The LSBA Young Lawyers Division invites young lawyers to apply for committee service in the upcoming year! Serving on a committee is a great way to get involved, build your network, and make a difference. Positions are limited, so don’t wait.

Click here to apply today.

Nominations are now open for the Louisiana State Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division (YLD) Awards! These honors celebrate outstanding young attorneys who demonstrate excellence, leadership, professionalism, and service to the legal community.

Eligible nominees must be current members of the YLD, attorneys who are under 40 or have practiced for fewer than five years as of July 1, 2025 and must be in good standing. Please note that prior winners of individual awards are not eligible to receive the same award again, though past finalists may be nominated.

Award recipients are selected by the YLD Council based on recommendations from a statewide committee of young lawyers.

Click here to find out more or submit a nomination today and help us recognize the next generation of legal leaders.

Join us virtually on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, from 8 a.m. to Noon for the LSBA Young Lawyers Division’s annual Professional Development Seminar — a must-attend event designed specifically for young lawyers looking to strengthen their practice and sharpen their skills.

Registration Fee: $50
CLE Credit: 4 hours (pending approval)
Includes: Virtual webinar access + electronic course materials
Eligibility: Open to young lawyers only

Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in your career and gain valuable insights. Registration Now Open!

The 2026 Richard N. Ware IV State High School Mock Trial Competition will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026. The competition, coordinated annually by the LSBA Young Lawyers Division, will take place at the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana in Shreveport.

The Richard N. Ware IV State High School Mock Trial Competition is the culmination of four regional championships coordinated each year by the LSBA Young Lawyers Division. The competition is named in memory of the Honorable Richard N. Ware IV, who enthusiastically volunteered for nearly a decade as the presiding judge of the final round of the Louisiana High School Mock Trial Competition.

Check back in November for the release of the 2026 High School Mock Trial problem.

For the 2025 competition materials, visit the links below:
• 2025 High School Mock Trial Handbook
• 2025 High School Mock Trial Problem
• 2025 High School Mock Trial Rules of Evidence

Frequently Asked Questions about the High School Mock Trial Competition.

The 2026 Judge Richard N. Ware, IV Memorial High School Mock Trial Competition is funded through a Louisiana Bar Foundation IOLTA grant.

Please enjoy this video about the 2024 Judge Richard N. Ware, IV Memorial High School Mock Trial Competition.

The LSBA Young Lawyers Division will host the 2026 Louisiana Young Lawyers Conference on Friday, April 10, 2026, at the New Orleans Marriott – Warehouse Arts District (859 Convention Center Blvd., New Orleans).

This engaging seminar offers an opportunity to earn CLE credit, network with young lawyers from across Louisiana, and enjoy lunch and the YLD Awards Ceremony. This event is open to young lawyers only. Stay tuned for more details!

Review this year's honorees here.

• Meet the 2024/2025 Young Lawyers Divsion Council Members.
• Learn more about the Young Lawyers Division Committees and Projects for 2025/2026
• Wills for Heroes Program Offers Legal Help and “Peace of Mind” to First Responders
  Read more about the program in the October/November 2019 Louisiana Bar Journal.

The Louisiana State Bar Association Young Lawyers Division celebrates the achievements of the various award recipients and is proud to be able to recognize Louisiana's top young lawyers who have made exceptional contributions to the legal profession. Explore the prestigious legacy of the Young Lawyers Division awards and discover the lists of various Louisiana Young Lawyers who embody the highest standards of legal excellence and dedication to the legal profession.

Review the lists of previous award recipients here.