professor Kenya J. H. Smith, Associate Law Professor, Byron R. Kantrow Endowed Professor of Law, Wedon T. Smith Endowed Professor in Civil Law #2, LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center, Baton Rouge, LA; Estefania J. Antunez, Abigail A. Schoen
Top Right
(Pictured):
Benjamin B. So,Intern, Suit Up Alumnus 2023, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
Middle Left
(Pictured):
Professor of Law, Wedon T. Smith Endowed Professor in Civil Law #2, LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center, Baton Rouge, LA
Bottom Left
(Pictured L to R): Bailey I. Williams, Selin G. Greer, Ja’Wayne A. White, Danie M. Hamilton, Angelica H. Rodriguez, Otto K. Massie, William T. David, Intern, Suit Up Alumnus 2023, Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA
Day 1, Week 1 of Suit Up for the Future Program – June 9, 2025Twenty-two local 11th grade, 12th grade, and recent high school graduate students received a warm welcome to the 2025 Louisiana State Bar Association's Suit Up for the Future program from Edward J. Walters, Jr., LSBA President 2025-26; and Honorable Karen Wells Roby, Magistrate Judge, United States District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana. LSBA's Pipeline to Diversity and Outreach Subcommittee Past Co-chair Denia Sylve Aiyegbusi and Co-ChairTiffany L. Delery, also made welcoming remarks and facilitated activities that revolved around the question: "What does it mean to be a lawyer?"
In the afternoon, Suit up students stepped into the classroom for a lesson on Legal Research and Writing. Instruction was provided by Professor Emily A. Bishop, Director of the Lawyering Program and Professor of Practice, Loyola University New Orleans College of Law.
Thank you to our presenters for making Day 1 of Suit Up for the Future a success!
Top Left (Pictured L to R):Ja’Ryan D. Berryhill, Denia S. Aiyegbusi, Diversity Committee’s Pipeline to Diversity and Outreach Subcommittee Past Co-Chair, CNA Insurance, New Orleans, LA; Emma L. Ladisky, Edward J. Walters, Jr., Louisiana State Bar Association President 2025-2026; Bailey I. Williams, Tiffany L. Delery, Diversity Committee’s Pipeline to Diversity and Outreach Subcommittee Co-Chair, Chehardy Sherman Williams Recile & Hayes, New Orleans, LA.
Top Right (pictured): Professor Emily A. Bishop, Director of the Lawyering Program and Professor of Practice, Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, New Orleans, LA
Middle Right ( Pictured L to R): William T. David, Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA; Adrienne A. Boutte, Southern University Law Center, Baton Rouge, LA; Denia S. Aiyegbusi, Diversity Committee’s Pipeline to Diversity and Outreach Subcommittee Past Co-Chair, CNA Insurance, New Orleans, LA; Honorable Karen Wells Roby, Just the Beginning (JTB), Magistrate Judge, United States District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA; Tiffany L. Delery, Diversity Committee’s Pipeline to Diversity and Outreach Subcommittee Co-Chair, Chehardy Sherman Williams Recile & Hayes, New Orleans, LA; Benjamin B. So, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
Bottom Left (Picture L to R): Tyler D. Bickham, Sylvia C. Capiton, Professor Emily A. Bishop, Director of the Lawyering Program and Professor of Practice, Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, New Orleans, LA, Bailey I. Williams, Danie M. Hamilton
Bottom Right (Pictured L to Right):
Top Row: Adrienne A. Boutte, Southern University Law Center, Baton Rouge, LA; Ja’Ryan D. Berryhill, JaWayne A. White, Christopher H. Juge II, Otto K. Massie, Macy J. Hall
2nd Row from Top: Mary C. Bowlin, Shelby D. Gordon, Abigail A. Shoen, Victoria G. Baez, Emma L. Ladisky, Bailey I. Williams, Makenzie R. Jackson, Sylvia C. Capiton, William T. David, Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA
3rd Row from Top: Benjamin B. So, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA; Nhachi C. Vu, Selin G. Greer, Angelica H. Rodriguez, Ximena G. Vasquez, Estefania J. Antunez, Tyler D. Bickham, Danie M. Hamilton, Julianna A. Cunnikin
Bottom Row: Denia S. Aiyegbusi, Diversity Committee’s Pipeline to Diversity and Outreach Subcommittee Past Co-Chair, CNA Insurance, New Orleans, LA; Honorable Karen Wells Roby, Just the Beginning (JTB), Magistrate Judge, United States District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA; Tiffany L. Delery, Diversity Committee’s Pipeline to Diversity and Outreach Subcommittee Co-Chair, Chehardy Sherman Williams Recile & Hayes, New Orleans, LA
Leadership LSBA Well-being in the Legal Profession New Orleans– May 12, 2025On May 12, 2025, the 204- 2025 Leadership LBA Class hosted the second seminar in its three-part series, W
ell-being in the Legal Profession. Held at the Louisiana State Bar Association headquarters in New Orleans, Louisiana, the seminar provided valuable insights into the importance of self-care and recognizing signs of burnout within the legal profession. The event featured a special presentation by Dr. Angela White-Bazile from the Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program (JLAP).
