The Promulgator

The Official Newsletter of the Lafayette Bar Association

Lawyer Well Being June 2016 | Volume 36 | Issue 3

Celebrating 40 Years of litigation experience, Warren A. Perrin of Perrin, Landry, deLaunay is now accepting referrals in sports accidents, including swimming pools and trampolines.

Adjunct professor of sports law at University of Louisiana at Lafayette (1986-1996) Member, National Collegiate Weightlifting Championship team, University of Louisiana Inductee, University of Louisiana S Club Athletic Hall of Fame, 1987 Legal Publications: American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administration Manual Editor: Dr. Gerald S George Associate editor: Warren A. Perrin (337) 233-5832; perrineplddo.com

Lafayette Erath 251 La Rue France 203 S. Broadway Lafayette, LA 70508 Erath, LA 70533 (337) 233-5832 (337) 233-5832

Page 1 The Promulgator is published six times per year by the Lafayette Bar Association. The opinions Inside expressed herein do not necessarily reflect On the Cover the views of the Editorial Committee. Diversity in the Legal Profession 2607 Johnston Street, Lafayette, La 70503 337-237-4700 For this issue of The Promulgator, the Editorial Committee www.lafayettebar.org sought out Lafayette attorneys who don’t fit the typical mold.

The mission of the Lafayette Bar Credit for the cover photo of Downtown Lafayette goes to One Acadiana. Association is to serve the profession, its members and the community by promoting professional excellence, President’s Message ��3 respect for the rule of law and fellowship LVL Honor Roll ��4 among attorneys and the court. Your Honor: Judge David Blanchet ��5 Law Week ��7 Executive Director’s Message ��8 Officers Cover Story - Smile: Save the World ��9 Danielle Cromwell, President Clay Shoot/Golf Tournament ��11 Melissa L. Theriot, President-Elect LYLA President’s Message ��13 Donovan J. O’Pry, Secretary/Treasurer The Grapevine ��14 Kyle L. Gideon, Imm. Past President Classified ��14 Concealed Carry CLE ��14 Off the Beaten Path: Judge Mimi Methvin ��15 Board of Directors Family Law Section President’s Message ��17 Jeffrey Coreil Cliff LaCour Why I Bench Bar? ��19 Shannon Dartez Daniel Landry 100% Club ��19 Margo Dugas Steve Lanza Glenn Edwards Lindsay Meador The Bar Side ��21 Paul Gibson Joe Olkers Thomas Hightower Patsy Randall Karen King Maggie Simar Upcoming Events Greg Koury Bill Stagg - The Lafayette Young Lawyers’ Watch your email for the LBA weekly Summer Social will be held at Tim & mailers to make sure you don’t miss out on Tia’s on July 21. any information you may need! Editorial Committee Extended versions of some stories and more Stuart Breaux, Editor - The LVL Bowling Tournament will pictures can be found in the online edition Jasmine Bertrand Robert D. Felder be held on August 5 at Lafayette Lanes. of The Promulgator on the LBA website. Hallie Coreil Dwazendra Smith - The Hall of Fame celebration will be www.lafayettebar.org on September 8. Staff - This year’s Bench Bar is scheduled Josette Gossen Abshire, Executive Director Claire Prejean, LVL Coordinator for October 6-8 at Le Meridien in New Cyd Cherrie-Anderson, Event Coordinator Orleans. Brian Bourgeois, Marketing Coordinator

Page 2 President’s Message Danielle Cromwell, LBA President

Statistically, being a lawyer is hazardous to your health. Members of the legal profession have some of the highest rates of drug and alcohol abuse, addictive behaviors, coronary disease, stress, anxiety, and depression. In fact, a Johns Hopkins University study examined more than 100 occupations for anxiety-related issues and found that lawyers suffer from depression at a rate 3.6 times that of the other professions studied. of a robe clad man on a mountain top chanting Om. But as Mimi Lawyers are among the most politically and economically powerful Methvin shared with us during her Running in Heels presentation, people on the planet. In terms of influence, affluence, and prestige, meditation can happen anywhere and can be as simple as paying we surpass most other occupational groups. So why are we so attention to your breathing. The basic idea is to simply be in the unhappy? moment; to find joy or pleasure in even the most ordinary daily task. According to Terry Harrell, chair of the ABA’s Commission Many studies point out the usual laundry list of common sources: on Lawyer Assistance Programs, “meditation and mindfulness are long (dehumanizing) hours, constant deadlines, competition for not just good for us the way things like fish oil are. They actually clients, the ever-present adversarial nature of our work, others affect the quality of legal work. A mindfulness practice makes us (senior partners, judges, and juries) constantly passing judgment on better decision-makers, better ethical decision-makers. And that our work product and performance, managing client expectations, translates into better lawyering.” the dreaded billable hour, and so forth. Other studies suggest that lawyers are simply a different breed and it is our collective So as we head into the summer months I challenge all of us to personality that drives us to burn-out. make a conscious effort to focus on wellbeing. Spend more time with your family. Take up that hobby you have always dreamed Two character traits—perfectionism and pessimism—are about or left behind. Exercise and make healthier choices. Maybe prevalent among lawyers and may make us more prone to anxiety. even attend a meditation class. We can make positive changes to Perfectionism helps lawyers succeed in practice because the improve our wellbeing. profession is excessively detail-oriented. But as with anything in life, when taken to the extreme, perfectionism can snowball into If you or someone you know has a problem with addiction, anxiety unrealistic expectations and feelings that nothing is ever good or depression, please contact the Judges and Lawyers Assistance enough. In the Johns Hopkins study, optimism outperformed Program (JLAP) confidentially at (866) 354-9334 for help. pessimism in every profession—except in the legal profession, because lawyers are hired to always look out for what can go wrong. We are paid worriers, anticipating threats and guarding against those that might arise. THERESA DE BÊCHE THERESA DE BÊCHE & ASSOCIATES & ASSOCIATES It’s not all bad news. Many of those same studies conclude we can incorporate healthy coping mechanisms proven to reduce anxiety and depression among lawyers. While we all have our preferred Theresa de Bêche, RN, MN, CLNC Theresa de Bêche, RN, MN, CLNC method of relaxation and down-time, one of the most effective tools Legal Nurse Consultant Legal Nurse Consultant Phone: 850-934-0296 Phone: 850-934-0296 to reduce stress and improve wellbeing is meditation. Many of you 1390 Players Club Court Cell: 337-781-0335 1390 Players Club Court Cell: 337-781-0335 are no doubt shaking your head at this and conjuring up images Gulf Breeze, FL 32563 [email protected] Gulf Breeze, FL 32563 [email protected]

