Bench Bar Conference
The Ultimate Beach Playlist: Your Guide to a Successful Practice
Fri, March 22, 2024 to
Sun, March 24, 2024

Join the New Orleans Bar Association for the 2024 Bench Bar Conference at the beautiful Hilton Lodge in Gulf Shores, Alabama, on March 22-24, 2024. The weekend promises to be a fascinating exploration of the latest developments in the legal community including Meet the Judges, a rapid-fire, round-robin session where lawyers will be given the opportunity to meet and interact with judges from state and federal courts. 48 judges are coming to the Bench Bar Conference.
Agenda:
| Friday, March 22, 2024 | |
| 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. | Registration |
| 3:25 - 3:30 p.m. | Welcoming Remarks |
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3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
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"Catch a Wave": Riding the Waves of Civil Procedure Moderator: Thomas M. Flanagan, Flanagan Partners LLP, This program will explore the similarities and differences between litigating in |
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4:40 - 6:10 p.m.
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Meet the Judges Down in "Kokomo" Chair/Moderator: Judge Jay C. Zainey, U.S. District Court, EDLA What do judges expect in their courtrooms? What won’t judges tolerate? Are |
| 6:40 p.m. |
Special thank to Surfin' USA Dinner Sponsor: Asher Meyers Cocktails at 6:40 p.m. Dinner at 7:10 p.m. |
| Saturday, March 23, 2024 | |
| 8:30 - 9:00 a.m. |
Breakfast |
| 8:55 - 9:00 a.m. | Welcoming Remarks |
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9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
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"Soak Up The Sun" in Trial Practice Moderator: Craig Isenberg, Barrasso Usdin Kupperman & Sarver, LLC Join us for a discussion of the art of litigation, including an exploration of trial |
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10:10 - 10:40 a.m.
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"Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes": Quantum Update Moderator: Hon. Darrel J. Papillion, U.S. District Court, EDLA A discussion of recent damages jurisprudence and tips on establishing |
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10:40 - 11:10 a.m.
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"Good Vibrations" in Your Applications: Tips for a Successful Writ Moderator: Hon. Paula A. Brown, Louisiana Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal |
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11:20 - 11:50 a.m.
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"(Sittin' On) the Dock of the Bay" Thinking About Insurance Law: Moderator: Christopher K. Ralston, Phelps Dunbar, LLP, NOBA Past President |
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11:50 a.m. - 12:20 p.m.
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"Is This Love?": Selected Recent Developments in Maritime Law Moderator: Cayce C. Peterson, JJC Law, LLC Mr. Bob Marley posed a very important question: “Is This Love?” |
| 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. | |
| Sunday, March 24, 2024 | |
| 8:30 - 9:00 a.m. | Breakfast |
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9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
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"Livin' on a Prayer" and Generative AI: Exploring Ethical Moderators: Hon. Lance M. Africk, U.S. District Court, EDLA |
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10:10 - 11:10 a.m.
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"Wouldn't It Be Nice": Professionalism Moderator: Hon. Michael B. North, Chief Magistrate, U.S. District Court, EDLA This panel will delve into the intricate nuances of professionalism where we |
Registration:
Registration is a 2-Step Process
1. Submit NOBA Conference Registration form with Payment
Lawyers: Download the 2024 Bench Bar Conference Lawyer Registration Form
Judges: Email Briana Nelms or call (504) 525-7453 for Judicial Registration Form
For payment
- Pay online by clicking "register now" OR
- Call NOBA at (504) 525-7453, OR
- Mail to NOBA at 650 Poydras Street, Suite 1505, New Orleans, LA
NOBA Cancellation Policy: Cancellations must be received by March 14, 2024, for a full refund minus a $30 administrative fee.
2. Book Your Stay at The Lodge
NOBA's Room Block is sold out. Contact Briana Nelms, bnelms@neworleansbar.org, for assistance.
For Law Firm Patron and Corporate Sponsorship Information:
| Become Law Firm Patron | Become a Corporate Sponsor |
Contact:
- Email Briana Nelms
- Call NOBA (504) 525-7453



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