DEI Speakers Bureau SubcommitteeThe 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.
LSBA: Who We Are And How We Serve Our MembersThe 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)
Day 1, Week 3 of Suit Up for the Future Program - June 23, 2025Suit Up students began their third week with a tour of the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court and viewing proceedings in the courtroom of Honorable Tracey E. Flemings-Davillier, Section B, Orleans Parish Criminal District Court.
Following lunch, students toured Orleans Parish District Attorney's Office. At the Orleans Public Defenders Office, students were welcomed by Jason Williams, District Attorney.
The day concluded with Suit Up interns assisting students with Memorandum Outline Preparation.
Photo on the Left
Pictured: Micah Ince, Chief of Staff & Executive Assistant District Attorney, Orleans Parish District Attorney's Office, New Orleans, LA
Top Right
(Pictured L to R) Second row, Cheyenne M. Lewis, Selin G. Greer, Danie M. Hamilton, Julianna A. Cunnikin, Ximena G. Vasquez, Honorable Tracey E. Flemings-Davillier, Section B, Orleans Parish Criminal District Court, New Orleans, LA
(Pictured L to R) Third row, Emma L. Ladisky, Mary C. Bowlin, Nhachi C. Vu, Sylvia C. Capiton, Tyler D. Bickham, Abigail A. Schoen, Victoria G. Baez, Angelica H. Rodriguez, Otto K. Massie
(Pictured L to R) Fourth row, Benjamin B. So, Intern, 2023 Suit Up Alumnus, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, William T. David, Intern, 2023 Suit Up Alumnus, Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA, Ja'Wayne A. White, Christopher H. Juge II, Macy J. Hall, Ja’Ryan D. Berryhill
Bottom Right
Pictured: Keith D. Lampkin, Chief of Operations & External Affairs, Orleans Parish District Attorney's Office, New Orleans, LA
Day 1, Week 2 of Suit Up for the Future Program - June 16, 2025The first day of week two of Suit Up began with a field trip to Loyola University and Tulane University, where they were given tours of the campus. Kimberly Jones, MS, JD, Director of Law Admissions at Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, provided the tour and presentation at Loyola University. Emily Wojna-Hodnett, J.D., Assistant Director of Admissions, Tulane University Law School; Julia M. Spencer, J.D., Assistant Director of Admissions at Tulane University Law School, provided the tour and presentation at Tulane University. The day concluded with the students having dessert with their job shadowing employers.
Pictured L to R:First Row: Julianna A. Cunnikin, Cheyenne M. Lewis, Sylvia C. Capiton, Macy J. Hall, Angelica H. Rodriguez, Nhachi C. Vu
Second Row: Makenzie R. Jackson, Victoria G. Baez, Emma L. Ladisky, Otto K. Massie, Shelby D. Gordon, Ximena G. Vasquez, Estefania J. Antunez, Ja’Ryan D. Berryhill
Third Row: Christopher H. Juge II, Tyler D. Bickham, Mary C. Bowlin, Ja’Wayne A. White, Danie M. Hamilton, Selin G. Greer, Abigail A. Schoen, Bailey I. Williams,
Fourth Row: William T. David, Inter, 2023 Suit Up Alumnus, Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA
Day 2, Week 2 of Suit Up for the Future Program -June 17, 2025On the second day of week two of the Suit Up for the Future program, students shadowed local attorneys and judges.
On the Left
(Pictured L to R): Macy J. Hall; Otto K. Massie, Darleene D. Peters, Partner, Irwin Fritchie Urquhart Moore & Daniels LLC, New Orleans, LA
Top Right
(Pictured L to R): Casey B. Wendling, Partner, Deutsch Kerrigan, L.L.P. New Orleans, LA; Catherine R. Filippi, Deutsch Kerrigan, L.L.P. New Orleans, LA; Makenzie R. Jackson; Christopher H. Juge II, Victoria G. Baez; Karina Shareen, Deutsch Kerrigan, L.L.P., New Orleans, LA
Bottom Right
(Pictured L to R): Demarcus J. Gordon, Partner, Kelly Hart & Pitre, New Orleans, LA; Bailey I. Williams; Shelby D. Gordon; Angelica H. Rodriguez; Loulan J. Pitre, Partner In Charge, Kelly Hart & Pitre, New Orleans, LA
Boost post
Day 3, Week 2 of Suit Up for the Future Program - June 18, 2025On the third day of week two of the Suit Up for the Future program, students shadowed local attorneys and judges.