Page 3

THERESA DE BÊCHE THERESA DE BÊCHE & ASSOCIATES & ASSOCIATES

Theresa de Bêche, RN, MN, CLNC Theresa de Bêche, RN, MN, CLNC Legal Nurse Consultant Legal Nurse Consultant Phone: 850-934-0296 Phone: 850-934-0296 1390 Players Club Court Cell: 337-781-0335 1390 Players Club Court Cell: 337-781-0335 Gulf Breeze, FL 32563 [email protected] Gulf Breeze, FL 32563 [email protected] Lafayette mediation and Volunteer Lawyers arbitration of Honor Roll complex disputes the following attorneys have accepted one or more lvl cases in the past two months Ross Foote Phelps Gay Graham Arnold NeunerPate Carolyn Cole NeunerPate Thomas Hayes, III Mike McKay Pat Ottinger Dean Doherty The Law Office of Dean A. Doherty Taylor Fontenot Attorney at Law Mike Patterson Marta-Ann Schnabel Trey Hightower The Patterson Resolution Group offers dispute resolution Thomas R. Hightower, Jr., APLC services in complex cases to businesses and individuals across Louisiana and the Gulf South. Group members include five former presidents of Craig Little the Louisiana State Bar Association and a retired district court judge. Little & Bousquet Law Firm, LLC The members have substantive experience in disputes in areas such as: Corporate and Business Banking Commercial Real Estate Employment Oil and Gas Insurance Seth Mansfield Maritime Healthcare NeunerPate Construction Professional Liability Products Liability Governmental Justin Mueller Contact Mike Patterson at 866-367-8620. Or visit the group’s website at www.pattersonresolution.com Attorney at Law for more information and the article, “Getting Your Client and Dyan Schnaars Yourself Ready for Mediation.” Galloway & Jefcoat BATON ROUGE • NEW ORLEANS • LAFAYETTE • SHREVEPORT • MONROE Page 4 Your Honor Judge David Blanchet By Stuart Breaux

Judge David A. Blanchet is an eight generation Lafayette Parish native. He graduated from Lafayette High School and thereafter attended the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now UL), from which institution he graduated with distinction. He obtained his Juris Doctor from the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center.

In 1995, he became a Board Certified Family Law Specialist. Judge Blanchet has served as a member of the Board of Directors of became board certified, my family law practice really intensified. the Family Law Section of the Louisiana State Bar Association, There were probably only three or four board certified family law the Board of Directors of the Lafayette Bar Association, and as practitioners in Lafayette at that time. In 1997, I entered into a President and Vice President of the Paula K. Woodruff Family Law partnership with George Knox. He and I were partners until 2002 Section. He also served as Chairman of the Family Law Section’s when I was elected to the bench. Judiciary Committee, which wrote and proposed amendments to the Local Court Rules of the Fifteenth Judicial District that Did you always know that you might want to run for judge? implemented Family Court in 1999. He was elected District Judge of the Fifteenth Judicial District Court, Division “H,” in 2002, and It was in the back of my mind, but I never thought that there would serves as one of two dedicated Family Court judges. be much of an opportunity because I did not practice criminal law. Criminal law is a big part of what district judges do, so it didn’t Judge Blanchet has been married for thirty-three years. He and his seem like much of a possibility. wife are proud parents of a twenty-eight-year-old daughter, who is currently working toward her second master’s degree. Things changed when the family law lawyers organized and formed the Family Law Section of the Bar Association. We were fed up Tell us a little about your life prior to taking the bench. with the way family law matters were handled in the District. You would go to a rule day and the judge would take up family law I graduated from UL in Political Science with a minor in English. I matters last. Child custody is supposed to be treated preferentially, graduated a semester early in the fall of ‘76. Between the time that but it was not. The defense lawyers would get up, and the plaintiff’s I graduated and the time that I started law school, I worked in the lawyers, they would do their summary judgments and their Clerk of Court’s office with Dan Guillot. That was a lot of fun. He discovery motions, and maybe by 1:00 the court take up the family was a very charming man, and kind of an old style politician in the law cases. It was impossible to get a trial date. If you wanted a trial way that he interacted with the public. Then I went to LSU Law date, even for a custody case, it took six months. We didn’t think School. I graduated from LSU in 1980 and started out working with our cases were being addressed appropriately, and we thought that Dennis Vidrine. I worked for him for four years and then I went a dedicated Family Court was the way to go. So we started the out on my own. I had a general practice back then. Of course, the Family Law Section, which still exists today. bottom dropped out of everything in the mid-1980s and things got really tough in Lafayette. But I still did a lot of corporate stuff for We really gained traction with Judge Keaty’s election. She ran on both my family and my in-laws, who had different businesses. And a platform that Family Court would be good for the District, and I did a certain amount of family law work. Judge Cox agreed to work with her toward that end. I was head of the Rules Committee to write the rules to create and implement I guess in 1994 or 1995, when they first offered the board Family Court. We had many of committee members – lots of people certification for family law, I sat for the exam and passed. Once I wrote different sections of the rules – and then we pulled them

Page 5 together and synthesized them. In September of 1999, the judges clearly set forth under 9:315. It’s very difficult to modify an existing adopted the rules. Judge Keaty and Judge Cox both agreed to be support order if you haven’t met the specific proof requirements of Family Court judges. That was and remains voluntary. Divisions H 9:315. Among attorneys who don’t practice much family law there’s and M, the Divisions in which they served, are only Family Court a belief that family law is easy. But like I tell people, if you’ve ever divisions by agreement. But everyone who has run for those seats looked at the Louisiana Family Law Handbook, there’s not a lot has campaigned as a Family Court judge. I think it’s pretty well of fluff. It’s all statutes. And there’s a whole whole lot of them. So entrenched in the public’s mind now. family law is not that simple of a body of law anymore.

