Back to Basics: Early registration prices available through March 31
Transcription
Back to Basics: Early registration prices available through March 31
Bar Briefs March 2016 Louisiana State Bar Association Back to Basics: Early registration prices available through March 31 for Annual Meeting/Summer School Vol. 31, No. 2 Electronic payment of 2016-17 LSBA dues and LADB assessment accessible in mid-May L E arly registration prices are in place through March 31 for the combined 75th LSBA Annual Meeting and LSBA/Louisiana Judicial College Joint Summer School. The events, with the theme of “Back to Basics,” are scheduled for Sunday through Friday, June 5-10, at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Destin, Fla. Event participants will be able to enjoy six days of substantive programming, so- cial events and fascinating speakers for one great price. Also, events are being planned to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the LSBA. Pricing discounts are available for judges; lawyers employed full-time by local, state or federal government; lawyers employed full-time by legal aid agencies or indigent defense agencies; lawyers em- AM/SS continued on page 2 ouisiana State Bar Association (LSBA) members have the option to pay their LSBA dues and Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board (LADB) assessment by ACH electronic check, credit card, or download and mail their Attorney Registration Statement and checks for the payment of fees. Members are encouraged to pay and file electronically, as this access will be available 24/7, including times when the Bar Center is closed or if mail service is disrupted due to inclement weather. Further, electronic payment gives members more control over their information in the database and allows for more timely updates to their member records. Filing electronically should be a quick and simple process, utilizing the online member accounts that participants have relied on for years to register for CLE seminars Dues continued on page 2 Inside... House of Delegates: Deadline for Resolutions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Legislation Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Legal Services Corp: Grants Available . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Board of Legal Specialization. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Louisiana Bar Foundation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Committee Preferences: Get Involved!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Focus on Access to Justice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Elections: Runoffs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Focus on Diversity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Classifieds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 March 2016 Bar Briefs 1 Dues continued from page 1 and to access Fastcase. If an attorney has not yet set up a member account, one can easily be created at: www.lsba.org/Members/memberaccts.aspx. This webpage also allows members to edit their existing accounts and to reset a lost or forgotten account password. After member data is confirmed but before the payment/filing process begins, members will be advised that they also need to go to www.LADB.org to complete the Louisiana Supreme Court Trust Account Disclosure and Overdraft Notification Authorization Form and will be asked to confirm that they understand this requirement. The collection schedule will be the same as in prior years. In lieu of mailing a statement to each member, in mid-May, the LSBA will mail to each member a 4x6 postcard, which will provide instructions to go online to www.LSBA.org to complete the registration process, and also go online to www. LADB.org to complete the Trust Account Form. This is the only mailing members will receive prior to the July 1, 2016, due date; attorney registration statements will NOT be mailed. Once members have electronically filed their Attorney Registration Statements (including any necessary changes and/or updates) and made the required payments, they will receive email confirmations. The filing and payment deadline will remain July 1. The LSBA will continue to mail delinquency and ineligibility notices to those who fail to meet the deadlines. Members who elect to pay by electronic check will continue to pay the following fees: ► LSBA dues (practicing more than three years): $200; ► LSBA dues (practicing three years or less): $80; ► LADB assessment (practicing more than three years): $235; and ► LADB assessment (practicing three years or less): $170. Those who are planning to pay by elec- House resolution deadline is May 11 T he deadline for submitting resolutions for the next Louisiana State Bar Association’s (LSBA) House of Delegates meeting is Wednesday, May 11. The House will meet on Thursday, June 9, in conjunction with the LSBA’s Annual Meeting at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Destin, Fla. Resolutions by House members and committee and section chairs should be mailed to LSBA Secretary Alainna R. Mire, c/o Louisiana Bar Center, 601 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA 70130-3404. All resolutions proposed to be considered at the meeting must be received on or before May 11. Resolutions must be signed by the author. Also, copies of all resolutions should be emailed (in MS Word format) to LSBA Executive Assistant Mindi Hunter at mindi. hunter@lsba.org. Bar Briefs LSBA President Mark A. Cunningham Executive Director Loretta Larsen, CAE Communications Director Kelly Wells Ponder Editor/Publications Darlene M. LaBranche Communications Coordinator Barbara D. Baldwin Communications Assistant Krystal L. Bellanger Rodriguez Advertising Krystal L. Bellanger Rodriguez (504)619-0131 2 March 2016 Bar Briefs “Bar Briefs” is published online, in January, March, May, July, September and November, by the Louisiana State Bar Association. Announcements and news contributions are welcome and should be mailed, faxed or emailed by the first of the month before publication to Darlene M. LaBranche. 