Photo on the Left
(Pictured L to R): Micah Ince, Chief of Staff & Executive Assistant District Attorney, Orleans Parish District Attorney's Office, New Orleans, LA; Abigail A. Schoen; Jason Williams, District Attorney, Orleans Parish District Attorney's Office, New Orleans, LA
Top Left
(Pictured L to R): Judge Shayna Beavers Morvant, Twenty Fourth Judicial District Court, Division M, Gretna, LA; Shelby D. Gordon
Middle
(Pictured L to R): Bailey I. Williams; Stephanie Poucher, Phelps Dunbar LLP, New Orleans, LA; Emma L. Ladisky
Botton Left
(Pictured L to R): Jamine Bellard, Entergy-sponsored ATJ Developing Leadership Intern, Louisiana State Bar Association, New Orleans, LA; Cheyenne M. Lewis; Marcus Brown, General Counsel, Entergy Services, Inc., New Orleans, LA; Otto K. Massie
Day 4, Week 2 of Suit Up for the Future Program - June 19, 2025Students began and finished their day working diligently on their Memorandums.
Top Right
Pictured (L to R): Sylvia C. Capiton; Selin G. Greer
Bottom Right
(Pictured L to R):
Top Row: Danie M. Hamilton, Estefania J. Antunez, Macy J. Hall, Bailey I. Williams, Victoria G. Baez, Julianna A. Cunnikin
Bottom Row: Tyler D. Bickham, Ximena G. Vasquez, Shelby D. Gordon, Otto K. Massie
Top Left
(Pictured L to R): Adrienne A. Boutte, Intern, 2L at Southern University Law Center, Baton Rouge, LA; Cheyenne M. Lewis
Bottom Left
(Pictured L to R): Ximena G. Vasquez, Tyler D. Bickham, Julianna A. Cunnikin
Day 1, Week 1 of Suit Up for the Future Program – June 9, 2025Twenty-two local 11th grade, 12th grade, and recent high school graduate students received a warm welcome to the 2025 Louisiana State Bar Association's Suit Up for the Future program from Edward J. Walters, Jr., LSBA President 2025-26; and Honorable Karen Wells Roby, Magistrate Judge, United States District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana. LSBA's Pipeline to Diversity and Outreach Subcommittee Past Co-chair Denia Sylve Aiyegbusi and Co-ChairTiffany L. Delery, also made welcoming remarks and facilitated activities that revolved around the question: "What does it mean to be a lawyer?"
In the afternoon, Suit up students stepped into the classroom for a lesson on Legal Research and Writing. Instruction was provided by Professor Emily A. Bishop, Director of the Lawyering Program and Professor of Practice, Loyola University New Orleans College of Law.
Thank you to our presenters for making Day 1 of Suit Up for the Future a success!
Top Left (Pictured L to R):Ja’Ryan D. Berryhill, Denia S. Aiyegbusi, Diversity Committee’s Pipeline to Diversity and Outreach Subcommittee Past Co-Chair, CNA Insurance, New Orleans, LA; Emma L. Ladisky, Edward J. Walters, Jr., Louisiana State Bar Association President 2025-2026; Bailey I. Williams, Tiffany L. Delery, Diversity Committee’s Pipeline to Diversity and Outreach Subcommittee Co-Chair, Chehardy Sherman Williams Recile & Hayes, New Orleans, LA.