After all of that came about, Judge Cox decided to retire. Nobody What are your hobbies and pastimes? What do you do when was more surprised than me. I decided to run when he announced you’re not presiding on the bench or poring over briefs? his retirement. I spend a lot of time with my family. I have five siblings here in Who has most influenced your career? town, and my wife has two sisters. There are lots of nieces and nephews. So we get together as a family a lot. One of my dad’s closest friends, Pete Rush, was an attorney. He was always a very interesting person – very intelligent and a good I like to travel. My wife and I are trying to do a lot more of that. arguer. It was fun to watch him argue with everybody. He loved to We’ve determined that you have to travel while you can do it argue with everybody – including my mother, who loved to argue effectively – when you’re still on the younger side. So that’s what back. I really admired him and that’s what got me thinking about we’ve done of late. We went to Paris for our thirtieth wedding going into the law. anniversary. This year we’re going to go to Italy.

I also really admired Judge Aaron and Judge Babineaux – their And I do a little bit of hunting. Not as much in the past couple of demeanor, the way they handled themselves, their intelligence. years. I did more hunting when my dad was alive. Since he passed Those are two of the judges that I appeared in front of early on who away I haven’t done it as much. I guess maybe it isn’t quite the same. really got me thinking about running for judge myself. For all of the young lawyers who might be reading this interview, What are the common mistakes that lawyers make when they what would be your advice for them for a successful career? appear before you? I think a successful lawyer must have a good work ethic. You I think that there are a lot of rudimentary things that people don’t don’t have to be a genius; you have to be prepared. You have to think about. One of my pet peeves is when lawyers come in and think through your presentation and you have to understand they start introducing documents, but they don’t have a copy for your burdens of proof - in family law especially. Practicing law me and they don’t have a copy for opposing counsel. It is so much successfully takes a lot of time. I think that if you put in the work easier for me to have my own copy – to be able to write my own you will reap the rewards. notations on it. What lawyers have to understand is that when I don’t have my own copy I am feverishly trying to take notes, but I also think that in the context of practicing law, your name and there’s no way I can catch everything. So they are hurting their own your reputation are extremely important. If you tarnish your presentation by not taking that simple preparatory step. name and reputation, then things happen differently when your paperwork comes across my desk – I’m going to look at it much Another thing is that lawyers don’t prepare their witnesses or their more closely. It makes a difference to a judge when your paperwork clients on how to conduct themselves on the stand. Family law is comes across the desk. emotional. There are many times when a witness tries to argue an objection. It is a very simple explanation to say, ‘when you’re on the Finally, I think a lot of people have a misconception that once you stand, answer the question that’s asked, don’t volunteer anything, become a professional it stops there and the money rolls in. That’s and if there’s an objection be quiet until the judge tells you what to not the way it works. You’ve got to put in the work, and you’ve do next.’ But that doesn’t happen. And if I have to tell a witness to got to develop yourself. As a young lawyer you need to challenge be quiet, then they feel like I’m mad at them. That’s not true. It’s the yourself. I think one of the best things that I ever did was to start lawyers fault. But they get that feeling. giving talks, seminars – that type of thing. That requires many hours of preparation, but it will challenge you as a lawyer and force The other thing that creeps in at times is that people think family law you to learn a lot about a body of law. If you do a good job, it will is simple. This is especially true with attorneys who dabble in family also make you look like an expert in the eyes of your peers. That’s law, but don’t really know their proof requirements. I can recall a something I did and still do. It also helps me to keep current with a child support case where the attorney didn’t introduce anything. body of law that I deal with every day. I watch the cases that come In child support cases, the evidence you need to introduce is very out of the Third Circuit and the Supreme Court, and I think that’s required. Page 6 Executive Director’s Message DeRouen last fall with the Outstanding Service to the Bar Award for her many years of dedication to Lafayette Volunteer Lawyers and commitment to the cause of access to justice. In her memory, By: Josette Abshire that award has been designated as the Tammy DeRouen Service to the Bar Award and will be given to a non-attorney who has given significant time, energy and effort to advancing the cause of access to justice in our area through Lafayette Volunteer Lawyers. In Memoriam – Tammy DeRouen Tammy was fiercely loyal and would do anything for anyone who “For death is no more than a turning of us over from time to was important to her, be it family, friend, LBA member or LVL eternity.” -- William Penn client. She was a person of deep and unwavering faith and took solace in knowing that she would someday be reunited with her The Lafayette legal community lost one of its own on Friday, husband Kendal who preceded her in death by only 16 months. We April 22, 2016 when Tammy DeRouen passed away following a know that she will be remembered fondly by not only her family, courageous battle against cancer. Tammy joined the Lafayette Bar but also by the Lafayette legal community that she helped for so staff in 2005 and I’ve always been proud to say that I was the one many years. who plucked her resume from the stack and made that first phone call. I happily reported to Susan Holiday that I’d gotten a good feeling from her and recommended that we bring her in for an interview. Within a year, she had been promoted from receptionist to LVL coordinator and over the next twelve years, Tammy grew to be a pillar of the Lafayette Bar staff and one of its longest serving employees. She became like a second mother to more than one young lawyer and often served as a sounding board and confidant to many of them.

