to - Baton Rouge Bar Association

Inside:
Attorney spotlight:
Katia Desrouleaux Bowman
Employee privacy challenges
Which job interview questions are off limits?
WORK • PLAY • PRACTICE
Register today for our annual conference in July!
12.5 hours of CLE available • Golf Tournament at Rock Creek Golf Club
SPONSORS
DeCuir, Clark & Adams, LLP
Donohue, Patrick & Scott PLLC
Dr. Michael J. Goff / Louisiana Health & Injury Centers
Jolie Pearl • Jones Walker
Kantrow, Spaht, Weaver & Blitzer
Keogh Cox • Law Offices of Ossie Brown
Long Law Firm • Louisiana State Bar Association
Perry, Atkinson, Balhoff, Mengis & Burns, LLC
Rathmann-Richards Chiropractic Clinic
Saunders & Chabert • Taylor Porter, LLP
Thomson Reuters • Total Care Injury and Pain Centers
Walters, Papillion, Thomas, Cullens, LLC
BRBA Bench Bar Conference
July 21-23, 2016
Grand Hotel Marriott Resort • Point Clear, Alabama
To reserve your hotel room, call Marriott Central
Reservations at 1-800-544-9933.
When you call, please reference the group name (BATON ROUGE BAR ASSOCIATION
BENCH BAR CONFERENCE 2016) OR one of the following three codes:
DELUXE RESORT VIEW ROOM: $229 per night — BBABBAA
DELUXE BAYSIDE ROOM: $259 per night — BBABBAB
SPA RESORT VIEW ROOM: $259 per night — BBABBAC
Contact Ann K. Gregorie with any questions: 225-214-5563 or [email protected]
Sp o n s o r s h i p s a v a i la b le
REGISTER ONLINE: www.BRBA.org
2 Around the Bar
May 2016
inside
may 2016
4Contributors
On the cover:
Featured on the cover of the May 2016 issue of Around the
Bar magazine is the Law Day Committee. Photographed
are (L to R) Hanna Thomas, Robert Savage (chair), Richard
Bromfield, George Holmes, Donna Gregory and Talya
Bergeron. Committee members are holding the winning Law
Day posters. The first-place winner of the contest is Shaniah
Bethley (Baton Rouge High School) (first-place poster is in
center of image). The second-place winner is Savannah Bull
(St. Jeanne Vianney Catholic School), and the third-place
winner is Ashlyn Hazlip (SJVCS). Honorable mention winners
are Hunter Gant, Jenny Pahm and Mason Braud (all from
SJVCS), and Madeline Bourgeois (Baton Rouge High School).
5
Letter from the president
6
Gail’s grammar
7
Tales from the bar side
10
Bar news
12
“Avoiding the elephant in the womb: Questions you can and cannot ask
prospective employees during interviews” By grant j. guillot
15
Attorney spotlight
18
“Employee privacy challenges in a brave new world” By john h. fenner
22
Foundation footnotes
“Sleeping on the job?” By jeanne c. comeaux
“Animal crackers” By vincent p. fornias
“Katia Bowman becomes an American citizen” By tommy santora
The Baton Rouge Bar Foundation Law Day Activities,
along with a Federal Court naturalization ceremony, will
take place Monday, May 2, 2016, at the Baton Rouge River
Center Theatre.
Cover photography by Pamela Labbe.
May 2016
Around the Bar
3
contributors
Published by the Baton Rouge Bar Association
P. O. Box 2241, Baton Rouge, LA 70821
Phone (225) 344-4803 • Fax (225) 344-4805 • www.brba.org
Jeanne C. Comeaux, a partner in the Baton Rouge office of Breazeale, Sachse
& Wilson, LLP, is the 2016 president of the Baton Rouge Bar Association.
John H. Fenner, general counsel for Turner Industries, is a member of the
Publications Committee.
Vincent P. Fornias, an assistant editor of Around the Bar, is a solo
practitioner whose practice focus is alternative dispute resolution.
Grant J. Guillot, an associate with Shows, Cali & Walsh, LLP,
is an assistant editor of Around the Bar.
The Baton Rouge Bar Association will be the beacon for the
full spectrum of the legal profession by fostering professional courtesy;
increasing the diversity of the bar and the participation of underrepresented groups; maintaining a sound financial base; enhancing
and developing member services and community outreach; and
promoting and improving the image of the profession.
Officers
Jeanne C. Comeaux, President.....................................381-8051
Karli G. Johnson, President-elect.................................389-3704
Linda Law Clark, Treasurer..............................................346-8716
Amy C. Lambert, Secretary.............................................381-0283
Robert J. Burns Jr., Past President................................767-7730
Directors at large
Shelton Dennis Blunt
Melissa M. Cresson
Lauren Smith Hensgens
Christopher K. Jones
Melanie Newkome Jones
David Abboud Thomas
Ex Officios
Danielle Clapinski • Kara B. Kantrow • Robin Krumholt
Eric Lockridge • Jodi Bauer Loup • Matthew Meiners
Judge Pamela Moses-Laramore • Anne Richey Myles
Debra Parker • Michael Platte • Michelle Sorrells
aba delegate
Pamela Labbe is the communications coordinator
of the Baton Rouge Bar Association.
Ashlyn Rollins is the Spring 2016 public relations intern
for the Baton Rouge Bar Association.
Preston J. Castille Jr.
bankruptcy Section
Eric Lockridge.............................................................................Chair
business/corporate law Section
Michael Platte.......................................................................Co-chair
Matthew Meiners................................................................Co-chair
construction law Section
Tommy Santora, director of marketing for
Taylor Porter, is a contributing writer.
Gail S. Stephenson, an assistant editor of Around the Bar,
is the director of legal analysis and writing and an associate
professor of law at Southern University Law Center.
Jodi Bauer Loup.........................................................................Chair
Charles Hardie................................................................... Past chair
Family Law Section
Anne Richey Myles....................................................................Chair
Jennifer M. Moisant.......................................................Chair-elect
Vincent Saffiotti..................................................................Secretary
Joanna B. Hynes................................................................ Past chair
public law practice Section
Danielle Clapinski......................................................................Chair
Christopher K. Odinet..................................................... Past chair
workers’ compensation Section
Robin L. Krumholt..............................................................Co-Chair
Debra T. Parker.....................................................................Co-Chair
Michelle M. Sorrells............................................................Co-Chair
Judge Pamela Moses-Laramore....................................Co-Chair
Young Lawyers Section Officers
Volunteers Needed
for the 2016
SUMMER YOUTH LEGAL INSTITUTE
taking place in late June.
Contact Lynn S. Haynes at [email protected]
or 225-214-5564 for more information.
Kara B. Kantrow, Chair......................................................769-7473
Loren Shanklin Fleshman, Chair-elect.......................223-6333
Francisca M. M. Comeaux, Secretary..........................376-0216
Scott M. Levy, Past Chair.................................................299-3059
Young Lawyers Section Council
Ashley N. Butler
Jordan Faircloth
Erin Sayes Kenny
baton rouge bar association Staff
Ann K. Gregorie, Executive Director
Kelsie Bourgeois , Executive Assistant
Donna Buuck, Youth Education Coordinator
Caroline Cooper, Pro Bono Coordinator
R. Lynn S. Haynes, Asst. Teen Court Coordinator
Robin Kay, Pro Bono Coordinator
Susan Kelley, Office Manager Pamela Labbe, Communications Coordinator
Carole McGehee, Lawyer Referral Coordinator
Julie Ourso, Bookkeeper
For advertising information call Pamela Labbe at 225-214-5560. Display ads should be high-resolution attachments (.PDF), and classified ads
as text only. Please email all ad artwork to [email protected]. Publication of any advertisement shall not be considered an endorsement of the
product or service involved. The editor reserves the right to reject any advertisement, article or letter.