Top Right (pictured): Professor Emily A. Bishop, Director of the Lawyering Program and Professor of Practice, Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, New Orleans, LA
Middle Right ( Pictured L to R): William T. David, Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA; Adrienne A. Boutte, Southern University Law Center, Baton Rouge, LA; Denia S. Aiyegbusi, Diversity Committee’s Pipeline to Diversity and Outreach Subcommittee Past Co-Chair, CNA Insurance, New Orleans, LA; Honorable Karen Wells Roby, Just the Beginning (JTB), Magistrate Judge, United States District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA; Tiffany L. Delery, Diversity Committee’s Pipeline to Diversity and Outreach Subcommittee Co-Chair, Chehardy Sherman Williams Recile & Hayes, New Orleans, LA; Benjamin B. So, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
Bottom Left (Picture L to R): Tyler D. Bickham, Sylvia C. Capiton, Professor Emily A. Bishop, Director of the Lawyering Program and Professor of Practice, Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, New Orleans, LA, Bailey I. Williams, Danie M. Hamilton
Bottom Right (Pictured L to Right):
Top Row: Adrienne A. Boutte, Southern University Law Center, Baton Rouge, LA; Ja’Ryan D. Berryhill, JaWayne A. White, Christopher H. Juge II, Otto K. Massie, Macy J. Hall
2nd Row from Top: Mary C. Bowlin, Shelby D. Gordon, Abigail A. Schoen, Victoria G. Baez, Emma L. Ladisky, Bailey I. Williams, Makenzie R. Jackson, Sylvia C. Capiton, William T. David, Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA
3rd Row from Top: Benjamin B. So, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA; Nhachi C. Vu, Selin G. Greer, Angelica H. Rodriguez, Ximena G. Vasquez, Estefania J. Antunez, Tyler D. Bickham, Danie M. Hamilton, Julianna A. Cunnikin
Bottom Row: Denia S. Aiyegbusi, Diversity Committee’s Pipeline to Diversity and Outreach Subcommittee Past Co-Chair, CNA Insurance, New Orleans, LA; Honorable Karen Wells Roby, Just the Beginning (JTB), Magistrate Judge, United States District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA; Tiffany L. Delery, Diversity Committee’s Pipeline to Diversity and Outreach Subcommittee Co-Chair, Chehardy Sherman Williams Recile & Hayes, New Orleans, LA
Day 2, Week 1 of Suit Up for the Future Program – June 10, 2025On the second day of Suit Up for the Future, Suit Up interns assisted students with Memorandum Outline Preparation.
Following Memorandum Outline Preparation, students stepped into the classroom for a presentation on Contracts. Instruction was provided by Professor Kenya J. H. Smith, Associate Law Professor, Byron R. Kantrow Endowed Professor of Law, Wedon T. Smith Endowed Professor in Civil Law #2, LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center, Baton Rouge, LA.
Top Left
(Pictured L to R): Otto K. Massie, Angelica H. Rodriguez, Professor Kenya J. H. Smith, Associate Law Professor, Byron R. Kantrow Endowed Professor of Law, Wedon T. Smith Endowed Professor in Civil Law #2, LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center, Baton Rouge, LA; Ximena G. Vasquez, Ja’Ryan D. Berryhill
Bottom Left
(Pictured L to Right): Macy J. Hall, Emma L. Ladisky; Professor Kenya J. H. Smith, Associate Law Professor, Byron R. Kantrow Endowed Professor of Law, Wedon T. Smith Endowed Professor in Civil Law #2, LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center, Baton Rouge, LA; Estefania J. Antunez, Abigail A. Schoen
Top Right
(Pictured):
Benjamin B. So,Intern, Suit Up Alumnus 2023, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
Middle Left
(Pictured):
Professor of Law, Wedon T. Smith Endowed Professor in Civil Law #2, LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center, Baton Rouge, LA
Bottom Left
(Pictured L to R): Bailey I. Williams, Selin G. Greer, Ja’Wayne A. White, Danie M. Hamilton, Angelica H. Rodriguez, Otto K. Massie, William T. David, Intern, Suit Up Alumnus 2023, Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA
Day 3, Week 1 of Suit Up for the Future Program - June 11, 2025On the third day of Suit Up, the students began their morning with a Memorandum and Oral Argument Preparation session, which included viewing past oral arguments presented by former Suit Up interns.