The Lafayette Bar Foundation honored Tammy DelaHoussaye Kyle Gideon, Tammy DeRouen and Miles Matt

Page 7 2016 Law Week

The 2016 Law Week was a busy one for the Lafayette Bar. It started out to Rhythms on the River. Thanks to The Law Offices of Bart out with a May 2 general membership meeting at Abacus, which Bernard and McNabb Rehabilitation Services for sponsoring the was paired with a CLE presented by LSU Law Professor Paul Baier. event. Rounding out the week on May 6 was the Running in Heels He received a warm welcome from several LBA members who were CLE. Many of the LBA’s female members attended this seminar former students of his, and he signed copies of his book entitled to hear speakers such as Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Jeanette Speeches after the presentation. Theriot Knoll, Dr. Michelle Carr, Dr. Mary Farmer-Kaiser, Marcelle Fontenot, Valerie Gotch Garrett, Franchesca Hamilton-Acker, The next event was the May 5 Last Appointment Social, which Mimi Methvin, Sharon Moss and Cynthia Simon Spadoni. was held at Bart Bernard’s office. LBA members enjoyed food and drinks at this Cinco de Mayo themed fiesta before heading

Panelists (L to R) Cynthia Simon Spadoni, Valerie Gotch Garrett and Justice Jeannette Theriot Knoll moderated by Danielle Cromwell answer questions about best practices for female attorneys.

Professor Baier signing a copy of his book for LBA President Danielle Cromwell

Dr. Kenneth Bouillion, Judge Frances Bouillion and Steve Lanza at the Last Appointment Social on May 5.

DISABILITY LAW IS ALL WE DO. Social Security Disability - Veterans Beneﬁts

Social Security Disability Supplemental Security Income Veteran Beneﬁts (VA Accredited)

NO FEE OR COSTS UNLESS YOU RECOVER Matthew Lane (U.S. Army 1989-1994) / Lafayette, LA 70501 / (337) 289-5352 / (800) 451-0300 www.MatthewLaneLaw.com Page 8 Photo Credit: One Acadiana Smile: Save the World Benefits of Lawyer Well-Being and Tips for Achieving It By: Hallie P. Coreil

Lawyers are members of what is perhaps the unhappiest of all and to our communities, government, economy and society. The professions. Well-documented research shows that lawyers stakes are too high for inaction.” Logically, then, if the side-effects suffer from higher rates of substance abuse, depression, suicide, of lawyer-itis can be ameliorated, or even cured altogether, the law and overall poor health than most other professions. In fact, a improves, and, with it, all of civilization. study by the American Bar Association in conjunction with the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation released in February 2016 found So how can we improve lawyer well-being? The following is a one in three practicing lawyers is a “problem drinker,” defined as compilation of suggestions to increase daily happiness and overall “hazardous, harmful and potentially alcohol-dependent drinking.” better lawyer health: This problem was especially prevalent among young lawyers. The ABA study also revealed that 28% of lawyers suffer from some level 1. The Usual—Eat Right, Exercise, and Sleep: You don’t need of depression, and that 11.5% of participants in the study reported another lawyer to tell you there are many benefits of a healthy suicidal thoughts at some point in their careers. lifestyle, including better immunity against illness and disease and increased energy, among many others. Healthy living can While most lawyers share a set of common traits, such as goal- also improve your mood. The Mayo Clinic has found that physical orientation, hyper-skepticism, and logic-obsession, some theories activity stimulates brain chemicals which trigger happiness and suggest these unique qualities, which may enhance our legal success, relaxation. Similarly, the American Council on Exercise has may also be the root of those frightening statistics. Psychoanalysts found that exercise decreases stress and allows you to think better. have further recognized lawyers are also inherently saturnine— Moreover, a healthy diet and exercise can enhance your physical like the planet, characterized as gloomy, somber, melancholy, and attributes, making you more satisfied with your appearance, resistant to change. This begs the proverbial question: “What came boosting confidence and self-esteem. first?” Are lawyers unhappy because they’re lawyers? Or do lawyers become lawyers because they’re unhappy people? The answer 2. Meditate: As Judge Methvin (ret.) states in her Off the Beaten doesn’t matter, but finding a solution to the underlying problem of Path interview, meditation has proven to be a powerful tool against lawyer-unhappiness does. typical lawyer-ailments, such as stress and fatigue. Studies have shown that meditation increases brain signaling in the left part Many lawyers may have dismissed the reality of daily displeasure and of the brain responsible for positive emotions, while decreasing dissatisfaction as simply part of job, but considering that lawyers are activity on the right side, which is responsible for negative emotions. critical to the creation and effective implementation of the law, and The best part about meditation: it’s easy! All you need is a few quiet therefore civilized society, shouldn’t we emphasize the importance moments, though the internet offers a multitude of resources to of lawyer well-being? The architect of the ABA-Hazelden study, help you get started. The Mindful Lawyer (www.themindfullawyer. attorney and clinician Patrick Krill, echoed this belief: “Attorney com) is an excellent example. The ABA also publishes frequent impairment poses risks to the struggling individuals themselves articles on lawyer mindfulness and incorporating meditation into Page 9 your legal practice. (The Benefits of Mindfulness for Litigators, treats or a casual dress Monday may go a long way to promote Jan L. Jacobowitz, American Bar Association—The Journal of the comradery within the office and job satisfaction, creating more Section of Litigation, Spring 2013, Vo. 39, No. 2). productive employees, less turn-over, and a better place for all to be. 3. Go outside! A new study by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Brigham and Women’s Hospital found that 7. Give Back: Studies have shown that those who volunteer their living in or near green areas can actually increase your chances time and make charitable donations have an overall better sense of living longer. In fact, 30% of the improved health associated of well-being, thanks in part to the social connections created with living near nature was attributed to improved mental health when one volunteers. One caveat: the studies also show the acts of (measured through rates of depression). Another study published volunteering and donating should be done for the right reasons— by the Proceeding of the National Academy of Science found a to help others (not just to improve oneself) in order to attain the 90-minute walk through nature can positively affect your brain. maximum benefit. Further, experts believe that breathing in antimicrobial compounds found in the essential oils of trees can help you relax, improve 8. Smile: Researchers have linked the physical act of smiling to stress management, and decrease anxiety, depression, anger, and improved mood. This doesn’t mean you should start browsing psychosocial-stress related diseases. the internet for funny memes. According to the “facial-feedback hypothesis,” even fake smiling can trigger positive emotions. The 4. Play: The study of the positive effects of play in both children and opposite also seems to be true: suppressing a smile can conjure adults is somewhat of an emerging field, but the experts agree play negative emotions. If you fear a clown-like expression will scare is beneficial to people of all ages as a way to relieve stress, boost your staff and co-workers, close the door. Then again, maybe your creativity, and enhance productivity. Playing can trigger the release contorted face will make them smile. (See No. 6 above.). of endorphins in the body, which promotes an overall sense of wellbeing. Next time you take the kids to the park, swing with them or Maybe a smile won’t cure world hunger or stop hurricanes and play hide-and-go seek in the tunnels. Play fetch with the dog, or earthquakes, but it could be the start to changing the outlook for do a jigsaw puzzle. Not only will it take your mind off that stack of our noble profession and, with it, the law, government, and all of medical records waiting for your review, but it just might help you humanity. After all, (to borrow an old adage) if you shoot for the finish that appellate brief with the perfectly profound conclusion moon, and you fail, at least you will land among the stars. Just be that previously escaped you. sure to steer clear of Saturn.