601 St. Charles Ave. New Orleans, La. 70130-3404 (504)566-1600 • (800)421-LSBA Fax: (504)566-0930 dlabranche@lsba.org Web site: LSBA.org tronic check should contact their financial institutions to confirm that their accounts allow payment by this method. As was the case last year, processing fees of 3%, plus a .20 transaction fee, will be passed along to those choosing to pay by credit card. Total amounts, including credit card processing fees, are as follows: ► LSBA dues (practicing more than three years): $206.20; ► LSBA dues (practicing three years or less): $82.60; ► LADB assessment (practicing more than three years): $242.25; and ► LADB assessment (practicing three years or less): $175.30. Bar staff members will be available to answer questions and provide assistance to members. All questions and concerns should be directed to: ► Email — processing@LSBA.org ► Telephone — (504)566-1600 or (800)421-LSBA; ask for Payment Processing. AM/SS continued from page 1 ployed in academic institutions; and Young Lawyers. Another pricing change for this year is the four-day registration option. In addition to a full slate of meetings (LSBA Board of Governors, House of Delegates, Young Lawyers Division, Senior Lawyers Division, committees and sections) and several award and networking receptions, there are many CLE opportunities for all participants. Among the other offerings are nationally renowned keynote speakers; dynamic, interactive panels; multiple substantive law tracks; networking opportunities with leading judges and lawyers; business development/practice management tracks; evening receptions; law school gatherings; and supervised children’s activities during evening social events. Also, the golf tournament and the tennis tournament are back. Download tournament registration forms at the web link below. The Sandestin resort offers several housing options. Housing Request Forms must be mailed or faxed directly to Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort by Thursday, May 12. An online booking option also is available. The LSBA does not accept housing forms. To review all programming, register online, download a registration form, sign up for the tournaments, or review housing information, go to: www.lsba.org/annualmeeting. March 2016 Bar Briefs 3 LSBA Legislation Committee’s public meeting set for April 9 in New Orleans T he Louisiana State Bar Association’s (LSBA) Legislation Committee will have its second meeting (a public meeting) on Saturday, April 9, at Le Meridièn in New Orleans at 9:00 a.m. The LSBA’s Board of Governors will meet immediately thereafter. The Legislation Committee held its first meeting on March 12 in Baton Rouge, just two days before the start of the 2016 regular legislative session on March 14. The legislative session will end on June 6. Members are reminded that timely input will be accepted on proposed legislation which falls within the LSBA’s purview. For information on the process — as well as contact links for Legislation Committee Chair Keenan K. Kelly, members of the Legislation Committee, LSBA Legislation Committee liaison Shawn L. Holahan, the LSBA Board of Governors and LSBA Executive Director Loretta Larsen — go to: www.lsba.org/legislation. Supreme Court seeking comments on proposed Rules of Professional Conduct T he Louisiana Supreme Court is currently seeking public comment on two proposed new Rules of Professional Conduct — Rule 1.17 and Rule 1.19. The comment period ends April 15. Proposed Rule 1.17 would permit an attorney to sell his or her law practice. Proposed Rule 1.19 addresses attorneys’ obligations to implement succession plans in the event of their death or disability from practicing law. Before further consideration of the adoption of the proposed rules, the Supreme Court is interested in hearing comments from members of the Bar and the public. Any comments submitted pursuant to this notice are available for public inspection. To review the proposed rules online, go to: www.lasc.org/rules/supreme/CALL_ FOR_COMMENTS_Sale_of_a_Law_ “Maybe We’ll get lucky” Practice.pdf. Comments on the proposed rules should be mailed or emailed by April 15 to: Lauren McHugh Rocha, Louisiana Supreme Court, Ste. 1190, 400 Royal St., New Orleans, LA 70130-8101; or email lrocha@lasc.org. Finding experienced and knowledgeable legal support is like finding the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. This is why the area’s best firms repeatedly choose to work with Bourgeois Bennett. Our experienced is not your best legal strategy. staff offers specialized litigation support including financial damage analysis, discovery assistance, business valuation and commercial litigation services. Not only that, we also offer expert testimony, class action administration and forensic accounting. Call us today and you’ll feel like you’ve hit the jackpot—for your firm and for your clients. bourgeoisbennett.com New Orleans 504.831.4949 | North Shore 985.246.3022 | Houma 985.868.0139 | Thibodaux 985.447.5243 4 March 2016 Bar Briefs Legal Services Corp.: Notice of Availability of Grant Funds for Calendar Year 2017 T he Legal Services Corporation (LSC) announces the availability of grant funds to provide civil legal services to eligible clients during calendar year 2017. A Request for Proposals (RFP) and other information pertaining to the LSC grants process will be available at www.grants.lsc. gov/grants-grantee-resources during the week of April 11, 2016. In accordance with LSC’s multi-year funding policy, grants are available for only specified service areas. To review the service areas for which grants are available, by state, go to www.lsc.gov/grants-granteeresources/our-grant-programs/basic-field- grant/lsc-service-areas and click on the name of the state. Applicants must file a Notice of Intent to Compete (NIC) through the online application system in order to participate in the grants process. Information about the LSC grants process, including eligibility and how to file a NIC, is available at www. grants.lsc.gov/grants-grantee-resources. Complete instructions are available in the Request for Proposals Narrative Instruction. Refer to www.grants.lsc.gov/ grants-grantee-resources for filing dates and submission requirements. Email inquiries pertaining to the LSC grants process to lscgrants@lsc.gov. Registration deadline is March 21 for JLAP’s Annual Wellness CLE T he Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program, Inc.’s 2016 Annual Wellness CLE is set for Friday, April 1, at the Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel, 7000 Bluebonnet Blvd. The $50 registration fee includes breakfast and lunch. The program is approved for 5.0 hours of CLE credit, including ethics and professionalism. The registration deadline is Monday, March 21. For more information and to register online, go to: http://louisianajlap. com/events/jlap-annual-wellness-cle/. SOLACE: Support of Lawyers/Legal Personnel — All Concern Encouraged The Louisiana State Bar Association/Louisiana Bar Foundation’s Community Action Committee supports the SOLACE program. Through the program, the state’s legal community is able to reach out in small, but meaningful and compassionate ways to judges, lawyers, court personnel, paralegals, legal secretaries and their families who experience a death or catastrophic illness, sickness or injury, or other catastrophic event. For assistance, contact a coordinator. Area Coordinator Contact Info Cell Alexandria Area Richard J. Arsenault (318)487-9874 Cell (318)452-5700 Baton Rouge Area Ann K. Gregorie Email Address rarsenault@nbalawfirm.com (225)214-5563 ann@brba.org Covington/ Mandeville Area Suzanne E. Bayle (504)524-3781 sebayle@bellsouth.net Denham Springs Area Mary E. Heck Barrios (225)664-9508 mary@barrioslaw.com Houma/Thibodaux Area Danna Schwab (985)868-1342 