The Promulgator The Official Magazine of the Lafayette Bar Association

DON’T FORGET: RENEW 2018 DUES 2018 lba president donnie o’pry december 2017 | volume 40 | issue 6 page 2 Officers Donnie O’Pry President

Maggie Simar OUR MISSION is to serve the profession, its members and the President-Elect community by promoting professional excellence, respect for the rule of law and fellowship among attorneys and the court. Theodore Glenn Edwards Secretary/Treasurer THE PROMULGATOR is the official magazine of the Lafayette Bar Association, and is published six times per year. The opinions expressed Missy Theriot herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editorial Committee. Imm. Past President ON THE COVER Board Members This issue of the Promulgator introduces 2018 Neal Angelle Kyle Bacon Lafayette Bar Association President Donovan Bart Bernard “Donnie” O’Pry II. Our cover photo features Shannon Dartez Donnie’s family. Get to know Donnie on page 10. Franchesca Hamilton-Acker Scott Higgins William Keaty II Karen King Cliff LaCour Pat Magee Matthew McConnell Dawn Morris TABLE OF CONTENTS UPCOMING EVENTS Joe Oelkers President's Message...... 4 Keith Saltzman Executive Director’s Message...... 5 DECEMBER 07 LBA Holiday Party William Stagg Family Law Section...... 7 LBA @ 5:30 p.m. Lindsay Meador Young Young Lawyers Section...... 8 Off the Beaten Path: Justin Leger...... 9 Cover Story: Donnie O’Pry...... 10 DECEMBER 12, 15, 18, The Grapevine...... 12 20, 22, 28, 29, 30 Editorial Committee Trivia Question...... 12 LBA Installation Ceremony...... 13 CLE by the Hour Stuart Breaux, Editor at the LBA Hallie Coreil Pro Bono Honor Roll...... 14 Classifieds...... 14 8 Time Slots Per Day Matt McConnell 60 minutes each Dwazendra Smith Champions of Justice...... 15 Your Honor: Judge Patrick Hanna...... 17 Registration Required Young Lawyers Section Fall Social...... 18 The Bar Side...... 19 JANUARY 05 Red Mass Staff St. John’s Cathedral @ Noon Josette Gossen Court Opening Executive Director Lafayette Parish Court House @ 3:00 p.m. Cyd Cherrie Events Coordinator JANUARY 25-27 Bench Bar Conference Katelyn Guidry Houstonian Hotel Marketing Coordinator Houston, TX

Marilyn Lopez For all upcoming events visit: Pro Bono Coordinator stay connected www.lafayettebar.org Kayla Perry Executive Assistant Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter See us on Instagram facebook.com/lafayettebar @Lafayette_bar @lba_lafayettebar page 3 president' s message President Donnie O’Pry Invites You to Attend Bench Bar in January cannot think of a better attendance at Bench Bar is not only a great way to support the way to start my first Lafayette Bar Association, but also Houston’s hurricane recovery. column as President ithan to give thanks. I want We are very excited for everyone to experience what we have to offer a heartfelt thank you planned for the upcoming Bench Bar. Our opening night “Boots & to everyone who attended Bling” social will get things kicked off with a little flavor of Texas our installation ceremony for our guests. We changed our format a little to allow attendees at Iberia Bank. We had a to really take advantage of the amenities that the Houstonian phenomenal turnout and has to offer. We will wrap up our CLE offerings a little early on the event was absolutely Saturday afternoon so that everyone can have the afternoon to first class. I especially want enjoy the world class spa at the Houstonian, take in a round of to thank the staff who did golf, or enjoy the complimentary shuttle to the Galleria. After such a wonderful job putting everyone has had an opportunity to enjoy their afternoon, we have the evening together and a wonderful dinner planned at the Manor House in the Houstonian. working so hard to make it We will actually conclude the conference with additional CLE an event that we could all opportunities on Saturday morning. This small change to the be proud of. format, which will bring the total number of CLE hours offered to 9.5, will give attendees a little more bang for their buck. Ordinarily, when the incoming President writes his or her first column, we have just finished Bench Bar and we have begun the I highly recommend that all of you consider attending Bench Bar process of planning next year’s conference. However, Hurricane this year. I think this is an especially unique opportunity for Harvey threw us all a curve ball when it hit Houston earlier this young lawyers to meet and learn from Judges that they wouldn’t year. After we were initially assured by the Houstonian that they ordinarily get to experience. I can vividly recall my first Bench would be up and running in time for Bench Bar, we were later Bar experience, which took place only days after I was sworn in. I had just started as a new associate at Jeansonne & Remondet and Dona Renegar asked me to take her place at Bench Bar "IT WAS AN EXPERIENCE THAT I due to a last minute conflict. I hesitantly agreed, not knowing anything about Bench Bar or who might be there. Upon arriving WILL NEVER FORGET AND THAT SIMPLY in Natchez, Mississippi, I realized that I did not know a soul other than Blake David. (Is there anyone who doesn’t know Blake?) However, it didn’t take long for me start meeting the other CANNOT BE DUPLICATED OUTSIDE OF attorneys and judges in attendance. I quickly learned that there is no better way to network and socialize with other attorneys and ." (especially) judges from our area, than at Bench Bar. I have very ATTENDING BENCH BAR fond memories of that first Bench Bar: drinks at the hotel bar in advised that electrical issues in the elevators might not be the Eola, dinner at Dunleith Plantation, and shooting pool into the resolved in time for our conference. Accordingly, we made the wee hours of the night with several judges at Dimple’s Lounge. difficult decision to move Bench Bar to January 25 - 27. We never It was an experience that I will never forget and one that simply entertained the notion of cancelling Bench Bar after our two co- cannot be duplicated outside of attending Bench Bar. It is one chairs, Shannon Dartez and Karen King, had planned such an that I wish all lawyers, especially young lawyers, would have an awesome event. We have also agreed to donate a portion of the opportunity to experience. And I can say that after my experience proceeds from Bench Bar to hurricane relief efforts. Thus, your in Natchez, I have never missed a Bench Bar. 2018 Annual Red Mass & Court Opening Ceremony

