LSBA Names Old Republic as New Endorsed Malpractice Insurance Provider
Enhanced coverage and new benefits for Louisiana lawyers begin January 2026.

After a year-long review process, the LSBA has selected Old Republic Lawyers Specialty Insurance (ORLSI) as the Association’s endorsed provider of lawyer’s malpractice insurance, partnering with Gilsbar to manage and administer the program. The change marks a major enhancement to the LSBA Insurance Program, which now offers more flexible pricing, additional premium credits, and stronger risk management benefits designed to reward careful, claims-free practice.

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Interested in an Appointed LSBA HOD Leadership Position?
Several LSBA House of Delegates seats received no qualifiers by the Oct. 13, 2025, qualifying deadline. These positions will be filled by presidential appointment. 

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Online Registration Open for 2026 Midyear Meeting in Baton Rouge
Online registration is open for the LSBA’s Midyear Meeting, scheduled for Thursday through Saturday, Jan. 22-24, 2026, at the Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel, 7000 Bluebonnet Blvd. Registration for the Midyear Meeting is free. Pre-registration is required for the free CLEs scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 22. Click here to register online and to review meeting programming.

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House Resolution Deadline is Dec. 15 for 2026 Midyear Meeting
The LSBA’s Midyear Meeting is scheduled for Thursday through Saturday, Jan. 22-24, 2026, at the Renaissance Hotel in Baton Rouge. The deadline for submitting resolutions for the House of Delegates meeting is Monday, Dec. 15. (The House will meet on Jan. 24, 2026.) 
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Members Certified Elected for Leadership Positions
Several LSBA members have been certified elected for leadership positions on the Board of Governors, Nominating Committee and Young Lawyers Division Council, following the close of first-round voting on Nov. 17. 

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New YLD Podcast Debuts
The LSBA Young Lawyers Division has introduced a new podcast featuring discussions with YLD leaders. Click here to find out more on the YLD page. 
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Free Trust Accounting & Billing Software by Smokeball

The Louisiana State Bar Association Partners with Smokeball to Grant All Members Free Access to Trust and Billing Software

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Louisiana Supreme Court Revises MCLE Age-Based Exemption Effective Jan. 1, 2026
The Louisiana Supreme Court has amended Rule XXX of the Rules for Continuing Legal Education, modifying the long-standing age-based exemption for attorneys. The change, effective January 1, 2026, reflects the reality that many attorneys are practicing well past traditional retirement age, while also acknowledging the corresponding unique challenges faced by those attorneys. 
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Deadlines, Requirements & Transcript Reminder: MCLE Compliance Deadline is Dec. 31, 2025

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Attorneys Apply for Recertification as Legal Specialists

Pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization, notice is hereby given that the following attorneys have applied for recertification as legal specialists for the period January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2030. Any person wishing to comment upon the qualifications of any applicant should submit his or her comments to the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization, 601 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA 70130 or maryann.wegmann@lsba.org, no later than Friday, December 19, 2025.

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Attorneys Apply for Certification as Legal Specialists

Pursuant to the Rules and Regulations of the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization, notice is hereby given that the following attorneys have applied for certification as a legal specialist. Any person wishing to comment upon the qualifications of any applicant should submit his/her comments to the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization, 601 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA 70130, c/o Mary Ann Wegmann, Specialization Director, no later than December 19, 2025.

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LA Board of Legal Specialization Will Accept Applications for Board Certification Through Feb. 28, 2026
The LBLS is accepting applications for board certification in seven (7) areas — appellate practice, employment law, estate planning and administration, family law, health law, labor law, and tax law - from November 1, 2025 through February 28, 2026. The LBLS is accepting applications for business bankruptcy law and consumer bankruptcy law certification from January 1, 2026 through September 30, 2026.

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CLE Compliance for Board Certified Specialists Deadline December 31, 2025
CLE Compliance deadline for Board Certified Specialists is December 31, 2025; CLE must be Reported to MCLE no later than January 31, 2026 to avoid penalties.

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LBF Seeking Nominations for 2026 Boisfontaine Award
The Louisiana Bar Foundation (LBF) is seeking nominations for the 2026 Curtis R. Boisfontaine Trial Advocacy Award. Nominations must be received in the LBF office by Friday, Feb. 6, 2026. Nominations should include the nominee’s name, contact information, a brief written statement on the background of the nominee, and reasons why the nominee is proposed as the award recipient.  Nominations should be forwarded to Jacie Lemon at the LBF, 601 Poydras St., Suite 1777, New Orleans, LA 70130, or emailed to jacie@raisingthebar.org by the deadline. Learn more online here.

