Eastern District of Louisiana
500 Poydras Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
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To celebrate Women’s History Month, nearly two hundred attendees gathered at the Eastern District Courthouse on March 11, 2026, with even more on Zoom, to learn about the legal rights afforded to women from the time of the Declaration of Independence through the modern day. The esteemed panelists were Loyola Law Dean Madeline Landrieu, LSU Law Dean Caprice Roberts, Tulane Law Dean Marcilynn Burke, Tulane Law Professor Saru Matambanadzo, and Loyola Law Professor Courtney Turkington. Discussions included the status of women’s rights in 1776 when the Declaration of Independence was written, the evolution of employment laws, the treatment of women’s property rights, the voting and political activity of women, and centuries of reproductive regulations. The presentations concluded with a group discussion led by Chloé Chetta.
The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana held a naturalization ceremony in which 50 petitioners became United States citizens. The Honorable Lance M. Africk, U.S. District Judge, presided over the March 3 ceremony. He welcomed and invited everyone to stand for the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance, led by representatives from the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Judge Africk then introduced the keynote speaker, recently appointed United States Attorney David Courcelle. He spoke of how he was born in Japan, his mother’s native country, on a U.S. Naval Base where his father was stationed. Courcelle recalled his mother’s own naturalization journey, and her tireless studies to learn U.S. civics and memorize the Pledge of Allegiance. She eventually did become a U.S. citizen and was naturalized in the very courthouse where he now tries cases as the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
Judge Africk then invited Assistant U.S. Attorney Renee Goudeau to issue the statement of petitioners’ eligibility for citizenship and present petitioners’ requests for name change. AUSA Goudeau then announced the names of the 50 new...
more »** LAST DAY TO REGISTER: Tue., Feb. 24
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The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana will host a CLE presented by the Greater New Orleans Louis A. Martinet Legal Society in celebration of African American History Month. The panel-discussion CLE is entitled “Louisiana’s Post-Voting Rights Act Advancements and Ongoing Struggles.” The program will be Friday, Feb. 27 from noon to 1 p.m. in Room 501 of the courthouse.
There is no cost, and lunch will be provided. However, advance registration is required at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/kku7hms. The CLE is in-person only.
The New Orleans Bar Association, the New Orleans Chapter of the Federal Bar Association, and the New Orleans Chapter of the Association for Women Attorneys are co-sponsoring the event.
The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana presents a Women's History Month Celebration and CLE on Wednesday, March 11, 3-5 p.m., in Courtroom 501 and via Zoom.
There is no charge for this 2-hour CLE with reception to follow, but advance registration is required via the QR code above.
The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana held a naturalization ceremony in which 24 petitioners became United States citizens. The Honorable Susie Morgan, U.S. District Judge, presided over the January 8 ceremony. She welcomed and invited everyone to stand for the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance, led by representatives from the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Judge Morgan then addressed the petitioners. She recognized the national contributions of famous immigrants such as Alexander Hamilton and Joseph Pulitzer, as well as local icons, such as James Gallier, who designed the iconic Gallier Hall which sits adjacent to the courthouse. She encouraged the new citizens to vote in elections at every level to take advantage of their new rights.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mimi Nguyen then issued the statement of petitioners’ eligibility for citizenship and presented petitioners’ requests for name change. After granting the requests for name change, Judge Morgan administered the Oath of Allegiance, handed out certificates, and took pictures with our country’s newest citizens. To view photos from the ceremony, please select...
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On Monday, December 22, 2025, Judge William J. Crain took the oath of office as the newest United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Louisiana. The oath was administered by his friend and colleague, Judge Greg Guidry. A formal investiture ceremony will take place later. Judge Crain brings a wealth of experience to the bench as a former judge with the 22nd Judicial District Court for St. Tammany and Washington Parishes, the Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal, and a former Associate Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court. The Eastern District of Louisiana court extends a warm welcome to Judge Crain and looks forward to his continued service in the judiciary in his new role.