,,,,\\\! Friday, January�, , 05 RED MASS COURT OPENING Cathedral of St. John the EvangelistJUSTICE. OBTAINEDLafayette . Parish Courthouse starting at 12:00p.m. starting at 3:00p.m.

page 4 executive director s message Executive Director Josette Gossen Encourages Us to Do Our' Part to Help Others in 2018 As 2017 draws to a close, I find myself once again reflecting on new concepts launched the extraordinary generosity of the members of our Bar. When by other bars. Thank you, Hurricane Harvey flooded the Bench Bar venue, the Bench Bar Missy, for concentrating Committee and Executive Committee committed to keeping the your energy and efforts conference in Houston and at the Houstonian with new dates of on making our association January 25-27. We should all be proud of our efforts to support the stronger from the inside and recovery of an economy devastated by a natural disaster. There is a keeping resources focused fantastic lineup of speakers and extra time built into the program on our existing successful programs and services. "YEAR’S END IS NEITHER AN END NOR A Looking forward to 2018, BEGINNING BUT A GOING ON, WITH ALL THE our first event will be Red Mass and Court Opening WISDOM THAT CAN TEACH US." on Friday, February 5th. EXPERIENCE Broussard & David will once again sponsor the luncheon -HAL BORLAND following Red Mass at Noon. Court Opening will be at the for networking with judges, sponsors and fellow members of the Lafayette Parish Courthouse at 3 PM with a reception following at bar. Make your room reservations by January 3rd to get the best the Jefferson Street Pub. room rate! Finally, please be on the lookout for your 2018 dues renewal email. I’d like to recognize our outgoing President Missy Theriot for her We’ve made it even easier to pay your dues online, but good old very successful year in office. At the American Bar Association Bar fashioned paper checks sent by snail mail are welcome, too! Please Leadership Institute in Chicago in 2016, she and I heard about “shiny call the LBA staff at 337-237-4700 if you have any questions or object syndrome” -- the temptation to replicate all the fantastic need assistance with the member portal.

LET YOUR FIRST NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION OF 2018 BE TO RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP DUES!

New Year’s HERE IS WHAT’S NEW: Resolutions You will now be able to renew your membership dues electronically. All you have to do is log into the member portal and click “Renew.” #1 Renew my You will also be able to add yourself to our Member Directory for $15 per section. This will replace our 2018 dues current Lawyer Referral Service.

Forgot your username or password? No worries! Contact the LBA to reset your sign in information. Please do not create a new membership.

All renewal notices will be sent electronically. If you are not currently receiving weekly email notifications from the LBA, please notify the LBA Marketing Coordinator. (337) 237-4700 ext. 104 or katelyn@lafayettebar,org page 5 FREE CLAIM EVALUATION

 Social Security Disability Matthew Lane  Supplemental Security Income (U.S. Army 1989-1994)

MatthewLaneLaw.com

page 6 family law section President Ric Mere Introduces the Incoming Family Law Section Officers The Lafayette Bar Association We have already scheduled multiple continuing education Family Law Section is opportunities for the next calendar year. On January 8, 2018, completing its final year that Maggie Simar will speak regarding recent developments in family will end in December. No, we law. Ms. Simar, who is the Hearing Officer for St. Martin Parish, are not going anywhere. We has always provided the Family Law Section with great perspectives have recently voted to change on changes to the law and how they will affect us in our family law our calendar to correspond to practice. Although she is also the President-Elect of the Lafayette the Bar Association’s fiscal year, Bar Association, we appreciate Ms. Simar taking time out of her which means that new officers busy schedule to assist the Family Law Section with this CLE and will take over on July 1st every look forward to her presentation. year. This change will begin On March 12, 2018, Helen Popich Harris will speak on in July of 2019. The following the topic of child support and how to present your case. Mrs. officers will serve from January Harris is a former president of the Family Law Section, and has 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019, as a transitional matter: always given very informative continuing education presentations. a. President (Will Keaty) It has been a pleasure serving the Family Law Section of b. Vice President (Jonathan Jarrett) the Lafayette Bar Association for the past year, and I am extremely c. Secretary (Lana Duhon) confident that Will Keaty, and all of the incoming officers, will d. Treasurer (Taylor Fontenot) do an excellent job in their transitional eighteen-month terms. It e. Members at Large (James Bayard and is always a pleasure, when leaving an elected office, to know that Dyan Schnaars) those who follow are more than competent and will do fantastic jobs. Will Keaty will be sworn in as President at our Christmas Party, to be held December 2, 2017 at the home of Maggie Simar, UPCOMING CLEs-JANUARY 08 which is located at 701 North Michot Road, Lafayette, Louisiana Recent Developments in Family Law - Presented by Maggie Simar 70508. Festivities begin at 6:30 P.M. We hope to see you all All CLEs are $25 for Members and $50 for Non-Members. Lunch begins at there. 11:30 a.m. with the CLE to follow at 12:00 p.m. New Dates: January 25-27 at the Houstonian Hotel Conference Registration BENCH BAR For details about CLEs, the Houstonian Hotel, events, Member Registration - $450 or to download a registration form visit www.lafayettebar.org or call (337) 237-4700 ext. 103 Young Lawyer Registration - $350 Room Reservations Non-Member Registration - $575 To reserve your hotel room at the discounted rate of $209.00 plus tax, contact the Houstonian at (800) Spouse or Guest Registration - $175 231-2759 before Friday, Jan. 5th.

The law firm of Oats & Marino is pleased to announce that Daniel Phillips has joined the firm as an associate.