dschwab@theschwablawfirm.com Jefferson Parish Area Pat M. Franz (504)455-1986 patfranz@bellsouth.net Lafayette Area Josette Abshire (337)237-4700 director@lafayettebar.org Lake Charles Area Melissa St. Mary (337)942-1900 melissa@pitrelawfirm.com Monroe Area John C. Roa (318)387-2422 roa@hhsclaw.com Natchitoches Area Peyton Cunningham, Jr. (318)352-6314 Cell (318)332-7294 New Orleans Area Helena N. Henderson (504)525-7453 peytonc1@suddenlink.net hhenderson@neworleansbar.org Opelousas/Ville Platte/ John L. Olivier (337)662-5242 (337)942-9836 (337)232-0874 johnolivier@centurytel.net River Parishes Area Judge Jude G. Gravois (225)265-3923 Cell (225)270-7705 (225)265-9828 judegravois@bellsouth.net Shreveport Area (318)222-3643 Dana M. Southern dsouthern@shreveportbar.com For more information, go to: www.lsba.org/goto/solace. March 2016 Bar Briefs 5 LBLS accepting requests for 2017 certification applications T he Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization (LBLS) is accepting requests for applications for Jan. 1, 2017, certification in six areas — appellate practice, bankruptcy law (business and consumer), estate planning and administration, family law and tax law. The deadline to submit applications for consideration for appellate practice, estate planning and administration, family law and tax law certification is March 31, 2016. Applications for business bankruptcy law and consumer bankruptcy law certification will be accepted through Sept. 30, 2016. With the expanding complexity of the law, specialization has become a means of improving competence in the legal profession and thereby protecting the public. An increasing number of attorneys are choosing to be recognized as having special knowledge and experience by becoming certified specialists. As a matter of practical necessity, most lawyers specialize to some degree by limiting the range of matters they handle. Legal specialization helps the general public locate a lawyer who has demonstrated ability and experience in a certain field of law. The criteria for certification can be found in the Plan of Legal Specialization, the LBLS Rules and Regulations and the respective specialty standards. A copy of these documents may be obtained from the LBLS website, https://www.lascmcle. org/specialization. Applications are mailed. Anyone interested in applying for certification should contact LBLS Executive Director Barbara M. Shafranski, email barbara. shafranski@lsba.org, or call (504)6190128. More information on specialization is available at the website. YOU QUALIFY FOR AN EXCLUSIVE OFFER... Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization sets public hearing on April 13 T he Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization (LBLS) will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, April 13, beginning at 4 p.m. at the Louisiana Bar Center, 601 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans. The hearing will provide a forum for Bar members to meet and comment regarding proposed standards for the implementation of the Employment Law specialty and the Labor Law specialty. Questions or requests for a copy of the respective standards may be directed to LBLS Executive Director Barbara M. Shafranski at barbara.shafranski@lsba. org. ...built for the needs of association members. Employee Benefits Consulting Preventative Wellness Programs Answers to Compliance & HR Questions Advocacy Engagement Services Medical Insurance Ancillary Coverages Enhancing Business. Improving Lives. Serving Association Members Since 1959 6 March 2016 Bar Briefs 800.445.7227, ext. 1672 www.Gilsbar.com/contactus LSBA ENDORSED Louisiana Bar Foundation to host annual Fellows events in April and May T he Louisiana Bar Foundation (LBF) and its Community Partnership Panels throughout the state will be hosting several events in April and May. Fellows will be updated on LBF activities and local projects and initiatives. Recognition will be given to volunteers, Class of 2015 Fellows and 20-year Fellows. To assist with building LBF membership, the LBF encourages members to bring colleagues. There is no cost to attend. Events scheduled include: ► Wednesday, April 20: Shreveport, Shreveport Bar Center, 8 a.m. ► Wednesday, April 20: Alexandria, Catering By Yolande, noon. ► Tuesday, April 26: Covington, Gallagher’s Grill, noon. ► Tuesday, April 26: New Orleans, Louisiana Bar Center, 5 p.m. ► Tuesday, May 3: Lake Charles, Lake Charles Racquet Club, noon. ► Wednesday, May 4: Lafayette, The French Press, 8 a.m. ► Wednesday, May 4: Baton Rouge, Bistro Byronz, noon. ► Tuesday, May 10: Thibodaux, Bay- The Louisiana Bar Foundation (LBF) Northeast Community Partnership Panel Annual Fellows reception was Jan. 25 in West Monroe, prior to the 4th JDC Bar Association’s Annual Meeting. From left, Thomas M. (Tommy) Hayes IV, past president of the 4th JDC Bar Association; Panel Chair A. Carter Mills IV; Hon. Sharon Ingram Marchman, 4th JDC; Hon. Jimmy N. Dimos (Ret.); and LBF President H. Minor Pipes III. The LBF presented the 4th JDC Bar Association with copies of oral histories of Dimos, Marchman and Judge Robert G. James, as their oral histories were recently completed as part of the LBF Oral History Project. To view these and other oral histories, go to: http://raisingthebar.org/ProgramsAndProjects/OralHistories.asp. Photo by Kathleen Legendre. ou Country Club, noon. LBF Community Partnership Panels are comprised of Fellows who work to foster collaboration, respond to arising community needs and assist with the designation of LBF grant funding in the region. To attend an event, contact Danielle Marshall at (504)561-1046 or email danielle@raisingthebar.org. LBF acknowledges sponsors of 30th Anniversary Gala T he Louisiana Bar Foundation’s 30th Anniversary Gala is Friday, April 8, at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans. The Gala is in honor of the 2015 Distinguished Jurist Sarah S. Vance, Distinguished Attorneys Judy Y. Barrasso and Herschel E. Richard, Jr., Distinguished Professor Alain A. Levasseur and Calogero Justice Award recipient The Family Justice Center of Ouachita Parish. The gala begins at 7 p.m. and will feature music from Shamarr Allen and the Underdawgs and a live auction. A patron party will be held prior to the gala. The LBF thanks the following sponsors: Benefactor: Louisiana State Bar Association; Phelps Dunbar LLP. Cornerstone: Barrasso Usdin Kupperman Freeman & Sarver, L.L.C.; Cook, Yancey, King & Galloway; Jones Walker LLP. Capital: Adams and Reese LLP; Baker Donelson; Judy Barrasso and Brent Barriere; Breazeale, Sachse & Wilson, L.L.P.; Fishman Haygood, LLP; Gainsburgh, Benjamin, David, Meunier & Warshauer, L.L.C.; Herman Herman & Katz, LLC; Huber, Slack, Thomas & Marcelle; Irwin Fritchie Urquhart & Moore LLC; King Krebs & Jurgens; LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center; Mouledoux, Bland, Legrand & Brackett, LLC; Murray Law Firm; NeunerPate; Sher Garner Cahill