april 2012 promulgator

The Promulgator April 2012 | Volume 32 | Issue 2

5th Annual 5th Annual

Shoot for JusticeShoot for Justice

LYLA SPRING SOCIAL

HIGH SCHOOL MOCK TRIAL

The Promulgator April 2012 Volume 32 Issue 2

Table of Contents

Executive Director’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

LYLA President’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Shoot for Justice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

LYLA Spring Social . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Mock Trial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Armentor Ready for Next Challenge . . . . . . . . . 12

Scrapbook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Upcoming Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Grapevine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Executive Message

LBA Executive Director

Susan Holliday

On the Cover: Clay Shoot team from Anderson Dozier Keith Saltman Driving, Boyd Anderson & Gil Dozier

Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's party!" ~Robin Williams

This quote rang true as our Young Lawyers section held an awesome social at Corner Bar in late March. Jeff Coriel with Laborde and Neuner outdid himself in planning the event which was well attended as evidenced by the end of the night bar bill. Special thanks to Liskow & Lewis, Dr. Brett Venable and Stan Lerille, owner of Corner Bar for helping to underwrite the evening’s libations.

Speaking of Laborde & Neuner I want to express my heartfelt thank to members of the firm for donating a second “cadillac” copier to the organization. Both of these copier donations have helped our organization’s productivity as well as added a huge savings to our bottom line.

If you were not able to attend our recent Clay Shoot you really missed a great time. The weather was absolutely perfect!!! Pictures from the event are included in this issue. I am pleased to report the event raised more money than previous years which is in large part due to the event chair, Jacob Harget with Davidson, Meaux, Sonnier, McEligott, Fontenot, Gideon & Edwards tireless efforts. Jacob you are one of the hardest working people I know and it was a pleasure to have the opportunity to work with you on this successful event.

Our Young Lawyers section recently hosted the annual Mock Trial competition where Northside High was once again victorious, taking home the first place prize. All members of the LBA should be proud of the efforts of the Northside students. As our Law Signature School, our young lawyers section has done an amazing job in cultivating a meaningful relationship with faculty advisor, Liz Tullier and her law school students. These

efforts are certainly paying off in a big way as more students are enrolling in the program and hopefully pursuing careers in various law related fields.

The 2012 Bench Bar is around the corner and is being chaired by Kyle Gideon, a partner with Davidson, Meaux, Sonnier, McEligott, Fontenot, Gideon & Edwards. The dates are September 20‐22nd in New Orleans and the theme is “Legal Sanity: Finding the Perfect Work/Life Balance”. The cle line up is going to be fantastic as we have secured a special speaker from Atticus, a professional company whose goal is to help attorneys reduce stress while increasing income and serving their clients better. If you have never been to the bench Bar Conference before, I encourage you to seriously consider making this the year that you do!

We have lots of events on the horizon…. Golf Tournament at LeTriomphe, Running in Heel’s cle for female members, and our annual Bowling Tournament. Information on any of these events can be found on our website, www.lafayettebar.org or you can always pick up the telephone and call any member of the LBA staff for details. We would love to hear from you.

Until next time…… Susan

Volume 32 Issue 2 The Promulgator April 2012


The Promulgator

The Promulgator is published six times a year by the Lafayette Bar Association. The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editorial Committee of the Lafayette Bar Association.

Published by: Lafayette Bar Association 2607 Johnston Street, Lafayette, LA 70503 P.O. Box 2194, Lafayette, LA 70502‐2194 tel: (337) 237‐4700 fax: (337) 237‐0970

www.lafayettebar.org The mission of the Lafayette Bar Association is to serve the profession, its members and the community by promoting justice, professional excellence, respect for the rule of law and fellowship among attorneys and the Court.

Officers Larry Curtis President

Blake David President‐Elect

Tricia Pierre Secretary/Treasurer

André Doguet Immediate Past President

Board of Directors

Julia Autin Nicole Breaux

Candace Breaux J. Bradley Duhe

Cade Evans Shytishia A. Moore Flugence

Paul D. Gibson

Kyle L. Gideon Joseph C. Giglio, Jr.