337-233-1100 • 100 East Vermilion Street • Lafayette, LA 70501 • www.oatsmarino.com page 7 young lawyers section President Keith Saltzman Discusses Young Lawyer Section Events and Meetings The Young Lawyers Section has been quite busy this fall. On November 16, we held our Fall Social, which was graciously hosted by Rye Tuten at his home. The event was well attended, and a good time was had by all. Our socials provide Mediation a great opportunity to meet and and mingle with other Lafayette Bar Association members, including members of the judiciary, in a Arbitration fun and relaxed environment. I want to thank our generous sponsors for their support, including: of complex disputes Davidson, Meaux, Sonnier, McElligot, Fontenot, Gideon & Edwards; Tuten Title & Escrow, LLC; Robbie Breaux; and Trahan Real Estate Group. I would also like to thank Social Committee members Roya Boustany and Jordan Precht for their hard work in putting this great event together. We are also excited about our newest committee, the Health and Wellness Committee, which was created to promote a healthy work-life balance for all attorneys. To that end, the Health and Wellness Committee has organized a running group, Guy deLaup Ross Foote Phelps Gay Thomas Hayes, III Race Judicata. On November 22, Race Judicata participated in its first event, the Camellia Crossing Gleaux Run 5K. Participants received a Race Judicata t-shirt, a gleaux-in-the-dark Camellia Crossing t-shirt and other gear, as well as food and drink. The Health and Wellness Committee is busy planning other events, so be on the lookout for several opportunities to promote a healthy Mike McKay Pat Ottinger Mike Patterson Marta-Ann Schnabel work-life balance in the coming year. Thanks are in order for Health and Wellness Committee members Sarah Brown and Travis Broussard.

Finally, I wish to extend a thank you to all members for The Patterson Resolution Group o ers dispute resolution your participation in and support of the Young Lawyers Section. services in complex cases to businesses and individuals across Louisiana Meetings of the Young Lawyers Section are held on the second and the Gulf South. Group members include six former presidents of the Tuesday of the month at 12:00 p.m. at the Lafayette Bar Association office. Our meetings are always open to the general membership. Louisiana State Bar Association and a retired district court judge. We have had a great turnout at recent section meetings and we e members have substantive experience in disputes in areas such as: look forward to many more exciting events to come. Corporate and Business Banking Commercial Real Estate Employment LBA Young Lawyers Section Oil and Gas Insurance Holiday Giving Program Maritime Healthcare The Young Lawyers Section is partnering with Court Construction Professional Liability Appointed Special Advocates of South Louisiana (CASA of Products Liability Governmental SOLA), which provides neglected and abused children with 866-367-8620 an advocate through the foster and adoption process. Your Contact Mike Patterson at . Or visit the group’s website donations will be used to aid with training the advocates and at www.pattersonresolution.com purchasing items needed by the organization. Please send your for more information and the article, donations to: Holiday Giving Program “Getting Your Client and c/o Lafayette Bar Foundation Yourself Ready for Mediation.” 2607 Johnston Street Lafayette, LA 70503 BATON ROUGE • NEW ORLEANS • LAFAYETTE • SHREVEPORT • MONROE Payable to: Lafayette Bar Foundation page 8 young lawyers section OFF THEBeaten Path AN INTERVIEW WITH JUSTIN LEGER BY STUART BREAUX

