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)
Baton Rouge Bar Association Bench Bar Conference – July 17 – 20, 2025On July 17 – 20, 2025, the Baton Rouge Bar Association hosted its annual Bench Bar Conference in Gulf Shores, Alabama. The event brought together judges, attorneys, and legal professionals for several days of networking, education, and professional development along the Gulf Coast.
Left Photo
(Picture L to R): Linda J. Law Clark, 2018 – 2019 Baton Rouge Bar Association, Partner, DeCuir, Clark & Adams, LLP, Baton Rouge, LA; President Kilyun L. Williamson, 2024 – 2025 Baton Rouge Bar Association President, Founder, Williamson Campbell and Whittington, LLC, Baton Rouge, LA; Monica M. Vela-Vick, 2025 – 2026 Baton Rouge Bar Association President, The Dugan Law Firm, APLC, New Orleans, LA
Top Right Photo
Pictured: Cynthia N. Reed, Associate Vice Chancellor of Academic Support, Counseling, and Bar Preparation & Associate Professor of Law, Southern University Law Center, Baton Rouge, LA
Bottom Right
(Pictured L to R): John T. Roethele, John T Roethele, APLC, Baton Rouge LA; Harold T. Adkins, Hammonds, Sills, Adkins, Guice, Noah & Perkins, LLP, Baton Rouge, LA
Specialty Bars Reception - June 2, 2025On June 2, 2025, the LSBA Diversity Committee’s Specialty Bars Subcommittee sponsored the Specialty Bars Reception at Hotel Effie Sandestin, Ara Roof Top Pool and Lounge.
The Specialty Bars Reception was held during the LSBA Annual Meeting and featured an evening of networking.
Top Right Photo
(Pictured L to R): Kim M. Boyle, Partner, Phelps, New Orleans, LA, Deidre D. Robert, President and Chief Executive Officer, Build Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge, LA
Bottom Right Photo
(Pictured L to R): Travis J. Broussard, LSBA Civil Law and Litigation Section Vice-Chair, Founder, Attorney at Law, Lafayette, LA; Alainna R. Mire, 2020 – 2021 Louisiana State Bar Association President, Alexandria City Attorney’s Office, Alexandria, LA; Bradley J. Tate, 2025 – 2027 LSBA Board of Governors Secretary, Sternberg, Naccari & White, LLC, New Orleans, LA
Left Photo
(Pictured L to R): Hon. Roger P. Hamilton, 16th Judicial District Court, Division H, New Iberia, LA; Justice Piper D. Griffin, Louisiana Supreme Court, 7th District, New Orleans, LA; Shawn Lindsay, City of New Orleans Law Department, 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
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
Baton Rouge Bar Association Law Day Ceremony – May 2, 2025On May 2, 2025, the Baton Rouge Bar Association held its annual Law Day celebration, highlighting the importance of the legal system.
(Pictured L to R) Lori E. Palmintier, 2025 Baton Rouge Bar Association President-elect, Brock & Palmintier Law, LLC, Baton Rouge, LA; Loren Shanklin Fleshman, Shanklin Sosa, LLC, Baton Rouge, LA; Very Rev. Michael J. Alello, V.F., Talya J. Bergeron, Southeast LA Legal Services Corporation, Baton Rouge, LA; Tara L. Johnston, 2025 Federal Bar Association Baton Rouge Chapter President, Erlingson Banks, PLLC, Baton Rouge, LA (Photo provided by BRBA)
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
St. Landry Parish Law Day CLE Seminar – May 1, 2025The St. Landry Parish Bar Association recently hosted its annual Law Day CLE Seminar, focusing on the evolving role of artificial intelligence in the legal profession and the importance of professionalism in the courtroom. Guest speakers Leslie Schiff and Damon Manning of Schiff Manning, LLP in Hammond, LA, presented the LSBA’s CLE program titled Machine Learning, Human Responsibility: AI and Legal Ethics.
Joining the conversation were Judge D. Jason Meche, 27th Judicial District Court, Division D; Judge Laura R. Garcille, 27th Judicial District Court, Division B; Judge Charles Cravins, 27th Judicial District Court, Division C; and Judge Gregory Doucet, 27th Judicial District Court, Division A, who shared their perspectives on courtroom conduct and the professional standards expected in today’s legal environment.
(Pictured L to R): William P. Morrow, 2025 St. Landry Parish Bar Association Treasurer, Morrow Law Firm, LLC, Opelousas, LA; Amber L. Vidrine, 2025 St. Landry Parish Bar Association President, St. Landry District Attorney's Office, Eunice, LA; Stephen Morrow, St. Landry Parish Bar Association Past President, Morrow Law Firm, LLC, Opelousas, LA
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
Leadership LSBA Well-being in the Legal Profession Shreveport – March 25, 2025
On March 25, 2025, the 2024 - 2025 Leadership LSBA Class hosted the first seminar in its three-part Well-being in the Legal Profession series. The seminar occurred at the Hilton Shreveport in Shreveport, LA. The event featured insightful discussions led by members of the Leadership LSBA Class and a special presentation by Dr. Angela White-Bazile from the Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program (JLAP).
(Pictured L to R) Fernando B. Grider, Jr., Caddo Parish District Attorney's Office, Haynesville, LA; Dr. Angela White-Bazile, Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program (JLAP), New Orleans, LA; Shelvia R. Davis, Grant Davis Law LLC, Shreveport, LA
Southwest Louisiana Bar Association Bench Bar – March 13 – 15, 2025The Southwest Louisiana Bar Association held its annual Bench Bar Conference from March 13–15, 2025, at The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa in Houston, Texas. The conference provided attendees with the opportunity to earn six CLE credit hours while engaging in professional development and networking.
