DEI Speakers Bureau Subcommittee
The 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. 

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LSBA: Who We Are And How We Serve Our Members
The 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)

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Shreveport Bar Association Recent Developments by the Judiciary – September 18-19, 2024
On September 18-19, 2024, the Shreveport Bar Association held its Recent Developments by the Judiciary CLE Seminar at the Hilton Garden Inn / Homewood Suites in Bossier City. The two-day seminar offered attendees 13 CLE credits.

Pictured (Top): Associate Justice Scott J. Crichton, Louisiana Supreme Court, Second District, Shreveport, LA, presented Ethics

Pictured (Bottom): Pictured: D. Lee Harville, The Harville Law Firm, LLC, Shreveport, LA, presented Recent Developments in Constitutional Law and Appellate Procedure.

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4th Judicial District Opening of Court – September 6, 2024
On September 6, 2024, the Fourth Judicial District Bar Association held its opening of court at the Ouachita Parish Courthouse. The event featured a welcome to new members of the bar and a memorial for deceased members.

Top: Pictured (L to R):Front – Hon. H. Stephens Winters, 4^th Judicial District Court, Division D, Monroe, LA; Hon. Frederick D. Jones, 4^th Judicial District Court, Division G; Hon. Robert C. Johnson, 4^th Judicial District Court, Division J, Monroe, LA; Chief Judge Larry D. Jefferson, 4^th Judicial District Court, Division H, Monroe, LA; Hon. Sharon I. Marchman, 4^th Judicial District Court, Division B, Monroe, LA; Hon. Jefferson B. Joyce, 4^th Judicial District Court, Division K, Monroe, LA.
Back— Hon. C. Wendell Manning, 4^th Judicial District Court, Division F, Monroe, LA; Associate Justice Jay B. McCallum, Louisiana Supreme Court, Fourth District, Farmerville, LA; Hon. Daniel J. Ellender, Second Circuit Court of Appeal, First District, Section 2, Division B, Monroe, LA; Hon. Angie D. Sturdivant, Monroe City Court, Monroe, LA; Hon. Alvin R. Sharp, 4^th Judicial District Court, Division I, Monroe, LA; Hon. J. Wilson Rambo, 4^th Judicial District Court, Division C, Monroe, LA; Hon. Walter M. Caldwell, IV, 4^th Judicial District Court, Division E, Monroe, LA.

Bottom: Pictured (L to R): Tyler J.R. Sanderson, Director, 4^th Judicial District Bar Association, Sanderson Legal Solutions LLC, Monroe, LA; Leah D. Sumrall, President, 4^th Judicial District Bar Association, LaSalle Management Company, L.L.C., Ruston, LA.

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Teche Bar Association Inaugural Meeting – September 5, 2024
On September 5, 2024, the Teche Bar Association held its inaugural meeting at the Sliman Theatre for the Performing Arts in New Iberia. The event provided a networking opportunity for local attorneys and judges and featured a one-hour Professionalism CLE seminar.

Pictured (L to R): Teche Bar Association Interim Board. Hon. Suzanne M. de Mahy, 16^th Judicial District Court, Division B, St. Martinville, LA; Dustin M. Romero, Interim President, Teche Bar Association, Landry, Watkins, Repaske & Breaux, New Iberia, LA; Hon. Theodore M. (Trey) Haik III, New Iberia City Court, New Iberia, LA; Hon. Roger P. Hamilton, Jr., 16^th Judicial District Court, Division H, New Iberia, LA.

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Alexandria Bar Association Court Opening – September 4, 2024
On September 4, 2024, 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 E. June Wells-Foster, Alexandria Bar Association President and Connor Headrick, Alexandria Bar Association Young Lawyers Section Chair.