5. Create a Happier Work Space: We spend so much of our time in our office (or cubicle, or desk), why not expend the effort to make it more inviting, or at least more tolerable? Consider these ideas: • Incorporate Color: Color Psychology (the study of how color affects our psyche) suggests yellow or orange to evoke happiness and optimism and blue for calmness and serenity. Paint your office light blue or paint a wall or a chair light yellow for happier sitting.

• Utilize Natural Light: Studies show natural light (the real stuff shining through the window) improves productivity and overall mood. Add mirrors to your office to enhance natural light and consider changing light bulbs to more closely mimic natural lighting.

• Adorn Your Office: Bring the outside in. Get a plant, preferably a drought-resistant variety, especially if you lack a certain green thumb. (See above on the benefits of nature.) Also, display pictures and other mementos of the things you love to remind you there is life beyond the four walls of your office.

6. Create a Happier Work Environment: Go out of your way to treat your staff with respect and ensure their happiness. Studies show legal assistants suffer from the same vices which ail attorneys, depression, substance abuse, and the like, with none of the benefits (prestige, compensation, etc.). Occasional unexpected ice cream Page 10 Shoot for Justice and Birdie with the Bar

The annual Shoot for Justice sporting clay tournament organized Corporation, offers individuals help with cases such as divorce, by the Lafayette Young Lawyers Association was held at G.O.L. custody, bankruptcy and SSI. Additionally, a homeless person Shooting on Friday, April 1, 2016 to benefit the Lafayette Parish can call on the members of Lafayette’s legal community for Bar Foundation. The Birdie with the Bar golf tournament was held help obtaining his or her birth certificate through the Homeless on Friday, May 20 at The Wetlands golf course. Experience Legal Protection (H.E.L.P.) program located at the Acadiana Outreach center. Attorneys and judges came out with their clients, friends and family to compete in both of these tournaments. While both events had Sponsors for the clay shoot included: Barczyk Chiropractic Group, entirely different weather conditions, with the shooters braving the Brian Beduze of MassMutual Financial Group, Enterprise Data rain and golfers enjoying sunshine, they were both raising money Concepts, Thomas R. Hightower Jr., APLC and Thomson Reuters. for charities championed by the Lafayette Parish Bar Foundation. Money raised will help cover the costs of filing, administrating, and Sponsors for this year’s golf tournament include: Acadiana processing of cases associated with the foundation’s major programs Bottling, Anderson, Dozier, Blanda & Saltzman Personal Injury including: Homeless Experience Legal Protection (H.E.L.P.) and Law, Chicken Salad Chick, Clark Chiropractic, Crescent Crown Lafayette Volunteer Lawyers program. Distributing, Enterprise Data Concepts, Hebert Family Dentistry, Lingua Translators and Interpreters, Marley’s Sports Bar, River With the funds raised at events like these, the Lafayette Volunteer Oaks Catering and Tyson Cromwell of Northwestern Mutual. Lawyer program, together with Acadiana Legal Services

Piece by piece. Fact by fact. Getting to the Big Picture. Rimkus has the forensic engineers and experts to piece together the cause of complex incidents and point the way to recovery.

• Drilling Accidents • Chemical Spills • Well Blowouts • Economic Damages • Pipeline Explosions • Construction Disputes • Fracking Claims • 3D Forensic Animation

www.rimkus.com 800-580-3228

Page 11 Johnny Barron competing in the LBA Shoot for Justice.

Adam Credeur, Parker Mitchell, Christian Landry, Philip DeBaillon and friends having fun with the photo op at the golf tournament.

Trey Hightower teeing off at the golf tournament

Young Lawyer President Dwazendra Smith, Jacob Hargett, Kyle Gideon and Cory Trahan at the clay shoot.

Emily Tate shooting over the water at the Shoot for Justice.

Another Broken Egg was just one of many vendors giving out delicious food and beverages at the golf tournament

Philip Boudreaux, Tyler Hebert, Tate Faulk and Ryan Thomson on the green at the golf tournament. Jacob Hargett shooting in the flurries competition during the clay shoot.

Page 12 Lafayette Young Lawyers Association Dwazendra Smith, President

The 2015 – 2016 year is quickly winding down. We have had a very eventful year. Our Shoot for Justice event, Law Week and Spring Social all went well. The Birdie with the Bar Golf Tournament, Wills for Heroes and our Summer Social are all on the horizon. Our annual Shoot for Justice event was held on April 1, 2016 and well-attended. We successfully increased funding for the Lafayette Volunteer Lawyers (LVL) Protective Order Panel. Thanks to everyone who participated in the event and many thanks to Jacob Hargett, Graham Arnold and Jude David for ensuring that the event was successful. Our Summer Social will be held at Tim & Tia’s in River Ranch on July 21, 2016 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. We cannot wait to meet all Law Week went as planned. Students from Northside High School of the summer clerks and socialize with them. were taken on a field trip to the Capitol in honor of Law Day. Additionally, criminal attorneys spoke with several high school We look forward to seeing everyone at our upcoming events. students regarding the 50th anniversary of Miranda v. Arizona and their rights per Miranda. Special thanks to Britney Hebert, Jason Weaver, Lesley Beam and Steven Bucher for organizing the Law Week events.

