A Personal Reflection on Leadership and Service: Embracing the Future of the Louisiana State Bar Association

The role of Chair of the Young Lawyers Division (YLD) of the Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA) is an incredible honor and one that I approach with deep gratitude. When I first joined the YLD Council back in 2018, I didn’t fully understand the scope of the work that lay ahead. But with each passing year, my understanding of the mission and purpose of the YLD has become crystal clear: this is not about titles or personal gain. It’s about giving back to our profession and the people who rely on us during pivotal moments of their lives.
The Core of Service
One of the first questions I asked myself when I joined the Council was, “Why am I doing this?” The answer wasn’t immediately obvious. But as time went on, I realized the power of serving something larger than myself. Service to your Bar, whether that be a state, local, or federal bar, often requires time away from family, from work, and from personal pursuits. Yet, for many of us, this sacrifice is worth it. We continue to give because we know that the work we put in today will shape the future of the legal profession in Louisiana for years to come. The programs we create and the initiatives we support aren’t about recognition — they’re about creating a lasting impact.

For all of us, service to your Bar is not a pursuit of accolades, but a commitment to making the legal system a better place for those who follow in our footsteps. It’s about building a legacy of change that will benefit generations of lawyers to come. And that is what has driven me throughout my time with the YLD.
Growth and Change: My Journey with the YLD
Reflecting on the past seven years, I am immensely proud of what we have built together. When I first joined, the YLD was often seen as a smaller, less influential part of the LSBA. However, over the years, we’ve worked hard to change that. We’ve grown from offering a handful of programs to creating high-level initiatives that benefit both the legal profession and the people we serve. We’ve made meaningful contributions that will stand the test of time.

The YLD has become a powerful force within the LSBA, and I’m proud to have been part of that evolution. The future of our Division is incredibly bright, and I’m excited to see where we go from here. The passion and drive within the YLD is palpable, and it’s an honor to lead this group of young lawyers as we continue to build on what we’ve accomplished.
Personal Growth: Balancing Career and Family
While my journey with the YLD has been one of professional growth, it’s also been a time of significant personal change. In 2018, I made the decision to start my own law firm, a leap of faith that has paid off in ways I couldn’t have anticipated. Having the freedom to shape my own practice has given me a deeper sense of purpose in my work. But my life hasn’t just changed professionally — it has changed in ways I never expected.

In December, my wife and I were blessed with the birth of our second child. This joy was tempered by the heartbreaking loss of my mother, who passed away after a heroic battle with cancer. Losing my mother, someone who dedicated her life to shaping elementary school students’ lives in Lafayette, was the hardest thing I’ve ever faced. In the midst of this grief, I questioned whether I had the strength to continue in my role with the YLD.

But through those quiet moments of reflection, I remembered why I serve. I thought of my mother and the lessons she taught me about selflessness, service, and kindness. Her work at a small Catholic school in Lafayette profoundly impacted so many lives, and her dedication to others became a guiding force for me in my own journey. Her example reminded me that our work in the YLD is about much more than ourselves — it’s about leaving a legacy of service for the generations that follow.
The Role of the YLD in Shaping the Future
The YLD is more than just a part of the LSBA — it’s the heartbeat of the Bar. We are the ones who will carry this profession forward, infusing it with energy, creativity, and a commitment to justice. As young lawyers, we are shaping the future of law in Louisiana, and it’s a responsibility I take seriously.

As I begin my term as chair, I’m not just stepping into a leadership role — I’m joining a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about making the profession better for everyone. The future of the LSBA is bright because of the work we do today, and I’m excited to be a part of that.
A Tribute to Kristen Amond
I would be remiss if I didn’t take a moment to thank Kristen Amond, the outgoing chair of the YLD. Kristen’s leadership has been nothing short of transformative. She stepped into this role at a pivotal time and guided the YLD to new heights. Her unwavering commitment to the success of the YLD has earned her the respect and admiration of everyone involved. Kristen’s ability to bring people together and inspire collaboration has shaped the YLD into the force it is today.

Kristen, your leadership will be felt for years to come, and we are all better for having had you at the helm.
Moving Forward: A Call to Service
As I step into this new role, I do so with a deep sense of humility and a renewed commitment to service. I’m excited to work alongside all of you to continue the important work we’ve started. Together, we will ensure that the YLD remains a vibrant, impactful force within the LSBA and that the legal profession in Louisiana continues to be a beacon of justice, fairness, and compassion.

The work we do today isn’t just for us — it’s for the generations of lawyers who will follow. We are creating a legacy that will endure, and I’m proud to be part of it.


Thank you for your continued support, and let’s keep working to make a difference.