Pictured (L to R): R. Morgan Briggs, Alexandria Bar Association Secretary, Gold, Weems, Bruser, Sues & Rundell, APLC, Alexandria, LA; Samuel J. Spurgeon, Alexandria Bar Association President Immediate Past President, Spurgeon Law Firm, LLC, Alexandria, LA; E. June Wells-Foster, Alexandria Bar Association President, Rapides Parish District Attorney’s Office, Alexandria, LA; Matthew L. Nowlin, Alexandria Bar Association Treasurer, Keiser Law Firm, APLC, Alexandria, LA; Allison P. Nowlin, Alexandria Bar Association Vice President, City of Alexandria, Alexandria, LA.

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Federal Bar Association, Baton Rouge Chapter Annual Luncheon – August 29, 2024
On August 29, 2024, the Federal Bar Association, Baton Rouge Chapter, held its annual luncheon at the City Club of Baton Rouge. The luncheon featured guest speaker Professor Raymond T. Diamond, who provided key insights during his talk “Second Amendment in a Post-Rahimi World”.

Pictured (L to R): Members of the Federal Bar Association, Baton Rouge Chapter Executive Board. Edward H. Warner, Vice President, United States Attorney’s Office, Baton Rouge, LA; J. Christopher Dippel, Jr., Membership Chair, Kean Miller LLP, Baton Rouge, LA; Sharon S. Whitlow, President, Whitlow Law Firm, LLC, Baton Rouge, LA; Tara L. Johnston, President-Elect, Erlingson Banks, P.L.L.C., Baton Rouge, LA; Magistrate Judge Richard L. Bourgeois, Jr., United States District Court, Middle District of Louisiana, Baton Rouge, LA; Professor Raymond T. Diamond, LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center, Baton Rouge, LA; Patrick H. Hunt, Treasurer, Bienvenu, Foco, & Viator, LLC, Baton Rouge, LA; Candace B. Ford, Public Service Chair, United States Attorney’s Office, Baton Rouge, LA; Justin A. Jack, Secretary, United States Attorney’s Office, Baton Rouge, LA.

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2024-2025 Leadership LSBA Orientation - August 23, 2024
On August 23, 2024, an orientation was held at The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans for the 2024-2025 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): 2024-2025 Leadership LSBA Class. Stephanie M. Poucher, Leadership LSBA Class Co-Chair, Phelps Dunbar, L.L.P., New Orleans, LA; Henry S. Rauschenberger, Jones Walker L.L.P., Baton Rouge, LA; Katelyn B. Courville, NeunerPate, Lafayette, LA; Sarah M. Day, Pipes Miles Beckman LLC, New Orleans, LA; Thomas R. Hightower III, Thomas R. Hightower, Jr., APLC, Lafayette, LA; Shelvia R. Davis, Grant Davis Law, LLC, Shreveport, LA; Fernando B. Grider, Jr., Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office, Shreveport, LA; Casey C. Hollins, Hammonds, Sills, Adkins, Guice, Noah & Perkins, L.L.P., Baton Rouge, LA; Garret W. Wick, Clary Suba Neale, Baton Rouge, LA; Catherine R. Filippi, Deutsch Kerrigan LLP, New Orleans, LA; Alex J. Domingue, Mouledoux, Bland, Legrand & Brackett, L.L.C., New Orleans, LA; Dashia D. Myles, Wood Smith Henning & Berman LLP, New Orleans, LA; Gary Williams II, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Houston, TX; Kaylin E. Jolivette, Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP, Lafayette, LA; Nicole T. Bowyer, State Farm Insurance, Metairie, LA; Hailey E. Manint, Legacy Estate and Elder Law of Louisiana, LLC, Baton Rouge, LA; Karina Shareen, Leadership LSBA Class Co-Chair, Deutsch Kerrigan LLP, New Orleans, LA.

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LSBA Professional Development Workshop – August 23, 2024
On August 23, 2024, at The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans, the LSBA Professional Development CLE Workshop Series was hosted by the LSBA Diversity Committee’s Pipeline to Diversity and Outreach Subcommittee. The seminar was titled Take Command, Be Empowered, and Own Your Future.