Richter Klein & Hilbert LLC; Dr. Stephen L. and E. Jane Sherman; Clint Shirley, Epiq Systems; Shreveport Bar Association; Simon Peragine Smith Redfearn, LLP; St. Martin & Bourque, APLC; Stone Pigman Walther Wittmann L.L.P.; Taylor, Porter, Brooks & Phillips, LLP; Hon. Sarah S. Vance and R. Patrick Vance; Whitney Bank. Pillar: Association of Corporate Counsel, Louisiana Chapter; Blue Williams, L.L.P.; Bourgeois Bennett CPAs | Consultants; Deutsch Kerrigan, L.L.P.; Kinchen, Walker, Bienvenu, Bargas, Reed & Helm, LLC; McGlinchey Stafford, PLLC; Milling Benson Woodward LLP. Foundation: 22nd JDC Bar Association; Abrams & Lafargue, LLC; Ates Law Firm, APLC; Hon. Carl J. Barbier; Amanda Barnett; Bradley Murchison Kelly & Shea; Chaffe McCall, L.L.P.; Chopin Wagar Richard & Kutcher, LLP; Dan Claitor; Curry and Friend, PLC; Professor Robert Force; Trenton and Stephanie Grand; Suzanne Jones and Robert Myers; Monique Lafontaine; Judge and Mrs. C. Wendell Manning; Ranier Law Firm; Mike and Ayan Rubin; Judge and Mrs. Glynn F. Voisin; Watson, McMillin & Street. Special Recognition: Kendra Scott. To become a sponsor or to purchase individual tickets, go to: www.raisingthebar.org. Individual tickets to the gala are $150. Young lawyer individual gala tickets are $100. For more information, contact Laura Sewell at (504)561-1046 or email laura@ raisingthebar.org. March 2016 Bar Briefs 7 Committee Preferences: Get Involved in Your Bar! Committee assignment requests are now being accepted for the 2016-17 Bar year. Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA) PresidentElect Darrel J. Papillion will make all committee appointments. Widespread participation is encouraged in all Bar programs and activities. Appointments to committees are not guaranteed, but every effort will be made to accommodate members’ interests. When making selections, members should consider the time commitment associated with committee assignments and their availability to participate. Also, members are asked to list experience relevant to service on the chosen committees. The deadline for committee assignment requests is Friday, April 15. The current committees are listed below. Access to Justice Committee The committee works to ensure that every Louisiana citizen has access to competent civil legal representation by promoting and supporting a broad-based and effective justice community through collaboration between the Louisiana State Bar Association, the Louisiana Bar Foundation, Louisiana law schools, private practitioners, local bar associations, pro bono programs and legal aid providers. Committee on Alcohol and Drug Abuse The committee protects the public by assisting, on a confidential basis, lawyers and judges who have alcohol, drug, gambling and other addictions. The committee works with the Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program, Inc. to counsel, conduct interventions and locate treatment facilities for impaired lawyers, and to monitor recovering attorneys and attorneys referred by the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board or Office of Disciplinary Counsel. Bar Governance Committee The committee ensures effective and equitable governance of the association by conducting an ongoing evaluation of relevant procedures and making recommendations to the House of Delegates regarding warranted amendments to the association’s Articles of Incorporation and/or Bylaws. Children’s Law Committee The committee provides a forum for attorneys and judges working with children to promote improvements and changes in the legal system to benefit children, parents and the professionals who serve these families. 8 March 2016 Bar Briefs Client Assistance Fund Committee Ethics Advisory Service Committee The committee protects the public and maintains the integrity of the legal profession by reimbursing, to the extent deemed appropriate, losses caused by the dishonest conduct of any licensed Louisiana lawyer practicing in the state. The committee encourages ethical lawyer conduct by supporting the LSBA’s Ethics Counsel in his/her provision of informal, non-binding ethics opinions to members of the Bar. Community Action Committee The committee ensures the most favorable rates and benefits for LSBA members and their employees and dependents for Bar-endorsed health, life and disability insurance programs. The committee serves as a catalyst statewide for lawyer community involvement through charitable and other public service projects. Continuing Legal Education Program Committee The committee fulfills the Louisiana Supreme Court mandate of making quality and diverse continuing legal education opportunities available at an affordable price to LSBA members. Criminal Justice Committee The committee develops programs and methods which allow the Bar to work with the courts, other branches of government and the public to ensure that the constitutionally mandated right to counsel is afforded to all who appear before the courts. Diversity Committee The committee assesses the level of racial, ethnic, national origin, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation and disability diversity within all components of the legal profession in Louisiana, identifies barriers to the attainment of full and meaningful representation and participation in the legal profession by persons of diverse backgrounds, and proposes programs and methods to effectively remove barriers and achieve greater diversity. Group Insurance Committee Lawyers in Transition Committee The committee studies rules and practices regarding curatorships of lawyers’ practices; studies methods for preserving the practice of lawyers and protecting clients for lawyers unable to temporarily practice, either voluntarily or involuntarily, as a result of disability due to health, or arising out of the disciplinary process; studies voluntary methods of designating a successor or other transitioning process for a lawyer’s practice in advance of any disability or death; and provides a method of involuntary intervention for lawyers suffering a severe age-related impairment to protect the clients and to deliver assistance to the age-impaired attorney. Legal Malpractice Insurance Committee The committee ensures the most favorable rates, coverage and service for Louisiana lawyers insured under the Bar-endorsed legal malpractice plan by overseeing the relationship between the LSBA, its carrier and its third-party administrator, and considers on an ongoing basis the feasibility and advisability of forming a captive malpractice carrier. Continued next page Legal Services for Persons with Disabilities Committee The committee provides members of the bench, Bar and general public with a greater understanding of the legal needs and rights of persons with disabilities, and helps persons with disabilities meet their legal needs and understand their rights and resources. Legislation Committee The committee informs the membership of legislation or