promulgator december 2009

The Promulgator December 2009 Volume 29, Issue 6

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Motivated by Justice, Inspired by Service

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CHARLES ZIEGLER President

ANDRE DOGUET President-Elect

LARRY CURTIS Secretary/Treasurer

REBEKAH HUGGINS Immediate Past President

Aaron Allen Joe Giglio, Jr.

Tiffany Babineaux Tony Morrow

Nicole Breaux Tricia Pierre

Marianna Broussard Dona Renegar

Ariel Campos Jeff Riggs

Shannon Dartez Maggie Simar

Blake David Cynthia Simon

Cade Evans

Elena Pecoraro, Editor Burton Guidry

Adam Abdalla Rebekah Huggins

Nicole Breaux Barbara Olinde

Shawn Carter Laura Putnam

Cade Evans Cynthia Simon

SUSAN HOLLIDAY Executive Director

RUTHIE TOCE Marketing Director

TAMMY DEROUEN LVL Program Director

PENNY ROGERS Executive Assistant

The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editorial Committee

of the Lafayette Bar Association.

Executive Director’s Message………………………………………………….......3

Installation Banquet................................................................................4-5

Holiday Party…………...……………….........................................................6

Chuck Ziegler 2010 LBA President….......................................................8-9

Lafayette Young Lawyers…..................................................................10-11

LVL & Upcoming Events……….............................................................12-13

Recent Events...........................................................................................14

Grapevine...............................................................................................15

As your new President of the Lafayette Bar Association, I see great opportunities for your Association. But, before I discuss the future, let me take time to bring us to where we are today. The past three years have been very active. Several years ago, under the leadership of Jack McElligott and Frank Neuner, the Lafayette Bar Foundation looked forward and purchased a building, to be used by your Association. The building was then extensively renovated, in 2008, under the supervision of Miles Matt. In December of 2008, the Association moved into our new location, 2607 Johnston St. For those of you who have not been in the building, you need to see your building.

The new facility has opened many new benefits and opportunities for you. You are probably aware; each month the Association offers a one hour seminar, “Beyond the Bench”, hosted by local judges to discuss varies issues, procedures and rules. You should currently be receiving e-mails concerning “Beyond the Bench”.

When the building was remodeled a section of the building was partitioned off, and additional sound proofing was installed. These meeting rooms offer a neutral forum for depositions, meeting and mediations. Though it is too early to tell, in my opinion, the success ratio of the mediations, at the Bar building, appear to be a higher than normal. We are looking into the possibility of providing a venue for video conferencing, for depositions, meetings, etc. And, the new facilities provide space needed to handle the Section meetings, Lafayette Volunteer Lawyers programs and functions which the Foundation and Association offer and sponsor.

As your President, I would like to say the members of our Bar Association are aware of the benefits of your Association and have seen our building. Stop by and visit with Susan, Ruthie, Tammy and Penny, and give me your comments about the building and our progress.

Looking forward, the Association Board has scheduled a retreat, in March of 2010, to align our goals and objectives for the next 3-5 years. You will receive a survey to help the Board in this exercise. In advance, thank you for taking your personal time to fill the survey out, it will strongly influence the Board’s view as they set the further goals and objectives of your Association.

My goals prior to the March retreat are very simple. Get the vast majority, if not everyone, to visit the building. Put the Mediation facilities to work for the Association. And, develop methods to assist the Foundation with paying off, or paying down, the costs to purchase and renovate our building.

In closing, your support of the Bar is greatly appreciated and I am honored to be your President. We have a great Board and Staff, who are excited about our new facilities and constantly looking for ways to provide service to the membership.

THE PROMULGATOR The Promulgator is published six times a year by the

Lafayette Bar Association. The Editorial Committee welcomes news contributions, substantive articles and/or comments for this publication.

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

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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.