Pictured (L to R): Professional Development Workshop Panelists. Kelsey K. Funes, Partner, Phelps Dunbar, L.L.P., Baton Rouge, LA; Honorable D. Nicole Sheppard, Orleans Parish Civil District Court, Division J, New Orleans, LA; Susan N. Eccles, Partner in Charge, Adams and Reese, L.L.P., Baton Rouge, LA.

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2024-2025 Leadership LSBA Reception – August 22, 2024
The Leadership LSBA Reception for new class members was held on August 22, 2024, 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): Stephanie M. Poucher, Leadership Class Co-Chair, Phelps Dunbar, L.L.P., New Orleans, LA; Karina Shareen, Leadership Class Co-Chair, Deutsch Kerrigan LLP, New Orleans, LA; Kristen D. Amond, 2024-2025 LSBA Young Lawyers Division Chair, Kristen Amond, LLC, New Orleans, LA; Patrick A. Talley, Jr., 2024-2025 LSBA President, Phelps Dunbar, L.L.P., New Orleans, LA. 

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Lafayette Bar Association Annual Bench Bar Conference - August 22 – 24, 2024
On August 22 - 24, 2024, the Lafayette Bar Association (LBA) hosted its Annual Bench Bar at the Grand Resort Hotel and Spa in Point Clear, Alabama.

Several sessions and activities were held during the LBA Bench Bar Conference, including a Judicial Roundtable.

(Pictured) Lafayette Bar Association President Lindsay Meador Young delivers a welcome address on the first day of the program.
(L to R): Jonathan L. Woods, Bench Bar Co-chair, Lafayette Bar Association, Randazzo Giglio Bailey Finch & Woods LLC, Lafayette, LA; John M. Stefanski, Legislative Update Session presenter, Edwards, Stefanski & Zaunbrecher, L.L.P., Crowley, LA; Lindsay Meador Young, President, Lafayette Bar Association, Galloway, Johnson, Tompkins, Burr & Smith, APLC, Lafayette, LA.

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16th Annual Conclave on Diversity in the Legal Profession - August 9, 2024
For sixteen 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 LSBA would like to acknowledge our sponsors, partners, and participants from this year.

The theme of the 16^th Annual Conclave on Diversity in the Legal Profession was Every Voice Counts: Bridging Divides, Celebrating Differences. The Conclave was held at the Four Seasons New Orleans Hotel on August 9, 2024.

An attendee had this to say about their experience: “The program was both educational and inspirational, and that's something that only Conclave provides, consistently every year.”

Pictured (L to R): Conclave Chair, Co-chair, and Welcome Speakers. Kristen D. Amond, LSBA Young Lawyers Division Chair, 2024-2025, Kristen Amond, LLC, New Orleans, LA; Monica M. Vela-Vick, Conclave Co-Chair, The Dugan Law Firm, APLC, New Orleans, LA; Associate Justice Piper D. Griffin, Louisiana Supreme Court, New Orleans, LA; Susan R. Laporte, Conclave Chair, Partner, Kuchler Polk Weiner, L.L.C., New Orleans, LA.

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Federal Bar Association, New Orleans Chapter A Peek Behind the Curtain – August 7, 2024
On August 7, 2024, the Federal Bar Association, New Orleans Chapter held A Peek Behind the Curtain at the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in collaboration with the Bar Association of the Fifth Federal Circuit. The program provided attendees with information regarding various aspects of appellate practice at the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

Pictured: Michael J. Bentley, President, Bar Association of the Fifth Federal Circuit, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, LLP, Jackson, MS.

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Black Lawyers Association of Shreveport-Bossier Installation – July 18, 2024
On July 18, 2024, the 2024-2025 Executive Board of the Black Lawyers Association of Shreveport-Bossier (BLASB) was installed by the Honorable Jerry Edwards, Jr. at the Shreve Memorial Library – Atkins Branch. The installation meeting included an adoption of the association’s bylaws and a CLE seminar presented by Senator Sam Jenkins.