proposed legislation of interest to the legal profession; assists the state Legislature by providing information on substantive and procedural developments in the law; disseminates information to the membership; identifies resources available to the Legislature; provides other appropriate non-partisan assistance; and advocates for the legal profession and the public on issues affecting the profession, the administration of justice and the delivery of legal services. Medical/Legal Interprofessional Committee The committee works with the joint committee of the Louisiana State Medical Society to promote collegiality between members of the legal and medical professions by receiving and making recommendations on complaints relative to physician/lawyer relationships and/or problems. evaluating, developing and providing effective alternatives to discipline programs for minor offenses, educational and practice assistance programs, and programs to resolve minor complaints and lawyer/client disputes. Committee on the Profession The committee encourages lawyers to exercise the highest standards of integrity, ethics and professionalism in their conduct; examines systemic issues in the legal system arising out of the lawyer’s relationship and duties to his/her clients, other lawyers, the courts, the judicial system and the public good; provides the impetus and means to positively impact those relationships and duties; improves access to the legal system; and improves the quality of life and work/life balance for lawyers. Public Information Committee The committee promotes a better understanding of the law, legal profession, individual lawyers and the LSBA through a variety of public outreach efforts. Rules of Professional Conduct Committee The committee develops and implements sustained outreach to local and specialty bars throughout the state and increases awareness of the member services and benefits provided by the LSBA. The committee encourages member participation in all aspects of the LSBA and facilitates participation through the use of technology and other feasible alternatives. The committee monitors and evaluates developments in legal ethics and, when appropriate, recommends changes to the Louisiana Rules of Professional Conduct; acts as liaison to the Louisiana Supreme Court on matters concerning the Rules of Professional Conduct; reviews issues of legal ethics and makes recommendations to the LSBA House of Delegates regarding modifications to the existing ethical rules; oversees the work of the Ethics Advisory Service and its Advertising Committee, Publications Subcommittee and other subcommittees; and promotes the highest professional standards of ethics in the practice of law. Practice Assistance and Improvement Committee Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee Outreach Committee The committee serves the Bar and the public in furtherance of the association’s goals of prevention and correction of lawyer misconduct and assistance to victims of lawyer misconduct by The committee protects the public from incompetent or fraudulent activities by those who are unauthorized to practice law or who are otherwise misleading those in need of legal services. Louisiana State Bar Association 2016-17 Committee Preference Form Indicate below your committee preference(s). If you are interested in more than one committee, list in 1-2-3 preference order. On this form or on a separate sheet, list experience relevant to service on your chosen committee(s). Print or Type ____ Access to Justice ____ Alcohol and Drug Abuse ____ Bar Governance ____ Children’s Law ____ Client Assistance Fund ____ Community Action ____ Continuing Legal Education Program ____ Criminal Justice ____ Diversity ____ Ethics Advisory Service ____ Group Insurance ____ Lawyers in Transition ____ Legal Malpractice Insurance ____ Legal Services for Persons with Disabilities ____ Legislation ____ Medical/Legal Interprofessional ____ Outreach ____ Practice Assistance and Improvement ____ Committee on the Profession ____ Public Information ____ Rules of Professional Conduct ____ Unauthorized Practice of Law Response Deadline: April 15, 2016 Mail, email or fax your completed form to: Christine A. Richard, Program Coordinator/Marketing & Sections Louisiana State Bar Association 601 St. Charles Ave. New Orleans, LA 70130-3404 Fax (504)566-0930 Email: crichard@lsba.org LSBA Bar Roll Number_____________ Name___________________________ Address__________________________ City/State/Zip_____________________ Telephone________________________ Fax ___________________________ Email Address_____________________ List (on a separate sheet) experience relevant to service on the chosen committee(s). March 2016 Bar Briefs 9 It’s Time to Book a Listing in ‘Who’s Who in ADR 2016’ The print version of the directory for arbitrators and mediators will be mailed with the October/November 2016 Louisiana Bar Journal. For the one low price of $125, your listing is first published in the print directory, then the directory is uploaded to the LSBA website in interactive PDF format (email addresses and website URLs are activated and instantly accessible). The Web version of the directory remains active for one full year! ets One price g nt you in the pri d directory an on the Web! View the 2015 directory at www.lsba.org/goto/ adrdirectory The special Arbitrators and Mediators Directory will feature brief articles and photographs of arbitrators and mediators (INDIVIDUALS ONLY). The articles should be 150 words MAXIMUM. Provide your address, phone, fax, email address and website information at the end of the listing (not part of the word count). Submit either original photos or digital photos. Digital photos should be submitted separately from the article, in either .tif, .jpg or .eps format (the order of preference). DO NOT submit digital photographs embedded in word processing programs; send the photograph as a separate file. High-resolution digital photos work best (at least 300 DPI/dots per inch). Deadline is July 29 for all listings and photos! Directory/Web Combo price is $125. Articles and photographs must be for individuals only. No group articles or group photographs will be used. But, as an ADDED BONUS, firms which have three or more arbitrators/mediators purchasing individual listings will receive a free firm listing in the section. (Firms are responsible for submitting the additional information, 150 words maximum.) If you would like to repeat a prior listing and photo, you may send us a photocopy of that listing along with your check; please provide the year the listing appeared. (Digital photos appearing in ADR directories are archived back to 2000.) It’s easy to reserve space in the directory! • Email your listing and photo to Publications Coordinator Darlene M. LaBranche (email: dlabranche@lsba.org). Then mail your check for $125 (payable to Louisiana State Bar Association) to: Publications Coordinator Darlene M. LaBranche, 601 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, La. 70130-3404. • Or, mail your listing, photo, disk and check to the above address. For more information, contact Darlene M. LaBranche dlabranche@lsba.org (504)619-0112 or (800)421-5722, ext. 112. 