Our Spring Social was held on April 20, 2016 and was arguably one of the best socials this year. We truly enjoyed partnering up with the St. Landry Parish Bar Association and the Acadia Parish Bar Association. Pop’s Poboys was the perfect location and we kicked off Festival International with a bang. Special thanks to Will Kellner for organizing the event and to Kathleen Ryan and Will Casanova for bridging the gap between LYLA, the St. Landry Parish Bar Association and the Acadia Parish Bar Association. We sincerely appreciate all of our sponsors: Church Point Wholesale Grocery, Liskow and Lewis, Morrow, Morrow, Ryan & Bassett and Singleton, Kellner, Bolding, Avant & Albarado.

Our Birdie with the Bar Golf Tournament was held on May 20, 2016 at The Wetlands at 1:00 p.m. It was a fun-filled day of golfing and raised a large amount of proceeds to aid in providing legal services and representation to the less fortunate in our community. Thanks to Jason Matt, Philip Boudreaux and Tad Hightower for all of their hard work in organizing this event.

Our Wills for Heroes program was held at the LBA Headquarters on May 28, 2016. Young lawyers prepared wills and other estate planning documents to help those who help us. Special thanks to Stuart Breaux for organizing this event. Page 13 The Grapevine Concealed Carry CLE

Gordon McKernan would like to announce that Tracy Curtis has On Saturday, May 21, the Lafayette Bar Association hosted a CLE joined the firm. focused on handgun safety and training. The day of learning was geared towards beginners and experienced shooters alike. The Tuten Title would like to announce that Margo Dugas has been tactical portion of the class included step-by-step procedures for named as a partner. safe gun handling, successful target acquisition and an opportunity to learn and practice several tactics for shooting from concealment. Andrus Boudreaux would like to announce that Chris Afeman has joined the firm. The LBA would like to thank everyone involved in making this event happen, including First Assisstant District Attorney Daniel Briney Foret Corry, LLP is pleased to announce that Scott M. Landry, NRA Instructor Caleb Morse, Alan Haney, Tommy Richard has joined the firm as an associate. Guilbeau and Richard Petre. Classified

Located at 208 Heymann Blvd. in the heart of Lafayette’s Oil Center, LBA President-Elect Missy Theriot close proximity to the Petroleum Club, LGMC and the Post Office, receiving firing instruction during this suite offers a reception area, conference room, and four offices the CLE. totaling 1,404 sq.ft. Call 337-233-0300 to inquire. Photo by: Danny Landry

Page 14 Off the Beaten Path An interview with: Judge Mimi Methvin

Mildred “Mimi” Methvin is a retired U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Western District of Louisiana (Lafayette). She left the bench in 2009 to launch her private mediation and consulting firm, Satori Alternative Dispute Resolution, LLC. But her practice has encompassed far more than the traditional legal career.

1. You are a retired U.S. Magistrate Judge and have held numerous roles of distinction throughout your impressive legal career. Do you engage in other, non-legal practices? My interest in yoga goes back several decades, but I didn’t have a dedicated practice until 2002. Many people will tell you that Thank you for those kind words. Martial arts, kickboxing, yoga you start doing yoga for the physical benefits – balance, strength, and meditation have been things I’ve studied and pursued over the flexibility – but you stay with it because of the mental benefits. years. Each has had a strong, positive impact on my life and my That was true for me. I completed a 200-hour yoga teacher training approach to my work. course in the spring of 2009, and have been teaching ever since. I taught an Ashtanga (power yoga) class at Lafayette Center for Yoga 2. What led you to pursue these interests? from 2009 to 2012, and since 2011, I’ve been teaching a yin yoga meditation class at City Club. Like millions of families in the 90’s, we were drawn into martial arts by the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. My older son started 3. Have you found these practices advantageous to your legal lessons at Acadiana Karate in 1995 when he was six, and my practice? How so? younger son and I started soon after. I had studied karate the summer I was 15, and had enjoyed it. Eventually, we all earned our We all perform better when we are calm, confident, creative, and black belts. I got my first degree in 1999 and my second degree in able to pay attention. This is especially true of lawyers, who operate 2004. My sons and I competed in a lot of karate tournaments across in a highly competitive, demanding, and stressful world. Studies Texas and Louisiana, and they did very well. My biggest thrill was show that lawyers are two to three times more likely to become winning first place in creative forms in my division, and third place depressed or chemically dependent than people in other lines of in creative weapons, at the Sport Karate Amateur International work. tournament in Colorado Springs in 1997. I’ve found that I do best when I have a regular aerobic workout In 1999, I became a certified kickboxing instructor and started like spinning, kickboxing or swimming, and a regular yoga teaching at the karate studio. Then I got the idea to see if anyone and meditation practice. The meditation is especially good for was interested in free classes at the federal building – it would be a managing the stress and upheaval that comes with the practice of way to make myself get up from my desk at least twice a week for law. And I’ve found you don’t have to take 20 or 30 minutes – most a good workout. There was an enthusiastic response, so we started of us don’t have that anyway. Just taking a mental break for three or meeting at noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays in my jury room. The four long, deep, centering breaths helps. classes went on for ten years, up until my retirement in 2009. We added yoga to the class around 2003. It was a blast, and I still miss 4. What advice would you give practicing attorneys who find it to this day. themselves victims of overwhelming stress, fatigue, and the like?