(Left) Pictured (L to R): Felicia M. Hamilton, 2024-2025 BLASB President, The Law Offices of Felicia M. Hamilton, LLC, Shreveport, LA; Hon. Jerry Edwards, Jr., United States District Court, Western District of Louisiana, Alexandria, LA; Senae D. Hall, 2024-2025 BLASB Vice President, Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office, Shreveport, LA; Jasmine C. Cooper, 2024-2025 BLASB Secretary, Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office, Shreveport, LA; Monique I. Davis, 2024-2025 BLASB Treasurer, Shreveport City Prosecutor’s Office, Shreveport, LA.

(Right) Pictured (L to R): Brittany B. Arvie, Attorney at Law, Shreveport, LA; Treneisha J. Hill, The Hill Law Firm, LLC, Shreveport, LA; Senae D. Hall, 2024-2025 BLASB Vice President, Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office, Shreveport, LA; Victoria T. Washington, Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office, Shreveport, LA.

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Fourth Judicial District Bar Association Annual Meeting – June 20, 2024
On June 20, 2024, the Fourth Judicial District Bar Association held its Annual Meeting at The Terrace at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. The event featured a celebration of 40-year members of the bar and the induction of the association’s 2024/2025 Board of Directors. 

Pictured (L to R): Members of the Fourth Judicial Bar Association 2024/2025 Board of Directors. Amy C. Johnson, Vice President, Attorney at Law, Bastrop, LA; Leah D. Sumrall, President, LaSalle Management Company, L.L.C., Ruston, LA; Alexandra L. Barham, Secretary/Treasurer, Attorney at Law, Monroe, LA; Tyler J.R. Sanderson, Director, Sanderson Legal Solutions LLC, Monroe, LA. Not pictured: Thomas H. Fields III, Director, Acadiana Legal Service Corporation, Monroe, LA.

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2023-2024 Leadership LSBA Class Recognition – June 6, 2024
On June 6, 2024, members of the 2023-24 Leadership LSBA class were awarded certificates of completion for their participation in Leadership LSBA. The goal of Leadership LSBA is to provide exposure to young lawyers on how the LSBA functions as well as the pressing issues that face the legal profession. The title of the 2023-24 Leadership LSBA class project was Demystifying the Legal Profession.

Pictured (L to R): Shayna L. Sonnier, 2023-2024 LSBA President, Veron Bice, LLC, Lake Charles, LA; Nicholas S. Bergeron, Gieger, Laborde & Laperouse, L.L.C., New Orleans, LA; Candace B. Ford, 2023-2024 Leadership LSBA Class Co-Chair, United States Attorney’s Office, Middle District of Louisiana, Baton Rouge, LA; Micah O. Clemons, Todd Clemons & Associates, APLC, Lake Charles, LA; Stephanie M. Poucher, Phelps Dunbar, L.L.P., New Orleans, LA; Kristina F. Douglas, City of Shreveport, Shreveport, LA; Reed K. Ellis, Broussard, David & Moroux, Lafayette, LA; Brian J. Lindsey, Kean Miller LLP, Lafayette, LA; Karina Shareen, Deutsch Kerrigan, L.L.P., New Orleans, LA; Josef P.M. Ventulan, Louisiana State Law Institute, Baton Rouge, LA. Photo credit Matthew Hinton.

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Chief Justice Bernette J. Johnson Trailblazer Award – June 6, 2024
On June 6, 2024, Associate Justice Piper D. Griffin received the LSBA Diversity Committee Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson Trailblazer Award. This award recognizes individual attorneys and judges who exhibit an unwavering commitment to enhancing diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. The awards ceremony was held during the LSBA Annual Meeting at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Miramar Beach, FL.