10 March 2016 Bar Briefs F us on Access For more information, visit www.lsba.org/atj. to Justice Naturalization CLE conducted in Alexandria for non-immigration practitioners T he Louisiana State Bar Association’s Access to Justice Department, the Central Louisiana Interfaith Immigration Center and the Central Louisiana Pro Bono Project co-sponsored a Feb. 18 immigration CLE seminar, “Naturalization 101: A Primer for Non-Immigration Practitioners.” The seminar, conducted at the St. Joseph Catholic Center in Alexandria, was an introduction for non-immigration attorneys to the world of naturalization, including immigration terminology, eligibility, requirements and forms necessary for navigating United States citizenship through naturalization. “While Louisiana boasts a growing immigrant population, in particular, in the years post-Katrina, immigration representation rates in the state are among the lowest in the nation,” said Glenda McGraw Regnart, executive director of the Central Louisiana Interfaith Immigration Center and a presenter at the seminar. “By providing naturalization training to attorneys The Louisiana State Bar Association’s Access to Justice Department, the Central Louisiana Interfaith Immigration Center and the Central Louisiana Pro Bono Project co-sponsored a Feb. 18 immigration CLE seminar in Alexandria. From left, Debra Smith, Central Louisiana Pro Bono Project; Glenda McGraw Regnart, Central Louisiana Interfaith Immigration Center; Kathleen C. Gasparian, Gasparian Immigration; and attorney Graham Bateman. in central Louisiana, an area where an immigration bar does not exist, we hope that those trained can assist clients with obtaining the rights of citizenship and become fully admitted to our political and economic community,” Regnart said. Other presenters were Kathleen C. Gasparian, with Gasparian Immigration, and attorney Graham Bateman. Attorneys with practices ranging from civil to criminal law from several parts of the state attended the two-hour program. LCJC launching “Justice Tour” this month T he Louisiana Civil Justice Center (LCJC) is setting out across Louisiana on a “Justice Tour” to address overwhelming legal need in the state’s poorest and most underserved parishes. Beginning March 28, tour participants will make 15 stops in four geographical areas, helping residents of parishes experiencing extreme income inequality to overcome civil legal barriers by providing critical legal information, assistance and resources free of charge. The LCJC will hold free civil legal clinics at parish libraries, providing lowincome residents with much needed legal resources tailored to local need. The tour will make multiple stops in East Carroll Parish, the northeastern parish featured Focus on Access to Justice on the CNN documentary “The Most Unequal Place in America;” according to the most recent census data, roughly 48 percent of the parish’s population lives below the poverty line. “With poverty comes inequality, and with inequality comes injustice,” said Jonathan M. Rhodes, executive director of the LCJC. “The Justice Tour will bring lawyers to the parts of our state that are in the greatest need with the goal of ensuring justice, equality and prosperity for all,” Rhodes said. In addition to holding free legal clinics, the LCJC will meet with representatives of local businesses, community organizations and legal services organizations to discuss the main legal challenges facing each parish and build awareness about the services that the LCJC offers. Moreover, the LCJC will use documentary footage of the tour to draw attention to the intersecting challenges of income inequality and Tour continued on page 12 March 2016 Bar Briefs 11 Tour continued from page 11 legal need in the rural areas most impacted by Louisiana’s growing justice gap. The tour schedule includes these locations: Northeast ► Concordia: March 28 clinic, 1-3 p.m., 408 Texas St., Vidalia. ► Tensas: March 29 clinic, 10 a.m.-noon, 135 Plank Rd., St Joseph. ► Madison: March 30 clinic, 10 a.m.noon, 403 N. Mulberry St., Tallulah. ► East Carroll: March 31 clinic, 10 a.m.noon, 109 Sparrow St., Lake Providence. Nomination deadline is March 31 for Kimball Award T he nomination deadline is Thursday, March 31, for the Louisiana State Bar Association’s Catherine D. Kimball Award for Advancement of the Administration of Justice. The award, established to honor Catherine D. Kimball, the first woman to serve as chief justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court, is open to both attorneys and judges who have conducted exceptional outreach activities that support the goals and purposes of the judicial branch. For more information on the award and to download a nomination form, go to: https://www.bit.ly/21Zz42n. Members certified elected in 3 runoff races T hree Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA) members were certified elected for leadership positions following the close of runoff voting on Feb. 1. Two Nominating Committee positions were filled — Frank A. Fertitta, District 2A; and Robert L. Bussey, District 3C. Cristin F. Bordelon was elected to the First Board District seat on the LSBA Young Lawyers Division Council. 12 March 2016 Bar Briefs Southwest ► Cameron: April 18 clinic, 1-3 p.m., 501 Marshall St., Cameron. ► Iberia: April 19 clinic, 10 a.m.-noon, 445 E. Main St., New Iberia. ► Acadia: April 20 clinic, 10 a.m.-noon, 1125 N. Parkerson Ave., Crowley. ► Lafayette: April 21 clinic, 10 a.m.-noon, 301 W. Congress St., Lafayette. ► Webster: June 30 clinic, time TBD, 521 East and West St., Minden. ► Caddo: July 1 clinic, time TBD, 424 Texas St., Shreveport. Southeast ► Plaquemines: Oct. 10 clinic, 10 a.m.noon, 35572 Highway II, Buras. ► Lafourche: Oct. 11 clinic, 10 a.m.