The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana and the New Orleans Chapter of the Federal Bar Association will present “A Night at the (Courthouse) Theater” on November 20, 2024, 3-5 p.m. This 33rd annual Alvin Rubin Symposium will reenact the historic case Vietnamese Fishermen vs. The Ku Klux Klan and has been approved for one hour each of ethics and professionalism CLE credit. The event will be in Courtroom C-501 at 500 Poydras Street in New Orleans. Performing a script by U.S. Second Circuit Judge Denny Chin and Kathy Hirata Chin, a cast of federal judges and other guests will present the proceedings that took place in 1981 when a group of Vietnamese fishermen sued the Ku Klux Klan in federal court to stop the Klan's campaign of violence and intimidation. Following the play, U.S. Magistrate Judge Eva Dossier will lead a panel discussion of relevant ethics and professionalism issues illustrated in the performance. A light reception will follow the program from 5-6 p.m.  Registration is required at this link, and space is limited.  Please see the program’s flyer for registration details. The program will also be accessible remotely. Questions can directed to the Federal Bar Association by email or by phone at (504) 589-7990.

Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2071, notice is given that the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit is considering amending 5TH CIR. R. 27.3 and promulgating new rule 5TH CIR. R. 27.3.2 as shown in the attached PDF document. Proposed changes are “redline text.” We will accept written comments for consideration on the proposed change through Oct. 25, 2024. You may write to: Clerk of Court U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ATTN: Rule Changes 600 South Maestri Place New Orleans, LA 70130 or send comments electronically to changes@ca5.uscourts.gov. View this PDF

On September 5, 2024, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana held a naturalization ceremony in which 41 petitioners became United States citizens. The Honorable Barry W. Ashe, U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Louisiana, presided over the ceremony. In his opening remarks, Judge Ashe welcomed and congratulated the petitioners then invited everyone to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance which was led by representatives from the Daughters of the American Revolution. Judge Ashe then invited keynote speaker Ana Gershanik to provide remarks. Gershanik spoke of how she came to America with her husband from Argentina with the intention of staying only one year but has now lived here for more than four decades because of the incredible opportunities afforded. Her passion for music, education, and helping others has inspired her to work with countless organizations in the New Orleans area, and she encouraged the brand-new American citizens to pursue their dreams by engaging with their community. EDLA Assistant U.S. Attorney Rob Adams then issued the statement of petitioners’ eligibility for citizenship and presenting petitioners’ requests for name change.  After granting the requests for name change, Judge Ashe had each petitioner announce their name and country of origin before administering the Oath of Allegiance. Petitioners were then given their certificates and took pictures with Judge Ashe. To view photos from the ceremony, please select this link. 

Considering the damage that Hurricane Francine caused in the state of Louisiana and other matters outlined therein, Chief Judge Brown has issued General Order No. 24-1 on September 12, 2024, providing that  all deadlines and delays, including prescriptive and peremptive periods, in cases pending or to be filed in this Court are hereby suspended from September 11, 2024 through September 12, 2024. All filings due during this period shall be deemed timely filed if filed on or before Friday, September 13, 2024. View this PDF