2025 New Admittees get FREE CLE at Big Easy Bootcamp if they become a NOBA member!

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Details

Date: Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:10 p.m., Reception will follow

CLE: 5 hours of CLE including Ethics, Professionalism, and Law Practice Management 

CLE Location: U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, En Banc Courtroom
600 Camp St.
New Orleans, LA 70130

Reception Location: The Barnett Lobby Bar
600 Carondelet St.
New Orleans, LA 70130

Thank you to Adams & Reese for sponsoring the reception!

Registration/Contact:

1. Register Online
2. New Admittees: Email Briana Nelms
3. Download Registration Form
4. Call NOBA at (504) 525-7453

Cost: 
2025 New Admittees - Join NOBA and Big Easy Bootcamp is Free. Email Briana Nelms after you join. Click Here to Join NOBA
NOBA Member Discount - $120.00
Non-Members - $150.00

Agenda:

9:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. - Registration

9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. - Making a Good Impression When Approaching the Bench
This CLE will address courtroom demeanor, how to properly utilize your resources in the courtroom, advice on asking the right questions, and tips on how to make your day in court successful.

Speakers:
Judge Monique E. Barial, Orleans Civil District Court
Judge Monique G. Morial, Louisiana Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal
Judge Karen Wells Roby, U.S. District Court, EDLA

10:40 a.m. - 11:40 a.m. - Practicing in State & Federal Court
This program will explore the similarities and differences between litigating in State and Federal Court. Learn how, when, and what you need to file in each court. This includes the necessary documents, the best methods for filing, and when you can expect to be heard. 

Speakers: 
Laura C. Cannon, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP
Camille E. Gauthier, Flanagan Partners LLP

11:40 a.m. - 12:50 p.m. - Lunch on your own

12:50 p.m. - 1:50 p.m. - Top 10 Things Every Associate Should Know
What does it take to be a top notch associate? What are the expectations when you practice in a small firm versus a larger firm? Find out the answers from our legal experts. 

Speakers: 
Angie Christina, McGlinchey
Phil D. Lorio, Chopin Law Firm
Monica J. Manzella, Ochsner  

2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Ethical Issues You Will Inevitably Encounter
You’ll get practical information on ethics geared to new lawyers. Learn about ethical issues encountered more by new lawyers, the nuances of professional responsibility, attorney-client relationships, confidentiality, malpractice, and the use of social media.

Speakers: 
Melissa M. Lessell, Deutsch Kerrigan
Casey B. Wendling, Deutsch Kerrigan

3:10 p.m. - 4:10 p.m. - From Billables to Budgets: The Economics of Running a Law Firm
Law isn’t just practice—it’s business. This program breaks down the economics of law firms, including billable hours, fee structures, and the financial models that drive sustainability and growth. Whether you’re a partner, associate, or solo practitioner, understanding the business side of law is essential. This program demystifies billable hours, budgets, and alternative fee arrangements to help you thrive in today’s market.

Speakers: 
Cassie P. Gailmor, Gailmor Law Group
Jeff Green, JJC Law LLC 
Adam Kancher, Adams & Reese LLP
Tessa P. Vorhaben, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP

4:30 p.m. - Reception at The Barnett Lobby Bar
Thank you to Adams & Reese for sponsoring the reception!