August 2026 Newsletter

August 1, 2026
BRING YOUR KID TO COURT DAY A HUGE SUCCESS!

Thank You, Judge Lobello, for hosting us!

A huge thank you to Kathleen Legendre for an outstanding July Lunch CLE! Her presentation, “The Thin Line,” gave members a powerful look at how courts determine when parental rights have been forfeited.
Scroll through the CLE listings below to see what’s coming up from August–October — and pay close attention to the specialization credits approved!
Don’t forget to save the date: our All Day CLE on November 13 packs in 3 General Topics, 3 Criminal Law CLEs, Professionalism, AND Ethics. We’ve got you covered!

August 21, 2026 — ZEA Lunchtime CLE

Presenter: Mercedes Townsend, Esq.
Program Title: “The Ethical Algorithm: Legal Ethics in Advanced Technology”

The digital era has fundamentally reshaped the practice of law and, with it, the ethical obligations attorneys must meet every day. This CLE highlights the intersection of professional responsibility and rapidly evolving technology, focusing on practical guidance attorneys can immediately apply.

Topics include the duty of technological competence under the Rules of Professional Conduct, ethical risks to consider when using generative AI, proper safeguarding of client data in cloud-based and remote work environments, cybersecurity obligations and breach response, and the responsible use of AI tools in drafting, research, and client communication.

APPROVED for 1 hour of Ethics credit
Doors open at noon, lunch service begins at 12:15, CLE from 12:30-1:30.
Menu choices: Rotisserie Beef or Vegetarian Alfredo

September 18, 2026 — ZEA Lunchtime CLE

Presenters:
Kathryn Edwards, Administrative General Counsel, First Circuit Court of Appeal
Steven Slayton, Senior Research Attorney to Chief Judge Page McClendon
Vicki Olson, Senior Research Attorney to Judge Allison Penzato.
Program Title: “A Practical Guide to Filing an Appeal in the First Circuit”

This presentation will include discussion of the following: appealability of a judgment; abandonment of an appeal; motions filed in the appellate court; contents of the briefs; oral argument; and assignment to three judge panel, five judge panel or en banc.

APPROVED for 1 hour of Appellate Practice credit
APPROVED for 1 hour of Family Law Credit

Doors open at noon, lunch service begins at 12:15, CLE from 12:30-1:30.
Menu choices: Rotisserie Chicken or Kung Pao Cauliflower

October 16, 2026 — ZEA Lunchtime CLE

Presenter: Detective Brian Brown, Covington Police Department 22nd District Attorney’s Office SVU TF
Program Title: “Internet Crimes Against Children”

This presentation examines the growing risks children face in the digital world, focusing on how unsupervised internet access exposes them to exploitation and harm. Participants will learn how online predators use technology to groom, manipulate, and victimize children, gaining insight into the tactics and platforms commonly used. The course also explores the role of electronic forensic examinations, demonstrating what information can be recovered from devices and how that evidence supports investigations and protects vulnerable youth.

Doors open at noon, lunch service begins at 12:15, CLE from 12:30-1:30.
Menu choices: Beef Panini or Vegetarian Panini

Bring Your Kid To Court Day was phenomenal!

Much appreciation to Judge Amacker and Judge Oppenheim for hosting us in Sections L and K

Thanks to the incredible crew who powered the day’s magic

SPONSORS
Arena Collective • Seale & Ross, PLC
Hilary Solet Thompson

TOY BOX CONTRIBUTORS
Judge Amacker • Judge Oppenheim • Tammy Nick • Oriol Law Firm • Hilary Solet Thompson • E. Beans Prints

VOLUNTEERS & ACTORS
Judge Amacker, Judge Oppenheim, Josh Allison, Kenny Bellau, Murphy Burke, III Theresa Cardenas, Darlene Carter, Alexis Dusek, Rebecca Gilson, Rebecca Henderson, Ana Lopez, Tammy Nick, Alex Reed, Trudy Shaddinger, Hilary Solet Thompson, Amanda Trosclair, Justice Center Court Administration

A SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR BRING YOUR KIDS TO COURT DAY CHIEF
Kristen Stanley-Wallace

Their generosity and spirit brought this whole galaxy of fun to life.

SAVE THE DATE All Day CLE

November 13, 2026

It’s quickly approaching and will look a little different this year!

• We’re moving to The Greenwood on LA 25.
• The morning will feature six CLE options—three one- hour general sessions and three one-hour criminal law sessions.
• You’ll be able to choose the combination that best fits your needs.
• The afternoon will include three additional hours, including Professionalism and Ethics.
• But… we will still have all of our traditional All Day SWAG!

We’ve got a stellar cast of speakers lined up including:

• State Representative Brian Glorioso
• The Honorable Judge Scott Schlegel, Louisiana Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal
• Honorable Jessica Brewster, Clerk Of Court
• Jay Carrington, Chief, Public Defender’s Office
• Elizabeth Sconzert, Esq. and Tara Smith, Esq.
• Clare Roubion, Esq.
• …and more!

SAVE THE DATE!

Amanda Trosclair, President atrosclair@stpgov.org
Luke Lancaster, Vice President lmlancaster@22da.com
Kimberly DeBrock, Treasurer kimberly.debrock.dcfs@la.gov
Reina Gardner, Executive Director reina@22ndjdcbar.org