On March 7, 2024, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana held a naturalization ceremony in which 29 petitioners became United States citizens. The Honorable Susie Morgan, U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Louisiana, presided over the ceremony and provided the keynote address. In her remarks, Judge Morgan spoke of the unique backgrounds of the petitioners and conveyed that their diversity is our strength. She furthered that the petitioners now have full rights as citizens and encouraged them to register to vote and become involved in their communities and the nation. Judge Morgan’s remarks were followed by a recorded message from President Joe Biden, after which she 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 this link.
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News & Announcements
Check this page, or the News and Announcements box on the homepage, for the latest official news and announcements released by the court. You can also access archived news and announcements from this page.
March 12, 2024
The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana presents a Women's History Month Celebration entitled, "Women Empowering the Community Through Education: The Work of St. Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament & a Panel Discussion on The Changing Faces of Education," on Wednesday, March 20, 11:30am-1:30pm, in Courtroom 501 and via Zoom.
There is no charge for this 2-hour CLE with lunch provided to in-person attendees, but advance registration is required at https://forms.office.com/g/5i3cYWzsP9.
February 27, 2024
On January 4, 2024, the Honorable Greg G. Guidry, U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Louisiana, presided over a naturalization ceremony in which 27 petitioners became United States citizens. The Daughters of the American Revolution led the Pledge of Allegiance. U.S. Magistrate Judge Janis van Meerveld, a naturalized citizen, served as Keynote Speaker. In her remarks, she discussed her family history and journey to becoming a U.S. Citizen. She also thanked the petitioners for choosing to become citizens and encouraged them to and participate in all aspects of civic life as new citizens. EDLA Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Chickering served as the Attorney General’s designee and certified the petitioners’ eligibility for citizenship. Judge Guidry then invited the petitioners to stand and announce their names and countries of origin, after which Case Manager Dedra Pongracz administered the Oath of Allegiance. Judge Guidry then made concluding remarks and invited our newest citizens to register to vote at a table staffed by volunteers from Engaging New Voices and Voters. To view photos from the ceremony, please select this link.
February 15, 2024
The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana presents an African American History Month Celebration entitled, "We See You: Remembering and Acknowledging Lost, Erased, and Ignored Communities of Color in Louisiana,” on Thursday, February 29, noon-2 pm, in Courtroom 501 and by Zoom.
There is no charge for this 2-hour CLE with lunch provided to in-person attendees, but advance registration is required at https://forms.office.com/g/M71eNzAKYM.
Please see the Eastern District of Louisiana website, www.laed.uscourts.gov, for additional information and for updates.
February 7, 2024
On November 2, 2023, the Honorable Wendy B. Vitter, U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Louisiana, presided over a naturalization ceremony in which 31 petitioners became United States citizens. The Daughters of the American Revolution led the Pledge of Allegiance. Attorney José Cot, a naturalized citizen, served as Keynote Speaker. In his remarks, he encouraged the petitioners to register to vote and participate in civic life of the United States and all it has to offer. EDLA Assistant U.S. Attorney Mimi Nguyen served as the Attorney General’s designee and certified the petitioners’ eligibility for citizenship. Judge Vitter then 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 this link.
January 8, 2024
The Court has found that U.S. Magistrate Judge Janis van Meerveld, whose current term expires July 31, 2024, should be considered for reappointment. Accordingly, the Court has ordered the establishment of a Merit Selection Panel. The Court’s order identifies the panelists and is available here.
January 3, 2024
On January 2, 2024, the Honorable Sarah S. Vance informed President Joseph Biden that she intends to retire from regular, active service as a U.S. District Judge effective January 16, 2024. For nearly three decades, Judge Vance has served as a district judge for the Eastern District of Louisiana. She intends to render substantial judicial service as a senior judge. Judge Vance’s letter to President Biden can be read here.
December 28, 2023
Amendments to the Local Rules of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana become effective January 1, 2024. The changes concern:
• Rule 7.5 (Response and Memorandum),
• Rule 78.1 (Submission Dates and Oral Argument),
• Rule 5.6 (Procedure for Filing Documents Under Seal), and
• Rule 26.3 (Initial Disclosures in Misappropriation of Trade Secret Cases).
The amendments are available in the Court’s December 20, 2023 Order. The en banc Court approved the amendments in March 2023 and revised them following a period of notice and comment. The Court then provided a second notice period and received approval from the Rules Committee of the Fifth Circuit’s Judicial Council before adopting the final amendments.
In conjunction with the amendments, the process for filing documents under seal in civil cases will also change January 1. Parties in civil cases will now file sealed documents electronically through the Court’s CM/ECF system. Instructions for filing civil documents under seal appear in amended Local Rule 5.6 and the E-Filing Under Seal instructions and FAQs. The process for filing sealed documents in criminal cases remains unchanged.
For further assistance, parties can also contact the Clerk’s Office help desk at (504) 589-7788 or toll-free at (866) 209-7767.
December 22, 2023
Judge Brandon S. Long took the oath of office to become a United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Louisiana on December 21, 2023, following his nomination by President Biden and his confirmation by the United States Senate. The Court extends a warm welcome to Judge Long and looks forward to his service on the bench.
December 12, 2023
The Court has issued a Fourth Amendment to its Hurricane Ida Case Management Order No. 1. The order amends the CMO as follows:
1. The deadline to conduct the Informal Settlement Conference is extended to 60 days from the disclosure deadline (previous deadline was 30 days);
2. The deadline for the Administrator to schedule mediation is extended to 150 days from the filing of the last responsive pleadings or, if falling on a later date, 60 days from denial of a motion to remand (previous deadlines were 75 and 30 days);
3. The cancellation fee for mediations cancelled within 14 days is removed where the reason for cancellation is settlement of the case.
All other provisions of the CMO remain in effect.
View this PDF
View CMO Exhibit B
View CMO Exhibit C