EDITORIAL COMMITTEE

Table of Contents

STAFF

OFFICERS

Chuck Ziegler LBA President

Attorney at Law

President’s Message


Executive Director’s Message

Have you ever wondered… “Where does the time go?” I think this is a common thought especially when a new year is bearing down on us. However; being the optimist that I am, I think the New Year affords each of us an opportunity to recognize that time is

a very valuable resource, and none of us feel like we have the time to do what we need to do. As lawyers, I know each of you know what I am talking about. We are all busy, each of us focused on the day to day actions that must be done in our own lives. Have you ever thought about what you would do if you were given more time? How would you spend it? What would you do? I ask each of you to consider making a difference within your local bar association, whether it is by attending one social event, a CLE event or volunteering to handle a pro bono case through our Lafayette Volunteer Lawyers Program. Each one of you has

the potential to make an impact upon your profession, and the staff and I are here to support you. So as we look forward to a new decade in 2010, remember we have all seen time shared, saved, spent, crunched and oftentimes wasted. Make the most of your time next year and consider taking your participation in your local bar association to a new level.

Susan Holliday Executive Director

[email protected]


Installation Banquet 2009

LAFAYETTE BAR ASSOCIATION INSTALLS

2009-2010 PRESIDENT CHARLES ZIEGLER

Chief Justice Catherine D. “Kitty” Kimball swears Chuck Ziegler into

office.

LAFAYETTE, LA, NOV 21, 2009 – The Lafayette Bar Association is pleased to announce that their 2009-2010 President, Mr. Chuck Ziegler, a sole practitioner was sworn into office with his board of directors and fellow officers by Justice Catherine D. “Kitty” Kimball at a banquet held in his honor at the Petroleum Club on November 12, 2009. Ziegler will be leading one of Louisiana’s largest local bar associations, a membership organization which represents over 925 attorneys and judges in the Lafayette area. With Ziegler’s 16 plus years in the legal profession and 30 plus years in real estate development, he has the professional experience necessary to lead the organization in an exciting phase of growth and expansion. “I am thrilled to take the helm

for the bar association,” said Ziegler. “The task ahead is to keep up the momentum and make sure we are doing everything we should for our members and the community of Lafayette.” Ziegler got his Jurisdoctorate from Tulane, and began his legal career as a solo practitioner working in the areas of personal injury and real estate defense. Ziegler and his wife Flo Ziegler have two children; sixth grader Will Ziegler, 13, and high school senior Anne Ziegler, 17.

2009-2010 LBA Officers with Justice Kimball

Billy Conery, Deborah Ziegler Hopkins, Deborah Conery, Chuck Ziegler, Will Ziegler, Flo Ziegler, and Anne Ziegler

Judges Conque and Castle with their spouses Rusti Conque and Jack Castle

OWEN GOUDELOCKE

ATTORNEY AND COUNSELOR AT LAW

MEDIATOR

MCLAUGHLIN MEDIATION (337) 310-1609 WWW.MCLAUGHLINMEDIATORS.COM

OFFICES - LAKE CHARLES - LAFAYETTE


Installation Banquet 2009 2009-2010 Board Members: President: Charles Ziegler, Attorney at Law President-Elect: Andre Doguet, Attorney at Law Secretary/Treasurer: Larry Curtis, Larry Curtis, LLC Immediate Past President: Rebekah Huggins, Glenn Armentor Law Corporation Aaron Allen, Matt & Allen Tiffany Babineaux, Durio, McGoffin, Stagg & Ackermann Nicole Breaux, Cox Fitzgerald Marianna Broussard, Hill & Beyer Ariel Campos, Acadiana Legal Service Corporation Shannon Dartez, Hurlburt, Privat & Monrose Blake David, Broussard & David Cade Evans, Jones Walker Joe Giglio, Jr., Liskow & Lewis Tony Morrow, Law Office of Tony Morrow Tricia Pierre, Attorney at Law Dona Renegar, Huval, Veazey, Felder, Aertker & Renegar Jeff Riggs, Preis & Roy Maggie Simar, Hearing Officer, 16th Judicial District Court Cynthia Simon, 15th District Attorney’s Office

2009-2010 LBA Section Chairs: Marianna Broussard, Lafayette Volunteer Lawyers Chair Nicole Breaux, Family Law Section Chair Cynthia Simon, Lafayette Young Lawyers Association Chair

Thank you to our Sponsors:

Tiffany Babineaux, Dona Renegar, and Cynthia Simon

Chuck Ziegler, Mike Skinner, and Gary McGoffin

Rebekah Huggins receives an award for her dedication to addressing Women’s Issues in the legal profession.

