The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana would like to honor the lives and legacies of two of its cherished court security officers: Michael Riley, who passed away on September 24, 2020, and Richard LeBlanc, who passed away on May 14, 2023.   Michael Riley served as a Court Security Officer for the Eastern District until his passing.  Prior to his service at the Eastern District, he served for over 30 years with the New Orleans Police Department.  Recently, his career was recognized at National Police Week in Washington, D.C.   Richard LeBlanc served as a Court Security Officer for the Eastern District until his recent passing.  All in all, he served for over 50 years as a law enforcement professional. The Eastern District sends its sincerest condolences to the officers’ families.  Michael and Richard will both be sorely missed and fondly remembered by the entire court family.      CSO Richard LeBlanc CSO Michael Riley National Police Week, Washinton, D.C.  

On May 4, 2023, the Honorable Greg G. Guidry, U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Louisiana, presided over a naturalization ceremony in which 23 individuals became United States citizens.  Immigration attorney, Kathleen Gasparian, served as keynote speaker.  In her remarks, Ms. Gasparian praised the petitioners for their courage and sacrifice and thanked them for their contributions to American society and culture.  Peter Mansfield, Chief of the Civil Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office (EDLA), served as the Attorney General’s designee and certified the petitioners’ eligibility for citizenship.  Dedra Pongracz, Case Manager for Judge Guidry, administered the Oath of Allegiance, and the Marine Forces Reserve Band provided musical accompaniment.  To view photos from the ceremony, please select this link.

On April 3, 2023, the U.S. District Court and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court co-hosted an AO-sponsored diversity initiative entitled “Roadways to the Bench: Who Me?  A Bankruptcy or Magistrate Judge?” A total of 37 cities simultaneously hosted the event, which was designed to provide information in an effort to attract a diverse pool of applicants to the federal bench.  The well-attended event featured (i) a keynote panel on diversity which was broadcast from Washington, D.C.; (ii) roundtable discussions where law school students and attorneys from across Louisiana and Mississippi spoke in small groups with federal circuit, district, bankruptcy, and magistrate judges from across the Fifth Circuit to gain insights into the judges’ own pathways to and experiences on the bench; and (iii) a closing networking reception sponsored by the New Orleans Chapter of the Federal Bar Association.     Local organizers for the event were Co-Chairs Chief Judge Meredith Grabill (U.S. Bankruptcy Court, EDLA), Magistrate Judge Janis van Meerveld (U.S. District Court, EDLA), Judge Steven Wheelis (U.S. Bankruptcy Court, WDLA), and Chief Judge Katharine Samson (U.S. Bankruptcy Court, SDMS).   Attorney Co-Chairs were Kristi Johnson of the law firm of Jones Walker, Micah Zeno of the law firm of Gordon Arata Montgomery Barnett, and Carey Menasco of  the law firm of Liskow Lewis.     To view photos of the event, please select this link.

On March 2, 2023, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana held a naturalization ceremony to effectuate the U.S. citizenship of 28 petitioners from around the world.  The Honorable Jay C. Zainey, U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Louisiana, presided over the ceremony.  The Daughters of the American Revolution led participants, including petitioners, their family and friends, and court staff, in the Pledge of Allegiance.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Katherine Kaufman certified the petitioners’ eligibility for naturalization and announced their names.  And Judge Zainey administered the Oath of Allegiance.  In taking the Oath, petitioners swore to support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States against all enemies, and declared true faith and allegiance to the same.  After the Oath administration, Judge Zainey gave keynote remarks, encouraging the newly-sworn citizens to participate fully in the civic life of their new home-country.  The new citizens were then invited to register to vote at a table staffed by the New Orleans Chapter of the League of Women Voters.  Photos from the ceremony may be viewed here.