News from 2024
2nd Disaster Law Collaboration Summit in Lafayette
The LSBA, along with Acadiana Legal Service Corporation and Southeast Louisiana Legal Services, hosted the 2nd Disaster Law Collaboration Summit in Lafayette on Thursday, June 20, and Friday, June 21.
John Paul Stevens Foundation names four SULC students as 2024 John Paul Stevens Foundation Public Interest Fellows
The John Paul Stevens Foundation has named four Southern University Law Center (SULC) students as 2024 John Paul Stevens Foundation Public Interest Fellows.
Plaintiff challenges state cosmetology board over hair braiding permit requirements
A Louisiana woman is challenging state cosmetology regulations requiring a special permit for hair braiding as unconstitutional. The lawsuit seeks declaratory judgment against these rules enforced by Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology claiming they infringe upon occupational freedom.
Federal judge halts Biden ban on LNG exports
A federal judge in Louisiana has blocked a Biden administration move to pause the approval of applications to export liquefied natural gas.
Pelican Institute lawsuit backing independent contractor classification gets national support
Free-enterprise think tanks are siding with the New Orleans-based Pelican Institute’s litigation challenging the U.S. Department of Labor’s recently published rule making it more difficult to classify workers as independent contractors.
Attorney General Murrill’s Cyber Crime Unit arrests Crowley man for Pornography Involving Juveniles
Attorney General Liz Murrill’s Cyber Crime Unit arrested a Crowley man on June 26, 2024 for Pornography Involving Juveniles under the age of 13.
In 4-3 ruling, Supreme Court of Louisiana says Amazon could be held liable in wrongful death suit
NEW ORLEANS – A majority complement of the Supreme Court of Louisiana has ruled that Amazon is a “seller” under state law and could be held liable for the death of a man who suffered fatal burns from an exploding lithium-ion battery charger, which he purchased on Amazon from a third-party manufacturer.
Federal judge gives go-ahead to bifurcated proceedings in maritime accident lawsuit
BATON ROUGE – A federal judge has granted a plaintiff’s motion to potentially bifurcate legal proceedings concerning a maritime accident between both a state court and a federal court.
Committee selected for Southern University Law Center chancellor search
The Southern University System announced members of the search committee for the next chancellor of the Southern University Law Center.
Attorney General Liz Murrill announces new Director of Gaming for the Louisiana Department of Justice
Following the appointment of Chris Hebert as the new Chairman of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board by the Governor, Attorney General Liz Murrill has appointed Dawn Himel as his successor.
U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown Announces the Availability of Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Funds for the Western District of Louisiana
United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown and the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Task Force announced the availability of approximately $152,565 in PSN grant funds for the Western District of Louisiana.
Ukraine Now Being Impacted by President Biden’s Unlawful LNG Ban
President Biden’s unlawful LNG ban has now hit Ukraine in the middle of its war with Russia.
Plaintiffs firm, sued in California for alleged poaching, fighting insurer to pay fees
NEW ORLEANS – A federal magistrate judge has partially granted and partially denied a motion to compel from a Louisiana law firm litigating with its insurance carrier over who will pay to defend it from a poaching lawsuit in California.
Former Employee Alleges Racial Discrimination Against Renovation Company
AC Haynes has filed a lawsuit against Renovation Pro’s LLC alleging racial discrimination and retaliation during his employment as a carpenter from November 2022 to January 2023. The complaint details instances of racial slurs used by a supervisor and subsequent retaliatory termination after confronting these issues.
Railroad Worker Sues New Orleans Public Belt Railroad Commission Over Unsafe Working Conditions
Kirkland Hughes has filed a lawsuit against the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad Commission alleging negligence after sustaining severe shoulder injuries due to faulty equipment at work. The case highlights significant safety concerns within the railroad operations managed by NOPB.
Mother Alleges Multiple New Orleans Authorities Negligent in Son's Preventable Death
Rita Gentile has filed a lawsuit against several New Orleans authorities alleging gross negligence leading to her son’s preventable death due to untreated mental illness despite clear signs of distress and repeated interactions with law enforcement agencies.
Former Police Officer Sues City Government Over Disability Discrimination
A former police officer has filed a lawsuit against the City of Hammond alleging disability discrimination and retaliation. The plaintiff claims he was targeted due to his vision and lung-related disabilities and subjected to unwarranted disciplinary actions before being terminated.
Tips from Attorney General Liz Murrill on preventing child hot car deaths
Thursday, June 20 marked the first day of summer, which means temperatures are rising. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill wants to ensure that children do not fall victim to hot car deaths.
Louisiana governor signs compromise tort-reform bill to regulate litigation financing
Gov. Jeff Landry has signed a measure into law that will bring a degree of transparency about the involvement of third-party litigation funders in subsidizing civil litigation in Louisiana.
Significant changes to the Local Civil and Criminal Rules
The judges of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana recently approved significant changes to the Local Civil and Criminal Rules, effective May 7, 2024.