News from November 2023
Offshore Gulf of Mexico oil lease sale pushed back to Dec. 20 after appeals court ruling
A federal appeals court has given the go-ahead for a controversial Gulf of Mexico oil lease sale, including acreage that had previously been excluded to protect an endangered whale, to proceed on Dec. 20.
Louisiana State Bar Association activities must be related to legal profession, appeals court rules
A federal appeals court has affirmed that the Louisiana State Bar Association violated a New Orleans attorney’s right to free speech and free association when it engaged in activities that were not germane to the legal profession.
Louisiana lawsuit alleging racial bias in industrial land-use policies in St. James Parish is dismissed
A federal lawsuit alleging that St. James Parish’s industrial land-use policies have concentrated petrochemical plants near the parish’s Black communities was dismissed on procedural grounds earlier this month.
LSU Law welcomes delegation of 10 Bangladeshi attorneys general for appellate advocacy training
A delegation of 10 senior lawyers from the Office of the Attorney General of Bangladesh arrived in Baton Rouge on Saturday, Nov. 11, for a weeklong training session on appellate advocacy led by LSU Law faculty that concluded on Friday, Nov. 17.
Louisiana moves forward on regulation of vape products despite lawsuit
Louisiana regulators this month released their list of nearly 400 approved vaping products that can be sold in the state in the wake of a new law that raises taxes on such products and aims to protect minors from inexpensive, disposable e-cigarettes.
Privateer Sponsor of the 2023 University of New Orleans Distinguished Alumni Gala
Taylor Porter was proud to be a Privateer Sponsor of the 2023 University of New Orleans Distinguished Alumni Gala held on November 9th at the National WWII Museum.
New Orleans council freezes legal budget pending review of civil litigation issues
The New Orleans City Council has moved to temporarily escrow the city Law Department’s operating budget, suggesting that the number of civil actions filed by the department may be excessive and that the council is not being consulted about legal filings.
Passenger sues transport company following helicopter crash
BATON ROUGE – A passenger is suing an air transport company alleging the helicopter he was aboard crashed because of pilot negligence, causing him significant injuries and mental trauma.
Former employee sues Chevron for religious discrimination over COVID-19 vaccine exemption denial
NEW ORLEANS – A former Chevron employee has filed a lawsuit claiming the company terminated his employment for requesting a religious exemption from receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
Congratulations to Taylor Porter Associate Savannah Walker Smith
Congratulations to Taylor Porter Associate Savannah Walker Smith on being nominated for the 2023 Frank L. Maraist Award presented by the Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel (LADC).
Loyola University to recognize Drs. Ranney and Emel Songu Mize for their support of the Opera Theater program with faculty concert
Loyola University New Orleans honor Drs. Ranney and Emel Songu Mize this week with a concert paying tribute to legendary soprano Maria Callas that combines the best of opera and Broadway.
Man files $750,000 lawsuit claiming Baton Rouge police officer tased him for no reason
BATON ROUGE – A Baton Rouge resident has filed a lawsuit against the City of Baton Rouge and its police department, claiming an officer used a TASER on him without cause while he was in custody.
Former employee sues DG Foods, alleging racial discrimination and retaliation
BATON ROUGE – A former employee is suing a Louisiana-based food processing company for racial discrimination, claiming the company fired him for reporting racist incidents.
GOP sweeps statewide offices, but turnout takes another dive in Saturday's election
Because voters decided the outcome of Louisiana’s governor’s race last month, Saturday’s election drew even fewer voters than the Oct. 14 primary vote – 22.5% statewide – as Republicans extended their control of the state Legislature and captured every statewide office.
Passenger accuses transport company of negligence after surviving helicopter crash
BATON ROUGE – A passenger has filed a lawsuit against an air transport company claiming the helicopter he was on crashed due to pilot negligence.
Woman accuses Mohawk Field Services of racial and sexual discrimination
NEW ORLEANS – A Louisiana woman has filed a lawsuit against a plant equipment company alleging she was a victim of racial and sexual discrimination.
Distinguished Attorney for 2023
Taylor Porter Attorney Skip Philips is being honored by the Louisiana Bar Foundation as the Distinguished Attorney for 2023.
38th Annual Fellows Gala
Join us on April 19, 2024, at the 38th Annual Fellows Gala as we honor outstanding individuals: Distinguished Jurist Elizabeth Erny Foote, Distinguished Attorney Harry J. “Skip” Philips, Distinguished Professor John K. Pierre, and Calogero Justice Award Recipient Bernard “Bernie” E. Boudreaux, Jr.
Appeals court calls on Louisiana Legislature to come up with new congressional map by Jan. 15
A federal appeals court has called on the Louisiana Legislature to draw up a new congressional district map by Jan. 15 of next year in order to ensure the boundaries comply with the federal Voting Rights Act in time for the 2024 elections.
Seaman files negligence lawsuit against employer after allegedly injuring his back on duty
NEW ORLEANS – A seaman has filed a negligence lawsuit against his employer after allegedly suffering severe back injuries while carrying winch batteries.