Gold Weems President Charles S. “Charlie” Weems, III was inducted into the Louisiana Political Hall of Fame on April 5, 2025. This recognition as one of the state’s most influential political leaders stems from a stellar legal and civic career that spans over half a century. Weems’ contributions to Louisiana have been of such significance that he became in 2016 the first practicing lawyer recognized by Louisiana Public Broadcasting as a Louisiana Legend.
“I never thought of myself as a politician,” Weems said in his acceptance speech, “but I guess when you look back at my career, virtually everything I was involved with was political to one degree or another. And of course, in Louisiana, everything is political.”
As an attorney, Weems remains highly sought after in commercial transactions with his tax specialization, and as a litigator of uncommon skill. He was elected President of the Louisiana Bar Association, and received numerous awards in his chosen profession, including the Boisfontaine Award for Excellence in Trial Advocacy, the Louisiana Bar Foundation Outstanding Attorney of the Year, the LSU Law Center Distinguished Alumnus of the Year, and election into the LSU Law Center Hall of Fame.
He is Chair Emeritus and Assistant Director of the highly respected Louisiana State Law Institute, the official law reform body of the State of Louisiana created by the legislature, having served continuously since 1985, including two terms as President.
Weems served on the LSU Board of Supervisors for 18 years under 5 governors, twice being elected Chairman. He was the initial chair of the SEC Conference of Chairs, and served as an officer of the Tiger Athletic Foundation.
Weems was the spearhead of Central Louisiana’s long and difficult, but ultimately successful, effort for a 4-year LSUA. Weems received the Distinguished Service Award, the university’s highest recognition, from LSUA in 2013. He served as President of the LSUA Foundation from 2012-2015.
Weems is a commissioner and was twice elected Chair of the England Authority (England Economic and Industrial Development District, AEX Regional Airport). He is past President of the Central Louisiana Chamber of Commerce, and the founder and initial chair of the Central Louisiana Diversity Alliance.
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