Anna Aguillard News
$20 million bribery ruling against DOTD a sign that the state is tired of corruption
MONROE – After a contractor sued the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) over a 2007 incident involving departmental corruption, a unanimous jury decided in favor of the plaintiff, awarding Jeff Mercer his $20 million claim earlier this month.
Former DeSoto DA suspended from law after felony tax fraud charges, faces disbarment
After pleading guilty to a federal felony charge for filing a fraudulent tax return, former DeSoto District Attorney Richard Johnson was suspended from practicing law by the Louisiana Supreme Court on Friday, an order that precedes further disciplinary proceedings that may result in permanent disbarment.
Former DEQ director: EPA regulations an 'attack' on energy industry
BATON ROUGE — Louisiana Attorney General James “Buddy” Caldwell recently joined a lawsuit to put a stop to “extremely expensive and unproven” EPA Clean Air Act proposals that his office says would effectively prohibit construction of coal-fired power plants.
Ex-BP engineer's misdemeanor plea a far cry from original obstruction charges
NEW ORLEANS —In a case related to the 2010 BP oil spill, former engineer Kurt Mix was convicted of a single misdemeanor violation earlier this month for deleting text messages without the company's permission, a charge that carries no jail time and no fine.
Days before election, Caddo Parish DA accused of violating black jurors' rights
NEW ORLEANS — Officials at a criminal justice center in New Orleans announced last week that they plan to sue the Caddo Parish District Attorney’s office for discriminating against black jurors.
Pro-industry groups applaud Plaquemines Parish's decision to kill lawsuit
PLAQUEMINES PARISH — The executive directors of two pro-industry groups, the Grow Louisiana Commission (GLAC) and the Louisiana Oil & Gas Association (LOGA), celebrated the Plaquemines Parish Council’s 5-to-1 vote on Thursday to kill a lawsuit against 86 oil and gas companies.
LABI endorses Vitter, 'concerned' over Edwards’ trial lawyer ties
BATON ROUGE — All four branches of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) lobbying group formally endorsed U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) in the state’s tight gubernatorial race on Wednesday.
Louisiana Lawsuit Abuse Watch executive director blasts John Bel Edwards
BATON ROUGE – Louisiana Lawsuit Abuse Watch (LLAW) Executive Director Melissa Landry recently criticized gubernatorial candidate John Bel Edwards for “aggressively” opposing legal reform.
Louisiana Supreme Court establishes Access to Justice Commission
BATON ROUGE – Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson recently signed an order establishing the Louisiana Access to Justice (ATJ) Commission in order to ensure that all citizens are treated equally under the law.
La. AG commissioner celebrates federal court ruling against WOTUS enforcement
BATON ROUGE – The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit recently issued a nationwide stay temporarily prohibiting the enforcement of the Clean Water Act (CWA), much to the approval of Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain.
Jindal wants suit against same-sex marriage executive order dismissed
BATON ROUGE – Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal’s counsel asked Judge Todd Hernandez of the 19th Judicial District Court on Monday to dismiss the litigation filed by gay rights activists against his "Marriage and Conscience" executive order issued in May.
Energy law expert to deliver offshore safety lecture at LSU Center
BATON ROUGE–The LSU Law Center has announced the annual Liskow and Lewis Visiting Professorship in Energy Law Lecture will be delivered by Professor Jacqueline L. Weaver on Nov. 4 in the David W. Robertson Courtroom.
Tensions remain high after accord between Appel, LaBruzzo over insulting mailers
METARIE–State Senator Conrad Appel and John LaBruzzo, Appel’s opponent in the upcoming District 9 election, have entered a joint stipulation agreement over the campaign mailings LaBruzzo intended to send voters that slammed Appel’s record.
Honorable James L. Dennis receives honorary degree from LSU Law Center
BATON ROUGE – On Oct. 11, the Louisiana State University Law Center awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctorate of Laws to the Honorable James L. Dennis. Dennis serves as a judge for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit.
Uber sued by Jefferson Parish Attorney’s Office
The Jefferson Parish Attorney’s Office filed lawsuits in September against eight people accused of illegally driving or lending cars to be driven for Uber in unincorporated parts of the parish.
Shreveport attorney scolded by judge for lawsuit
Shreveport attorney John Settle Jr. has come under fire after a recent ruling by ad hoc Judge Edward Bleich and is accused of using the court system for political and publicity means.
NAACP challenge of Terrebonne Parish voting methods filed
Lawyers for the NAACP Legal Defense Fund (LDF) have filed papers claiming that the voting method for the 32nd Judicial District Court discriminates against black voters in Terrebonne Parish.
Class action suit filed claiming Orleans Parish ‘debtors’ prison’
A group of people charged with criminal fees filed suit against in Orleans Parish on Sept. 17, claiming that the parish criminal court routinely issues arrest warrants for delinquent payments without allowing defendants their constitutional right to plead poverty.
Time running short for claims against Xarelto
As initial trial dates in the class action lawsuit against Xarelto’s drug manufacturer are set, the window narrows to file a claim for injury compensation.
Tort reform a deciding issue as gubernatorial race approaches
As the gubernatorial race heats up, one divisive issue emerges that will certainly have a significant impact on the election: tort reform.