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LSBA Launches Rural Justice Legal Incubator Project to Support New Attorneys and Expand Access to Justice
The LSBA Access to Justice Program has partnered with Acadiana Legal Service Corporation (ALSC) to launch the Rural Justice Legal Incubator Project. This 12-month initiative is designed to help new attorneys (0–7 years of experience) establish successful solo or small law practices in underserved rural parishes across Louisiana. Participants receive mentorship, free legal tools, CLE training, and compensation for handling pro bono cases that address critical legal needs like expungements, family law, housing, and more.  Interested attorneys are encouraged to attend an upcoming Info Session worth one hour of professionalism CLE. Learn more here.

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LA Board of Legal Specialization Increased its Annual Dues Effective Jan. 1, 2026
The Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization (“LBLS”) voted to amend Rule 6.5(a) of its Rules and Regulations to increase annual dues for all board certified specialists from $175.00 to $200.00, effective January 1, 2026. This is the first time that LBLS annual dues have been increased since 1993. LBLS also amended Rule 6.6(d) to add a penalty of $50.00 for failure to pay the recertification fee by the due date. For more information or questions about these increases please contact LBLS Specialization Director, Mary Ann Wegmann, at maryann.wegmann@lsba.org.

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Board Certified Specialists & 2025 Applicants: 4 Hours of “Computer-Based CLE” Credits Allowed for 2025
For the 2025 compliance period ending Dec. 31, 2025, the Louisiana Supreme Court has set the limitation for “computer-based CLE” at 4.0 hours annually (as defined in Rule 3(d) of Louisiana Supreme Court Rule XXX.)

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Nominations Open Online for Trailblazer Award, Guardian of Diversity Award
The LSBA’s Member Outreach and Diversity Department announced that the nomination period is open online for the Trailblazer Award and the Guardian of Diversity Award. Nomination deadlines are Feb. 27, 2026, for both awards. For more information on the awards (including criteria and procedures) and to access nomination forms, go online: http://www.lsba.org/Members/Awards.aspx. Then click on “Diversity and Inclusion Awards.” Or email the Member Outreach and Diversity Department at diversity@lsba.org.

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Centola, LeBlanc, Guzman Certified Elected for LSBA, YLD Leadership Positions
Lawrence J. "Larry" Centola of New Orleans and Carrie LeBlanc Jones of Baton Rouge have been nominated for 2026-27 LSBA president-elect and 2026-28 LSBA treasurer, respectively. Centola is a Principal of Martell, Bickford & Centola in New Orleans. Jones is of counsel at Breazeale, Sachse & Wilson, LLP of Baton Rouge. The president-elect will automatically assume the presidency in 2027-28. Christina “Cristy” Guzman was nominated for the position of LSBA’s Young Lawyer Division 2026-27 Secretary. Current Secretary Rachal Cox Cassagne of Gretna will automatically assume the post of 2025-26 YLD chair-elect. Cassagne is with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Gretna and Guzman is with Jeffrey Hufft Law Firm of Metairie.

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Disability Law Attorneys: Join the LSBA Disabilities Assistance Network (DAN)
The LSBA Disabilities Assistance Network (DAN) is a free public directory for Louisiana attorneys who focus on disability-related legal matters.

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ABA TECHSHOW 2026 Returns to Chicago, Showcasing Future of Legal Tech
The ABA TECHSHOW returns March 25-28, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. LSBA members registering with the discount code, EP2603, receive $100 off standard registration. TECHSHOW 2026 is your gateway to harnessing AI’s true potential and learning all things related to the future of legal tech. For more information or to register, visit the website.

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Free Photo Bar IDs Offered at Midyear Meeting
The LSBA is offering free Photo Bar IDs to members who have not previously been issued one. Attorneys must be in good standing. Photo Bar IDs will be available in the foyer of the Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel on Thursday, Jan. 22, from 9 to 11 a.m. and 12:30 to 3 p.m. as well as on Saturday, Jan. 24, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Click here for more information.

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“Find Legal Help” Portal Expands to Include Disabilities Assistance Network (DAN)
The Louisiana State Bar Association has expanded its Find Legal Help portal to include the Disabilities Assistance Network (DAN) — a directory of attorneys who assist with disability-related legal issues. This free, public resource connects individuals with licensed Louisiana lawyers by parish and area of practice. The update reflects LSBA’s continued commitment to improving access to justice for all individuals, including persons with disabilities. Click here to visit.

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Earn Your 2025 CLE Credits Online!
The LSBA offers convenient, high-quality online CLE seminars through InReach, giving you access to affordable, on-demand audio and video programs compatible with your computer. Earn up to 4 hours of CLE credit, including ethics, professionalism, and a wide variety of general practice topics—all from the comfort of your home or office.
Explore available programs here.

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Mandatory Bar Challenge
A member of the Louisiana State Bar Association filed suit against the LSBA, the Louisiana Supreme Court and the Justices of the Court on August 1, 2019, challenging mandatory bar membership on First and Fourteenth amendment grounds.

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