2009 Installation Banquet Sponsors from HOMEBANK with Sponsor Dr. David Barczyk and Chuck Ziegler


Holiday Party 2009

You want it you got it! LBA 2009 Holiday Party

How could an LBA Christmas party be complete without a visit from Santa Clause (Blake Monrose, Hulburt, Privat and Monrose), some awesome peppermint martinis, and the spreading of cheer all around? Not to worry, we had all of those things at the LBA headquarters on Wednesday, Dec 16th, 2009. The party was well attended with over 100 guests coming to enjoy some of the merriment.


Chuck Ziegler: LBA’s 2009-2010 President by Ruthie Toce

Sometimes, in getting acquainted with people, you will remember them for their unique hobbies, their successful career, or their happy family life, but seldom do you find a person who is dynamic in all three areas. Fortunately for the Lafayette Bar Association, Chuck Ziegler is one such renaissance individual. He is a devoted husband and father, a successful attorney, and an avid hobbyist. When I asked Chuck about his background, he told me that his career as an attorney was a second career and also a second phase in his life. After graduating from college in 1977, Chuck started a real estate development company, Ziegler & Associates, Ltd. He worked in development for a while, but a decade later, the “oil patch” economy here in Lafayette changed, and he decided to go back to law school. With several lawyers in his family and an interest in the law, the legal profession was a natural choice. He took law school seriously - working at it like a forty hour a week job. He continued some of his real estate work on the side while pursuing his law degree at Tulane. Prior to going to law school, he met Flo, dated for a year and half before they were married in 1992. Just a couple years later, before Chuck received his JD in 1994, they had their

daughter Anne. Four years later, his son Will came along making their already full life even more full. In his career as a lawyer, Chuck enjoys his work as a sole practitioner representing clients with personal injury cases. “I enjoy helping people out of difficult situations – resolving what can be resolved,” he explained in our interview. He went on to explain that he finds his work rewarding not only in the way he is able to interact with and help his clients, but he also finds that in comparison to other professions, the legal profession can be more stable than many other entrepreneurial endeavors. While he is able to be his own boss and schedule his own hours, he noted, “If you work hard as a lawyer, you’re going to make money. You might not make a lot of it on every case, but it’s more dependable than if you were working hard in the oil industry or even in real estate development during a difficult economy.” The stability has also been a factor in allowing him to be a devoted family man. At LBA’s parties and functions, his wife Flo, (a busy woman herself, HR Director at Stone Energy) is never far from his side, and they both open up easily to talk about school projects that Will, almost 13 is working on or how

their daughter Anne, now 17 is debating which university to attend. Chuck explained that he values his family life and takes precautions to ensure that he can get his work done and still have time for his wife and his children. “I think that putting my family first when I make my schedule is a respect factor. It lets others know that I have boundaries, and I am not going to make commitments I don’t plan on keeping with family or with work,” he said. The Ziegler family makes plenty of time for activities away from work and school. They love to ski and to take fishing trips. Chuck and Will like to go hunting, and although Will readily admits to preferring the deer hunting in Texas, his dad prefers duck hunting. But these guys don’t limit themselves to any one kind of outdoor sport, Chuck and some friends recently took on a wild hog hunting expedition. Hound dogs, pit bulls, and guns were all required to bring down the 200-400 pound beasts, and our new LBA president could not have been any more thrilled to tell me that everyone ought to try it at some point in life. Chuck is a guy who loves his family, enjoys his work, and plays just as hard as he works. After the Christmas party last week, he brought me and my husband out to the parking lot to show us his restored ’72 yellow Cutless convertible, a project among others that he has been working on for many years. (As some of you may know, an antique restoration is never a finished project.) While his tinkering hobbies and hunting stories make for some interesting conversation, his work ethic and his level of commitment are what make him a great bar leader. After getting involved with LBA at the Bench Bar in St. Francisville almost ten years ago, Chuck rotated through many of LBA’s committees and became a member of the board of directors about five years ago. He served as Secretary/Treasurer, President Elect, and will serve as President for 2010. The Lafayette Bar Association is fortunate to have such a dynamic person leading the organization into a new decade, and all of us at LBA welcome Chuck as 2010 LBA President.