Copyright © by the Baton Rouge Bar Association. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is prohibited. To request
permission or for more information, contact Pamela Labbe at 225-214-5560 or [email protected].
4 Around the Bar
214-5563
344-4803
214-5556
214-5558
214-5564
214-5561
214-5559
214-5560
214-5557
214-5572
Publications Committee
Editor: Ed Walters — 236-3636
Asst. Eds.: AROUND THE BAR supports participation of the membership in its production. We encourage the submission of articles and letters to the editor.
Articles should be less than 1,800 words, typed and single-spaced. A Word file should be emailed as an attachment to: [email protected].
Chelsea Gomez Caswell
Kellye R. Grinton
Joseph J. Cefalu III — 381-3176
Vincent P. Fornias — 769-4553
Grant J. Guillot — 346-1461
Gail S. Stephenson — 771-4900, ext. 216
Art Vingiello — 751-1751
Graphic Design / Ad Sales: Pamela Labbe — 214-5560
Katherine Dampf
Kathryn Dufrene
Melissa M. Cresson
Rachel L. Emanuel
Lane Ewing
John Fenner
Greg Gouner
Lexi Holinga
Dianne M. Irvine
Dale Lee
John McLindon
Christopher K. Odinet
Gracella Simmons
Rebecca Wisbar
Jeff Wittenbrink
Robert A. Woosley
All Rights Reserved • Copyright ©2016
May 2016
letter from
the president
by jeanne C. comeaux
Sleeping on the job?
Are you sleeping on the job? Research shows that you probably are, or should. You just
may be the one who puts a sign on your office door that reads “Do Not Disturb — Conference
Call in Progress,” while you try to find a comfortable position in your desk chair or find a
hospitable resting place for your head on your hard desk. But, what if your firm had a couple of
nap rooms with recliners or sleep pods you could reserve to take a 20-minute power nap? Companies across the country have recognized that need, and have accepted the research
that shows that if their employees could get a brief respite during the work day, performance
would improve by 34 percent and alertness would increase by 54 percent.
University of California researcher Sara Mednick concluded that napping on
the job greatly reduces error and increases visual alertness, motor performance
and creative thinking.
Why, then, is it taboo or a sign of laziness to need recharging during the
day? Humans are programed to have a brief rest during the day, allowing
us to enter the second REM stage of sleep. Unfortunately, having a good
night’s sleep is not enough to get the sleep that a human’s “biphasic circadian
rhythm” demands. Ignoring this basic fact costs the United States an average
of $63 billion per year in lost productivity.
In the 1990s, NASA studied the effect of short naps during the work
day on the performance of its astronauts. The results were remarkable; thus,
the “NASA Nap” was born. NASA actually concluded that a 26-minute
Jeanne C. Comeaux
nap was ideal for people to regain clarity and alertness. Companies such as
Google, Zappos, Ben & Jerry’s, Nike, Nationwide Planning Associates and
the Huffington Post Media Group recognize that not only would the employees enjoy such a
benefit, providing designated nap rooms would also increase productivity and reduce costly
errors, and that translates directly to profit.
The space can be as simple as an unused office, or even a large closet, outfitted with a recliner
and a sleep sound machine, or as sophisticated as a specially-designed space furnished with
modern sleep or energy pods. These pods are sleek, restorative units equipped with adjustable
shields around the head area for privacy, adjustable leather chaise lounges, massage features
and surround sound. Employees are encouraged to sign up to reserve 20-minute sessions.
If productivity, creativity and mental alertness can be improved by a NASA Nap, why
wouldn’t nap rooms be a good idea for law firms? Research shows that nearly 30 percent of
us report falling asleep or becoming very groggy after lunch. Maybe we should quit ignoring
this reality, and instead, address it. Practicing law, and even working for/with lawyers, can be
downright exhausting. Most of us start the day sleep-deprived, especially when we are in the
midst of demanding and time-sensitive cases. A British study revealed that attorneys in their
50s are apparently the most sleep-deprived people in British society, mainly due to stress.
These attorneys said that they tended to be ill-tempered and grumpy, and that they routinely
under-performed.
The unforeseen consequences of sleep-deprivation could be greater than just injuring
one’s health. In one such instance, a criminal defense attorney fell asleep at trial during the
prosecution’s cross-examination of his client, who was charged with assault with the intent
to commit murder. Post-conviction, the defendant challenged the verdict based on the denial
of his Sixth Amendment right to counsel due to his “narcoleptic” attorney’s failure to object
to questions during cross-examination. The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the
defendant’s argument, finding that prejudice to the accused could not be presumed in this
particular set of circumstances. The Second, Fifth and Ninth Circuits have also spoken on
whether a defendant has suffered a denial of counsel due to slumbering attorneys, and all three
May 2016
Around the Bar
5
Gail’s Grammar
Worse and worst are adjectives that compare degrees
found that prejudice to the accused can only be presumed
if counsel sleeps through a substantial portion of the trial.
What does that mean? How is that measured? When is it
ever acceptable to sleep while one is seated at a counsel
table? What really surprised me the most about this line
of cases is that lawyers apparently fall asleep during trial
with some regularity!
Attorneys are no different from the corporate staff of
Google, Nike or Ben & Jerry’s — we all need our sleep
in order to perform at optimum levels. I doubt that after
reading this, the managing partners of Baton Rouge law
firms are on their phones with MetroNaps ordering the
latest and greatest sleep pod, but before a snooze during
a client’s cross-examination gets someone into trouble,
maybe a vacant office and a recliner would be in order.
Sweet dreams.
of bad or ill. Worse compares two conditions; worst
compares more than two. Thus, conditions or things go
from bad to worse (comparing the current condition to the
next step) and from worse to worst (comparing the next
step with all the steps). When a bad situation suddenly
becomes worse, we use the expression “took a turn for
the worse,” not “a turn for the worst.”
EXAMPLES:
His bronchitis took a turn for the worse when he developed
pneumonia.
Of the many vacation options we considered, taking an
Alaskan cruise in January was the worst.
Send suggestions for future Gail’s Grammar
columns to Gail Stephenson at
[email protected], or call
Gail at 225.771-4900 x 216.
6 Around the Bar
May 2016
tales from
the bar side
by vincent p. fornias
I don’t know what it is about me, dear reader(s), that
attracts so many potential submissions dealing with nonhomo sapiens. A few are even not from John McLindon.
Wishful (and grossly inaccurate) thinking would ascribe
it to raw animal magnetism. And so, in the best tradition
of late spring cleaning of my files, the following items
culled from my Dr. Doolittle drawer are shared for your
education and hopeful amusement.