Page 15 Learn how to meditate. It’s simple to learn the technique, and studies What I’ve learned from my study and from my own meditation show it has powerful, positive effects on the brain, the nervous practice is that the best thing to do to alleviate stress, anxiety, and system, and on gene expression. Your brain literally changes its psychological suffering, is to embrace it. It’s the opposite of what own architecture when you engage in meditation – what’s called we usually do, which is to run away, distract ourselves, or self- neuroplasticity. medicate. And we all know the limitations and sometimes the terrible price that comes with this approach. There are many misconceptions about meditation – that it’s related to religion, mysticism, or that it’s about thinking or contemplating. The power of meditation is that you can dissipate stress and It’s none of those things. Quite simply, meditation is learning how negative thinking by turning and facing it openly and without to place awareness lightly on something like the breath, a candle, trying to escape. The yogis teach that we should sit still, breathe, and/or a mantra, and then noticing thoughts and emotions as they and allow the energy of the thoughts and emotions to arise while arise, without judgment, and letting them go. Since the brain is paying attention to the story lines that come up – and releasing always generating thoughts, or fragments of thoughts (what yogis them. call “monkey mind”), meditation is simply learning to gently take charge of the mind when it becomes distracted, and placing it gently The great Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh said that the best back on the chosen object of your attention. Studies show that way to address mental suffering is to recognize it and embrace it neurons that fire together wire together, so interrupting habitual tenderly. He wrote, “Your anxiety is your baby. You have to take patterns of thinking literally changes how your brain is wired. care of it. You have to go back to yourself, recognize the suffering in Learning to accept bad and good thoughts with equal equanimity you, embrace the suffering, and you get relief. And if you continue and equal non-attachment is deeply transforming. with your practice of mindfulness, you understand the roots, the nature of the suffering, and you know the way to transform it.” 5. Are there any simple things we can do to help alleviate the mental burdens inherent in the practice of law?

Page 16 Family Law Section GREG KOURY, PRESIDENT

We have now successfully completed more than half of our 2016 Family Law Section calendar. If you have not joined us yet, then you have already missed much great fellowship, delicious food, and insightful presentations, Recent presentations include a presentation by Steven that is a tribute to her tenacity. I am nearly certain that she would Ramos regarding military divorce and Joshua Guillory regarding speak with my legal assistant to determine if my calendar was open the constitutional implications of the recent LASC decision in before pinning me down to take a case. I am also convinced that Hodges v. Hodges. And for the FLS, May was not just a time for Tammy probably could have represented those persons as well mothers and margaritas. FLS members enjoyed a great time at our as any of us. Although I could go on and on, I will just leave it with annual crawfish boil, held once again at the beautiful home of Paula the indisputable fact that she profoundly and positively affected the and Dr. Tom Bertuccini. We are now entering our summer break lives of many. Tammy is gone too soon, in what should have been period, but we have already scheduled an exiting CLE opportunity the prime of her life. I believe I can speak for all of us when I say, for August 8th, when Mr. Joe Giglio, Jr. of Liskow & Lewis will “we will miss you, Tammy.” educate us on mediations and special masters. Our remaining schedule for 2016 is listed below. All section Yet, as we enjoy another successful year, we would be remiss if meetings, executive committee meetings and CLE programs we did not acknowledge the great loss of our dear friend, Tammy will be held at the LBA building at 2607 Johnston St. The section Derouen. Tammy faithfully served the LBA for many years, meetings begin at 11:30 A.M. with lunch and primarily coordinating the Lafayette Volunteer Lawyers program, a brief discussion of FLS business, and the CLE follows at noon. in which role she tirelessly place thousands of cases for the Executive Committee Meetings begin at 5 p.m., and all members financially impaired in are welcome to attend. We hope that you will join us going forward. our community. And when I tell you that she was hard to refuse,

THOMAS E. GUILBEAU

AV Rated CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY

“My experience is your client’s best protection.”

NOW ACCEPTING REFERRALS in ALL FELONIES, SEXUAL ASSAULT

& HOMICIDE CASES

Sexual Battery Indecent Behavior with Juvenile Molestation of a Juvenile Rape Pornography Involving Juveniles All Homicide Cases

Visit our web page at www.thomasguilbeaulaw.com See “Sex Cases Record”

Call us at 232-7240 or Send an Email to [email protected] 106 W. Congress Street | Lafayette, Louisiana 70502

Page 17 August 1, 2016: Monday, Executive Meeting BENCH BAR 2016

Monday, August 8, 2016: Business Meeting and CLE-Joe Giglio, October 6-8 at Le Meridien Jr. – Mediations and Special Masters GET CONNECTED Tuesday, September 6, 2016: Executive Meeting

Monday, September 12, 2016: Business Meeting and CLE-To be The 2016 Bench Bar conference will be held in New Orleans on determined October 6th-8th at Le Meridien with the theme “Get Connected.” Scheduled events during the conference include a Thursday night Monday, October 3, 2016: Executive Meeting cocktail social at House of Blues, Friday lunch at Emeril’s and Friday night dinner at the Roosevelt’s Blue Room. Monday, October 10, 2016: Business Meeting and CLE-To be determined Our LBA member price is $850 and $950 for non members. The conference-only price is $500 and the price for a spouse or guest is Monday, November 7, 2016: Executive Meeting $300. Several options are available for firm and corporate sponsors. Please note that the price for a spouse’s outing has not been decided Monday, November 14, 2016: Business Meeting and CLE-To be yet, so anyone who wishes to include a spouse will be contacted determined later to decide if they would like to be included in that outing.

We will have other events including socials and Christmas parties To register for the conference, or for sponsorship information about to be announced. the conference, please contact Brian at the Lafayette Bar office by phone at (337) 237-4700 or by email at [email protected].

Page 18 Why I Bench Bar? Nora Stelly and

Andre Doguet THE FOLLOWING FIRMS ARE PART OF OUR 100% CLUB. THEY HAVE MORE THAN TWO ATTORNEYS, ALL OF WHOM ARE LBA MEMBERS

Andrus, Boudreaux, Landry & Coussan

Borne, Wilkes & Rabalias, L.L.C.