LYLA President’s Message Happy Holidays to you and your families. At this time of Thanksgiving, I want to express my thanks and gratitude to all the LBA members who are constant supporters of LYLA and our programs.

We recently held our first social planned by our new social committee at Dix Daiquiris on Kaliste Saloom Rd. It was a great event. Thank you to all who were able to attend. We had a terrific turn-out and lots of fun! Kristen Menard and _____________________ were the lucky recipients of door prizes, courtesy of Brothers. Thank you also to our sponsors, Dr. Brett Venable and Anderson & Dozier!

Please be on the look out for our annual Holiday Giving Program letters, which you should be receiving shortly. This year LYLA has decided to change the beneficiaries of your gracious donations and are bringing back an old favorite. We will be using the donations to deliver Easter baskets filled with goodies, as well as necessities, to children at UMC, Faith House and the Children’s Shelter. Your donations will go a long way in helping to brighten these children’s Easter. Thank you to all who give yearly to our Holiday Giving Program and to those of you who are able to give this year! The Regional Mock Trial Competition is currently scheduled for March 6, 2010. The hypothetical case has been released, and schools are already hard at work studying the problem and working on their strategies. If you are able to assist these teams by being an

attorney-coach for either an hour, or if you are willing to donate more time to a team, please contact Ruthie and she will put you in contact with one of our mock trial committee members. As I stated previously, it’s an extremely rewarding experience that I highly recommend. I end as I began, Happy Holidays to you and your families! Hope you all have a wonderful holiday season! Until next time….

Cynthia Simon 2009-2010 LYLA President

High School Mock Trial March 6 Calling all judges and attorneys: We need volunteers of all kinds to help run this tournament. Please contact the LBA office for more information.

Birdie with the Bar April 9 Friday, April 9 at the Wetlands! It’s been rescheduled again thanks to the weather, but we’re looking forward to it! If you’d like to register a team, email [email protected]


LYLA Social at Dix

LYLA November social sponsors: Mr. Gil Dozier and Dr. Brett Venable

Judges Blanchet and Bouillion with LBA President Chuck Ziegler

Chuck and Flo Ziegler talking with Maggie Simar

The Lafayette Young Lawyers Association social at Dix Daiquiris brought together attorneys and judges for a few hours of drinks and socializing in November. Thanks to sponsors Dr. Brett Venable, Anderson & Dozier, and Brother’s on the Boulevard, this event was a success. This social was dedicated to thank all the “seasoned” members of the bar for their support of LYLA members through mentoring opportunities and their attendance at LYLA events and programs.

Lafayette Young Lawyers enjoying an after work drink.


LVL Spotlight

1. Why did you decide to volunteer your time to accept a pro bono case? I am extremely fortunate to be a part of a firm that encourages and allows us to assist members of the local community with legal problems. I have found that LVL clients are unsure about their rights and simply need a little assistance to clear up issues that have been a burden on them. Providing these individuals with access to the legal system benefits not only them, but also allows us as attorneys to demonstrate the value of our profession while providing a much needed service. 2. On average, how many hours do you spend working on a pro bono case? The number of hours vary depending on the issues involved. I primarily handle divorces, which involve consulting with the client, drafting the necessary pleadings and attending hearings (if necessary). Typically, each divorce requires five to fifteen hours, depending on the nature of the case. When community property, child custody and/or child/spousal support are at issue, obviously the time invested in a case will increase. Thanks to my assistant, Jennifer Hebert, the process is usually very efficient. 3. How does it make you feel to know you helped an underprivileged member of the community with a legal issue?

Helping someone by relieving some stress from his or her life is very satisfying. Being able to help others in the community is a rewarding experience that benefits everyone involved. 4. Why is it important for attorneys to volunteer to accept pro bono cases? We need to do all we can to demonstrate to the local community the real value of effective legal counsel. Any positive feelings we can generate about the legal profession helps to improve the public image of attorneys in general. 5. Why would you accept more cases next year? Working on LVL cases is a mutually rewarding experience. The clients receive the help they need. I benefit from the client contact and litigation experience. Each case presents unique challenges that help me grow as an attorney. 6. What advice would you give to someone considering volunteering his or her time for a pro bono case? Start out with a Protective Order or a relatively simple divorce to learn the ropes. Tammy is great to work with and will help with any issues you encounter. The experience is well worth the time invested.