~In Pennsylvania, the Department of Environmental
Quality fired off a letter to a Ryan DeVries placing him
on notice of certain reported unauthorized activity on his
property. Specifically, there was evidence of the recent
erection and maintenance of “two wood debris dams”
across the outlet stream of Spring Pond, with no record
of the issuance of a permit required by Pennsylvania law.
In response, Mr. DeVries confirmed that in fact, a
couple of beavers were the culprits, and added that he did
not believe that said beavers “are aware that they must
May 2016
Animal crackers
first fill out a dam permit” before the start of the start
of “this dam activity.” He concluded by suggesting that
if the Pennsylvania DEQ wanted to pursue a real health
problem, they should turn their attention to the bears
that are regularly defecating in the woods. Supposedly,
he was proposing that as to the dam, they should “Leave
It To [the] Beaver[s].”
~Somewhere in the Gulf of Mexico, a federal agent
conducting a cruise-by inspection of a commercial fishing
boat found seriously undersized red grouper in violation
of conservation regulations. After instructing the ship’s
captain to keep the puny groupers segregated from the rest
of the cooler until the vessel returned to port, the skipper
promptly dumped the catch overboard shortly after the
agent’s departure. This resulted in his being charged with
impeding a federal investigation, in violation of 18 U.S.C.
§ 1519, which prohibits destruction of “tangible objects”
with intent to impede the Feds. His lawyer argued that
Around the Bar
7
undersized grouper were hardly “tangible objects,” and
this pressing issue made it all the way to the Supremes,
wherein writing for the majority, Justice Ginsburg,
applying the canons of noscitur a sociis and ejasdem
generis (loosely translated as “Don’t believe all you see
on ‘Ellen DeGeneres’”), held that since “tangible object”
appeared in context of listed “Records or documents,”
the grouper didn’t qualify. Left undecided was the issue
of pint-sized choupique.
~In Tours, France, a local judge who dared think
outside the [litter] box to solve a murder allowed a
Labrador retriever named Tango to be called to the
witness stand in a preliminary hearing in an attempt
to confirm the identity of his master’s arrested alleged
killer. The judge ordered the poor accused to wield a
bat and threaten the canine with it, with the expectation
that at that sight Tango would sing like a canary. In
lame deference to the scientific method of keeping such
courtroom experiments relatively fair, a second dog,
named Norman, was recruited to serve as the “control
group.” Apparently the legal experiment failed when,
exhibiting a certain amount of lassitude [Lassie-tude?],
neither pooch uttered a whimper.
~In true testament to the overuse of animal analogies,
a Kentucky circuit court judge, in issuing an order
confirming the settlement of a matter pending before him,
noted therein that news of the accord made the court
“happier than a tick on a fat dog because it is otherwise
busier than a one-legged cat in a sand box, and, quite
frankly, would have rather jumped naked off a 12-foot
stepladder into a five-gallon bucket of porcupines” than
face the prospect of trying a case where the parties were
“madder than mosquitoes in a mannequin factory.”
~Our own Bob Downing, who is rumored to have
founded the original Zachary chapter of Buckskin Bill
fan club back when rumor had it that he was planning a
drive for a zoo near his neck of the woods, contributed
Teen Court of Greater Baton Rouge
needs attorneys to volunteer to assist with the program.
To find out more, contact Donna Buuck at 225-214-5556 or [email protected]
or R. Lynn Smith Haynes at 225-214-5564 or [email protected].
8 Around the Bar
May 2016
a laminated business card he obtained from a local chef,
complete with graphics depicting wild denizens of air,
land and sea, whose slogan is “Can’t beat ‘em? Eat ‘em!”
~How could we conclude any piece dealing with
animals in the law without your standard issue brouhaha
du jour starring PETA? This time the advocates of all
beasts and varmints filed suit in (talk about hunting a
baited field) San Francisco seeking to enforce the rights
Volunteers are needed to
of an unnamed macaque monkey who took a celebrated
selfie, the royalties to which were being claimed by the
humanoid photographer who had bought the camera,
positioned it in limitless angles, and braved the elements
for untold hours before hitting the selfie jackpot featuring
the smirking ape. When the U.S. Copyright Office issued
a policy stipulating that it would register copyrights only
for work produced by actual human beings, the undaunted
folks at PETA asserted, in their best “just a flesh wound”
spirit, that the policy was “only an opinion.”
If only Noah had known, dear reader(s), what a legal
rainmaker he had inadvertently become.
help with a monthly
LAW CLUB
for youth in
the gardere area.
To volunteer or for more information,
please contact Lynn S. Haynes at
[email protected] or 225-214-5564.
The “Future Legal Eagles” law club is
funded by a grant from
the South Burbank Crime Prevention
and Development District.
May 2016
Around the Bar
9
BRBF Easter event collects 17,695 eggs, surpassing
collection goal by several thousand
The BRBF hosted
its
annual
Easter
Eggstravaganza
March
21-24, 2016, with Easter
egg hunts for children
Volunteers assisted with each hunt during the BRBF Easter Eggstravaganza
attending Bernard Terrace,
Project. (Above) Three Easter egg hunts were held Thursday, March 24, 2016,
at 10 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Elementary School. Photographed (L to R)
University Terrace and St.
are Katherine Dampf, Katherine Dufrene, Megan Stafford, Lauren Temento
Francis Xavier elementary
(Bunny), Mary Roper, Caroline Bond, Shanda McClain, Kristen Meeks; (front,
schools.
Because
of
L to R) Drew Nordgren and C. Kieffer Petree.
donations from BRBA
members, the committee
was able to provide
17,695 eggs for the hunts. Students from St. Francis Xavier
The co-chairs of the posed with the Easter Bunny after the
event were Erik Kjeldsen, completion of their successful hunt.
Ashley Meredith and
Katherine Dampf, who organized the event along with
Carole McGehee, staff liaison to the Volunteer Committee.
A very special thanks to the following individuals for
Easter egg hunts were held Wednesday, March 23, 2016, at 1:30 p.m. at
egg, candy and monetary donations and for making this
University Terrace Elementary. Photographed (L to R) are Francis M. M.
project possible: Kathleen Allen; Jesse Bankston; Alan
Comeaux, Catie Gits, Ashley Meredith, Lauren Temento (Bunny), Erin
Kenney, Heather Landry and Mary Colvin.
J. Berteau; Nathan Braquet; Phyllis Cancienne; Mary
Colvin; Rebecca Clement;
Denicola; Katherine Dufrene; Catie Gits;
Bridget Denicola; Jennifer
Theresa Hatfield; Erin Sayes Kenny; Heather
Durham; Catie Gits; E.L.
Landry; Shanda McClain; Kristen Meeks;
Henry; Rebecca S. Helveston;
Ashley Meredith; Drew Nordgren; C. Kieffer
Meredith Locke; Patricia B.
Petree; Ashlyn Rollins; Mary E. Roper; Megan
McMurray; Ashley Meredith;
Stafford; Lauren Temento; Artis Ulmer; and
Tracy Morganti; Sheri Morris;
Mac Womack.
Victor E. Murray; William D.
More than 2,600 Easter eggs and candy
Shea; Annie Smith; Rebecca
were donated to the Children’s Outpatient
G. Smith; Lauren Temento;
Easter Bunny (Artis Ulmer), Mac Womack and Talya
Medical Center in Baton Rouge as part of this
and Melissa Watson.
