LSBA Headlines

• THRIVE 2025: Free JLAP Webinar Offers Attorneys Tools for Managing Challenges

  The Louisiana Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program (JLAP), through its THRIVE IN 2025 initiative, is launching a free webinar series designed to equip attorneys with essential tools to navigate the pressures of their profession. The initial webinar, scheduled for Tuesday, January 21, at noon, will provide programming aimed at helping legal professionals advocate for their mental health and effectively manage the demands of their careers.

• 2025 CADA Conference to Focus on Legal Perspectives in Addiction and Specialty Courts

  The Louisiana State Bar Association’s Committee on Alcohol and Drug Abuse (CADA) will host its 2025 conference on February 5-6 at the L'Auberge Casino Resort in Lake Charles, Louisiana. This year’s event will run concurrently with the Louisiana Association of Drug and Specialty Courts (LADSC) conference, fostering collaboration between legal professionals and specialty court stakeholders. The conference offers free continuing legal education (CLE) sessions, including discussions on best practices for treatment courts, professionalism in practice, and addressing addiction issues within the attorney disciplinary process. Attendees can also participate in a twelve-step meeting, network during fellowship activities, and engage in conversations about expanding service work in the legal community. Space is limited, and participants are encouraged to secure accommodations at the reduced room rate of $139 per night (plus taxes) at the L'Auberge Casino Resort. Reservations can be made online using the code SLADC25.  To register for the event, complete the registration form at SurveyMonkey.

• Board of Governors, YLD Council’s Strategic Planning Retreat Rescheduled

  The LSBA’s Strategic Planning Retreat, originally set for Sept. 13-14, was postponed due to Hurricane Francine. The retreat has been rescheduled for Jan. 17 and Jan 18, 2025. 
  

• 30-Day Public Comment Period Open on Proposed Amendments to Louisiana District Court Rules

  The Louisiana Supreme Court’s Court Rules Committee is proposing new amendments to Appendix 28.1B of the Louisiana District Court Rules. The proposed amendments are posted online in the “Court News” section on the Supreme Court’s website, http://www.lasc.org. The proposed changes will remain posted through Feb. 14.
  

• LBLS Accepting Applications for Board Certification

  The Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization is accepting applications for board certification in seven areas — appellate practice, employment law, estate planning and administration, family law, health law, labor law and tax law — through Feb. 28, 2025. The LBLS will accept applications for business bankruptcy law and consumer bankruptcy law certification from Jan. 1, 2025, through Sept. 30, 2025. To receive an application, contact Specialization Director Mary Ann Wegmann at (504)619-0128, (800)421-5722 or email maryann.wegmann@lsba.org. For more information about specialization, go to: https://www.lsba.org/Specialization/.
  

• Interested in an Appointed LSBA HOD or YLD Council Leadership Position?

  Several LSBA House of Delegates seats and the Young Lawyers Division’s Sixth District Council seat received no qualifiers by the Oct. 14, 2024, qualifying deadline. These positions will be filled by presidential appointment. 
  

• 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. 28, 2025, 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.
  

• LBF Seeking Nominations for 2025 Boisfontaine Award

  The Louisiana Bar Foundation (LBF) is seeking nominations for the 2025 Curtis R. Boisfontaine Trial Advocacy Award. Nominations must be received in the LBF office by Monday, Feb. 10, 2025. 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 Dennette Young at the LBF, Ste. 1000, 1615 Poydras St., New Orleans, LA 70112, or emailed to dennette@raisingthebar.org by the deadline. Learn more online at: https://raisingthebar.org/lbf-seeking-nominations-for-2025-boisfontaine-award/. 
  

• Louisiana Bar Center to Close for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

  The Louisiana Bar Center will be closed on Monday, Jan. 20, in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The office will reopen at 8:30 a.m. Jan. 21.
  
• Ongoing News
• • 2025 LBLS Annual Dues: Mail/Deliver by March 11, 2025, to Avoid Penalties
  • IRS Sets 2025 Mileage Rate for Business Purposes
  • Registration Open for ABA TECHSHOW 2025
  • LSBA Encourages Notification about Deceased Members
  • Mandatory Bar Challenge