Boustany Law Firm

Briney Foret Corry

Broussard & David

Broussard & Kay

Cafferey, Oubre, Campbell & Garrison

Daigle Rayburn

Davidson. Meaux, Sonnier, McElligott, Fontenot, Gideon & André and I did not begin participating in Bench Bar until he started Edwards serving as a Bar Association officer. We have often commented that we should have gotten on board long before, especially as younger Domingeaux, Wright, Roy, Edwards & Colomb lawyers. Where else can a young attorney visit casually across the dinner table with the same judges he/she will nervously appear Gachassin Law Firm before in court? Where else can that same attorney meet and get ‘face time’ with seasoned practitioners who could become mentors Gibson Law Group (or bosses) or who’d take a phone call with that quick question? While we are both well beyond the young lawyer stage now, we Juneau David recognize the incredible opportunity that Bench Bar presents for up-and-comers. Okay, it used to be a little pricey, but this year’s Law Office of Kenneth W. DeJean event is more affordable and the investment covers much more than cocktails. And the dividends can be huge. Finally, for us lawyers of McConnell Law Offices the more senior description, its a great time to reconnect with old friends while making new ones. NeunerPate

Bench Bar 2016 will be held in New Orleans at Le Meridien hotel. Onebane Law Firm We already have several firm sponsors committed who we would like to thank: Allen & Gooch, Daigle Rayburn, LLC and Preis, PLC. Preis PLC We look forward to seeing these and more sponsors this year at the Bench Bar conference. Simien & Miniex

Tuten Title & Escrow Page 19

TESTIMONIALS: “Put simply, the single best thing which Lori Heaphy & Associates does is be the best in the business. It’s that simple. They are true professionals, uniquely honest, and pleasant. I have worked with court reporting firms throughout the country for over twenty years now and can truly say that Lori Heaphy & Associates is as good it gets.” Thomas R. Juneau, Sr., Juneau David, APLC

“The reporters are consummate professionals who deliver an excellent product.” Andrew H. Meyers, Breaud & Meyers, APLC

“In my experience, Lori Heaphy & Associates consistently provides professional, reliable, and efficient services, and it is dedicated to achieving and exceeding client expectations.” Jeffrey K. Coreil, Neuner Pate, Attorneys at Law

The best court reporting firm I in town! am so proud to call Lori Heaphy & Associates “my” court reporters. I wouldn’t even know who else to call if I had to. You ladies always go above and beyond! I appreciate everything all of you do for me. Anonymous

Our office staff was fondly nicknamed “The A Team” by our court reporters.

CALL TO BOOK YOUR DEPOSITION TODAY

LORI HEAPHY & ASSOCIATES, LLC, Certified Court Reporters

337 -‐233-‐1655 * [email protected] * www.loriheaphy.com

Page 20 The Bar Side Greg K. Moroux

I wrote an article similar to this one for the June, 2000 issue of • You believe women judges should be home cooking and The Promulgator. This is an update of a 16-year-old piece. Some cleaning. who could call themselves “young lawyers” then may not be able • The bailiff has to wake you every fifteen minutes. to do so now, because the Young Lawyers Association has an age • Discovery annoys you, because you used to try cases by limit. I thought it was unconstitutional then, and I believe this ambush. Discovery is for sissies. even more now that my constitutional notions have matured and • At least ten years of your career included the use of onion developed. Like federal statutory requirements governing age skins. related discrimination claims or the retirement age. What does • Machines are for kids. Your court reporter uses only a steno the Young Lawyers Association call those who reach the top end pad and a pen. of the age requirement? There is no special organization for them, • An IBM Selectric (industrial powder finish in red) is the unless you count the LBA Hall of Fame. So, after we “age out” of most sophisticated piece of equipment in your office. the Young Lawyers Association, we suffer through 20 or so years of • Casual dress days are for hippies. people not knowing what to call us. • You still find reasons to have a secretary across your desk to dictate a letter. Take this self quiz, calculate your score, and contact the Young Lawyers Association if you qualify. Give yourself 5 points if you Now, add up your score. Here are your results: strongly agree, 4 if you agree, 3 if you mildly agree, 2 if you do not agree, and 1 point if you are opposed to the idea in any form. Be • 20-30 You are definitely a young lawyer, and probably a gamer, honest. too. • 31-40 You are a young lawyer, but there are some things • You regularly have gastro-intestinal issues while in court. creeping into your life that are threatening your membership. • You are unable to clear your throat in the courtroom You are thrilled that Axl Rose and Slash are touring together. without drawing the attention of everyone. • 41-50 Your young lawyer days are numbered, and you are • You cannot remember the last time you did not sleep during fooling only a small percentage of the bar. Less hair, more jury instructions. inches at the waist. • You cannot remember your last jury trial. • 51-60 You are starting to resent young lawyers, mainly because • Young female attorneys cause you to forget why you are at they have great hair and flat bellies. The President’s age is very the bench. close to yours. • You have forgotten the name of your client during oral • 61-70 You are finding some members of the bar talking about arguments. Sir Paul McCartney before he really made it big. • You set off metal detectors at the door of the courthouse, • 71-80 You are beginning to get offers from the bench that you and have nothing in your pockets, no shoes or belt. may remain seated while you make your arguments. • You have begun at least one argument with: “In those days • 81-90 You need to slow down because the bench is about the we used to…” age of your youngest child, and you don’t like taking orders • Your physical threats to adversaries are sounding quaint. from your youngest child. • Seen at the courthouse, some are heard to say: “You look • 91-100 You don’t need to take self quizzes to tell you that you great for your age.” are not a young lawyer. This article is not one bit amusing. You • You used to dine with Eisenhower appointees, and talk think networking is watching CBS, NBC or ABC. about it incessantly. • You repeat yourself not to emphasize, but because you See you at the aging attorneys’ bar meetings. Let those young forgot you already said it. lawyers eat cake, or fruit roll ups.

Page 21 SMART. SIMPLE. STRESS FREE.

It’s our promise, and our word means as much to us as your new home means to you.

The name you know, the experience you trust.

LAFAYETTE LAKE CHARLES 1318 CAMELLIA BOULEVARD 1490 MARKET STREET SUITE 2 337-235-4660 337-990-4333 Page 22 BMHSLAW.COM