Bench Bar 2014 Agenda

2 - 3 pm

Registration

2:50 - 3 pm

Opening Remarks

3 - 4:30 pm

Meet the Judges CLE

Do you know what judges expect in their courtrooms?

What won't judges tolerate from lawyers?

Are there special reules that exist particular to each judge's court?

Do you want to know special practice pointers?

Meet the Judges is a rapid-fire round robin session.

4:40 - 6:10 pm

Lessons Learned from BP

Recent developments and other hot issues emerging from the BP trial will be discussed including:

• the settlement itself, test cases, public relations and media issues
• lessons learned

Moderator:

• Walter J. Leger, Jr., Leger & Shaw

Speakers:

• Lisa M. Africk, Brown Sims
• Corey Maze, Alabama Office of Attorney General
• Kerry J. Miller, Frilot 
• Steven L. Roberts, Sutherland Asbil
• Conrad S.P. Williams III, Williams Law Group
• Phillip A. Wittmann, Stone Pigman

7 pm

Friday Night Dinner

Join members of the legal community including the judiciary for a night of dinner and music.

• Remember to purchase your tickets with your CLE registration.
• $110 per person. Reservations required.

For information, contact NOBA at (504) 525-7453.

8:30 - 9 am

Continental Breakfast

8:55 - 9 am  

Welcome Remarks

9 - 10:30 am

Summary Judgment: Current Trends and Recent Developments

The substance and history behind the recent legislative updates to Article 966
of the Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure will be explored
along with issues and challenges contemplated by the rules and proposed solutions.

A discussion of practical tips of practicing uder the new rules along with trends will be considered.

Moderator:

• The Hon. Lance M. Africk, United States District Court - EDLA

Speakers:

• The Hon. James T. Genovese, Louisiana Court of Appeal - 3rd Circuit
• The Hon. Madeleine M. Landrieu, Louisiana Court of Appeal - 4th Circuit
• Representative Neil C. Abramson, Louisiana House of Representatives
• Stephen H. Kupperman, Barrasso Usdin
• James M. Williams, Gauthier Houghtaling & Williams

10:40 am - 12:10 pm

Class Actions & Complex Litigation

An examination of class actions and complex litigation with an emphasis on:

• Is there a "proper" time for settlement? Why wait?
• When to get the court involved?

Putting together the settlement:

• Papers and pleadings
• Notice issues
• Objectors, standing, and the fairness hearing

Moderator:

• The Hon. Michael G. Bagneris (ret.)

Speakers:

• The Hon. Stanwood R. Duval, Jr., United States District Court - EDLA
• Judy Y. Barrasso, Barrasso Usdin
• William B. Gaudet, Adams and Reese
• Fred L. Herman, Law Offices of Fred L. Herman
• Soren E. Gisleson, Herman Herman & Katz

12:30 pm

Board of Directors Lunch Meeting with the Fleur De Lis Members

5 - 6 pm

Cocktail Reception

Enjoy a relaxing evening sunset before you head to dinner.

8:30 - 9 am

Continental Breakfast

9 - 10 am

Ethics

Moderator:

• Sharonda R. Williams, City of New Orleans

Speakers:

• The Hon. Robin D. Pittman, Criminal District Court
• William D. Aaron, Jr., Aaron & Gianna
• Jordan D. Huck, Louisiana Disciplinary Board

10:10 - 11:10 am 

Professionalism - Resources Available to the Legal Community and their Families
through SOLACE and the LSBA Lawyers Assistance Program

Speakers:

• The Hon. Jay Zainey, United States District Court - EDLA
• J.E. "Buddy" Stockwell III, Lawyers Assistance Program, Louisiana State Bar Association
• Mark C. Surprenant, Adams and Reese