Pictured (L to R): Chief Justice Bernette J. Johnson (Ret.), New Orleans, LA; Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson Trailblazer award recipient, Associate Justice Piper D. Griffin, Louisiana Supreme Court, Seventh District; Shayna L. Sonnier, 2023-2024 LSBA President, Veron Bice, LLC, Lake Charles, LA. Photo credit Matthew Hinton.

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Guardian of Diversity Award – June 6, 2024
On June 6, 2024, the United States District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana received the LSBA Diversity Committee Guardian of Diversity Award. This award recognizes local and specialty bar associations, courts, law firms/departments, community organizations (which includes non-profits and public interest organizations), and educational organizations (which include law schools and schools with a law-related program) that implement and advance diversity programs to promote and support diversity in the legal community. The awards ceremony was held during the LSBA Annual Meeting at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Miramar Beach, FL.

Pictured (L to R): Hon. Jay C. Zainey, United States District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana, Section A, New Orleans, LA; Chief Judge Nannette J. Brown, United States District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana, Section G, New Orleans, LA; Shayna L. Sonnier, 2023-2024 LSBA President, Veron Bice, LLC, Lake Charles, LA. Photo credit Matthew Hinton.

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Specialty Bars Reception -- June 3, 2024
On June 3, 2024, the LSBA Diversity Committee’s Specialty Bars Subcommittee sponsored the Specialty Bars Reception at Hotel Effie Sandestin, Ara Rooftop Pool and Lounge.

The Specialty Bars Reception was held during the LSBA Annual Meeting and featured an evening of networking.

Top Left: Pictured (L to R): Angela White-Bazile, Executive Director, Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program, Inc, Mandeville, LA; Senae D. Hall, 2023-2024 LSBA Young Lawyers Division Chair, Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office, Shreveport, LA.

Top Right: Pictured (L to R): Hon. Roger P. Hamilton, 16^th Judicial District Court, Division H, New Iberia, LA; Nicole T. Bowyer, State Farm Insurance, Metairie, LA; Hon. Lee V. Faulkner Jr., 24^th Judicial District Court, Division P, Gretna, LA; Tina L. Suggs, State Farm Insurance, Metairie, LA; Hon. E. Adrian Adams, 24^th Judicial District Court, Division G, Gretna, LA; Cedric Mosely.

Middle Left: Pictured (L to R): James Robert, Glynn, LA; Deidre Deculus Robert, Director of State Operations, United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development, Washington, D.C.; Latisha Nixon-Jones, Bonaire, GA; Christopher Jones, Bonaire, GA.

Middle Right: Pictured (L to R): Hon. Roger P. Hamilton, 16^th Judicial District Court, Division H, New Iberia, LA; Deidre Deculus Robert, Director of State Operations, United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development, Washington, D.C.

Bottom: Pictured (L to R): Angela White-Bazile, Executive Director, Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program, Inc, Mandeville, LA; Kim M. Boyle, Partner, Phelps Dunbar, L.L.P., New Orleans, LA; Hon. Karelia R. Stewart, 1^st Judicial District Court, Section D, Shreveport, LA; Hon. Rachael D. Johnson, 4^th Circuit Court of Appeal, New Orleans, LA; Sharonda R. Williams, General Counsel, Loyola University New Orleans, New Orleans, LA; Cordelia D. Tullous, Redstone Strategy Group, Dallas, TX; Deidre Deculus Robert, Director of State Operations, United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development, Washington, D.C.; Shawn Lindsay, City of New Orleans Law Department, New Orleans, LA.

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Specialty Bars CLE Conference – May 23, 2024
On May 23, 2024, the LSBA Diversity Committee and Outreach Committee hosted the Specialty Bars CLE Conference at the Louisiana Bar Center.

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Bottom Right - Pictured: Eric K. Barefield, Professional Programs Ethics Counsel, Louisiana State Bar Association, New Orleans, LA, presented Ethics Hodge Podge.

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