Photo on Left: (Pictured L to R): Ezra Pettis, Jr., 2024 - 2025 Bench Bar Conference Chair, Delphin Law Offices, PLC, Lake Charles, LA; Hon. John Michael Guidry, Associate Justice, Louisiana Supreme Court, Baton Rouge, LA.
Photo in Middle (Pictured L to R): J.B. Sanchez; Jennifer Jones, Sanchez Burke, LLC, Cameron, LA; Katherine B. Remy, Veron, Bice, Palermo & Wilson, Lake Charles, LA; Vincent R. Arnona, Arnona Rose, LLC, Metairie, LA; Peyton F. Pawlicki, Veron, Bice, Palermo & Wilson, Lake Charles, LA; Shayna L. Sonnier, 2024 – 2025 Southwest Louisiana Bar Association President, Vernon Bice, LLC, Lake Charles, LA; Joey Williams, 2025 – 2026 Southwest Louisiana Bar Association President, Williams Family Law Firm, LLC, Natchitoches, LA and his spouse, Jordan Kolde
Photo on Right (Pictured L to R): Hon. Van Kyzar, Louisiana Court of Appeal, Third Circuit, Lake Charles, LA; Hon. Sharon D. Wilson, Louisiana Court of Appeal, Third Circuit, Lake Charles, Lake Charles, LA; Ezra Pettis, Jr., 2024 - 2025 Bench Bar Conference Chair, Delphin Law Offices, PLC, Lake Charles
Investiture Ceremony, Associate Justice Guidry - January 19, 2025On January 19, 2025, an investiture ceremony was held to honor the Associate Justice John Michael Guidry. The ceremony was held at the Living Faith Christian Center in Baton Rouge, LA.
Pictured (L to R): Patrick A. Talley, Jr., 2024-2025 Louisiana Bar Association President, Phelps Dunbar, L.L.P., New Orleans, LA.; Hon. John Michael Guidry, Associate Justice, Louisiana Supreme Court, Baton Rouge, LA.
LSBA Midyear Meeting CLE Seminar – January 16, 2025The Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA) Diversity Committee and Outreach Committee Member Outreach and Diversity Department hosted a CLE seminar on January 16, 2025, in conjunction with the LSBA’s Midyear Meeting at the Renaissance Hotel in Baton Rouge, LA. This year’s seminar offered legal professionals complimentary Photo Bar ID cards and the opportunity to earn free CLE credit hours. The LSBA would like to extend its sincere gratitude to the speakers for their insightful presentations and to all attendees for their participation, which contributed to the success of the CLE seminar.
Photo on the Right
Pictured: Ashley R. Hallene, Attorney at Law, Katy, TX, presented Technology Tips for Lawyers
Photo in the Middle
Pictured: Vickie S. Evans, Founder, & CEO, RedCape, Austin, TX, presented Microsoft Productivity Tips for Attorneys: Windows, PowerPoint, and Outlook
Photo on the Left
Pictured (L to R): Honorable Louise Hines, 19th Judicial District Court, Division F, Baton Rouge, LA; Kellen J. Mathews, Partner, Adams and Reese, LLP, New Orleans, LA; Honorable Colette M. Greggs, 19th Judicial District Court, Division J, Baton Rouge, LA, Professional Development Workshop Series: Take Command, Be Empowered, and Own Your Future
Lafayette Bar Association Court Opening - January 10, 2025On January 10, 2025, the Lafayette Bar Association (LBA) held its Court Opening at the 15th Judicial District Courthouse in Lafayette, LA. The Court Opening ceremony featured an introduction of new members by Kenny Hebert, LBA Young Lawyer Section President; an address to new attorneys from Patrick A. Talley Jr., 2024-2025 LSBA President; and a recognition of deceased attorneys by Stuart Breaux, LBA President.
Photo on the Left
Pictured (L to R): Judge Suzanne de Mahy, 16th Judicial District Court, Division B, Layfette, LA; Judge Durwood Conque (Ret.), 15th Judicial District Court, Division G, Lafayette, LA; Hearing Officer Geralyn Siefker, 15th Judicial District Court, Lafayette, LA; Judge Charles Fitzgerald, 16th Judicial District Court, Division B, Lafayette, LA; Judge Candance Perret, Louisiana Third Circuit Court of Appeal, Lafayette, LA; Judge Michelle Breaux, 15th Judicial District Court, Division E, Lafayette, LA; Judge Cynthia Spadoni, 15th Judicial District Court, Division L, Lafayette, LA; Judge F. Stanton Hardee III, Kaplan City Court, Kaplan, LA; Judge David Blanchet, 15th Judicial District Court, Division A, Lafayette, LA; Judge Phyllis Keaty (Ret.), Louisiana Third Circuit Court of Appeal, Lafayette, LA; Magistrate Judge David Ayo, United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, Lafayette, LA; Judge Valerie Gotch Garrett, 15th Judicial District Court, Division B, Lafayette, LA; Commissioner Andre Doguet, 15th Judicial District Court, Lafayette, LA; Chief Judge Susan Theall, 15th Judicial District Court, Division M, Lafayette, LA; Judge Robert Summerhays, United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, Lafayette, LA.
Photo on the Right
Pictured: Patrick A. Talley, Jr., 2024-2025 Louisiana State Bar Association President, Phelps Dunbar, L.L.P., New Orleans, LA.