Lowry’s ad

LVL Spotlight on: Will Montz, Laborde & Neuner Upcoming Events CLE By the Hour December 30: This is your last chance to get CLE hours at LBA for the 2009 year. Red Mass and Court Opening January 8: all day Welcoming all new attorneys to the area and new to the profession introducing them to other members of the bench and the bar. Mass will be held at St. John’s cathedral downtown. Events and celebration afterwards are still being planned. Champions of Justice Breakfast January 20: 7:30 am Come out and celebrate all the accomplishments and awards for the 2009 year with the Lafayette Parish Bar Foundation volunteers. Clay Shoot March 12: 11 am High School Mock Trial March 6 Calling all judges and attorneys: We need volunteers of all kinds to help run this tournament. Please contact the LBA office for more information. Birdie with the Bar Has been rescheduled for Friday, April 9, 2010 at the Wetlands golf course.

Chris Rainey & Associates A Professional Corporation

Business Valuation,

Investigative Accounting and Litigation Support Services

Chris Rainey, CPA, CFE, CVA

208 Magnate Drive (ph) 337.232.0422 Lafayette, LA 70508 (fax) 337.232.2016

www.crcpa.net


After much trial and error over the years, here are my top three guidelines for a successful mediation: 1. Have the Right People at the Table . While it’s possible to settle a case while the person holding the purse strings is a thousand miles away, it can be a challenge. This is especially true if a stand-in attends the mediation under the guise of being the person with authority. Much time is often lost in such a scenario, as the mediator

tries to figure out why progress is not being made. Mediation works because of the unique dynamic which occurs when the true parties in interest meet across the table. Consensus and creative solutions are more likely to evolve if the parties are allowed to express themselves, listen, dialogue, and adjust their views as new information and insights come to light. It helps if the ingredients for this gumbo are in the same pot. When feasible, bring the right representative to the table, and ask whatever questions are necessary to make sure you know the extent of your representative’s authority. If attendance of the proper person is not possible or practical, let the mediator know in advance. 2. Submit an Effective Pre-Mediation Statement. Skilled mediators can employ a number of approaches to facilitate settlement depending upon the needs and personalities in the case. By providing key information in advance, counsel can help the mediator be effective. The statement should include, at a minimum, a brief outline of the key factual and legal issues involved in the litigation, the main "sticking points" preventing settlement, a description your client’s

strongest and weakest points in the case, and a settlement proposal that you would be willing to make. If desired, counsel can also specify a preference for a “facilitative” or an “evaluative” mediation. Both involve restoring communication, offering settlement options, and transmitting offers back and forth. Evaluative mediation involves more structure and input from the mediator, however, often including his or her prediction of the outcome at trial. 3. Address All Remarks to the Mediator: I suspect there are training programs out there which suggest it’s a good idea for a defense attorney to speak directly to the plaintiff during the opening session of a mediation. Reasonable mediators may differ on this point, but I think this is almost always a bad idea, even when it starts out as an apology. Such a tactic puts plaintiffs on the spot, as they feel all eyes watching for their reaction. In addition, once an attorney starts speaking to the opposing party, there is always the risk that the monologue will fall into advocacy for the attorney’s own client, which simply serves to polarize the session. Addressing your remarks to the mediator is, in my view, a smarter and safer approach, and doesn’t stop you from saying, “my client is genuinely sorry for what happened to the plaintiff.”

3 RULES FOR A SUCCESSFUL MEDIATION by Mimi Methvin

By Mildred E. “Mimi” Methvin,

© 2009, President, Satori ADR, LLC. Mimi retired as a federal magistrate judge on

October 30, 2009 after twenty-six years on the bench. Contact the author at her web site at :

http://www.satoriadr.com/


LBA’s CLE By the Hour 2009 Program.