From nine to five, Monday through Friday, Justin Leger is an attorney with go to church, eat lunch the law firm of Becker & Hebert, LLC and American Title Company, LLC, with their families, then where his practice is focused on real estate transactional law. But when come to Smiley’s to Justin is not closing deals, he’s closing down dance halls and music clubs dance and drink beer. across Acadiana with the familiar sounds of Cajun music. The Promulgator It’s really beautiful. Editorial Board caught up with Justin to learn more about his passion. Donny Broussard has been playing at Smiley’s The Promulgator Editorial Committee has learned that you Bayou Club every are a prolific Cajun musician. When did you first become Sunday for the last involved in playing Cajun music? I started playing Cajun music forty years. Plaquemine with my brothers and my first cousin, who lived down the road, Brûlée also played when I was about 10 or 11 years old. several festivals around Lafayette this year: What instruments do you play? I play most of the old-time Festival International Cajun music instruments, with the notable exception of the de Louisiane, Festivals accordion. I’m from Church Point, where there are still probably Acadiens et Créoles, and the Blackpot Festival. twenty or so great accordion players under the age of 35. There aren’t really any fiddle players. When I walked into my house after Where can our readers expect to see you playing in the future? school one day, there was a fiddle on my bed. That’s all my parents I don’t have much coming up for the rest of the year. Plaquemine would allow me to play. After my brothers quit playing music, Brûlée will be playing a big gig on December 1st at the Kozy the “fiddle only” restriction went away. So I spent all of the extra Lounge in Opelousas for my 29th Birthday party. The Kozy money I earned from fiddle competitions and gigs on a guitar, a Lounge is my favorite place to see Cajun music. If you can’t make bass, and drums. it on the 1st that’s okay because every Sunday the Kozy Lounge Lovers play from 1:00-5:00 P.M., free of charge. Just how many bands are you in? I’m really only in one band, Plaquemine Brûlée. But occasionally I’ll play in other bands to fill I will be playing with Uncle Jesse Lege at the Lemon Lounge in. Lately I’ve been working most often with Donny Broussard in Austin, Texas, during the weekend of December 9th. I will et Les Etoiles de La Louisianne. I’ve also been playing with Les also likely be playing with Donny Broussard et Les Etoiles de La Freres Michot on Mondays at Prejeans. But in the past I’ve played Louisiane at Fred’s Lounge every third Saturday of the month. with several old players and bands including Bee Cormier, Chad Cormier, JB David, Andrew Jagneaux, Nolan Cormier, Thomas What musicians do you look up to for inspiration? My Matte, Barry Cormier, Matthew Cormier, Jesse Lege, Allons favorite Cajun fiddle player was poor Lionel Leleux, and I love Leger, Blake Thibodeaux and the Potato Pickers, Lennis Soileau old recordings of Amédé Ardoin and Dennis Mcgee, Angelas and the Friendly Cajuns, Nathan Plumbar and the Southern Lejeune, Les Freres Breaux, Cleoma Breaux and Joe Falcon, Iry Steppers, The Grand Prairie Playboys, Cajun Deuces, Garrett Lejeune, Austin Pitre, Blind Uncle Gaspard, Paul Daigle, Shirley Doucet and the Front Porch Playboys, Colby Leger and the Ray Bergeron, Nolan Cormier, Robert Bertrand, Terry Cormier, Couche Couche Gang, The Cornmealers, Lyle Guidry and the Jason Frey, The Church Point Playboys, etc. But inspiration for Black Pot Ramblers, Trent Lejeune and Cajun Revue, The Kozy music shouldn’t come from musicians. For me, it comes from the Lounge Lovers, The Mike Dean Band, Tee Chaoui Social Club, spirit of the place and the people we were lucky enough to be born Quatre Coin, Les Maringouins, Lost Bayou Ramblers, a couple in and around. Places like the Kozy Lounge and Smiley’s Bayou gigs with Corey Ledet and Ashlee Michot, and one big gig in Port Club are filled with those people. The spirit is the inspiration that Townsend, Washington at the Festival of American Fiddle Tunes excites the music to come out. If you get too caught up trying with Steve Riley. I’ll play with anyone who calls. to copy what other musicians have already done then the music becomes history. Cajun music is very much alive in the spirit of Where have some of your most memorable performances been? its people. I guess the young players are charged with the task of It’s hard for me to say which performance was the most memorable, giving it a breath of fresh air. That’s what we try to do at least. but last weekend I played at Fred’s Lounge in the morning and the Holiday Lounge at night (both in Mamou). That was fun. Does being a lawyer make you a better musician? Does being The Holiday Lounge, run by Eugene Manuel, son of proprietor a musician make you a better lawyer? It’s hard to say if one T-Ed Manuel, is like a Cajun twilight-zone. I enjoy playing clubs really serves the other. They are two very different worlds. I will like that – off the beaten path where anything goes. I played the say that playing Cajun music has given me the opportunity to meet next day at Smiley’s Bayou Club in Erath with Donny Broussard. people who I would not have otherwise met, which has led to new Smiley’s is a place like no other. The old folks get dressed up, business on many occasions. page 9 2018 President Donovan O’ Pry II Article by Jill Wade If you have attended a Lafayette Bar Association event in the last fourteen Center, where he was chosen to serve as a member of the Moot Court Board, years, it’s likely you have seen Donnie O’Pry there. In the early days of his and also represented LSU at the Association of Trial Lawyers of America’s career he was there to meet other lawyers, but these days he’s there to see National Mock Trial Competition in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He clerked old friends and colleagues and to greet new attorneys. Don’t be surprised, for Lafayette firms every summer throughout law school. “I always knew however, if he’s heading for the door early—he’s off to his son’s baseball I wanted to come back home and build my practice in Lafayette. There practice or to pick up one of his daughters from dance. is so much to do here, but it doesn’t have that big city feel. Lafayette is still small enough that you feel like you know people everywhere you go.” Donnie is married to Stephanie Hulin O’Pry and they have five lovely Donnie graduated from LSU Law School in 2002 and was admitted to the children, Donovan, Charlotte, Catherine, Keller, and Asher, ranging in age Bar that same year. from 9 years to 2 months. The O’Pry family loves LSU football, but these days Donnie is more likely to catch the game at home with his cheering Donnie began his legal career as an associate with the Lafayette firm squad than tailgating like he used to. of Jeansonne & Remondet, practicing mostly in the fields of workers’ compensation defense and automotive and premises liability. In 2007, Donnie loves strategy—his favorite game is Risk—and he brings that Donnie became a partner at Jeansonne & Remondet and remained there love of strategy to everything from handling his practice to managing until he opened his own firm in 2014. “Donnie is a very gifted young man. his calendar. With a busy firm and five kids with different school and He conducted himself during trial with confidence, but was always at ease extracurricular activities, that is no mean feat. He and his lovely wife with himself and his surroundings. Both during trial, and in the ordinary Stephanie are a great team, and they manage to organize the chaos and give and take of everyday practice, it was a pleasure to be with him, and a show up for their children. Donnie coaches Donovan’s baseball team and privilege to consider him my partner,” says John Jeansonne. Mike Remondet he and Stephanie are active members at St Pius X Catholic Church, where agrees: “Donnie has proven to be a smart, hard-working advocate for his they teach baptism classes. In fact, their youngest child, Asher, was the first clients, and he is someone you know you can count on, personally and baby baptized in St. Pius’s new church building. professionally.” Donnie says he feels fortunate to have worked with everyone at Jeansonne & Remondet, and he learned as much from the staff as from Donnie wanted to be a lawyer, even when he was a kid. He graduated from the attorneys in his early days. The stability the firm provided helped him Carencro High School in 1995. While at Carencro, he was a member of focus on being a better lawyer. the 1992 State Championship football team and was nationally ranked in Speech and Debate. Not surprisingly, his best event was Extemporaneous These days Donnie is busier than ever practicing and managing The O’Pry Speaking. His Speech and Debate experience inspired him to seek a degree Law Firm. Donnie has been nationally recognized in the fields of workers’ in political science and then move on to a career in law. compensation and personal injury practice, and his client base is very diverse and includes several Fortune 500 Companies. But no matter how Donnie attended Louisiana State University on a full academic busy he gets, he always makes time for bar service. He served on the LBA’s scholarship, earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science in Young Lawyers board from 2003-2012, and has served on the LBA’s “big” 1999. As a sophomore at LSU, Donnie won LSU’s annual public speaking board since 2012. contest. After graduation, he was accepted into LSU’s Paul M. Hebert Law page 10 The camaraderie and collegiality fostered by LBA events is one of Donnie’s Donnie never passes up an opportunity to help a young lawyer when he favorite things about the association. “Being a new lawyer can be can: “It strengthens the practice of law for everyone we help help young overwhelming,” he observes. In the early days of his practice, a coworker lawyers.” He points out that the LBA’s annual Bench Bar Conference, in invited him to a social hosted by the LBA. “The Bar staff and the other particular, provides a great benefit to young lawyers because of the casual lawyers made me feel so welcome, and meeting other lawyers in a social face time you get with judges and other more experienced attorneys. He setting helped me feel more at ease and helped me get my footing.” encourages firms to send their newer lawyers to Bench Bar for this reason: “When you know the attorney on the other side of your case—and their During his time on the LBA’s Young Lawyers board, Donnie served as the spouse’s name and what team they tailgate for—it naturally brings a Social Committee Chair—no position could fit him better. During his time spirit of professionalism and courtesy to the practice of law.” on that committee, he worked to greatly increase the number of functions hosted by the Young Lawyers. They went from having the occasional social The LBA just completed a successful three-year strategic plan to improve attended by a small group of young lawyers to hosting large, well-attended the association, and Donnie’s plan for his year at the helm is to “keep the social events for the whole LBA. Donnie was inspired by how welcome he train on the tracks” and fine tune the great programs that are already in felt by the LBA in the early days of his practice, and he wanted to create place. Donnie is particularly proud of the success of the Hall of Fame event that same experience for other lawyers. He often encourages young lawyers that the LBA started four years ago, when he was head of the Membership to come to events and see what the LBA is about: “When you get involved committee. It was the first big project he worked on for the Bar af ter with the Bar, you get back so much more than what you put in.” he became a board member, and it has become a signature event for the Association. Donnie is excited to run such an active and thriving bar association. In preparing for his year as President, Donnie has learned a lot about bar associations across the country: “What we have here in Lafayette is extraordinary. The quality and quantity of the LBA’s services and calendar of events eclipses even many of those bar associations in major cities.” He hopes to use social media this year to reach to broader base of members and to let everyone know about all of the good things the LBA is doing in our community. In addition to his service to the Lafayette Bar Association, Donnie has served as a representative of the 15th Judicial District in the LSBA House of Delegates since 2012 and he is a member of the Duhé Inn of Court. Dona Renegar, Donnie’s former partner and current President of the Louisiana State Bar Association, says, “Donnie is friendly, creative, and collaborative – just the type of person you want leading your association. Donnie’s outgoing personality and collaborative attitude will serve the members of the LBA well, and will no doubt help make this another great year for the LBA.” So next time you are at an LBA social, grab a drink and shake the hand of our new president, Donnie O’Pry. But you’d better catch him early, because he’s got a baseball game to get to.