(Photo to Left)
(Picture L to R): Dashia D. Myles, Wood Smith Henning & Berman LLP, New Orleans, LA; Dr. Angela White-Bazile, Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program (JLAP), New Orleans, LA; Catherine R. Filippi, Duetsch Kerrigan LLP, New Orleans, LA.
(Top Right Photo)
(Pictured L to R): Dashia D. Myles, Wood Smith Henning & Berman LLP, New Orleans, LA; Catherine R. Filippi, Duetsch Kerrigan LLP, New Orleans, LA.
(Bottom Right Right)
(Pictured): Dr. Angela White-Bazile, Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program (JLAP), New Orleans, LA
Leadership LSBA Well-being in the Legal Profession Lafayette – May 16, 2025On May 16, 2025, the Leadership LBA Class held its final session in the three-part series, Well-Being in the Legal Profession, at The Jefferson in Lafayette, LA. The seminar focused on burnout and emphasized the importance of mental health among legal professionals. The event featured a special presentation by Dr. Angela White-Bazile from the Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program (JLAP).
(Pictured L to R): Kaylin E. Jolivette, Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP, Lafayette, LA; Thomas R. Hightower III, Thomas R. Hightower, Jr., APLC, Lafayette, LA; Dr. Angela White-Bazile, Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program (JLAP), New Orleans, LA
Specialty Bars CLE Conference – May 8, 2025On May 8, 2025, the LSBA Diversity Committee's Specialty Bars Subcommittee hosts its Annual Specialty Bars Conference at the Louisiana Bar Center. A variety of topics were covered, allowing attendees to earn 7.00 continuing legal education credits.
Top Right: Paul H. Scott, The Scott Law Firm, Baton Rouge, LA
Top Middle: Micah J. Fincher, Attorney at Law, New Orleans, LA
Top Left: Eric K. Barefield, Professional Programs Ethics Counsel, Louisiana State Bar Association, New Orleans, LA
Bottom Right: J. Dalton Courson, Litigation Director, Disability Rights Louisiana, New Orleans, LA
Bottom Middle: Erin C. Hebert, Ware | Immigration, Metairie, LA
Bottom Left: Shelly L. Skeen, Regional Director, Lambda Legal, Dallas, TX
Louisiana Supreme Court Bar Admission Ceremony – May 5, 2025On May 5, 2025, the Louisiana Supreme Court Committee on Bar Admissions hosted its annual Bar Admission Ceremony at the Pontchartrain Convention & Civic Center in Kenner, Louisiana. Edward J. Walters Jr., President-Elect of the Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA), delivered the welcoming address.
Pictured (L to R): Chief Justice John L. Weimer III, Louisiana Supreme Court; New Orleans, LA; Edward J. Walters, Jr., 2024-2025 Louisiana State Bar Association President-Elect, Walters, Thomas, Cullens LLC, Baton Rouge
Leadership LSBA Well-being in the Legal Profession Shreveport – March 25, 2025
On March 25, 2025, the 2024 - 2025 Leadership LSBA Class hosted the first seminar in its three-part Well-being in the Legal Profession series. The seminar occurred at the Hilton Shreveport in Shreveport, LA. The event featured insightful discussions led by members of the Leadership LSBA Class and a special presentation by Dr. Angela White-Bazile from the Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program (JLAP).