Last Day to get CLE Hours: Dec 30, 2009 8am-9am: Julie Brown White, Ethics 9:15am-10:15am: Jeff Peterson, Role of Vocational Rehab Specialist in Mediation 10:30am-11:30am: Beth Voss, ABC’s of Professionalism 12:15pm-1:15pm: Collins Rossi, Litigation under 33 USA 905 (b) 1:30pm-2:30pm: Tom O’Connor, Law Office Management 2:45pm-3:45pm: TBA, TBA 4pm-5pm: Mike Fussell, Medical Malpractice: The Basics CLE Courses are held at LBA headquarters. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early for check-in. All registrations are non-refundable. Go to www.lafayettebar.org/cle.php to download the registration form. Please fax or email back to 237-0970 Or [email protected]

Recent Events

15th JDC Judge Thomas Duplantier was given an award at the 2nd Annual Just Desserts Awards Soiree for improving the quality of education jointly with Michelle Breaux, Assistant District Attorney, 15th JDC (Juvenile Division). The ceremony awards individuals that the League of Women Voters of Lafayette find have made significant contributions which are consistent with the league’s mission and policy positions.

Judge Duplantier, Ola Prejean from the League of Women Voters of Lafayette, and Michelle Breaux

The Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, Inc. Greater Lafayette Chapter hosted it's third annual gala on Saturday, November 21, 2009 at A La Carte Restaurant in Lafayette, Louisiana. The keynote speaker was LSBA President Kim M. Boyle. The theme for the program was "The Crusade for Justice and Diversity." Ms. Boyle reflected on the Civil Rights Movement and reminded attendees of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s message regarding his vision of justice for all and the continued pursuit of diversity.

Event Sponsors: Silver : Lawrence N. Curtis, APLC, Laborde and Neuner, Louisiana State Bar Association Bronze: Phelps Dunbar, LLP Simien & Miniex, APLC Friends: Acadiana Legal Service Corporation, Goforth & Lilley, APLC, Michael Harson, District Attorney, The Onebane Law Firm, and Law Office of Harold D. Register, Jr. Officers: President, Tricia R. Pierre Secretary-Patsy Randall Oliver Treasurer-Suzanne Siner Financial Secretary, Franchesca L. Hamilton-Acker Chaplain, John W. Milton Historian-Vivica D. Pierre

1st Row: Chris T. Beaner, Franchesca L. Hamilton-Acker, Tricia R. Pierre, Jocelin M. Sias, Kim Boyle; 2nd Row: John W. Milton, Shytishia A. M. Flugence, Suzanne Siner

NOTES: In the October issue, Nicole Fontenot was mistakenly referred to as Nicole Breaux in the Bench Bar pictures. Also, Shawn A. Carter of Durio, McGoffin, Stagg & Ackermann wrote the Med Mal article featured in the October issue.


Rabalais Williams, LLC is now located at 850 Kaliste Saloom Road, Rampart Building, Suite 117 Lafayette, LA 70508. The P.O. Box remains the same: P.O. Box 54024, Lafayette, LA 70505.

Gordon, Arata, McCollam, Duplantis & Eagan, L.L.P. is pleased to announce that Kelly D. Perrier, David M. G. Ross, Lori Silverstein and Matthew R. Emmons have joined the firm’s New Orleans office as Associates. Kelly, Lori and Matthew practice Commercial Transactions and Commercial Litigation; and David practices Oil and Gas Litigation and Transactions.

Gordon, Arata, McCollam, Duplantis & Eagan, L.L.P. is also pleased to announce that Talbot M. Theunissen has joined the firm’s Lafayette office as an Associate. Talbot practices Oil and Gas Litigation and Transactions.

Jones Walker announced Dennis L. Doise will join the firm as a special counsel in the firm's Lafayette, La. office, effective January 1, 2010.

St. Joseph Diner recently accepted a donation from local law firm Preis & Roy that will help provide Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets to low income households and the elderly.

Jones Walker is pleased to announce that the firm has been named to The National Law Journal's NLJ 250, the annual list of the 250 largest law firms in the United States.

Will Keaty is now working as the law clerk for Judge Paul deMahy in the 16th JDC

Julia Autin, an associate with The Theall Firm, LLC, was recently elected secretary-treasurer of the Family Law Section of the Lafayette Parish Bar Association.