Professional Mediators, Arbitrators & Special Masters

Southwest Louisiana Panel: Patrick J. Briney Ward Fontenot (Ret.) James A. Lochridge, Jr. 721 Government Street Jeffrey M. Cole Richard J. Hymel Katherine M. Loos Suite 102 Robert S. Dampf Thomas R. Juneau, Sr. Emmett C. Sole Baton Rouge, LA 70802

Phone: 225.389.9899 Fax: 225.389.9859 For a complete listing of our Panel Members, visit www.perrydampf.com

page 11 GrapevineThe Jeremy Bazile of The Glenn Armentor Law Corporation has been elected to serve on the Board of Directors of The 705 Young Leaders for a Better Acadiana, Inc.

The Law Office of Joshua A. Guillory has moved. Their new address is now 323 E. University Avenue, Building B, Lafayette, LA 70503.

Lauren Gardner has been selected to serve on Lafayette Education Foundation’s Executive Committee serving as the Vice President of Programs. THERESA DE BÊCHE THERESA DE BÊCHE Congratulations to the Honorable S. Maurice Hicks, Jr., & ASSOCIATES & ASSOCIATES who has been appointed as Chief Judge of the Western District of Louisiana. Theresa de Bêche, RN, MN, CLNC Theresa de Bêche, RN, MN, CLNC Congratulations to the Honorable W. Eugene Davis of Legal Nurse Consultant Legal Nurse Consultant Phone: 850-934-0296 the U.S. Court of Appeals Fifth CircuitPhone: and 850 LBA-934 -member,0296 1390 Players Club Court Cell: 337-781-0335 who 1390 will Players be Club honored Court as a DistinguishedCell: 337 -Jurist781-0335 during Gulf Breeze, FL 32563 [email protected] the Gulf Louisiana Breeze, FL 32563Bar Foundation’s [email protected] Annual Fellows Gala on Friday, April 20, 2018, at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans. FAMILY LAW Ottinger Hebert is please to announce that Michael "To Protect What Matters Most" Fussell has joined their firm.

Morgan Druhan of NeunerPate was the winner of the THERESA DE BÊCHE pro bonoTHERESA quarterly DE BraffleÊCHE drawing for a $100 giftcard & ASSOCIATES donated& by A Brother’sSSOCIATES on the Boulevard. Want to win? Contact the LBA Pro Bono Coordinator to discuss ways that you can volunteer. (337) 237-4700 ext. 102 Theresa de Bêche, RN, MN, CLNCPRENUPTIAL AGREEMENTS Theresa de Bêche, RN, MN, CLNC DIVORCE Legal Nurse Consultant CHILD CUSTODY The Legal Dill Nurse Law Consultant Firm has recently welcomed Matthew CHILD SUPPORTPhone: 850-934-0296 Green to their firm. Phone: 850-934-0296 1390 Players Club Court SPOUSAL SUPPORTCell: 337-781-0335 1390 Players Club Court Cell: 337-781-0335 Gulf Breeze, FL 32563 [email protected] Gulf Breeze, FL 32563 [email protected] COMMUNITY PROPERTY PARTITIONS Oats & Marino would like to welcome associate Daniel Phillips to their firm. (337) 735-1760