Bergeron helped hide eggs at the Bernard Terrace
project.
Thank you to the law Elementary School hunts.
firms and other organizations
who also made donations: Adams & Reese; Baker
Donelson Bearman; Breazeale, Sasche & Wilson, LLP;
Donohue, Patrick & Scott, PLLC; Kean Miller LLP; Jones
Walker; Keogh Cox; Long Law Firm, LLP; Louisiana
Public Commission; LSU Delta Delta Delta Sorority; LSU
Pi Beta Phi Sorority; McGlinchey Stafford; Phelps Dunbar
LLP; St. Joseph’s Academy; Taylor Porter; Taylor, Wellons,
Politz & Duhe, APLC; Shows, Cali & Walsh, LLP; and
Southeast Legal Services.
The committee would also like to thank everyone
who assisted with hiding eggs at the Easter egg hunts:
Photographed at Bernard Terrace on Monday, March 21, 2016, were Mac
Talya Bergeron; Caroline Bond; Rebecca Clement; Mary
Womack, Ashlyn Rollins (intern), Teresa Hatfield, Talya Bergeron, Bridget
Denicola and Rebecca Clement.
Colvin; Francisca Comeaux; Katherine Dampf; Bridget
10 Around the Bar
PHOTO BY PAMELA LABBE
BY ASHLYN ROLLINS
PHOTO BY CAROLE McGEHEE
PHOTO BY PAMELA LABBE
bar news
May 2016
PHOTO BY PAMELA LABBE
BRBA President Jeanne C. Comeaux, Gov. John Bel Edwards and Board
Member David Abboud Thomas were photographed prior to the start of the
March 23, 2016, Bar Luncheon, which took place at Ruffino’s Catering at De
La Ronde Hall. Gov Edwards spoke to a 200-plus crowd of BRBA members.
BRBA Law Expo celebrates 30th anniversary during
September Bar Luncheon at L’Auberge Casino
The BRBA will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the
Law Expo event Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2016, at L’Auberge.
CLE Luncheon speaker H. Alston Johnson III will provide
his annual legislative update. Sponsorships are available.
Contact Pamela Labbe at [email protected] or 225-2145560.
Photographed with Gov.
John Bel Edwards (right)
is the first place winning
team of the Region III
High School Mock Trial
Competition, which took
place Feb. 26-27, 2016.
The Zachary High School
students were honored
at the BRBA March Bar
Luncheon. Lynn S. Haynes
(first row, left) is the staff
coordinator of the Baton
Rouge Bar Foundation
Mock Trial Committee.
Law Day ties into Supreme Court case anniversary
The BRBF Law Day will be held Monday, May 2, at
the Baton Rouge River Center Theatre. Robert Savage will
chair the 2016 BRBF Law Day Committee. In celebration
of the 50th anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court
case Miranda v. Arizona, this year’s theme is “Miranda:
More than Words.” Essay, poster and video contests are
available for middle and high school students.
The Law Day activities include a formal naturalization
ceremony of new American citizens, followed by
interactive sessions with a panel of judges, lawyers and law
enforcement officers at the various Baton
Rouge courts. Approximately 1,000
students and their teachers are expected
to attend the event. To volunteer, contact
Donna Buuck: 225-214-5556 or donna@
brba.org.
June 14 Bar Luncheon to feature
Sara “D-D” Breaux as guest speaker
LSU Gymnastics head coach Sara
“D-D” Breaux will speak during the June
Bar Luncheon at Ruffino’s Catering at De
La Ronde Hall Tuesday, June 14, 2016.
Breaux has 38 years of coaching
experience and was named 2015 SEC
Coach of the Year after guiding LSU to
a 13-1 overall regular season record. She
was an assistant coach for Southeastern
University’s Lady Lions for three seasons
before transferring to LSU in 1976 to
earn her bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
The BRBA June Bar Luncheon
is sponsored each year by the Young
Lawyers Section of the BRBA. Partners at
law firms are encouraged to invite and to
introduce their summer law clerks during
the luncheon. Contact Kelsie Bourgeois
at 225-344-4803 or [email protected] to
register to attend the bar luncheon.
May 2016
Around the Bar
11
Avoiding
the elephant
in the womb:
Questions You
Can & Cannot
Ask Prospective
Employees during
Interviews
by grant j. guillot
Imagine sifting through candidate after candidate
for an employment vacancy you desperately need to fill.
You think one or two of the individuals you have already
interviewed may have sufficient attributes to perform the
job in a satisfactory manner. However, you cannot help
but feel like if you just interview a few more candidates,
you will soon find not just a satisfactory person, but the
perfect person for the job.
In walks a petite woman in a professional dress suit,
looking every bit the part of the ideal employee you are
seeking to hire. Having already reviewed her remarkable
résumé, you are delighted to see that her professional
appearance and the poise with which she carries herself
are just as impressive as her written qualifications. As you
both prepare to take your seats, she turns to the side. All
of a sudden you notice an unmistakable basketball-sized
baby bump nestled beneath her suit.
You are immediately torn. On one hand, you dread
the prospect of hiring a new employee only to have her
announce a few days later that she will be unable to come
into the office for several weeks while she is caring for
her newborn child. On the other hand, you would hate
to miss out on employing an undeniably talented and
qualified individual with an immense amount of potential.
After all, you tell yourself, she clearly wants to pursue
12 Around the Bar
a career even though she will soon welcome a child into
the world, and it goes without saying that women have
been successfully juggling motherhood and careers for
quite some time now. Nevertheless, at this moment, you
need someone who will be able to perform the job without
missing much, if any, work during the first few months of
employment.
So, what do you do? Do you outright ask her about
her pregnancy and how she intends to balance her job
with motherhood? Do you inform her that to receive the
job offer, she will need to guarantee that she will make
other arrangements for the care of her infant? Do you
casually discuss your own children with the hope that she
will bring up the child she is carrying? Or, do you bite
your tongue and proceed with the interview as though she
were no more obviously pregnant than the dozens of other
individuals you have already interviewed?