Following the memorandum and oral argument preparation and viewing past oral argument sessions, the Suit Up Interns provided valuable information on how to create a dynamic resume
Top Left
Pictured (L to R): Sylvia C. Capiton, Bailey I. Williams
Bottom Left
Pictured (L to R): Angelica H. Rodriguez, Otto K. Massie, Ja’Ryan D. Berryhill, William T. David, Intern, 2023 Suit Up Alumnus, Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA; Benjamin B. So, Intern, 2023 Suit Up Alumnus, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
Top Right
Pictured (L to R): Selin G. Greer, Ja’Wayne A. White, Danie M. Hamilton
Middle Right
Pictured (L to R): Otto K. Massie, Ja’Ryan D. Berryhill, Adrienne A. Boutte, Intern, 2L at Southern University Law Center, Baton Rouge, LA
Bottom Right
Pictured (L to R): Abigail A. Schoen, Nhachi C. Vu, Mary C. Bowlin, Estefania J. Antunez
Day 4, Week 1 of Suit Up for the Future Program - June 12, 2025On the fourth day of Suit Up, students began their morning with a Law School Admission Preparation Workshop, presented by Blair R. Boles, Assistant Director of Admissions at the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center. Breleigh Bentivegna, Admissions Counselor, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, LA, presented a College Admission Preparation and Personal Statement Tips Workshop. During the workshop, students received valuable guidance on the college admissions process, including practical tips for writing effective personal statements.
Following the admission preparation workshops, Professor Angela A. Allen-Bell, B. K. Agnihotri Endowed Professor, Southern University Law Center, presented an abbreviated law class on Transitional Justice and Constitutional Law.
Professor Jeffrey C. Brooks, Assistant Professor of Professional Practice, LSU Paul M. Herbert Law Center, stressed the importance of using impactful language during his Oral Argument Workshop.
The day concluded with Suit Up interns assisting students with Memorandum Outline Preparation.
Top Left
Pictured (L to R): Ja’Ryan D. Berryhill, Abigail A. Schoen, Professor Jeffrey C. Brooks, Assistant Professor of Professional Practice, LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center, Baton Rouge, LA; Otto K. Massie, Bailey I. Williams
Bottom Left
Pictured (L to R): Abigail A. Schoen, Ximena G. Vasquez, Breleigh Bentivegna, Admissions Counselor, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, LA; Otto K. Massie, Estefania J. Antunez
Top Right
Pictured: Blair R. Boles, Assistant Director of Admissions, LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center
Bottom Left
Pictured (L to R): Ximena G. Vasquez, Abigail A. Schoen, Professor Angela A. Allen-Bell, B. K. Agnihotri Endowed Professor, Southern University Law Center, Baton Rouge, LA; Angelica H. Rodriguez, Mary C. Bowlin
Day 5, Week 1 of Suit Up for the Future Program - June 13, 2025The final day of week one of Suit Up began with students having an interactive college admissions session led by Dylan G. Rhoton, a 2022 Suit Up alumnus currently attending Harvard University in Cambridge, MA.
Following the admission preparation workshop, Suit Up interns assisted with memorandum outline preparations.
In the afternoon, the students then travelled on a tour of the United States District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana Courthouse, presented by Honorable Karen Wells Roby, Chief Magistrate Judge. Following the courthouse tour, Judge Roby provided a detailed presentation on the Federal Court.