Steven Ramos Cynthia K. Simon Melissa L. Theriot

G. Edward Williams, Jr. Cassie Willis

Committee & Section Chairs

Acadiana Legal Services Corporation, Candace Breaux Bench Bar, Kyle Gideon Family Law Section, Julia Autin Lafayette Young Lawyers, Steven Ramos

Lafayette Volunteer Lawyers, Cassie Willis Louis A. Martinet Society, Sam Flugence Maritime CLE, Chuck Mouton & Doug Truxillo Promulgator, Elena Pecoraro

Editorial Committee

Elena Pecoraro, Editor Shawn Carter Cade Evans

Lauren Gardner

Rebekah Huggins Barbara Olinde Laura Putnam Cynthia Simon

LBA Staff

Susan Holliday Executive Director

Tammy Derouen LVL Program

Director

Penny Rogers Executive Assistant

Claire Oliver Marketing Director

Katie Duffy

Marketing Assistant

Lafayette Young Lawyers

After several months of

drab (but unseasonably warm) winter weather, spring is finally upon us. With the change in weather comes a host of LYLA activities, starting with February's High School Mock Trial Competition. Seven teams from the Lafayette ‐ Lake Charles region competed for the right to represent the area at the state competition. In the end, teams from Northside High School and Lake Charles Boston Academy placed 1st and 2nd, respectively. I would like to thank all of the volunteers and Judges who gave up their Saturday morning in order to make this a great event.

This month LYLA will keep up its work with Law Week activities. In keeping with the 200th Anniversary of Louisiana's statehood, LYLA will sponsor and organize a field trip on April 25th to the Louisiana legislature for a local high school class. The event will feature a tour and meetings with some of the members of Acadiana's legislature delegation. This will be one of LYLA's signature events for 2012 and thanks go out to Holli Yandle, Tamara Rahim, and Barbara Olinde for their work in organizing the outing.

I hope all of you were able to attend March's Last Appointment Social presented by Liskow & Lewis. Corner Bar was packed with the more than 75 attorneys who stopped by for a drink and casual conversation. LYLA will host at least one social this summer.

Looking around the corner, May will bring the 3rd Annual Birdies for the Bar golf tournament. This year's event will be held at Le Triomphe on Monday, May 21st. All the proceeds go to benefit the Lafayette Bar Foundation. I invite all attorneys, Judges, and avid golfers to come out for what should be a top notch event.

2011-2012 LYLA President

Steven Ramos, Onebane


Sporting Clay Tournament

5th Annual

Shoot for Justice

The Lafayette Parish Bar

Foundation held its fifth annual sporting clay shoot fund raiser in March to increase funding for its Protective Order Panel, a program which allows victims of domestic violence to find relief through a Title 46 Protective Order. Without funds raised by members of the Lafayette Bar Association at events like the clay shoot and others, this free service could not be provided to our community.

At some point in life, it is the unfortunate truth that many women will find themselves in an abusive situation with no means to overcome their difficulties in the legal system. Custody issues, restraining orders, and complicated divorce issues all come into play and are almost insurmountable without some sort of legal assistance. Through funds raised at events like LPBF’s Shoot For Justice sporting clay shoot and others, these women can turn to the

Class A First Place Le : Jacob Harge & Rick Harge

Right: Robert Picard & Charles Calder

Flurry Winners Dean Cole & Mark Knight

Class A Second Place Paige Melancon, Dwight Andrus, Keith

Saucier & Blair Zuschlag

foundation to have their story heard, their paperwork filed, their filings fees paid, and to be guided through the process of getting legally disentangled from their abusive partner.

Members of the legal community and their friends came out in force and had a good time while raising money for a good cause.


Class B First Place Adam Fontenot, Jeremy Shealy, Steven Ramos. Steve Lanza

Class B Second Place Jason Welborn, Will Sheiffler, Lucas Colligan & Joe Gaar

Thanks to the Support of

our Generous Sponsors:

Teche Drugs & Gifts Dwight Andrus Insurance

Rayne State Bank Davidson, Meaux, Sonnier, McElligot, Fontenot, Gideon & Edwards Tommy Hightower Domengeaux, Wright, Roy & Edwards Lori Heaphy & Associates Acadian Ambulance Service Lee’s Air Conditioning ProLegal Copies Schilling Distributing Acadiana Bottling Jack McElligott

Blake David Feather Flage

GOL Shooting Range Galloway, Johnson, Tompkins, Burr & Smith Also, a special thanks to Jason Matt, Miles Matt, Marianna Broussard and Cassie Willis for helping to fry the fish.


LYLA SPRING SOCIAL The Lafayette Young

Lawyers Association made Corner Bar the place to be on Thursday, March 22nd for their Spring Social. This great event was made possible by our presenting sponsor Liskow & Lewis. It was also sponsored by Corner Bar and Dr. Brett Venable from the Lafayette Lafayette Chiropractic Physicians Group. A special thanks to Jeff Coreil and the social committee for organizing another great event.