Luckily, both federal and state statutes provide some
guidance on how employers should address protected
characteristics such as pregnancy, race, gender, and religion
when contemplating whether to hire an individual who
is a member of a protected class. More specifically, the
statutes set forth certain discriminatory actions employers
must refrain from undertaking to avoid liability.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits
May 2016
a prospective employer from “failing or refusing to hire
… any individual … because of such individual’s race,
color, religion, sex, or national origin.”1 In addition,
the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 19782 amended
Title VII to explicitly include discrimination based on
pregnancy and related medical conditions within the
definition of sex discrimination.3 Furthermore, the Age
Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)4 provides
that it shall be unlawful for an employer “to refuse to hire
… any individual … with respect to his compensation,
terms, conditions, or privileges of employment, because
of such individual’s age.” Both the federal and state
statutes require an individual to be at least 40 years old
to assert an age discrimination in employment claim.5 In
any event, the federal statutes provide that the restrictions
regarding employment discrimination shall not apply if the
characteristic on which an employer bases his employment
decision is a “bona fide occupational qualification
reasonably necessary to the normal operation of that
particular business or enterprise.”6
Employers in the private sector are required to
comply with the Title VII restrictions in regards to race,
color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin,
disability and genetic information if they have 15 or more
employees “for each working day in each of twenty or
more calendar weeks in the current or preceding calendar
year, and any agent of such a person ….”7 The employer
must also be engaged in an “industry affecting commerce,”
a term that is liberally construed and has been applied to
private law firms.8 However, to be governed by the ADEA,
an employer must have 20 or more employees and be
engaged in an industry affecting commerce.9
As for state laws, the Louisiana Employment
Discrimination Law (LEDL) prohibits an employer from
intentionally failing or refusing to hire “any individual
with respect to compensation, or terms, conditions, or
privileges of employment” because of the individual’s
age,10 race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.”11 To be
governed by this provision of the LEDL, an employer must
employ 20 or more employees within Louisiana “for each
working day in each of twenty or more calendar weeks in
the current or preceding calendar year.”12 Also, in line with
the federal statutes, an employer is not prohibited from
hiring an individual on the basis of any of the protected
characteristics listed above if the characteristic is a “bona
fide occupational qualification reasonably necessary
for the normal operation of that particular business or
enterprise.”13
In addition, the LEDL prohibits discrimination based
on pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions.14
However, an employer must employ 25 or more individuals
to be governed by this provision of the LEDL.15 More
May 2016
significantly, while Louisiana Revised Statutes 23:342(A)
(1) provides that it shall be an unlawful employment
practice (unless based upon a bona fide occupational
qualification)16 for an employer to refuse to promote or
to terminate a pregnant employee, no provision of the
LEDL specifically prohibits an employer from considering
a prospective employee’s pregnancy when considering
whether to hire her. Nevertheless, in interpreting the LEDL,
Louisiana courts look to Title VII because it contains
similar prohibitions against discrimination.17 Thus,
claims under the LEDL are subject to the same analysis
as discrimination claims under Title VII.18 As courts
analyze the LEDL under the same framework as Title VII,
it is likely that a court would consider pregnancy within
the scope of sex discrimination. Therefore, an employer
would be wise to refrain from engaging in any pregnancyrelated discussion throughout the entire interview. The
same is true for all other characteristics that are protected
under federal and state law, as even inadvertent comments
about a protected characteristic may result in liability for
employment discrimination.19
A cautious employer would be wise to avoid discussing
other issues aside from race, color, religion, sex (including
pregnancy), national origin, and disability and genetic
information in the course of interviewing prospective
employees. Marital status, bankruptcy and garnishment,
military service, union sympathies, work-related injuries,
workers’ compensation claims, and lawsuits are all topics
that an employer should refrain from discussing at all costs
when conducting interviews.20 The recurring exception to
the aforementioned prohibitions is that an employer may
make decisions regarding employing individuals with a
protected characteristic if the characteristic is a “bona
fide occupational qualification reasonably necessary
to the normal operation of that particular business or
enterprise.”21
In light of the foregoing discussion, how should the
employer in the example at the beginning of this article
handle the situation? Chances are that any short-term
inconvenience that the employer may face by hiring an
employee who may soon ask to take leave will ultimately
be outweighed by the long-term advantages the employer
will gain by hiring a stellar, promising applicant. After all,
the applicant’s written qualifications, professionalism and
communication skills clearly demonstrate her ability to
multitask, which is something mothers and fathers alike
are being increasingly required to do in our changing
society. Regardless of what the employer decides, one
thing is for certain — he or she simply cannot acknowledge
the “elephant in the womb” without risking exposure
to liability under federal and state laws prohibiting
employment discrimination.
Around the Bar
13
42 U.S.C. § 2000e-2(a)(1).
42 U.S.C. § 2000e(k).
3
Stout v. Baxter Healthcare Corp., 282 F.3d 856, 859 (5 Cir. 2002).
4
29 U.S.C. § 623(a)(1).
5
29 U.S.C. § 631(a); La. R.S. § 23:311.
6
29 U.S.C. § 623(f)(1); 42 U.S.C. § 2000e-2(e).
7
42 U.S.C. § 2000e(b).
8
See 42 U.S.C § 2000e(b); Evans & Kunz, Ltd., 194 NLRB 1216 (1972);
Kohn v. Royall, Koegel & Wells, 59 F.R.D. 515, 521 (S.D.N.Y. 1973).
9
29 U.S.C. § 631(a); 29 U.S.C. § 630(b).
10
La. R.S. § 312(A)(1).
11
La. R.S. § 23:332(A)(1).
12
Id.
13
La. R.S. § 23:332(H)(1).
14
La. R.S. § 23:301, et sq. [23:341-42].
15
La. R.S. § 23:341(A).
16
La. R.S. § 23:342.
17
King v. Phelps Dunbar, L.L.P., 89-1805 (La. 6/4/99), 743 So.2d 181;
Brooks v. Popeye’s Inc., 11-1086 (La. App. 3 Cir. 3/14/12), 101 So.3d
59.
18
See Hicks v. Cent. La. Elec. Co., 97-1232
(La. App. 1 Cir. 5/15/98), 712 So.2d 656;
Plummer v. Marriott Corp., 90-2425 (La.
App. 4 Cir. 4/26/95) 654 So.2d 843.
19
Rick
J.
Norman,
LA.
PRAC.
EMPLOYMENT LAW § 2:5 (2015), citing
Haag v. ADVO Systems, Inc., 168 F.3d 732
(5 Cir. 1999).
20
Id.
21
See, e.g., 29 U.S.C. § 623(f)(1); 42 U.S.C.
§ 2000e-2(e); La. R.S. § 23:332(H)(1); La.
Rev. Stat. § 23:342.
1
2
14 Around the Bar
May 2016
attorney
spotlight
by tommy santora
Katia Bowman becomes
an American citizen
PHOTO BY SPENCER BOWMAN
exceptionally close and loving family, received a premier
Katia Desrouleaux Bowman, a partner with Taylor
education at renowned all-girl catholic school Sainte Rose
Porter, became an American citizen on March 11, 2016,
de Lima by the Sisters of St. Joseph de Clugny — the same
at the New Orleans field office of the United States
school that my mother, aunts and cousins attended —
Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) during a
and simply couldn’t imagine a better life.” She did not
naturalization ceremony for approved applicants from
know this at the time
more than 25 countries,
but Katia’s “North Star”
including
Caribbean
would lead her out of
island, Haiti, where she
Haiti after high school.
was born and raised.
In
2001,
Katia
For nearly 10 years,
arrived in Baton Rouge
Katia held permanent
on a full academic
resident status in the
scholarship to Southern
United States through
University and A&M
a permanent resident
College.