(Pictured L to R) Fernando B. Grider, Jr., Caddo Parish District Attorney's Office, Haynesville, LA; Dr. Angela White-Bazile, Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program (JLAP), New Orleans, LA; Shelvia R. Davis, Grant Davis Law LLC, Shreveport, LA
Southwest Louisiana Bar Association Bench Bar – March 13 – 15, 2025The Southwest Louisiana Bar Association held its annual Bench Bar Conference from March 13–15, 2025, 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.
Photo on Left: (Pictured L to R): Ezra Pettis, Jr., 2024 - 2025 Bench Bar Conference Chair, Delphin Law Offices, PLC, Lake Charles, LA; Hon. John Michael Guidry, Associate Justice, Louisiana Supreme Court, Baton Rouge, LA.
Photo in Middle (Pictured L to R): J.B. Sanchez; Jennifer Jones, Sanchez Burke, LLC, Cameron, LA; Katherine B. Remy, Veron, Bice, Palermo & Wilson, Lake Charles, LA; Vincent R. Arnona, Arnona Rose, LLC, Metairie, LA; Peyton F. Pawlicki, Veron, Bice, Palermo & Wilson, Lake Charles, LA; Shayna L. Sonnier, 2024 – 2025 Southwest Louisiana Bar Association President, Vernon Bice, LLC, Lake Charles, LA; Joey Williams, 2025 – 2026 Southwest Louisiana Bar Association President, Williams Family Law Firm, LLC, Natchitoches, LA and his spouse, Jordan Kolde
Photo on Right (Pictured L to R): Hon. Van Kyzar, Louisiana Court of Appeal, Third Circuit, Lake Charles, LA; Hon. Sharon D. Wilson, Louisiana Court of Appeal, Third Circuit, Lake Charles, Lake Charles, LA; Ezra Pettis, Jr., 2024 - 2025 Bench Bar Conference Chair, Delphin Law Offices, PLC, Lake Charles
LGBT Legal Issues CLE Seminar - February 13, 2025On February 13, 2025, a CLE seminar titled LGBT Legal Issues: Looking Back – Moving Forward was held at Loyola University New Orleans College of Law. The LSBA Diversity Committee’s LGBT Subcommittee partnered with the law student group Lambda Law Alliance Student Bar Association. The seminar provided a historical overview of employment discrimination law as it relates to the LGBTQ+ community.
Photo on the Right
Susan F. Clade, Attorney at Law
Photo on the Left
(Picture L to R) Owen McCall, Diversity & Inclusion Chair; Andrew D Jones II, President; Susan F. Clade, Attorney at Law; Cole Delacruz, Vice President; and Ta'Jonn Morris, Communications Chair.
Baton Rouge Bar Association Board Installation – January 30, 2025On January 29, 2025, the Baton Rouge Bar Association held its Board Installation, during which Monica M. Vela-Vick was sworn in as the association's new president. The ceremony occurred at the United States District Court, Middle District of Louisiana.
