January 2026 Newsletter

From the President…

As we approach the new year, I want to take a moment to reflect on where we’ve been and share our excitement for what’s ahead for the 22nd JDC Bar Association.

Thanks to your engagement and commitment, our organization continues to be a vibrant forum for professional development, education, and connection among lawyers and judges in our community. The strength of this association is rooted in its members, and we are grateful for your continued participation and support.

As we look ahead, I am excited to introduce the 2026 Board of Directors. It is an honor to serve as President alongside an outstanding leadership team: Luke Lancaster as Vice President, Kim DeBrock as Treasurer, and Reina Gardner as Executive Director. Together, we are committed to building upon our strong foundation while expanding opportunities for meaningful education, professional engagement, and camaraderie.

We would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to Mike Nicaud for his exceptional leadership and guidance. Mike’s dedication and vision have genuinely elevated the services we offer to our members, strengthening our programs and enhancing the value of our association. We are thankful for his continued support and the lasting impact of his leadership.

The year ahead promises engaging CLE opportunities, thoughtful programming, and events designed to foster connection and collaboration across the bench and bar. In January, we will hear from the Assessor’s Office, offering valuable insight into navigating data and services provided by their office. In February, we look forward to welcoming Thomas Mitchell, Executive Director of Children’s Advocacy Center, Hope House offering attorneys and practitioners insight into handling and communicating with clients and parties experiencing trauma. Our All Day Family Law CLE follows in March which will offer an excellent lineup of programming and a great way to start knocking out those 2026 hours!

We look forward to another year of learning, connection, and service to our legal community and hope you will join us throughout the year.
Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a successful, fulfilling new year. We look forward to seeing you in 2026.

Looking forward,

Amanda Trosclair
President, 22nd JDC Bar Association

IMPORTANT DATES FOR YOUR CALENDAR

Member Registration is open- January 1-December 31, 2026
Basic Membership $110
Basic+Premium Advertising $155
THE $100 Club (Basic+all 9 of the Lunchtime CLEs prepaid) $210
SUPER PACKAGE (all of the above!) for $255

• Monthly ZEA lunch and CLE will be held at ZEA Rotisserie and Bar, 110 Lake Drive, Covington LA, on the following dates in 2026: January 23, February 27, April 17, May 15, June 19, July 17, August 21, September 18, October 16. Registrations will open once speakers are confirmed. Doors open at noon, lunch service begins at 12:15, CLE from 12:30-1:30.
• All Day Family Law CLE will be held on March 20 at the Greenwood (A Southern Hotel Property located at 75082 LA-25, Covington, LA 70435)
• All Day General CLE is on November 13, at the Southern Hotel
• Criminal Law CLE -date to be announced

READY TO REGISTER FOR JANUARY/FEBRUARY CLES?

BE SURE TO PURCHASE YOUR 2026 MEMBERSHIP BEFORE REGISTERING TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF LOWER PRICES!

January 23, 2026 – ZEA Lunchtime CLE- “Navigating Technology, Processes and Data Available Online at St. Tammany Parish Assessor’s Office” with Assessor Louis Fitzmorris, Chief Deputy Assessor Troy Dugas and Michael McNeil, Information and Technology Services Director. The goal is to increase awareness and demonstrate the available data, content and tools and their usefulness to attorneys and their clients. Doors open at noon, lunch service begins at 12:15, CLE from 12:30-1:30.

February 27, 2026 – ZEA Lunchtime CLE- “The Neurochemistry of Trauma – Crime Victimization” with Thomas Mitchell, Executive Director of Children’s Advocacy Center, Hope House. Attorneys, particularly those practicing in family law and criminal law, regularly work with clients who have experienced significant trauma, including child abuse, domestic violence, and other forms of victimization. Understanding the neurochemistry of trauma enhances an attorney’s ability to communicate effectively with clients, interpret behaviors accurately, and navigate cases with greater sensitivity and insight. Doors open at noon, lunch service begins at 12:15, CLE from 12:30-1:30.
*Approved for 1 hour of Family Law Specialization Credit

Important 2026 MCLE Update

The Louisiana Supreme Court has amended Rule XXX of the Rules for Continuing Legal Education, modifying the long-standing age-based exemption for attorneys.

Under the revised rule, attorneys who turn 65 on or after January 1, 2026, will be required to complete five hours of CLE each year, including one hour of ethics and one hour of professionalism, until they reach age 75. All 5 hours may be earned through computer-based programming. Attorneys who attain age 75 will be fully exempt from MCLE requirements.
Attorneys who turned 65 before January 1, 2026, will remain covered by the current exemption and will not be subject to the new continuing education requirement.
Read the full order from the Louisiana Supreme Court.

Want to see your name in lights?

Or at least advertised as a supporter of the 22nd JDC Bar Association and its members?

LOOK NO FURTHER AND SPONSOR A CLE!

For just $500, here’s what you get:

• Your name and logo (not political) on our website and in the newsletter
• Introduction at the event
• Networking opportunities

…all while earning professional recognition among our members and keeping costs low for your fellow practitioners.

Contact Reina Gardner to choose an event to sponsor!

What’s New in 2026?
Advertise In Our Monthly Newsletter!

Our newsletter reaches 500+ readers every month—and it’s growing fast! We’re proud to continue offering our members free listings for:

• Employment opportunities
• Office space for lease
• Pro bono events

Want to Share More?
Paid advertising is available for professional announcements and legal services, including:

• New hires, office openings
• Retirements, promotions, awards, and recognitions
• Legal services or support offerings

The 22nd JDC Bar Association invites submissions for monthly listings in our newsletter which is also posted to the website. Rates are $50/month for members and $80/month for non members. Listings must be no more than 1000 characters, submitted in Word format via email to Executive Director Reina Gardner. No photographs or graphics will be accepted. Submissions are due by the 15th of each month for inclusion in the following month’s publication. Space is limited, and all listings will be reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors.

Ready to Be Featured?
Reach out to Reina Gardner to submit your listing or ask questions. We’re excited to help you share your news with our vibrant legal community!

OFFICE SPACE & EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES!

Law office space for rent in Arbor Walk Professional Center on Highway 21, just south of I-12 in Madisonville, Louisiana. This established law office location is perfect for a St. Tammany attorney or as a Northshore office for a Metairie/New Orleans attorney or law firm. The office includes a private parking lot. Rent covers one attorney office, a desk, a hutch, matching wooden file cabinets, a good storage area, use of a large conference room, utilities (except telephone), and access to the kitchen. A great location and a beautiful office. Call Kerry at 985-800-0910 to schedule a viewing.

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.

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