IN MEMORIAM
Honorable Helen “Ginger” Berrigan
April 15, 1948 - November 15, 2024

United States District Judge
March 10, 1994 to August 23, 2016

The judges of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana sadly announce that their esteemed colleague, retired Senior Judge Helen “Ginger” Berrigan, passed away on the evening of November 15, 2024, in Saddle River, New Jersey, after a long illness.  Judge Berrigan was nominated by President Bill Clinton to a seat on the Eastern District of Louisiana bench on November 18, 1993, was confirmed by the Senate on March 10, 1994, and received her commission on the same day.  She served as the Chief Judge of the court from 2001 until 2008 and assumed senior status on August 23, 2016.
    “She was a mentor and a friend,” said Chief Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown.  “Judge Berrigan was beloved and respected by judges across the judiciary for her compassion and her intellect.  She will be sorely missed,” Brown added.  “On behalf of the court we extend our sincere condolences to her family and many friends,” said Brown.
    Judge Berrigan was born in New Rochelle, New York, on April 15, 1948, the youngest of five children born to George Bassett Roberts and Jerry McCord Roberts.    She obtained a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin in Madison in 1969, a M.A. in Journalism from American University in Washington, D.C., in 1971, and J.D. from Louisiana State University in 1977.
    After graduating from LSU School of Law, Judge Berrigan worked as a staff attorney for the Louisiana Governor’s Pardon, Parole, and Rehabilitation Commission and then joined the Louisiana criminal defense firm of Camile F. Gravel, Jr.  She worked as a criminal defense attorney for several years.  After she was confirmed in 1994, Judge Berrigan served as an active district judge for 22 years.
    From 2001 until 2008, Judge Berrigan was the Chief Judge of the Eastern District of Louisiana.  When Hurricane Katrina caused unprecedented catastrophic flooding and wind damage to the Eastern District of Louisiana in 2005, displacing judges, court staff, the legal community and the public, Judge Berrigan, together with the EDLA judges, lead the court through many personal difficulties and judicial and legal hurdles in the storm’s aftermath.    During her Chief Judge tenure, the court adopted an electronic record and filing system and began upgrading courtrooms with technology for modern evidence presentation.
    Judge Ivan L. R. Lemelle noted that, “Before her last year or so in declining health, Ginger successfully led the EDLA through many challenges with a calming and professional demeanor—especially during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.  She started the judges’ book club, volleyball team, Court Mardi Gras parade and ball, December holiday festivities, and other collegial initiatives.”  “May she be remembered with love and appreciation,” Lemelle added.
    Judge Eldon Fallon said, “Ginger made lasting changes to the Court during her term as Chief Judge.  Her warmth and compassion were infectious and created an atmosphere of inclusion and cooperation.”  Fallon added that she “encouraged members of the judiciary and members of the Bar to work together on updating Court Rules and Procedures, which brought efficiency and greater accessibility to the Judicial Process.”
    Judge Berrigan was predeceased by her husband of many years, attorney Joseph E. Berrigan.  She is survived by her sisters, Pamela Norman of Spring Green, Wisconsin, Judith Cohen of Middletown, New York, and Kathy Careddu of New York City, New York, and her brother, David Roberts of Meriden, New Hampshire.