Sponsored By: Liskow & Lewis Corner Bar Lafaye e Chiroprac c Physicians Group


The Lafayette Young Lawyers Association hosted its annual Mock Trial Tournament which was held at the 15th Judicial District Courthouse on February 25, 2012. A total of seven teams from Region II competed, representing Northside High School, Lake Charles Boston Academy of Learning and Westminster Christian Academy of Opelousas. Each team is given case material that includes: statement of the case, facts , descriptions of witnesses, and possible exhibits. Teams are given the case in November which gives them time to study and prepare their case. “I plan to be a lawyer, and being in the Mock Trial Competition allows me to prepare myself,” said Quinesha Robinson, Northside High School student, “I also have a nerve problem. When I get up in front of people I begin to shake. Being in this competition helps me to work on overcoming those fears.”

Each team competed in two preliminary rounds in which the teams were given the opportunity to play the role of plaintiff and defendant. After the preliminary rounds, the scores were tallied to determine which two teams would go to the final round. This year’s final round was between Northside High School and Lake Charles Boston Academy of Learning. Northside High School took first place and Lake Charles Boston Academy of Learning took second. Both teams are going on to compete in the State Competition in Lake Charles on March 17, 2012.

Individual performance awards were given to students who performed their roles exceptionally. In the category of Best Attorney, Gregory Ware from the Lake Charles Boston Academy of Learning and D’Qualyn Augustine from Northside High School from took home the Best Witness trophy.

First Place Team from Northside


A special thanks to Acadiana Inn of Court for providing lunch for the students during the Mock Trial

Tournament

Second Place Team from Lake Charles Boston

Academy of Learning


Written By: Sue Pyle

Communications Director Louisiana Association for Justice

Lafayette lawyer and

business owner Glenn Armentor is looking forward to taking on yet another professional challenge. This newest venture, he says, will be one of the most significant contributions he can make to promote civil justice in Louisiana.

In September 2012, Armentor will take the oath of office for a one‐year term as president of Louisiana Association for Justice.

The association – LAJ – is a voluntary bar association with offices headquartered in Baton Rouge. Its statewide membership focuses on lawyers, most of whom have a trial practice, and their clients. Although defense and plaintiff attorneys belong to the association, most LAJ lawyer‐members represent consumers, workers, families and small business owners as plaintiffs in civil actions.

Armentor, a 1977 graduate of the Louisiana State University School of Law, has concentrated his law practice exclusively on representing people who have been injured. The bulk of his cases include offshore drilling and production rig accidents, land‐based workers' compensation accidents, automotive

and trucking accidents, highway defects, environmental pollution cases, defective products, medical malpractice and sports injuries.

He said 35 years of law practice plus being a part of the LAJ leadership team since 1986 have prepared him for the top leadership spot.

"I'm ready," he said. "Throughout my life I have had the benefit of learning from some incredibly talented mentors. I am grateful to them and continue to pay attention to all they taught me."

Among the "excellent role models" he credits are colleagues in the Lafayette Parish Bar Association and past presidents of LAJ. He especially gives credit to Leah Guerry, LAJ chief executive officer, who until a few months ago was the only executive director in the 53‐year history of the association. "I tell her she is my den mother," he confesses.

A life‐long resident of Lafayette, Armentor is founder of The Glenn Armentor Law Corporation with offices at 300 Stewart Street. In addition, he is founder of the Lafayette Trial Lawyers Association, established in 1981, and he

Armentor

Ready for

Next

Challenge


BOCHM-CABAÑAS CHIROPRACTIC

Dr. Bochm is a native of Mexico

Languages fluent:

Spanish & English

Flexible scheduling

Same day appointments

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Workers compensation

Personal Injury

105 Independence Blvd. Suite 2

Lafayette, LA | 70506

Phone 337-991-0600

served as president of the Lafayette Parish Bar Association in 1988‐89. He is licensed to practice in all federal, state, and local courts in Louisiana and holds membership in the Fifteenth Judicial District Bar Association, Louisiana State Bar Association, American Bar Association, American Association for Justice and the American Council of Trial Advocacy.

In 2011 he received the Crystal Gavel Award presented by the Louisiana State Bar Association and is a 1988 recipient of the Boy’s Club of America Gold Medallion Award.

