Zeta Cross News
Weimer's vote looks bad but does not violate the Code of Ethics, legal observer opines
Because of the COVID 19 pandemic, the justices of the Louisiana Supreme Court recently voted to waive the Louisiana State Bar exam this year as an emergency measure. The vote was 4-3, with Justice John Weimer— the father of one of the potential test takers—helping to pass the emergency accommodation that benefited his daughter.
Southeast Louisiana Legal Services prepares for a tsunami of eviction cases around Labor Day
Southeast Louisiana Legal Services (SLLS) is anticipating “a tsunami” of evictions around Labor Day.
Louisiana law firms received millions in forgivable loans from the Payroll Protection Program
Louisiana had 28 law firms that were approved for $1 million to $10 million in emergency, low interest loans from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
LABI launches new website to give voters information on the judiciary
The Louisiana Free Enterprise Institute has launched a new website to provide voters more information about Louisiana judges and the court system.
Federal judge upholds Secretary of State Ardoin's mail-in ballot proposal
BATON ROUGE – Louisiana’s emergency plan to expand the number of people eligible to request absentee ballots for the July 11 presidential primary election and the upcoming Aug. 15 municipal elections has been upheld by a federal judge.
ACLU of Louisiana launches 'Justice Lab' to combat police misconduct
NEW ORLEANS – Partnering with top-tier private law firms and legal clinics across the country, the ACLU in Louisiana is taking on police misconduct.
A big step in the right direction for tort reform, Talbot says
BATON ROUGE – It is not the comprehensive package that Republicans had wanted, but after years of effort, Louisiana legislators have passed a bill that they hope will change legal regulations and promote lower auto insurance premiums in the state.
Edwards signs bills giving Louisiana businesses sweeping protections from COVID liability
As businesses proceed with reopening amidst the COVID 19 crisis, many worry about liability if a customer or worker gets sick.
Louisiana landlords begin eviction filing with moratorium's end
Louisiana landlords can go back to court to start eviction proceedings since the moratorium on eviction filings in Louisiana was lifted on June 8.
Session ends before Senate vote on coastal lawsuits bill
A bill in the Louisiana Senate that would have given oil and gas companies a win in the effort to prevent lawsuits against them by parish governments over the loss of coastal wetlands stalled before being taken up by the full body of the Senate.
So far, so good, as Louisiana courts reopen.
Louisiana State Bar Association President Robert A. Kutcher said that the reopening of Louisiana’s court system after the COVID 19 shutdown seems to be going smoothly.
LABI calls for legislators to protect Louisiana businesses as they reopen
NEW ORLEANS – As Louisiana businesses reopen, the threat of unwarranted lawsuits could stifle the struggling state economy as it reorganizes and re emerges, the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) warned.
New Orleans attorney starts Facebook group for people struggling with jobless claims
As the unemployed are faced with jammed phone lines and changing processes at the Louisiana Workforce Commission, New Orleans attorney Wendy Manard saw a need for information and started a Facebook group.
GOP lawmaker says it's time to put on masks and get back to work
Louisiana Republicans are bristling at the continuation of the Covid-19 emergency shutdown in Louisiana.
Groups react to SCOTUS rejecting split-jury verdicts in criminal cases
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that the Constitution requires states to secure a unanimous jury verdict in order to convict any defendant accused of a serious crime.
Housing Action Center encourages landlords to prevent evictions
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES) that the president signed into law March 27 includes a temporary ban on evictions through the end of April for people who cannot afford to pay rent because of the Covid 19 pandemic. People whose landlords have subsidies, such as Section 8 tenants, and people whose landlords have federally-backed mortgages are protected from eviction through July 25.
Baton Rouge Chamber pushes for liability protections as businesses contemplate re-opening
As businesses set about opening up and getting back to work, business owners are wondering if they are opening themselves up to lawsuits.
Donelon commends auto insurers for rate reductions and credits due to coronavirus
Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon said he appreciates the way auto insurers have reduced rates for consumers as the coronavirus shutdown has kept drivers off the roads.
Former state senator laments lack of state planning for COVID-19
Former State Sen. Conrad Appel is incensed that Louisiana officials did not have needed strategic medical stockpiles in state to confront the coronavirus crisis when it hit.
Gauthier, Houghtaling partner calls insurance companies' rejection of business interruption claims 'morally wrong'
After New Orleans Attorney John Houghtaling, whose law practice represents a number of high-profile restaurant groups, warned his celebrity chef clients that the insurance industry had decided to stonewall business interruption payouts to restaurants, they formed the Business Interruption Group (BIG) to fight back.