THERESA DE BWWW.GALLOWAYJOHNSON.COMÊCHE THERESA DE BÊCHE & ASSOCIATESTHE ATTORNEY RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS AD IS LINDSAY MEADOR YOUNG & ASSOCIATES 328 SETTLERS TRACE BLVD., LAFAYETTE, LA 70508

Theresa de Bêche, RN, MN, CLNC Theresa de Bêche, RN, MN, CLNC Legal NurseTake Consultant a Guess! Answers on page 18 Legal Nurse Consultant Phone: 850-934-0296 Phone: 850-934-0296 1390 Players ClubThe Court Plains of Abraham areCell: located 337-781-0335 in which country? 1390 Players Club Court Cell: 337-781-0335 Gulf Breeze, FL 32563 [email protected] Gulf Breeze, FL 32563 [email protected] Who created the TV show “Wheel of Fortune”? page 12

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]

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] LBA OFFICERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS INSTALLATION November 2, 2017

On Thursday, November 2, 2017, the Lafayette Bar Association installed Donovan “Donnie” Jay O’Pry II of the O’Pry Law Firm as the 2017-2018 LBA President. The installation, which included a banquet in Donnie’s honor, was held at Iberia Bank Tower downtown and was well attended by both the Bench and Bar. Dona Renegar, President of the Louisiana State Bar Association, introduced Donnie, and Hon. Judge Charles Fitzgerald administered the oath of office. Upon taking office, Donnie (Left) Kyle Bacon, Donnie O’Pry, and Thomas R. Hightower; (Middle) Missy addressed attendees, expressing gratitude for the privilege of Theriot and Donnie O’Pry; (Right) Donnie O’Pry and Steve Lanza serving as President and excitement for the future: “I am truly humbled and honored to be chosen to serve as the President of the Lafayette Bar Association. The Lafayette Bar Association is without a doubt one of the finest bar associations in the entire county, and I look forward to continuing our mission of serving our members and the community.

Executive Committee President Donovan “Donnie” O’Pry II President Elect (Left) Donnie O’Pry being sworn-in by the Honorable Charles Fitsgerald; Maggie Simar (Right) 2017-2018 Executive Committee Glenn Edwards, Missy Theriot, Secretary/Treasurer Donnie O’Pry, Maggie Simar, and Thomas R. Hightower Theodore Glenn Edwards IV Immediate Past President Melissa Theriot Lafayette Parish Bar Foundation Chair Thomas R. Hightower, Jr.

Board of Directors Neal Angelle Kyle Bacon Bart Bernard (Left) Steve Lanza, Missy Theriot, and Karen King (Right) Hon. Jules Edwards, Shannon Dartez Glenn Edwards, Jerry Prejean, and Kyle Bacon Franchesca Hamilton Scott Higgins William Keaty II Karen J. King Cliff LaCour Pat Magee Matthew McConnell Lindsay Meador Young Dawn Morris Joseph R. Oelkers Keith Saltzman (Left) Fred Mills, Debbie Mills, Maggie Simar, Todd Simar, and Dona Renegar William W. Stagg (Right) Shannon Dartez, Curtis Hollinger, Donnie O’Pry, and Missy Theriot

page 13 pro bono HONOR ROLL Classifieds the following attorneys have accepted one or ATTORNEY ASSOCIATES more Pro bono cases in the past two months Allen & Gooch law firm is now Lafayette healthcare defense taking Louisiana licensed attorney firm interviewing for 2 associate applications for a well-seasoned, positions: One with 3-7 years Paula Bertuccini Ryan Harris 3-5/year Workers Compensation litigation experience to handle Bertuccini Law Firm C. Benjamin Landry, attorney for the firm’s Lafayette medical malpractice defense files. A.P.L.C. office. Necessary credentials: Trial work and travel required. Also Aaron Beyt working knowledge of workers looking for associate with 2+ years Beyt & Beyt, PC Jonathan Jarrett compensation law; must be qualified defense experience to handle The Jarrett Firm, LLC to independently analyze and apply medical malpractice defense files, Stuart Breaux law relevant to client issues; must or a background in nursing in lieu of Becker & Hebert Dyan Schnaars be able to draft, review and organize legal experience. Competitive salary Schnaars Law Firm, LLC legal documents; excellent academic and benefits package. All inquiries Ariel Campos credentials. This is a full time salaried will remain confidential. Please send Attorney at Law Phillip Smith position, with a comprehensive resumes to Hope.Marks@gachassin. NeunerPate benefits package. Send resumes to: com or mail Hope Marks at P. O. Box Dean Doherty [email protected] 80369, Lafayette, LA 70598. The Law Office of Kenneth St. Pe Dean A. Doherty Kenneth D. St. Pe’, APLC ATTORNEYS LAFAYETTE LAW FIRM - AV rated Lafayette law firm seeks two attorneys with Elizabeth Dugal John Tilly exceptional legal research and writing skills for its insurance coverage practice Attorney at Law Keaty & Tilly LLC area. Willing to consider a flexible work schedule. Excellent fringe benefits and compensation opportunities commensurate with experience. All replies held in Courtney Guilloy strictest of confidence. Please send resumes to Lafayette Bar Association Attn: Attorney at Law Job #1800, 2607 Johnston Street, Lafayette, LA 70503.