-noon, 16241 E. Main St., Cut Off. ► Terrebonne: Oct. 12 clinic, 10 a.m.noon, 151 Library Dr., Houma. Northern ► East Carroll: June 28 clinic, 1-3 p.m., 109 Sparrow St., Lake Providence. ► West Carroll: June 29 clinic, 10 a.m.noon, 101 Marietta St., Oak Grove. To learn more about the LCJC and the tour, go to: www.laciviljustice.org. Nomination deadline is March 25 for Civics in Action Award Professionalism Speakers’ Workshop set for May 13 T he Louisiana Center for Law and Civic Education (LCLCE) is accepting nominations for its Civics in Action Award through March 25. The award recognizes a middle or high school student who exemplifies what it means to be an engaged citizen and who has made a difference or an improvement of the quality of life in his/her school, home or community through the use of civic engagement. There are no restrictions on who can make a nomination. For more information and to access a nomination form, go to: www.lalce.org/awards.html. T he Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA) Committee on the Profession’s Professionalism Speakers’ Workshop is set for 1-4 p.m. Friday, May 13, at the Louisiana Bar Center, 601 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans. Anyone interested in becoming a better speaker on professionalism topics should register for this free, highly interactive workshop. For more information or to register, contact LSBA Professional Programs Counsel for Practice Assistance Bill King at (504)619-0109 or email bking@lsba. org. Your call is absolutely confidential as a matter of law. Call toll-free (866)354-9334 Email: lap@louisianalap.com or visit www.LouisianaJLAP.com The Louisiana Bar Foundation proudly welcomes the Fellows Class of 2015 Jennifer C. Adams New Orleans Robert T. Bowsher Baton Rouge Jason W. Burge New Orleans Katie Lynn Dysart New Orleans Jennifer B. Eagan New Orleans Brian C. Flanagan Shreveport Edmund J. Giering IV Baton Rouge Joseph C. Giglio, Jr. Lafayette Trenton A. Grand Baton Rouge Alida C. Hainkel New Orleans Leisa B. Lawson Alexandria Prof. Alain A. Levasseur Baton Rouge Alysson Mills New Orleans P. Craig Morrow, Jr. Opelousas Stephanie N. Prestridge Baton Rouge Elizabeth S. Sconzert Mandeville S. Christie Smith IV Leesville Members of the Louisiana Bar Foundation are referred to as Fellows. Fellowship consists of judges, lawyers, and law professors whose professional, public and private careers demonstrate their dedication to the improvement of the administration of justice. Benefits of Fellowship are recognition of one’s contribution to the profession, alliance with the Foundation’s mission, association with an organization directly impacting the legal profession, committee participation and leadership, professional development and networking, invitations to special events and meetings, and participation in annual nominations for Louisiana’s distinguished jurist, attorney, and professor awards. Adrienne D. White Mansfield Robert W. Barton, Baton Rouge James D. Caldwell, Jr., Baton Rouge Cade R. Cole, Lake Charles Stephanie Anne Cornay Dugan, Lafayette Benjamin H. Dampf, Baton Rouge Hon. Mary Doggett, Alexandria Hon. Desiree Duhon Dyess, Natchitoches Mark M. Judson, Lake Charles Robert C. Lehman, Mandeville Dixon Wallace McMakin, Baton Rouge Gregory Kent Moroux, Jr., Baton Rouge David O. Walker, Alexandria Hon. H. Stephens Winters, Monroe For more information on the Louisiana Bar Foundation go to www.raisingthebar.org or follow us on Facebook March 2016 Bar 13 1615 Poydras Street, Ste. 1000 New Orleans, LA 70112 (504) 561-1046 fax Briefs (504) 566-1926 F us on Diversity For more information on items in this section, visit www.lsba.org/diversity. Chief Justice Johnson honored with namesake Trailblazer Award T he Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA) honored Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson with the establishment of an annual award in her name. The announcement was made March 4 during the LSBA’s ninth annual Conclave on Diversity in the Legal Profession in Baton Rouge. The “Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson Trailblazer Award” will recognize individual attorneys and judges who champion ideals exemplified by Chief Justice Johnson, the first African-American chief justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court, who has always exhibited an unwavering commitment to enhancing diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. The award will be presented annually at the LSBA’s Annual Meeting to a recipient who demonstrates a unique blend of experience, skills and accomplishments which translate into successful diversity and inclusion efforts. The Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA) honored Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson, center, with the establishment of an annual award in her name. On hand for the March 4 announcement at the LSBA’s ninth annual Conclave on Diversity in the Legal Profession in Baton Rouge were, at left, attorney Roderick A. (Rick) Palmore, with Dentons US LLP and the conclave’s keynote speaker; and LSBA President Mark A. Cunningham. LSBA/Baton Rouge Bar conduct first interactive CLE seminar with BlueJeans technology T he Louisiana State Bar Association’s (LSBA) Committee on Diversity in the Legal Profession and Legal Services for Persons with Disabilities (LSPD) Committee cohosted a CLE seminar on Jan. 21 at the LSBA’s offices that was made available to Bar members via BlueJeans technology at the Baton Rouge Bar Association. The session, “Fit to Practice,” covered best practices for attorneys to prepare for, and respond to, potentially unforeseen disabilities. The speakers — Julie Brown White, a partner with Schiff, Scheckman & White, L.L.P.; J.E. (Buddy) Stockwell III, 14 March 2016 Bar Briefs executive director of the Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program; Bryan Jenkins, group benefits consultant for Gilsbar; and LSBA Ethics Counsel Richard P. Lemmler, Jr. — discussed ethical duties to clients, potential liability issues, insurance and longterm planning options, and other relevant topics. The session was broadcast live via BlueJeans, a videoconference system installed at the Louisiana Bar Center and in the offices of the Baton Rouge Bar Association, the Lafayette Bar Association and the Shreveport Bar Association. Members are encouraged to contact their local bars to encourage the use of the conferencing technology to participate remotely in CLE seminars held at the Louisiana Bar Center (when made available) and LSBA committee meetings. It is not necessary for LSBA members to go to the participating bar associations to remotely join a committee meeting. LSBA members also can access the BlueJeans network via their personal devices as long as they have a webcam. “Fit to Practice” is part of the LSBA Disabilities Three-Part Speaker Series, which aims to provide Bar members with information about disability-related legal issues. Focus on Diversity Final session of 3-part disability series set for May 6 T LADB training session conducted in January L ynn Luker (Stanley, Reuter, Ross, Thornton & Alford, L.L.C.) and Troy N. Bell (Troy N. Bell, L.L.C.), co-chairs of the Louisiana State Bar Association’s (LSBA) Diversity Committee, presented a program at the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board’s annual training for their volunteer hearing committee members. Their presentation, “Minimizing the Impact of Unconscious Bias in Decision Making,” was held on Jan. 22. More than 100 volunteers from a myriad of backgrounds and from all across the state attended the training. Volunteers received instruction that would prove useful as they embark on a new year of disciplinary board service. Focus on Diversity Presenters for the Louisiana State Bar Association Diversity Committee’s LGBT Subcommittee’s Jan. 14 CLE were, from left, Scott J. Spivey, Professor