Overcoming
card — commonly called
the initial culture shock
a “Green Card.” As a
of being away from
permanent resident, Katia
her loved ones and
was entitled to reside and
having to communicate
work in the United States
exclusively in English,
permanently, but she was
a foreign language, she
not able to vote. “I am
would complete her
excited to vote for the
undergraduate
studies
first time,” Katia said. “It
at Southern, graduating
means a lot to be able to
summa cum laude with
participate in civic society
a bachelor of arts in
in a more meaningful way
political science in 2005,
and have access to all the
Katia Desrouleaux Bowman
with the highest grade
rights and privileges of
point average in her
a United States citizen.”
department that year, and earning a full ride to Southern
She proudly continued: “I officially feel like a full-fledged
University Law Center. After Katia’s first semester in
member of American society now.”
law school, she ranked second out of a couple hundred
The story of Katia’s journey to citizenship began
students in her 1L class. Her success landed her an offer
in 1997 when her uncle and United States citizen, Joel
from Kean Miller to serve as a law clerk during the firm’s
Desrouleaux, father of songwriter and national recording
2005 summer program, but Katia quickly found out that
artist Jason Derulo (“Desrouleaux,” spelled phonetically),
she would have to decline Kean Miller’s offer because her
submitted a “petition for alien relative” through the
status as an international student prohibited her from
USCIS to sponsor Katia’s father and his dependents for
working off-campus.
permanent residence in the United States. The petition
“It was at that point that I first realized that I couldn’t
allows an American citizen or lawful permanent resident
sit for the Louisiana bar exam or fulfill my dream of
to establish his or her relationship to certain alien relatives
becoming a lawyer until I received permanent resident
who wish to immigrate to the United States. As between
status,” Katia said. “All my law school friends were
siblings, there is a processing time of up to 10 years before
gaining experience through their law firm or judicial
the petition can come up for review. Katia was just 14
clerkships, but this was not an option for me at the time.”
years old at the time and still lived “happily,” she added,
“Although my future seemed uncertain, I knew things
with her family in Haiti. Katia explained: “At that time,
would — or had to — work out, as I refused to believe
leaving my country was the furthest thing from my
that my hard work would be wasted.”
mind; I had an awesome childhood, surrounded by an
May 2016
Around the Bar
15
Katia admitted she had forgotten that her uncle’s 1997
petition would soon be up for review. “I hadn’t thought
about my uncle’s petition since my father first mentioned
it a decade before,” she stated. As fate would have it,
in summer 2007, following Katia’s second year in law
school, Katia’s family received the good news. The petition
was processed and approved following an interview at a
United States Embassy in South Florida. Along with her
father, Katia became a Green Card holder in July 2007.
At the beginning of her third year at SULC, Katia
submitted several applications for clerkship positions
with a number of Louisiana law firms, including Taylor
Porter after discussing her ranking, grade point average
and membership on the Southern University Law Review
with her then-law school professor, Taylor Porter partner
Preston Castille Jr. Katia interviewed with Taylor Porter,
accepted a clerkship position for fall 2007 with the firm,
and was offered full-time employment following law
school.
“I can remember being in the Law Review office
and receiving the much-anticipated call from Arthur
Abercrombie (former Taylor Porter Managing Partner)
offering me a permanent position as an associate. I
managed to keep my composure while on the phone but
was hysterically overjoyed — I accepted the offer on the
spot,” Katia said.
Law Expo 2016 (09.08.16)
Sponsorships & Exhibitor Booths Available
t!
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v
E
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s
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Contact Pamela Labbe at [email protected] or 225-214-5560.
16 Around the Bar
May 2016
After receiving her juris doctor degree and graduating
magna cum laude and among the top 10 students in the
Southern University Law Center class of 2008, Katia took
and passed the Louisiana bar exam in the summer of 2008
and immediately began her career at Taylor Porter.
In December 2015, Katia realized that she was only a
year away from having to renew her permanent residence.
Permanent residents may apply for a replacement Green
Card every 10 years or apply for naturalization. Katia
chose the latter option. This process took three months.
She studied American history and civic facts; took
an oral and written test, including English reading and
writing comprehension tests; and her husband, Spencer
Bowman, also an attorney, quizzed her and made up
songs and rhymes to help her remember historical facts as
she prepared for the test. “Let’s just say I was thoroughly
prepared heading into that interview,” she said. Katia
passed the test and was inducted as an American citizen
on March 11.
“I received so many congratulatory emails and thank
you’s from my colleagues at Taylor Porter for doing
May 2016
this the right way. There are several ways to become an
American citizen. Choosing the proper designated process
to achieve this was very gratifying,” said Katia. “The
evening after my naturalization ceremony, my husband
cooked me an All-American meal, complete with hot dogs,
hamburgers, and beer …. We ate entirely too much,” she
chuckled. Katia and husband Spencer met in law school
in 2008, have been married for three years, and have a 19
month-old son, Victor. Katia’s parents and brothers, all
naturalized American citizens, live in Florida.
“Taylor Porter, Baton Rouge and the United States
have been good to me and my family. I will always love
my country of birth, but I am proud to be a citizen of my
adopted country — the country of my child’s birth.”
Katia is a Taylor Porter partner who practices
primarily civil and appellate litigation. Within Taylor
Porter, Katia serves as Chair of the Diversity Committee
and as Vice Chair of the Recruiting Committee. In the
community, Katia is on the Board of Directors of IDEA
Public Schools Louisiana, Inc.
Around the Bar
17
Employee privacy challenges
in a brave new world
by john h. fenner
Technology is rapidly evolving, and within ten years,
computing power will equal that of the human brain.
Setting aside for the moment the potentially terrifying
reality that notion portends, employers face ever increasing
technical challenges in their relationships with employees.
Gone are the days of the simple and straightforward break
rooms and lunch rooms where employees conversed and
communicated about workplace issues, or about other
matters of a personal nature. The explosive growth of
personal device technology — as well as social media —
has empowered humanity, including employees of every
trade, with multiple platforms upon which to express their
views.
A substantial percentage of the population uses
Facebook, LinkedIn or similar platforms. Very few
employers consider it appropriate to police their
employees’ activities on such platforms. Yet employers
18 Around the Bar
remain mindful of comments that potentially impact the
workplace.
The National Labor Relations Board has addressed
employees’ rights to comment about the workplace in
the context of Section 7 of the National Labor Relations
Act (NLRA) — “Employees shall have the RIGHT to
self-organization, to form, or assist labor organizations,
to bargain collectively through representatives of their
choosing and to engage in other concerted activities for
the purpose of collective bargaining or other mutual
aid or protection, and shall also have the RIGHT TO
REFRAIN from any or all activities ….” A determination
of “protected concerted activity” is based on whether the
activity is a) between two or more employees, b) by one
employee on behalf of others, c) by one employee about
concerns that are the “logical outgrowth of group activity
or concern of others” or d) by one employee to enforce
May 2016
a collective-bargaining agreement. One requirement is
paramount — the activity must be for the purpose of
mutual aid or protection.
Thus, Facebook postings that have resulted in
employer discipline have been found to violate the NLRA
when the posting was ostensibly found to be grounded
in “protected concerted activity.” On the other hand,
employee discipline over social media postings that have
nothing to do with the advancement of mutual aid or
protection of fellow workers have been confirmed as
valid and appropriate. One cannot expect to be able to
use social media to demean or disparage an employer’s
protected classes.
Finally, an area of ever-increasing concern is data
security for departing employees. Employers have
legitimate expectations of privacy and confidentiality
associated with data stored or accessible on devices
issued to employees — and even on devices personally
owned by the employee — but still accessible via network
connection. Roughly two-fifths of employees who work
for large enterprises use personally owned smart devices
for some aspect of their work — and are subject to their
employers’ “Bring Your Own Device” (BYOD) policy.
May 2016
Generally, concern surrounding the practice of BYOD
has been in regard to the risk of misappropriation of
corporate data (including that of the employer’s customers).
