Please join the New Orleans Chapter of the Federal Bar Association on Friday, August 8, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. for a timely discussion on Judicial Independence.
Lawyers play a critical role in our justice system. In addition to their role as advocates of clients, they have a dual role as officers of the court. Unlike any other profession, they take an oath upon admission to the bar to support and defend the U.S. Constitution. And the canons of professional responsibility emphasize the duty of lawyers to support the justice system in general, and specifically to defend judges and the judicial system from unfair attacks.
We find ourselves in a time where unfair attacks against state and federal judges and our judicial system are pervasive and increasing. At times, the client’s requests and expectations may conflict with the attorney’s ethical and professional duties.
This program traces what let to this situation, and explores how we got here, the ethical and professional responsibility of lawyers to respond as officers of the court to unfair attacks against the judicial system, and how that can be done in a nonpartisan and educational way that engages with the public, and helps them understand the importance of the rule of law and our judicial system in maintaining our democratic form of government.
Judge Paul Grimm will open our session with a discussion of our current judicial environment and how we got here. Our second hour will be a panel discussion moderated by Judy Perry Martinez of Simon, Peragine, Smith & Redfearn, LLP. Her panelists will include Judge Grimm along with EDLA District Judges - Chief Judge Wendy Vitter, Judge Susie Morgan, and Judge Jane Triche Milazzo.
The program will be followed by a light reception from 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. where panelists and attendees can continue the discussion. This CLE is free to FBA members. We welcome non-members for a small fee.
Approved for 1 Hour of Professionalism and 1 Hour of Ethics CLE Credit.