Top Left
Pictured: Honorable Karen Wells Roby, Just the Beginning (JTB), Magistrate Judge, United States District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA
Botton Left
(Pictured L to R): Cheyenne M. Lewis, Ximena G. Vasquez, Dylan G. Rhoton, 2022 Suit Up Alumnus, Harvard University Cambridge, MA, Abigail A. Achoen, Ja'Ryan D. Berryhill
Top Right
(Pictured L to R): William T. David, Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA, Victoria G. Baez, Ximena G. Vasquez
Middle Right
(Pictured L to R): Pictured (L to R): Nhachi C. Vu, Mary C. Bowlin, Estefania J. Antunez, Macy J. Hall, Emma L. Ladisky
Bottom Left
Pictured (L to R): Shelby D. Gordon, Makenzie R. Jackson, Tyler D. Bickham, JaWayne A. White
Leadership LSBA Well-being in the Legal Profession New Orleans– May 12, 2025On May 12, 2025, the 204- 2025 Leadership LBA Class hosted the second seminar in its three-part series, W
ell-being in the Legal Profession. Held at the Louisiana State Bar Association headquarters in New Orleans, Louisiana, the seminar provided valuable insights into the importance of self-care and recognizing signs of burnout within the legal profession. The event featured a special presentation by Dr. Angela White-Bazile from the Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program (JLAP).
(Photo to Left)
(Picture L to R): Dashia D. Myles, Wood Smith Henning & Berman LLP, New Orleans, LA; Dr. Angela White-Bazile, Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program (JLAP), New Orleans, LA; Catherine R. Filippi, Duetsch Kerrigan LLP, New Orleans, LA.
(Top Right Photo)
(Pictured L to R): Dashia D. Myles, Wood Smith Henning & Berman LLP, New Orleans, LA; Catherine R. Filippi, Duetsch Kerrigan LLP, New Orleans, LA.
(Bottom Right Right)
(Pictured): Dr. Angela White-Bazile, Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program (JLAP), New Orleans, LA
Leadership LSBA Well-being in the Legal Profession Lafayette – May 16, 2025On May 16, 2025, the Leadership LBA Class held its final session in the three-part series, Well-Being in the Legal Profession, at The Jefferson in Lafayette, LA. The seminar focused on burnout and emphasized the importance of mental health among legal professionals. The event featured a special presentation by Dr. Angela White-Bazile from the Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program (JLAP).
(Pictured L to R): Kaylin E. Jolivette, Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP, Lafayette, LA; Thomas R. Hightower III, Thomas R. Hightower, Jr., APLC, Lafayette, LA; Dr. Angela White-Bazile, Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program (JLAP), New Orleans, LA
Specialty Bars CLE Conference – May 8, 2025On May 8, 2025, the LSBA Diversity Committee's Specialty Bars Subcommittee hosts its Annual Specialty Bars Conference at the Louisiana Bar Center. A variety of topics were covered, allowing attendees to earn 7.00 continuing legal education credits.
Top Right: Paul H. Scott, The Scott Law Firm, Baton Rouge, LA
Top Middle: Micah J. Fincher, Attorney at Law, New Orleans, LA
Top Left: Eric K. Barefield, Professional Programs Ethics Counsel, Louisiana State Bar Association, New Orleans, LA
Bottom Right: J. Dalton Courson, Litigation Director, Disability Rights Louisiana, New Orleans, LA
Bottom Middle: Erin C. Hebert, Ware | Immigration, Metairie, LA
Bottom Left: Shelly L. Skeen, Regional Director, Lambda Legal, Dallas, TX
Louisiana Supreme Court Bar Admission Ceremony – May 5, 2025On May 5, 2025, the Louisiana Supreme Court Committee on Bar Admissions hosted its annual Bar Admission Ceremony at the Pontchartrain Convention & Civic Center in Kenner, Louisiana. Edward J. Walters Jr., President-Elect of the Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA), delivered the welcoming address.
Pictured (L to R): Chief Justice John L. Weimer III, Louisiana Supreme Court; New Orleans, LA; Edward J. Walters, Jr., 2024-2025 Louisiana State Bar Association President-Elect, Walters, Thomas, Cullens LLC, Baton Rouge