Employers are seeing a shift from an IT-department-driven
culture to one in which employees are getting the newest,
latest technologies ahead of their employers. Employees
are finding their own personal devices are better suited for
their work than those provided by employers.
The simple reality is that use of personal devices to
handle corporate data on secure corporate networks is
occurring regardless of whether employees have employer
consent to do so. This raises several concerns for data
security, as employers are generally not in control of the
data accessed via personal devices where employees are
using personal devices without the employer’s consent.
In Rajaee v. Design Tech Homes, Ltd., No. H-132517 (S.D. Tex. Nov. 11, 2014), 2014 WL 5878477, that
court was faced with a BYOD dilemma that is probably
occurring on vast basis.
In January 2012, Design Tech hired Rajaee in sales
and marketing. Because Rajaee needed constant access
to email, his personal iPhone was registered with Design
Tech’s Microsoft Exchange Server.
Around the Bar
19
In February 2013, Rajaee gave two weeks’ notice of
resignation. A few days later, Design Tech reset Rajaee’s
iPhone — effectively wiping out all his business and
personal data. The wiped personal data allegedly included
“more than 600 business contacts collected during the
course of his career, family contacts (many of which are
located overseas and some are related to family business),
family photos, business records, irreplaceable business and
personal photos and videos and numerous passwords.”
Id. at 1 (emphasis added).
The employer’s infrastructure apparently could not
protect personal data. It could only do a complete device
wipe — not a selective wipe just of company information.
Rajaee brought federal and Texas state law claims —
the latter of which included claims of misappropriation
of confidential information, violation of the Texas
Theft Liability Act, negligence and conversion. The
plaintiff asserted that the federal court had supplemental
jurisdiction to hear the state law claims. As to federal law
claims, Rajaee alleged that Design Tech had violated the
Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA) and the
Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA).
The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of
Texas ruled against Rajaee on both federal claims. The
court held that Rajaee’s personal data on his iPhone was
not protected under the ECPA. It also held that Rajaee had
20 Around the Bar
not offered “evidence sufficient to raise a genuine issue of
material fact that he sustained $5,000 in cognizable ‘loss’
under the CFAA.” Moreover, the deletion of his personal
data from the phone did not constitute an “interruption
of service.”
Because the federal court dismissed the federal claims,
it declined to exercise jurisdiction over the state law
claims for misappropriation of confidential information,
violation of the Texas Theft Liability Act, negligence and
conversion. However, the court expressed its concern over
these potential serious violations of Texas state law.
Some takeaways from the Rajaee case:
• Employers who allow employees to access company
networks or other data from personal phones should
have clearly stated BYOD policies, including any
“remote wipe” capabilities.
–
Known as enterprise mobility management
solutions [EMMS]
• Employers should procure and implement an EMMS
that allows separation of personal data from business
data.
• Employees need to know and understand their
employers’ BYOD policies.
• Employees need to back up personal data.
• The Rajaee case is most definitely NOT the last word
May 2016
May 2016
Around the Bar
21
foundation footnotes
pro bono & teen court reports — march 2016
The Baton Rouge Bar Foundation Pro Bono Project
would like to thank all who volunteered in March 2016.
Ask-A-Lawyer Volunteers — Thomas Acosta;
Barbara Baier, Louisiana Public Defender Board; Siobhan
Leger, Leger Law Group, LLC; Natalie
Maples, Adams & Reese and Emily Ziober.
Thirst for Justice Volunteers
— Robert Chapman, Dudley DeBosier
Injury Lawyers; Eldon Dominique, Dudley
DeBosier Injury Lawyers; Peter Ellis, Dudley
DeBosier Injury Lawyers; Deborah Gibbs;
Mark Johnson, Dudley DeBosier Injury
Lawyers; Ross LeBlanc, Dudley DeBosier
Injury Lawyers; Allen Posey; T. MacDougall
Womack, Taylor, Porter, Brooks & Phillips,
LLP; and James Zito.
Self Help Resource Center Attorney
Volunteers — Joseph Ballard, Entergy Services, Inc.;
Sarah Jane Bradley, Southeast Louisiana Legal Services;
Ryan Brown, Roedel, Parsons; Sharon Florence, Law
Office of Sharon Y. Florence, LLC; Janeane Gorcyca,
Joubert Law Firm; Todd Manuel, Entergy Services, Inc.;
Michelle McDaniel, Southeast Louisiana Legal Services;
Paula Ouder; Jennifer Prescott, Joubert Law Firm; and
Rebecca Smith, Adams & Reese, LLP.
Self Help Resource Center law school
volunteers — Kendale Thompson, LSU Law
Center; Pearlina Boyd, Southern University Law Center;
Kiara Taite, LSU Law Center; Joshua Edwards, Southern
University Law Center; Draylan Gant, Southern University
Law Center; Yvonne Henshaw, Southern University Law
Center; Pamela King, Southern University Law Center;
Needum L. Lakia, Southern University Law Center; and
Alexis Quiller, Southern University Law Center.
Those accepting pro bono cases in march
— Thomas Acosta; Harold Adkins, Hammonds, Sills,
22 Around the Bar
The Pro Bono Project is financially assisted by the Interest on Lawyers’ Trust
Accounts (IOLTA) Program of the Louisiana Bar Foundation; Southeast
Louisiana Legal Services; Franciscan Ministry Fund; Family, District and City
Court Filing Fees and the Baton Rouge Bar Foundation. Teen Court of Greater
Baton Rouge is finded by the South Burbank Crime Prevention and Development
District and the Baton Rouge Bar Foundation. The Youth Education Program
is financially assisted by the Interest on Lawyers Trust Account (IOLTA) of the
Louisiana Bar Foundation. The Future Legal Eagles Law Club is funded by a
grant from the South Burbank Crime Prevention and Development District.
Adkins, Guice, LLP; Denise Akers, Akers & Wisbar, LLC;
John Andrishok, Breazeale, Sachse & Wilson; Edward
Atebara, The Law Office of Edward R. Atebara; Gregory
Bodin, Baker Donelson Bearman Caldwell & Berkowitz,
PC; Fred Crifasi; E’Vinski Davis, Terry J. Butcher &
Associates; Virginia Dodd, Phelps Dunbar;
Bryanne Farr, Farr Legal Services, LLC; J.
Keith Friley; Deborah Gibbs; Nicole Gould,
Breazeale, Sachse & Wilson; Teresa Hatfield,
The Hatfield Law Office, LLC; Rena Hester;
Barrington Neil; Edwin Noland, Kean
Miller LLP; Danielle Philippe, Philippe Law
Firm, LLC; Gavin Richard; Gregory Webb;
Alicia Wheeler; Anita White; T. MacDougall
Womack, Taylor, Porter, Brooks & Phillips,
LLP and John Zachary.
Thanks to all who volunteered for the BRBF Youth
Education programs, including Teen Court and the Future
Legal Eagles Law Club.
teen court Report — Jessica Engler and Monica
Vela-Vick served as judges for the March Teen Court
hearings. Caroline Donze, Austin Glascoe and Molly
Gunnels, LSU Law Center students and Draylan Gant,
Pamela King, Needum Lekia and Brittany Tassin, Southern
University Law Center students, served as jury monitors.