He is especially excited about the Glenn Armentor $10,000 "Pay It Forward" scholarship program he founded that annually awards multiple $10,000 scholarships for financial assistance to deserving at‐risk high school students for their college studies.

With a self‐admitted passion for the law and a personal drive to make a positive difference in his community, Armentor is always up for the next challenge.

LAJ President Philip F. Cossich Jr. of Belle Chasse said, "Anyone who knows Glenn also knows that he gives every task a thousand percent. He'll come into office with a plan in hand, ready for action."

Attorney Richard J. Dodson of Baton Rouge, LAJ immediate past president, was equally enthusiastic. "Glenn is one of the most energetic persons I have ever met. His capacity for hard work is amazing. LAJ is fortunate that he applies these abilities to our organization. He is going to be a great president."

Armentor received the compliments with grace and humility.

"I always remember where I came from and the lessons my hard‐working parents taught me," he said. "There's a lot of important work to be done. I'm honored to serve."


The Lafayette Bar Association invites you to take advantage of our new, premier meeting facilities that are ideal for mediations, depositions, presentations, receptions or any other meeting where privacy and neutrality are important. The Lafayette Bar Center boasts two conference rooms that may be used separately or together for one larger meeting space. These conference rooms feature all the latest in modern technologies. In addition, the Lafayette Bar Center has four smaller breakout and conference rooms. The Lafayette Bar Association welcomes you into our building and we will do our best to optimize your experience.

LAFAYETTE BAR ASSOCIATION

MEDIATION CENTER

Mediations: $250 • Three rooms for one full day with the option to secure additional

rooms for $50 per room • Includes beverage service • Meal service available at an additional cost

Depositions: $50 • One room for 4 hours • $25 surcharge for depositions exceeding 4 hours • Beverage service available for $1 per guest

Other Events: • Please call the LBA to customize your other event needs and

pricing

PRICING:

Wireless Internet · Dedicated Fax · Full Kitchen · TV, DVD, VCR access · A/V Equipment available · Private, relaxed atmosphere · Soundproof Rooms · Neutral Site · Staff to assist with all needs · Beverage service · Option to purchase lunch and have it brought to you

AMENITIES:

“The new facility is conveniently located and ideally suited as a neutral site for depositions, as well as mediations and arbitrations. The several conference rooms are well thought out, well equipped and nicely fur-nished. Further, the support staff is courteous and very helpful. I highly recommend our new facility to my colleagues.”

—L. Albert “Bud” Forrest, Attorney-Mediator

“The Lafayette Bar building is a super location. The layout is perfect for multi-party mediations. The staff is extremely helpful...it is a great place to mediate cases.”

—Robert Dampf, Perry Dampf & Associates

TESTIMONIALS:

LARGE CONFERENCE ROOM WAITING AREA PAST PRESIDENTS ROOM

Mo vated by Jus ce, Inspired by Service

Our sincerest thanks to each and every one of you who have renewed your 2012 membership dues. The strength of an organization lies

within its members and we are proud to say that we have over 850 members. As a member of the Lafayette Bar Association you are a part of the Lafayette Legal community. Membership allows you to form long lasting relationships with other legal colleagues, meet members of the judiciary and get quality CLE at a discounted rate. We invite you to take full advantage of your membership and we look forward to seeing you at some of our upcoming events.

Thank You! from the LBA


Running in Heels: Making the Most of the Marathon

Who: Female Attorneys

Where: The Lafayette Bar Association Office,

located at 2607 Johnston Street

When: Friday, May 11th

Time: 8 am to 2:30 pm (lunch included)

Credits: 4

Price: $100/member $125/non-member

8-9 am: Registration & Networking Breakfast pastries, muffins, and mimosas provided

9-10:30 am: Training for the Marathon: Slow & Steady Wins the Race Margot Hasha, Ph.D., LCSW

Moderator: Jill Busby Wade Strategies for dealing with conflict, work/life balance, and emotional well-

being.

10:30-10:45 am: Break

10:45-11:45 pm: Avoiding Potholes & Battling the Elements

Judge Durwood Conque, 15th Judicial District; Frank X. Neuner, Partner, Laborde & Neuner; Paul J. Hebert, Partner, Ottinger Hebert Moderator: Lindsay Meador

Get a male perspective on women’s strengths and challenges in the practice of law.

11:45-12:45 pm: Lunch

12:45-2:15 pm: Is There a Finish Line, What Does It Look Like, & How Do We Get There?