Todd Brower, Professor Paul R. Baier and Ryan P. Delaney. LGBT CLE seminar presented Jan. 14 at Midyear Meeting T he Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA) Diversity Committee’s LGBT Subcommittee presented a free, two-hour CLE seminar on Jan. 14 at the LSBA’s 2016 Midyear Meeting in New Orleans. The seminar, “The Impact of Obergefell v. Hodges: What Does the Future Hold?,” addressed issues developing as a result of the landmark Supreme Court decision al- 15 attorneys attend Diversity Integration Facilitator Training Retreat F ifteen attorneys from around the state attended a Diversity and Inclusion Facilitator Retreat on Jan. 16 at the Louisiana Bar Center in New Orleans. Co-Chairs I.J. Clark-Sam and Monique Edwards, both seasoned diversity facilitators, discussed the “do’s” and “don’ts” of making diversity and inclusion presentations and how to engage other attorneys as professionalism facilitators. lowing gay couples to marry. Presenters — Professor Paul R. Baier, Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center; Professor Todd Brower, Western State University College of Law; Ryan P. Delaney, Delaney & Robb; and Scott J. Spivey, Scott J. Spivey, A.P.L.C. — discussed topics including adoption, divorce, step-parent adoption and estate planning. LS BA Div ers ity he third and final session of the Louisiana State Bar Association’s (LSBA) disability-related CLE series will be hosted in conjunction with the Alexandria Bench Bar Conference hosted by the Alexandria Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section. This session, “Social Security Appeals,” is scheduled from 3-5 p.m. Friday, May 6. Speakers Julia L. Deal (Law Offices of Julia Deal, L.L.C.), attorney Daniel W. Nodurft and attorney Matthew D. Lane will address the process and procedures for submitting Social Security appeals. This session is especially relevant to young attorneys and solo/small firm practitioners seeking to expand their client base, as it will provide them the skills to handle Social Security disability appeals and cases. For more information, email Lauren S. Laborde at llaborde@fairclothlaw.com. LSBA MEMBER OUTREACH & DIVERSITY diversity inclusion professionalism For latest news on diversity and inclusion in the profession, visit www.lsba.org/diversity March 2016 Bar Briefs 15 Classified Advertisements Standard classified advertising in our regular typeface and format may now be placed in “Bar Briefs” and on the LSBA Web site, LSBA.org. All requests for classified notices must be submitted in writing and are subject to approval. Copy must be typewritten and payment must accompany request. Our low rates for placement in both are as follows: Rates Non-members of LSBA $85 per insertion of 50 words or less $1 per each additional word $20 for a C-Box number Members of the LSBA $60 per insertion for 50 words or less $1 per each additional word No additional charge for a C-Box Screens: $25 Headings: $15 for initial headings in large type Deadline Payment and copy must be received by the first of the month before publication. Send to: Bar Briefs Classified Notices Louisiana State Bar Association 601 St. Charles Ave. New Orleans, La. 70130 Responses To respond to a box number, address your envelope to: Bar Briefs C-Box No. ____ c/o Louisiana State Bar Association 601 St. Charles Ave. New Orleans, La. 70130 Positions Offered Legal Services of North Louisiana seeks managing, supervising attorneys (four and three years’ experience, respectively), staff attorney (Bar admission/anticipated). Salaries based upon experience. Deadline March 18, 2016, or until positions are filled. LSNL represents low-income clients in 26 north Louisiana parishes. Equal Opportunity Employer. Mail letter with résumé to: Director, 720 Travis, Shreveport, LA 71101. Executive Director, Committee on Bar Admissions of the Louisiana Supreme Court. The Committee on Bar Admissions, responsible for the examination and review of qualifications of all persons who apply to be admitted to the bar in Louisiana, is seeking to fill the position of executive director. The executive director provides management and support for all aspects of the bar admissions process, including oversight of the committee’s office, budget and staff, and the coordination of volunteers appointed to develop and grade the Louisiana Bar Examination. For more information, visit: http://lsba-jobs.careerwebsite.com/home/ index.cfm?site_id=14054 or http://www. lascba.org/forms/JobAnnouncement.pdf. For RentFor Gretna Rent - Gretna Individual office for the attorney who wants to be among experienced attorneys and within walking distance of all Gretna courts. Newly renovated building with all paid costs, including phones, Internet, copier, paper, fax, shared conference room/library and kitchen. Has separate reception and separate entrance to street. Call Clifton at (504)858-9944. Alcohol and Drug Abuse Hotline Director J.E. (Buddy) Stockwell III, 1(866)354-9334 1405 W. Causeway Approach, Mandeville, LA 70471 • email lap@louisianalap.com Alexandria Steven Cook............................................. (318)448-0082 Baton Rouge Steven Adams...........................................(225)921-6690 ...........................................(225)926-4333 David E. Cooley.......................................................(225)753-3407 John A. Gutierrez.....................................................(225)715-5438 .....................................................(225)744-3555 Lafayette Alfred “Smitty” Landry............................... (337)364-5408 ...............................(337)364-7626 Thomas E. Guilbeau.................................................(337)232-7240 James Lambert.........................................................(337)233-8695 .........................................................(337)235-1825 Lake Charles Thomas M. Bergstedt..................................(337)558-5032 Monroe Robert A. Lee...........................................(318)387-3872 ...........................................(318)388-4472 New Orleans Deborah Faust...........................................(504)304-1500 Donald Massey..........................................(504)585-0290 Dian Tooley..............................................(504)861-5682 ..............................................(504)831-1838 Shreveport Michelle AndrePont ................................................(318)347-8532 Nancy Carol Snow...................................................(318)272-7547 William Kendig, Jr. .................................................(318)222-2772 .......................................(318)572-8260 (cell) Steve Thomas............................................(318)872-6250 The Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program, Inc. provides confidential assistance with problems such as alcoholism, substance abuse, mental health issues, gambling and all other addictions. 16 March 2016 Bar Briefs