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2004 W. PINHOOK ROAD • LAFAYETTE, LA 70508 Printing 337-261-0139 • Signs 337-233-4412 www.lowrysprinting.com • [email protected] page 14 Free Pick Up and Delivery! Lafayette Bar Foundation Oct. 22-27 CHAMPIONS OF JUSTICE On Thursday, October 26, 2017, the Lafayette Bar Foundation hosted Outstanding Pro Bono Award: Dyan Schnaars the annual Champions of Justice awards breakfast at the Petroleum Club of Lafayette. This award banquet was established to honor those Outstanding Solo Practitioner Award: Dyan Schnaars Lafayette Volunteer Lawyers who dedicate their time and energy to represent members of our community who cannot afford legal Outstanding Small Firm Award: Doran & Cawthorne, PLLC representation. These attorneys put in countless hours, voluntarily representing individuals in court, working with victims of domestic Outstanding Medium Firm Award: Davidson, Meaux, Sonnier, violence, and providing free legal guidance through the many pro bono McElligot, Fontenot, Gideon & Edwards programs offered through the LBA, all of which are made possible by grants from the Louisiana Bar Foundation and Acadiana Legal Services Outstanding Large Firm Award: NeunerPate Corporation. Tammy DeRouen Outstanding Service to the Bar Award: Jason Matt Josette Gossen, Executive Director of the Lafayette Bar Association welcomed award recipients, esteemed judges, and their guests to the Receiving a special award as a gesture of appreciation for his service to event. Tommy Hightower, Chairman of the Lafayette Bar Foundation, the Lafayette Bar Foundation was Jeffery Coreil. and Hon. Judge David Blanchet presented the awards to the honorees.

Welcoming award recipients, esteemed judges, and their guests was Lafayette Bar Association Executive Director Josette Gossen. Tommy Hightower, Lafayette Bar Foundation Chair, and the Honorable David Blanchet of the 15th Judicial District Court presented the awards.

Oustanding Attorney Award: Hallie Coreil, Jeffery Coreil, Dean Doherty, Morgan Druhan, Claire The Honorable David Blanchet and Outstanding Solo Practitioner Edwards, Taylor Fontenot, Valerie Guidry, Ryan Harris, Thomas “Trey” Thomas R. Hightower Dyan Schnaars Hightower, Jonathan Jarrett, Deil LaLande, Seth Mansfield, Christine Mire, Jami Pellerin, Dyan Schnaars, Geralyn Siefker, Dwazendra Smith, Phillip Smith, Kenneth St. Pé of Kenneth D. St. Pé, APLC

Outstanding Counsel on Call Award: Geralyn Siefke

Outstanding Protective Order Award: Jonathan Jarrett & Phillip Smith Outstanding Small Firm Outstanding Medium Firm Outstanding H.E.L.P. Award: Valerie Guidry Doran & Cawthorne, PLLC Davidson Meaux

Recipients of the Outstanding Attorney Award Outstanding Large Firm: NeunerPate National Pro Bono Week The Lafayette Bar Foundation participated in National Pro Bono Week during the week of October 22-28, 2017, by organizing pro bono programs and events. Monday kicked off the “Geaux Casual for Pro Bono” campaign where firms and offices paid five dollars to dress casual. Proceeds went to Lafayette Bar Foundation Programs. During the week, the Lafayette Bar Foundation organized free legal seminars as well as a “Counsel on Call” event for the public, which is an opportunity for the public to receive free legal guidance from an attorney. These programs are made possible through grants funded by the Louisiana Bar Foundation. The following firms and offices went casual to raise money for Lafayette Bar Foundation Pro Bono Programs Becker & Hebert Davidson, Meaux, Sonnier, 15th JDC including the Mahtook LaFleur Bryson law Firm McElligot, Fontenot, Gideon & Hon. Blanchet & Onebane Courtney Guillory Edwards Hon. Duplantier Standford Law Firm Diane Sorola O’Pry Law Firm Laborde & Earles TR Hightower APLC NeunerPate Jeansonne & Remondet Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith Voorhies & Labbe page 15 page 16 your honor an interview with the honorable patrick hanna by matthew mcconnell

Judge Hanna displays a John Ruskin quote on his desk that says, to 130. While Article III appointments are in the works, only time “I believe the first test of a truly great man is his humility.” In will tell when the courts are fully staffed again. line with that “be the servant, not the king” philosophy, Hanna works for three clients as magistrate: the public, the Bar, and his At the time of our interview, Judge Hanna reported that Mike colleagues on the Bench. Juneau’s nomination to the open Lafayette position is in its final stage, awaiting a Senate vote; Judge Doty’s nomination While he says being a magistrate is probably “the best legal job” to the Monroe spot is at an earlier hearing stage; names are around and “a lot of fun,” he – like his colleagues – sometimes pays circulating for nomination to the the price of anguishing over ruling “right,” especially when “right” Lake Charles judgeship; and others may not yield the result he would prefer. are being considered in Alexandria in anticipation of Judge Drell’s soon With that image of anguish in mind, the Judge’s answer was not taking senior status. surprising when we asked, “What do you wish you would have known as a practicing lawyer?” He answered, “I wish I knew Until those Article III positions are that judicial decisions can be very, very difficult, and to be filled, Judge Hanna respectfully asks understanding of that.” our legal community to “please, be patient” with the federal courts. As a Hanna takes his personal and professional life as seriously as his practical matter the staffing is just not approach to public service. For instance, when Judge Tucker yet there. Melancon suggested Hanna consider the magistrate judge’s position, Hanna was strongly motivated personally. Hanna had been operating his own law firm for about 15 years and was looking Other tips from Judge Hanna: forward to retiring in another five. But when Francis, Judge • Do not bend or dis-shape the truth in the name of Hanna’s wife, fell seriously ill, that anticipated career path changed advocacy. Deal with the facts. Credibility is your last ten along with the Judge’s perspective. With Francis then working as cents, and when it is gone, it is gone. (Breathe a sigh of a law clerk (she is currently clerking for Magistrate Judge Carol relief: He says you would know if your credibility took a B. Whitehurst) in the federal courthouse, the Magistrate Judge’s hit with him.) position offered a unique opportunity to work in proximity to her. • Do not talk over your adversary in hearings. That decision to go with a job for quality of life reasons appears • Especially in contentious cases, we litigators must strive also to have been a great fit professionally judging from Hanna’s for a deeper level of professionalism. obvious fulfillment from the job. He finds it especially rewarding • Look for opportunities to grow your relationship with when he is really able to help someone, and when that help is counsel beyond the case in front of you. [From Matt: go appreciated. to lunch, grab a drink, seek them out for small talk at a local Bar function, etc.] But if that enjoyment gives the impression that the work is not • To avoid the worrisome wear and tear on litigators demanding, think again. Due to local shortages of active Article III from the heat of battle, look for opportunities to keep it judges, Hanna’s typical docket of 30 pending motions has grown light.

