October 2025 Newsletter
We are here to help you!
Need CLE hours? How about some Pro Bono hours? Want to save money AND get those credits? Check it out- we have 2 more CLE events in 2025 worth a total of 7 hours, with 1 approved for Appellate Practice, 2 in Ethics and 1 Professionalism.
The Last “ZEA Lunch and CLE” for 2025!
October 17, “Summary Judgement At The First Circuit”, will be hosted by Judge Allison Penzato along with the First Circuit Panel, Judge Elizabeth Wolfe and Judge Blair Downing Edwards. The presentation will include an overview of C.C.P. article 966 and, thereafter, will focus on recent First Circuit decisions relevant to this statute. This CLE has been approved for 1.00 hour of Appellate Practice Law CLE credit.
Lunch service starts at 12:15 with the CLE beginning by 12:30. The gold button below will take you to registration and meal order- Rotisserie Beef Sirloin or the Hummus Platter.
All Day General Topics CLE
Early Bird Registration Ends October 31. Sign up before we fill up!
DATE: Friday, November 21, 2025
PLACE: Southern Hotel, 428 E. Boston Street, Covington, LA
TIME: 8:30 am-4:30 pm
This seminar includes 6 CLE sessions, including Professionalism and Ethics, continental breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks
AGENDA
All Day General Topics CLE
Early Bird Registration Ends October 31- sign up before we fill up!
DATE: Friday, November 21, 2025
PLACE: Southern Hotel, 428 E. Boston Street, Covington, LA
TIME: 8:30 am-4:30 pm
This seminar includes 6 CLE sessions, including Professionalism and Ethics, continental breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks
AGENDA
8:30-9:00
Coffee & Continental Breakfast During Registration
Welcome Remarks by 22nd JDC Bar Association President Michael Nicaud
9:00-10:00
Jessica Brewster, Clerk of Court
Leanne Kimble Eckholdt, Director of Recording
Help Me, Help You: What deputy clerks wish attorneys knew
This presentation hopes to foster a more effective collaboration between attorneys and Clerk of Court staff by highlighting key insights from deputy clerks on common challenges, preferred practices, and simple actions attorneys can take to streamline their visits, reduce delays, and support the efficient processing of legal documents.
10:00-11:00
Hon. Scott Gardner, Judge, 22nd Judicial District Court
Mad Men: Using science and spirituality to navigate difficult personalities
(Professionalism)
This CLE hour explores foundational mental health principles and their application in legal practice, including strategies for managing difficult interactions and supporting personal well-being. It delves into trauma, depression, anxiety, and developmental science to deepen understanding of client behavior and courtroom dynamics. Practical tools are offered for enhancing communication, mindfulness, and empathy with clients, opposing counsel, and the judiciary, while also addressing the court’s role in fostering trauma-informed environments. Finally, it highlights the impact of nutrition, sleep, movement, and spirituality on motivation, focus, and emotional resilience—empowering legal professionals to cultivate sustainable wellness and effectiveness.
11:00-11:15 Coffee Break
11:15-12:15
Hon. William J. Crain, Associate Justice, Louisiana Supreme Court
Recent Developments at the Louisiana Supreme Court
12:15-1:15 LUNCH PROVIDED
1:15-2:15
Collin Sims, District Attorney, 22nd Judicial District
Don’t Let Perjury Be The Runaway Train That Costs You Your License
(Ethics)
2:15-3:15
Alex Reed, Esq.
Parish Tillman, Esq.
It’s Not My Fault! An Update on Recent Tort Reform and Changes to Insurance Bad Faith Laws
3:15-3:30 Afternoon Break
3:30-4:30
Gordon Herrin, Esq.
Why AI Is No Longer Optional
(Ethics)
This CLE explores the transformative role of artificial intelligence in today’s legal profession. The discussion will examine the market forces and client expectations driving adoption of AI and why digital competence is now essential for every law practice. We will also consider how AI improves efficiency and profitability, enabling firms to better serve clients while strengthening their bottom line. We will address the ethical obligations and guardrails lawyers must observe to protect clients and their firms. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of why embracing AI in the legal landscape is no longer optional but unavoidable.
From our friend Cynthia M. Bordonaro, Esq.
Southeast Louisiana Legal Services’
Northshore Pro Bono Project Coordinator
Our next Wills for Heroes event is right around the corner on
November 7, 2025
Slidell St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office
300 Brownswitch Road, Slidell, LA
This Wills for Heroes event is for both veterans and first responders. Can you please help us spread the word by distributing it to St. Tammany and Washington Parishes’ first responders and/or veterans?
We look forward to giving back to those who serve us, but we need lots of volunteer lawyers! If anyone is interested in helping, I can be contacted at 985-893-0076 x 519 or cbordonaro@slls.org. Thanks so much.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY!
Seale & Ross, PLC seeks litigator in 21st or 22nd JDC for Hammond and Madisonville offices. $100,000 book of business preferred but not required. Ten years civil litigation experience preferred. Contact 985-542-8500, Lesli Bolner at lbolner@sealeross.com or Ken Ross at kenross@sealeross.com. All submissions will be kept confidential.
Michael Nicaud, President michael.nicaud@hornbeckoffshore.com
Amanda Trosclair, Vice President atrosclair@stpgov.org
Luke Lancaster, Treasurer lmlancaster@22da.com
Reina Gardner, Executive Director reina@22ndjdcbar.org