Kim M. Boyle, Partner, Phelps Dunbar; Marta-Ann Schabel, Shareholder, O’Byron & Schabel Moderator: Dona Renegar

Creating your career by focusing strengths in networking, rainmaking, men-toring, ect.

Running in Heels Schedule:


Guidry was awarded this designation by Best Lawyers which compiles its lists of outstanding attorneys by conducting peer‐review surveys from thousands of leading lawyers. Only a

single lawyer in each practice area in each community is being honored as the “Lawyer of the Year” for 2012. Selected lawyers, like Guidry, have earned a high level of respect among other leading lawyers in the same communities and the same practice areas for their abilities, their professionalism, and their integrity. The LBA would like to congratulate Guidry and all of the Lawyers that have been selected as Lawyers of the Year for 2012.

Onebane’s Greg Guidry Lawyer of the year

in Labor Law‐Management and Employment Law– Management

September 20-22 New Orleans, LA

Lafayette Bar Association’s Past President, Thomas R. Hightower, Jr. could be seen reigning over the streets during Lafayette Mardi Gras as King Gabriel. This year’s Fat Tuesday couldn’t have been better. The weather was beautiful and the streets were filled with excited parade goers. The Bar staff was extremely honored that King Gabriel remembered his servants when he passed the Bar Headquarters on Mardi Gras Day.

All Hail to the King Tommy Hightower

If you feel you have something that is worthy of being included in the Scrapbook section of the

Promulgator, please send it to Marketing Director, Claire Oliver,

via email at [email protected]


Calendar Of Events

Down the Road

Friday, June 1 LVL Bowling Tournament

Lafayette Lanes

June 6‐8 LSBA Annual Meeting

Sandestin, Florida

Sept 20‐22 Bench Bar Conference

New Orleans, LA

April Events

• 6. LBA Office Closed for Good Friday

• 7. HAPPY EASTER!

• 14. Family Law Section Crawfish Boil

• 28. LSBA Young Lawyer Section Local Affiliate Symposium

May Events

• 11. Running in Heels– Women’s CLE LBA Headquarters 8am‐2:30pm

• 21. Birdie with the Bar Golf Tournament Le Triomphe Golf & Country Club 1pm Shotgun Start


Grapevine Classified

To place an ad in the Promulgator, contact Claire Oliver for ad sizes and rate information.

(337)237‐4700 [email protected]

Busy defense practice seeks full time attorney, up to five years experience, with interest in litigation; primary focus in professional liability defense and medical malpractice. Salary commensurate with experience. Send resumes to [email protected] or Office Manager, P.O. Box 51769, Lafayette, LA 70505.

Position available in one of Acadiana’s highest quality commercial practices for lawyer with 2 to 10 years experience. Unique opportunity to represent area’s leading businesses. Full time preferred but will consider part-time position for someone with excellent writing skills and strong academic background. Send Resume to [email protected].

Our condolences go out to Julia Autin and her family in the passing of her father, Dr. David Autin.

Gordon Arata McCollam Duplantis & Eagan, LLC is pleased to announce that David Bryce and Matthew Siegel have been named members of the Firm. The Firm would also welcomes J. Michael Fussell, Jr., Doug Rhorer, and Elizabeth Spurgeon as new associates in the Lafayette, New Orleans, and Baton Rouge offices, respectively.

Juneau David, APLC is pleased to announce that Joshua K. Trahan has been named a partner.

Our condolences go out to Ann Latour and her family in the passing of her father, Dr. Thomas G. Latour.

LBA member, Matt McConnell, with McConnell Law Offices has moved. Please update your

records to his new address of 1021 Coolidge Boulevard Lafayette, Louisiana 70503.

Preis & Roy is pleased to announce that John F. Colowich has joined the Firm’s Lafayette office.

Kevin S. Frederick and James P. Doherty, III are pleased to announce the formation of Frederick & Doherty. Their email domain has changed to ‘frederickanddoherty.com’ but their physical and mailing addresses, telephone number, and fax number remain the same.

Condolences go out to 15th Judicial District Judge Patrick Michot on the loss of his father.

Congratulations to Scott Higgins and his wife Alisha on the birth of their second son, Marshall.

The Promulgator would like to offer well wishes to Cynthia Simon on her recent nuptials to Craig Spadoni.

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april 2012 promulgator

Documents

annual shoot

young lawyers section

law school students

owner of corner bar

event chair

successful event

annual mock trial competition

bench bar conference