Top Right
(Pictured L to R): Chief Judge Shelly D. Dick, U.S. District Court, Middle District of Louisiana, Monica M. Vela-Vick, 2025 – 2026 Baton Rouge Bar Association President, Dugan Law Firm, New Orleans, LA
Bottom Right (
Pictured L to R): Chief Judge Shelly D. Dick, U.S. District Court, Middle District of Louisiana; Anthony J. Gambino, Phelps Dunbar, LLP, Baton Rouge, LA; Kelley Dick Jr., Mansfield, Melancon, Cranmer and Dick, Baton Rouge, LA; Lori E. Palmintier, Brock & Palmintier Law, LLC, Baton Rouge, LA; Christopher D. Shows, Pierce & Shows, Baton Rouge, LA; Marcus J. Plaisance, Plaisance Law, LLC, Prairieville, LA
Left
(Pictured L to R): Kilyun L. Williamson, 2024 – 2025 Baton Rouge Bar Association President, Williamson Campbell and Whittington LLC, Baton Rouge, LA; Monica M. Vela-Vick, 2025 – 2026 Baton Rouge Bar Association President, Dugan Law Firm, New Orleans, LA
Baton Rouge Bar Association – January 29, 2025On January 29, 2025, the Baton Rouge Bar Association held its Memorial Ceremony and Court Opening at the 19th Judicial District Courthouse in Baton Rouge. The ceremony featured recognition of 50, 55, 60, 65, and 70-year members of the bar by Loren S. Fleshman, 2025 BRBA President-Elect; a recognition of deceased members by Janice M. Reaves, President, Baton Rouge Association of Women Attorneys, and Harry Landry III, Baton Rouge Chapter President Louis A. Martinet Legal Society Inc.; and an introduction of new members of the bar by Edward J. Walters, Jr., 2024-2025 LSBA President-Elect Walters, Thomas, Cullens LLC, Baton Rouge, LA.
Pictured (L to R): Edward J. Walters, Jr., 2024-2025 Louisiana State Bar Association President-Elect, Walters, Thomas, Cullens LLC, Baton Rouge, LA; Alena Allen, Dean, LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center, Baton Rouge, LA; Monica M. Vela-Vick, 2025 Baton Rouge Bar Association President, Dugan Law Firm, Baton Rouge, LA; Patrick A. Talley, Jr., 2024-2025 Louisiana State Bar Association President, Phelps Dunbar, L.L.P., New Orleans, LA.
LSBA Leadership Class Recognition – January 18, 2025 On January 18, 2025, the 2024-2025 Leadership LSBA Class was formally recognized during the House of Delegates meeting, held in conjunction with the Louisiana State Bar Association’s Midyear Meeting at the Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel.
Pictured (L to R): Alex J. Domingue, Mouledoux, Bland, Legrand & Brackett, L.L.C., New Orleans, LA; Gray Williams II, Attorney at Law, Houston, TX; Hailey E. Manint, Legacy Estate and Elder Law of Louisiana, LLC, Baton Rouge, LA; Sarah M. Day, Pipes Miles Beckman LLC, New Orleans, LA; Kaylin E. Jolivette, Lewis Brisbon Bisgaard & Smith LLC, Lafayette, LA; Katelynn B. Courville, NeunerPate, Lafayette, LA; Catherine R. Filippi, Deutsch Kerrigan LLP, New Orleans, LA; Stephanie M. Poucher, 2024 – 2025 Leadership LSBA Class Co-Chair, Phelps Dunbar, L.L.C., New Orleans, LA; Casey C. Hollins, Hammonds, Sills, Adkins, Guice, Noah & Perkins, L.L.P., Baton Rouge, LA; Shelvia R. Davis, Grant Gavis Law, LLC, Shreveport, LA; Nicole T. Bowyer, State Farm, New Orleans, LA; Dashia D. Myles, Wood Simth Henning & Berman LLP, New Orleans, LA; Fernando B. Grider, Jr., Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office, Haynesville, LA; Henry S. Rauschenberger, Jones Walker L.L.P., Baton Rouge, LA; Garret W. Wick, Clary Suba Neale, Baton Rouge, LA; Not pictured are Karina Shareen 2024 – 2025 Leadership LSBA Class Co-Chair, Deutsch Kerrigan LLP, New Orleans, LA; Thomas R. Hightower III, Thomas R. Hightower, Jr., APLC, Lafayette LA.
New Orleans Bar Association’s 100th Annual Dinner Celebration – November 21, 2024
On Thursday, November 21, 2024, the New Orleans Bar Association hosted its 100
th Annual Dinner Meeting. During the event, Thomas M. Flanagan was installed as the new president, alongside the newly appointed board of directors. The evening also honored members who have reached the milestone of 50 years in the association and featured the presentation of the prestigious Arceneaux Professionalism Award, recognizing outstanding commitment to ethical practice and professionalism in the legal field.