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'Cs)Mombo• LENDER FDIC page 17 LBA YOUNG LAWYERS SECTION FALL SOCIAL November 16, 2017 Lawyers of all ages gathered together for the annualYoung Lawyers Fall Social on the evening of Thursday, November 16th. The event was hosted by LBA Member Rye Tuten and his wife, Lainey, at their home. The fall social is not only the perfect opportunity for members of the section to interact with other attorneys who have been practicing for years, but also to welcome any newly admitted attorneys to the YLS. The event was organized by Social Committee Chair Roya Boustany and by committee member Jordan Precht. Mrs. Jami Lacour, Roya Boustany, Evan Chase Texada, Margo Dugas, and Boustany expressed her gratitude to all involved: “I’d like to thank Edwards, Claire Edwards, Jordan Precht Tad Hightower our gracious hosts, the Tutens, for inviting us into their beautiful home; our sponsors, who made the event a huge success; and everyone who attended. Our association is only as great as the participation from the members, so I thank every who took the time out of their night to spend it with us.” Sponsors of the event included: Davidson, Meaux, Sonnier, McElligot, Fontenot, Gideon & Edwards; Tuten Title & Escrow, LLC; Trahan Real Estate Group; and Robbie Breaux.

Larry Curtis, Ed Barousse, and Rye Tuten

Elizabeth Dugal and Pat Magee Lainey Tuten, Vanessa Coroy, Jason Matt, and Rye Tuten

Roya Boustany, Kenny Hebert, and Emily Burkard, Scott Richard, and Ryan McAlister Courtney Guillory

Maggie Simar and Rye Tuten and Lane Reaux Trahan Real Estate Group Hon. Frances Bouillion Robbie Breaux

Canada Merv Griffin page 18 the bar side Judge: [To Be Named Later] by greg moroux to read the “velociraptor letter,” the infamous Letter No. 18, out [Note: This article is written loud. Very loud. [Now, Plan B included saving my own life.] She with affection. No lawyers were slowly and emphatically read the entire letter, carefully and fully injured in the writing, editing enunciating each word. Then she asked if the other lawyers had and printing of it.] ever read it before. This is a first for me. I have been After some vague answers and lapsed memories, she then said: instructed by the federal court “Gentlemen, what is it about Mr. Moroux’s letter that you do not to place the title of this article believe?” With that, she excused me from the witness stand, and where I would usually designate from the order to show cause. [Plan A still standing.] the judge assigned to the case. On the occasion of Judge My third grade teacher was a semi-cloistered Roman Catholic nun Rebecca F. Doherty’s retirement – full black habit to the floor, only her face exposed. She walked from the bench (although she into class one day, grabbed a piece of chalk and furiously drew a will be back, she says), and the largely vacant local federal bench, large circle on the board. She began maniacally tapping in quick the designation and instruction makes sense. machine gun strikes in the circle on the board, creating about two hundred dots. When she was done, she whipped around, black This article is about the Honorable Rebecca F. Doherty. She took headdress flowingly following with dramatic effect, and declared: the bench, and Article III of the United States Constitution came “This is your soul. The dots are your sins. What happens when you alive. I have often accused my friends on the federal bench that die with a soul like this?” there is a secret school in D.C. called “Article III School,” at which they preach and imbue into those chosen to the federal bench One very annoyingly officious female third grader shot her hand the full sense of the provision, sending them to fan out into the into the air with a straight armed jolt. The nun called her name countryside reminding us of Article III and its impact. It’s like a (Mary Claire). The student rose from her desk, stood at perfect football coach reminding his players that they need to “use every attention next to it, and dutifully said: “You go to hell.” square inch of the field.” Nun: “Any questions?” This article is a reprise of one I wrote years ago about Judge Doherty that could have been taken as a slight swipe. Contrary to That was what I had described on Letter No. 18. common journalistic and editorial policies, I allowed her to give advanced approval by sending a copy to her before publication. I I’m still alive. I’m still practicing law. waited two days before receiving the ominous: “Mr. Moroux, hold the phone for Judge Doherty, please.” In the seconds that I held, God bless Sr. Benigna. my mind raced with thoughts of potential Plan B career choices. Then, I heard: “Greg! Don’t change a word of it!’ We laughed, and God bless Judge Rebecca F. Doherty. the call ended there. In a celebrated case to which she was assigned, Judge Doherty called a hearing with all counsel, ordering us to her courtroom to answer why she should not sanction us for “multiplicitous and vexatious behavior.” This order included counsel from Los Angeles, Chicago and Lafayette. Prior to Judge Doherty’s issuance of the order, I had sent eighteen letters to west coast counsel imploring them to cooperate. Having received nothing in response to my first seventeen letters, I sent Letter No. 18, wherein I described the Article III judge and her legend. I used words like “school marm” and “stern taskmaster.” I don’t think the word “velociraptor” was in there, but the idea was there. My turn on the witness stand at the hearing included the introduction of my letters into evidence – including the descriptive Letter No. 18. When the letters were passed from the courtroom clerk to the bench, Judge Doherty grabbed her glasses and the letters and began reading them silently. [It was during this silent Office: (337) 232-2040 moment, as I sat helplessly on the witness stand, that I formulated Cell: (337) 962-6242 my plan B career choices.] After what seemed like an eternity 546 Jefferson Street in purgatory, she grabbed her microphone and announced: Lafayette, LA 70501 “Gentlemen, let me read this letter to you.” Yes. She proceeded [email protected] page 19