Susan Theall was elected Chair of the Family Law Section of the Louisiana State Bar Association at its annual meeting in September.

Lester Gauthier was recently elected as the Vice Chairman of the Lafayette Parish Democratic Executive Committee.

Krisit D. Husher has taken a job at the Leclere Law Firm/ Alliance Title with offices in Lafayette, Baton Rouge, Abbeville, Delcambre and Houma.

Durio, McGoffin, Stagg & Ackermann is pleased to announce that Alana E. Odom has joined the firm as an associate.

Matthew Hebert, Oil and Gas Attorney with Onebane Law Firm, and his wife, Mandi, welcomed a son, Caleb Joseph on October 29, 2009. J. Lee Alcock, Jr. joined Onebane Law Firm in its Oil and Gas Section. Onebane Law Firm just finished its Biggest Loser contest and the firm overall lost over 180 pounds! In celebration of the weight loss, Onebane Law Firm held a food drive to donate at least 180 pounds of food to local food banks. Jean-Paul P. Coussan of Andrus-Boudreaux, APLC, was elected to the 2010 Board of Directors of the REALTORR Commercial Alliance, the

"Leading Advocate of the Commercial Real Estate Industry" in Acadiana.

Pamela Lemoins would like to announce the start/opening of her practice in Lafayette: Pamela Lemoins Attorney at Law 708 South St. Antoine Street, Lafayette, LA 70501.

Babineaux, Poché, Anthony & Slavich, L.L.C. announces the relocation of its office to 1201 Camellia Boulevard, Suite Three Hundred. The Firm is on the Third Floor of the First Bank & Trust Building on Camellia Boulevard in River Ranch.

Babineaux, Poché, Anthony & Slavich, L.L.C. is pleased to announce that Angela B. Odinet is Of Counsel with the Firm. Angela will be assisting in the areas of employment and benefits litigation, business law and commercial litigation.

At Judice & Adley, Thomas Reginald Hightower, III "Trey" is now practicing with the firm, having completed clerking with Judge Haik.

Cearley Fontenot of Judice & Adley and her husband Chris welcomed their second child, Chloe Claire Fontenot on 9/28/09.

L.W. Thomas and Associates (Lisa W. Thomas) announces the hiring of Kiera Y. Thomas as an Associate. Kiera Y. Thomas is a 2009 graduate of LSU Law School. They are one of the only mother/daughter attorney teams in the area.

Galloway, Johnson, Tompkins, Burr & Smith PLC congratulates twelve of their lawyers Timothy Burr, Lisa Tanet Braham, Larry Canada, Richard Duplantier, John Galloway, Timothy Hassinger, Lambert J. Hassinger Jr., Gerald Melchiode, James Prather, Thomas Smith, Jason Waguespack, Natasha Z Wilson who were chosen for inclusion in the annual “Top Lawyers 2009” by New Orleans Magazine, November 2009.

Mrs. Diane Sorola’s mother passed away on November 30th at her home. Galloway, Johnson, Tompkins, Burr & Smith PLC congratulates Andrea Albert for being awarded 2009 Representative of the Year by Executive Women International (EWI), New Orleans Chapter. Andrea is Chapter President for ‘09-‘10.

Galloway, Johnson, Tompkins, Burr & Smith PLC congratulates

Lambert J. Hassinger Jr. for being selected to serve on the Non-Flood Protection Asset Commission and for being elected President 2010-2012 of IALDA – the International Amusement and Leisure Defense Association.

Steve Santillo, LBA member and owner of Jolie's Louisiana Bistro, reached a milestone first anniversary with the restaurant on November 18, 2009. jolieslouisianabistro.com.

Rabalais Williams has moved to: 850 Kaliste Saloom Road Ste, 117, Lafayette, LA 70508 Melissa Doise, one of the lawyers at Borne and Wilkes passed away after a 10+ year battle with breast cancer. Our profession and this world are a lot better off for having her and a lot worse off for losing her.

Jones Walker Named a "Go-To Law Firm of the Nation's Top 500 Companies" Corporate Counsel magazine has named Jones Walker a "Go-To Law Firm® of the Nation's Top 500 Companies."

The Grapevine


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