NEW ORLEANS — The Louisiana Bar Foundation recently honored several members at its annual Fellows Gala.
Michael Bagneris, former judge and current mayoral candidate, said he was particularly pleased to make the event one of his campaign stops. He said those honored were being recognized for their work in achieving the goals of the state bar.
“Each one had a different component for their being honoured,” Bagneris told the Louisiana Record.
The non-profit organization has given over $70 million to hundreds of other non-profit groups to advance access to legal help for residents of Louisiana, according to its website.
There were five individuals that were honored at this year’s event, including Hon. Jeannette Theriot Knoll. who was honored as a distinguished jurist for bringing “credit and honor to the legal profession.”
Attorneys Donna D. Fraiche and Thomas Moore Hayes III were recognized as distinguished attorneys, and Howard W. L'Enfant was honored as a distinguished professor. Joe Oelkers received the Calogero Justice Award for a significant contribution to the Louisiana justice system.
Bagneris said one of the prime objectives of the gala was to ensure that everyone in the state had equal access to justice.
“Members of the bar association try to further the goals of the bar,” Bagneris said, adding that there were several programs that the association ran to meet its goals.
The gala, which was held at the Hyatt Regency in New Orleans, is also a fundraiser for the Louisiana Bar Foundation and included a mystery jewellery pull, a live auction and a silent auction. There also was live entertainment.
“I do remember that it was an extremely good turnout,” Bagneris said.
The event is held every spring and this was the 31st year the foundation held the gala. The event was designed to recognize those who help further the goals of the association by enhancing the justice system or increasing public understanding of the system.