July 2026 Newsletter
July 1, 2026
Deep gratitude to Judge Scott Gardner, along with Julie Melancon and Lynette Savoie from STOPS, for leading last month’s “First Aid for Lawyers” CLE. They left us with a powerful message that deserves to echo through every courtroom, every conference room, and every corner of our lives:
“Lift up your brothers and sisters with kindness and understanding.”
Check out the listings below to see upcoming CLE opportunities– we’ve got you covered to get those CLEs for 2026!
Bring Your Kid to Court Day returns with another unforgettable experience.
Children often wonder what happens after you leave for work each morning—this event on July 24 gives them the chance to see your world firsthand. Designed to foster connection and understanding, our courthouse program offers a unique opportunity for parent child bonding. Registration is limited and spots are going quickly!
JULY 17, 2026 — ZEA Lunchtime CLE
Presenter: Kathleen Legendre, Esq.
Program Title: “The Thin Line- How Courts Determine When a Parent has Forfeited Their Rights to Their Children”
Supervised visitation is an albatross for any family. Practitioners need a clear game plan when arguing for unsupervised physical custody. But what is the legal standard for supervised physical custody? Is it a “best interest of the child” or is it “fitness of the parent”, i.e. substantial harm caused? If a client is careening towards a considered decree and an intervention on the parent/child relationship by the Court is feasible, why is this not a constitutional violation?
This CLE program delves deeper into this legal quagmire on a local and national level. Topics shall include:
- United States and Louisiana Custody Review
- Systems Review (Juvenile Trial Court v. District Court)
- Which is it? Fitness or BIOC?
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: Chicken Panini or House Salad
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.
Pending approval 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.
Pending approval for 1 hour of Appellate Practice 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.
Pending approval 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: Beef Panini or Vegetarian Panini
Bring Your Kid To Court Day
Friday, July 24, 2026
Registration Is Open!
It’s back, and if you missed it last year, you won’t want to miss it again!
Attorneys are invited to bring and accompany their child(ren) or family member between the ages of 6-18, to spend the morning at the Justice Center in Covington.
Children in the 6-10 year old group and their chaperone need to arrive at 8:45am. The day will include, among other activities, a courtroom visit, Q&A with Judge(s), a tour of the KidSense Room and a Kid-Friendly Mock Trial.
11-18 year olds and those accompanying them need to arrive at 8:00 am to observe traffic court, visit one of the courtrooms and the Judge(s), and tour secured behind – the – scenes areas as well as the elections area.
…And we have a few other surprises too!
We will wrap up with lunch and the day will be completed at noon.
The cost is $15 per person (per child and per adult)
All children must be accompanied by you or an adult family member/other responsible adult throughout the entire morning.
Limited reservations- we can only accept 15 youth in each age group
Register NowIf you don’t have a child to bring but want in on the fun, we can use your help!
We need:
- Sponsorships of $100 or more that will help keep costs low for participants (giving you recognition on our website, and our undying gratitude)
- Donations of small toys, “fidgets”, your promotional items, etc. for SWAG bags
- Volunteers to be group leaders
- More volunteers to participate in the mock trial
Let Kristen Stanley-Wallace, our official Courtroom Kids Coordinator, know you want to help!
Email Kristen
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!
SAVE THE DATE!
It is with great sadness that we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of our esteemed colleague
David Sirera
His presence, kindness, and humor will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of working alongside him.
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