NEW ORLEANS — The Louisiana Supreme Court recently added two members to the state's Judiciary Commission.
In March, Jefferson Parish Judge John J. Molaison Jr. and Sibal S.Holt, former president of the Louisiana American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, were appointed as the newest members.
Nine members sit on the commission, which reviews allegations of judicial misconduct and makes recommendations to the Louisiana Supreme Court if a judge should be sanctioned for misconduct.
Molaison received his undergraduate degree from Loyola University New Orleans in 1983 and his law degree from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law in 1986.
Molaison recently was honored by his alma mater.
On April 25, the Gillis Long Poverty Law Center presented its 2017 Public Service Award to Molaison. Each year, the center issues awards to those who have demonstrated a commitment to social justice and serving the needs of the disadvantaged.
"He [Molaison] has been a judge for the 24th Judicial District Court for the Parish of Jefferson Division E since 2007," the university said. "He has performed outstanding volunteer service in the community and through the courts. For example, he is a member of the Judges in the Classroom program. The program’s goal is to gather volunteer professionals from the legal community to present law-related topics to elementary, middle and high school students in their classrooms.’’
According to a press release, he has held several District Attorney’s Office positions, including executive assistant district attorney, supervisor of parish courts, felony trial assistant district attorney, felony screening assistant district attorney and research and appeals district attorney.
Molaison ran his own law firms John Molaison Jr. & Associates from 2005 to 2007 and Molaison & LeBlanc from 1987 to 2005.
Molaison also is the president of the Louisiana District Judges Association He will succeed 15th Judicial District Court Judge Jules D. Edwards III, who has completed a four-year term on the commission.
According to Nola.com, Holt was the first black woman in the US. to be elected president of a state labor federation.
After retiring, she became a licensed general contractor, and she owns a residential therapeutic home, which houses men with extreme behaviors and limited cognitive skills.