(Photo Top Right)
(Pictured left to Right): Thomas M. Flanagan, 2025 - 2026 New Orleans Bar Association President, Flanagan Partners LLP, New Orleans, LA; Stephen J. Herman 2024 – 2025 New Orleans Bar Association President, Fishman Haygood, LLP, New Orleans, LA
(Top Right Photo)
Top row (Pictured left to right): Eric Winder Sella, Plauché Maselli Parkerson LLP, New Orleans, LA; Shannon S. Holtzman, Liskow & Lewis, APLC, New Orleans, LA; Andrew R. Lee, Jones Walker LLP, New Orleans, LA; Kelly Juneau Rookard, 2025 – 2026 New Orleans Bar Association Vice President, Irwin Fritchie Urquhart Moore & Daniels, LLC, New Orleans, LA; and Cayce C. Peterson, JJC Law LLC, New Orleans, LA
Second row (Pictured left to right): Nairda T. “Lesa” Colón, Frilot, LLC, New Orleans, LA; Helena N. Henderson, New Orleans Bar Association’s Executive Director, Cherrell Simms Taplin, Liskow & Lewis, APLC, New Orleans, LA; Gerard J. Gaudet, Adams and Reese, LLP, New Orleans, LA
Third row (Pictured left to right): Valerie E. Fontenot, Jones Walker LLP, New Orleans, LA; Colleen C. Jarrott, Hinshaw & Culbertson, LLP, New Orleans, LA; Hon. Eva J. Dossier, 2025 – 2026 New Orleans Bar Association Vice President, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA; Angelina “Angie” Christina, McGlinchey Stafford, PLLC, New Orleans, LA
Bottom row (Pictured left to right): Nicholas J. Wehlen, Stone Pigman Walther Wittmann, LLC, New Orleans, LA; Tessa P. Vorhaben, Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC, New Orleans, LA; Stephen J. Herman, 2024 – 2025 New Orleans Bar Association President, Fishman Haygood, LLP, New Orleans, LA; Thomas M. Flanagan, 2025 - 2026 New Orleans Bar Association President, Flanagan Partners LLP, New Orleans, LA; Lawrence G. Pugh III, 2025- 2026 New Orleans Bar Association President-Elect, Pugh, Accardo, Haas, Radecker & Carey, LLC, New Orleans, LA; Christopher K. Ralston, Phelps Dunbar, LLP, New Orleans, LA
(Photo Bottom Left)
(Pictured left to right): Gerald E. Meunier, Gainsburgh, Benjamin, David, Meunier & Warshauer, LLC, New Orleans, LA; Hon. Ivan L.R. LemelleU.S. District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA; Philip K. “Kirk” Jones, Jr., Liskow & Lewis, APLC, New Orleans, LA; William E. “Bill” Wright, Jr., Deutsch Kerrigan, LLP, New Orleans, LA
(Photo Bottom Right)
Top row ( Pictured left to right): Taylor Burnham, 2025 – 2026 Young Lawyers Section Vice-Chair, Burnham Law Firm, New Orleans, LA; Matthew R. Slaughter, Flanagan Partners LLP, New Orleans, LA; Jose R. Ruiz, Deutsch Kerrigan, LLP, New Orleans, LA
Second row (Pictured left to right): Margaret L. Manning, Stanley, Reuter, Alford, Owen, Munson, and Paul LLC, New Orleans, LA; Virginia P. Stewart, Phelps Dunbar, LLP, New Orleans, LA; Hayley M. Landry, Liskow & Lewis, APLC, New Orleans, LA; Justine M. Ware, Deutsch Kerrigan, LLP, New Orleans, LA
Bottom row (Pictured left to right): Jennifer Gordon Lampton, 2025 -2026 Young Lawyers Section Chair-Elect, 4th Circuit Court of Appeal, New Orleans, LA; Katherine L. Swartout, 2025 – 2026 Young Lawyers Section Vice-Chair; Pipes Miles Beckman, LLC, New Orleans, LA; Gerard J. Gaudet 2024 – 2025 Young Lawyers Section Chair, Adams and Reese, LLP, New Orleans, LA