Jamie Flowers, Curtis Nelson and Monica Vela-Vick
conducted a Teen Court training session March 6, 2016,
for the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council. Magistrate
Judge Erin Wilder-Doomes performed the swearing-in
ceremony.
youth education — Professor Wendy Shea,
Southern University Law Center, and Lynn Smith Haynes
gave a presentation to the second- and third-grade classes
March 9, 2016, at Southern University Lab School.
the future legal eagles law club — The club
held its March monthly meeting at the Gardere Initiative
Thursday, March 17, 2016.
May 2016
May 2016
For classified or display ad rates,
contact Pamela at (225) 214-5560
or email: [email protected]
Duty Court
Schedule
1
2
3
4
5
68
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
27
28
19 JDC Civil Court
th
May 2-May 6
May 9-May 13
May 16-May 20
May 22-May 27
May 31
19
th
Judge Caldwell
Judge Caldwell
Judge Kelley
Judge Kelley
Judge Morvant
JDC Criminal Court***
May 1-May 6
May 7-May 13
May 14-May 20
May 21-May 27
May 28-29, 31
Judge Anderson
Judge Erwin
Judge Jackson
Judge Daniel
Judge Moore
Baton rouge City Court*
April 25-May 5
May 2-May 8 May 9-May 15
May 16-May 22
May 23-May 29
May 30-June 5
May 2
May 3
May 4
May 5
May 6
May 9
May 10
May 11
May 12
May 13
May 16
May 17
May 18
May 19-20
May 23
May 24
May 25
May 26
May 27
May 31
Judge Prosser
Judge Temple
Judge Smith
Judge Alexander
Judge Ponder
Judge Prosser
family court**
Judge Day
Judge Greene
Judge Baker
Judge Woodruff-White
Judge Greene
Judge Day
Judge Greene
Judge Baker
Judge Woodruff-White
Judge Baker
Judge Day
Judge Greene
Judge Baker
Judge Woodruff-White
Judge Day
Judge Greene
Judge Baker
Judge Woodruff-White
Judge Day
Judge Greene
juvenile court
May 1-May 31
Judge Taylor-Johnson
NOTE: Duty Court changes at 5 p.m. each Friday unless
otherwise specified. *City Court’s Duty Court schedule
changes each Monday at 8 a.m. **Family Court’s Duty Court
schedule is completely different each day, rotating on Fridays
***19th JDC Criminal Court changes each Friday at noon.
May 2016
30
Memorial Day
Classifieds
with individual offices, confererence room
and upfront receptionist. 4609 Bluebonnet
Blvd., Ste. A — call Chad at 225-7579484 or email: [email protected].
BATON
ROUGE
OFFICE
SPACE:
Established firm; 201 Napoleon St.,
Downtown near 19th JDC and Federal
courthouses, area for support staff, off-street
parking, conference room, copier, phone, fax,
Internet, etc. Some over-flow work available.
Call Scott Gegenheimer: 225-346-8722.
virtual office services
Enjoy the benefits of having a Physical Office
without leasing an office.
www.executivesuitesbr.com/virtual-offices
downtown
baton
rouge,
AV-rated law firm seeks 2-3 litigation attorneys
to join its team. One opening is for a Partnerlevel position with 10+ years of litigation. The
second opening is for an Associate-level
position with 2-5 years litigation experience.
A third opening is for an attorney with
2-10 years of litigation experience with an
emphasis in construction and/or professional
liability litigation. The positions offer
competitive salary and benefits. Interested
candidates should apply directly to Kristie
Gros at [email protected].
downtown LAW SUITE FOR LEASE
— Kennon, Odom and Dardenne Building 356
St. Charles, circa 1866, one block from the
Downtown Courthouse. Call Darry Gissel 2520779, Owner/Agent.
downtown
VICTORIAn
BEAUTY
for lease — The building offers 3,000 sf of
useable space filled with exceptional historic
character, 6 parking spaces included $3,375/
mn. Oak Real Estate, LLC, Darryl Gissel
Broker, 766-7077.
728
north
blvd
for
Ongoing: Every Tuesday & Thursday,
10 a.m.-2 p.m., Self Help Resource Center,19th JDC.
2
offices for lease: Great location
lease
— 4,894 sf consisting of 13 private offices,
plus a large conference room, full kitchen with
break room. In addition the property has a
second building of 800 SF, which can be used
for office or residential purposes. Oak Real
Estate, LLC, Darryl Gissel Broker, 766-7077.
Calendar
Ongoing: Every Wednesday & Thursday, 3-5 p.m.,
Thirst for Justice takes place at St. Vincent de Paul.
court holiday
Monday, May 30
*Unless otherwise noted, all meetings will
be held at the Baton Rouge Bar office.
4
Law Day Activities, 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.,
BR River Center, City Court, 19th JDC
YLS Council meeting, 8:30-9:30 a.m.;
Volunteer Committee meeting, 12-1 p.m.;
Wills for Heroes, 3-4 p.m.
Finance Committee meeting, 8-9 a.m.,
Decuir, Clark & Adams;
Teen Court Comm. meeting, 12-1 p.m.
5
6
9
Wills for Heroes, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Teen Court Hearing, LSU Innovation Park, 5:30-8 p.m.
Executive Committee meeting, Breazeale, Sachse & Wilson, 8-9 a.m.
10 11 12 Pro Bono Committee meeting, 12-1 p.m.
Ask-A-Lawyer, 9:30-11 a.m., Denham Springs-Walker Library (81801 U.S. Hwy. 190, Denham Springs, LA 70726)
6th Annual Kids’ Chance Fundraiser, BRBA Workers’ Comp Section,
Moore Thompson, 6513 Perkins Rd.
Ask-A-Lawyer, Broadmoor United
Methodist Church, 10-12 p.m.
Publications Committee meeting,
8:30-9:30 a.m., Walters, Papillion,
Thomas, Cullens, LLC
Ask-A-Lawyer, Catholic Charities,
9-11:30 a.m.;
Pro Bono SSI CLE seminar, 1-3 p.m.;
Board of Directors meeting, 6 p.m.
FLS Meeting & CLE, 12-2 p.m.,
Your Mom’s Restaurant & Bar;
Future Legal Eagles Law Club,
Gardere Initiative, 5-6:30 p.m.
Youth Education Committee meeting, 12-1 p.m.
Ask-A-Lawyer, Jones Creek Regional Library, 6222 Jones Creek Rd.
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BRBA Office Closed — Memorial Day
Around the Bar
23
Baton Rouge Bar Association
P.O. Box 2241
Baton Rouge, LA 70821
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
BATON ROUGE, LA
PERMIT NO. 746
Return Service Requested
Accepting referrals in select commercial,
personal injury and wrongful death cases
Walters, Papillion, Thomas, Cullens, LLC, has more than
100 years combined legal experience. Our attorneys have
handled numerous multi-million dollar complex civil,
commercial, and personal injury cases in Louisiana courts
and in other state and federal courts.
Walters, Papillion,
thomas, cullens, llc
Attorneys at law
www.lawbr.net
12345 Perkins Rd., Building One • Baton Rouge, LA 70810
Phone: 225-236-3636 • Toll Free: 866-257-6070 • Fax: 225-236-3650
Edward J. Walters Jr., darrel j. papillion, david abboud thomas and j. e. cullens jr. are responsible for the content of this ad.