Louisiana Bar Foundation

10/29/2026

This week the Louisiana Bar Foundation was represented by LBF Vice President Chuck Bourque at the Bridging the Gap Seminar in New Orleans. Newly admitted attorneys, welcome to the legal community! We're delighted to have you join us.

10/27/2026

Congratulations newly admitted attorneys! And welcome to the legal community!

LBF offers new bar admits an opportunity to become an LBF Fellow at no cost for the first year. We hope you'll join a network of legal professionals dedicated to strengthening access to justice. https://give.raisingthebar.org/a/younglawyernewbaradmit

Pictured: LBF Treasurer Colleen C. Jarrott at the October 26 ceremony. Photo by David Rigamer.

10/20/2026

Volunteer attorneys needed!

In celebration of the 10th Anniversary of Southeast Louisiana Legal Services' Veterans Justice Project launched with funding from the New Orleans Bar Association, we are hosting a free wills event for income eligible veterans. We are looking for licensed attorneys to volunteer to provide legal assistance to participants to be able to have a will, healthcare power of attorney, and/or a living will created for free to help protect their assets and wishes. Participation is open to Veterans, spouses of Veterans, caregivers or significant others who are part of their household.

10/19/2026

There's still time to register for the last 3 stops on the LBF Pop Up Tour! Shreveport, Alexandria, and Monroe, the LBF is going to be in your town on 11/4 and 11/5. Get your FREE CLE. https://raisingthebar.org/events-2/pop-up/

10/19/2026

We are proud to support the Justice and Accountability Center of Louisiana's FREE expungement clinic on 11/11!

✨ SECOND CHANCES START HERE! ✨

A past mistake shouldn’t stand in the way of a brighter future! At the Justice & Accountability Center of Louisiana (JAC), we’re committed to helping justice-impacted individuals overcome barriers and access opportunities for a fresh start.

Our next FREE Expungement Clinic is taking place in New Orleans:

Wednesday, November 11, 2026 at 9:00 AM
📍 4640 S. Carrollton Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70119

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
✔️ Bill of Information (from Clerk of Court)
✔️ Court Minutes (from Clerk of Court)
✔️ Background Check (from State Police or Local Sheriff)

🚨 NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED!
Services are provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

Can’t make it to the clinic? Visit www.jaclouisiana.org/events to learn more about upcoming opportunities and available resources.

💙 Second Chances. Stronger Communities.

Help us spread the word by sharing this post with someone who may benefit!

10/19/2026

We are proud to support the Self Help Desk!

LSBA Access to Justice Committee Chair Hon. Lisa Woodruff-White (ret.) visited the Self-Help Desk at the 12th JDC today, and chatted with volunteer attorney Emily Bertholl and notary Nancy Anglin about how the Central Louisiana Pro Bono Project’s self-help centers serve people representing themselves. Thank you to the all of the volunteers, and to Central La Pro Bono Project, Inc. Louisiana Bar Foundation and Acadiana Legal Service Corporation for supporting this work.

And don't forget, Celebrate National Pro Bono Week starts Oct. 25! Learn about ways you can get involved by going to www.probono.net/la

10/14/2026

There are so many Kids’ Chance kids whose lives have been changed because of this scholarship program! Kids' Chance of America National Ambassador Bailey Burchett, MBA (Kids' Chance of Kansas alum) shares her story. .

When a parent is seriously or fatally injured on the job, a student...

10/14/2026

What can a lost fishing net and a thank you letter from 35 years ago teach us about serving others? In his latest President’s Message, Michael J. Mestayer connects these two personal stories to the LBF’s mission, reminding us that supporting civil legal aid and showing appreciation for others can create a lasting circle of generosity.

Read the full message in the latest Louisiana State Bar Association Journal:https://raisingthebar.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/MJM-PresMessage-Journal-Whole-October-2026.pdf

10/12/2026

This week is Kids' Chance of America Week 2026! As the state chapter of the national organization, we are proud to award scholarships to the children of Louisiana workers who have been killed or permanently and totally disabled in a work accident.

Governor Jeff Landry proclaimed this week as Kids’ Chance Awareness Week in Louisiana! Every state is working together to amplify the message and expand awareness of this program because when a parent is seriously injured or killed on the job, the impact extends far beyond the workplace. It changes a family's plans, their finances and often a young person's vision for the future.

Learn more about LBF Kids’ Chance Scholarship here: https://raisingthebar.org/kids-chance-scholarship-program/

10/06/2026

We owe a huge thanks to Keesha B. Buteau at Beacon of Light for guiding us through this year-long professional development program. Thank you, Keesha, for sharing your time and expertise with us!

We’re celebrating the incredible staff of the LA Bar Foundation on the completion of their year-long High Performing Teams journey!

Over the past year, participants invested 24+ hours in workshop learning, completed post-session assignments, engaged in meaningful conversations, and explored what it takes to lead themselves and one another at a higher level.

Together, we explored the 4 Pillars of High Performing Teams: Triple Purpose, Earned Trust, Healthy Conflict, and Mutual Accountability and what it takes to intentionally build a culture where people feel safe to communicate, take ownership, and perform at their best.

This wasn’t just a year of learning. It was a year of putting learning into action.

Congratulations to the LA Bar Foundation team on this incredible accomplishment! We are proud to have been part of the journey.