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The Honorable Barry W. Ashe

Federal Judicial Center Biography

Section M
Phone: (504) 589-7560

500 Poydras Street
Room C367
New Orleans, LA  70130

Staff Information

Gretchen Heldner, Judicial Paralegal

Megan Levens, Law Clerk (even cases)

Madison Benoit, Law Clerk (odd cases)

Cherie Charles, Case Manager, (504) 589-7703

Judge Tabs

Chambers Communication

Chambers telephone (504) 589-7560

Fax number (504) 589-4457

Courtroom Rules

All persons entering the courtroom should be dressed in a manner that reflects the dignity of the proceedings.

Attorneys:

Always stand when speaking and speak into the microphone.

Stand at the podium when examining a witness or making an argument.

Stand when making an objection or speaking to the Court.

Request permission before approaching the witness stand.

When making an objection, counsel will state the basis for the objection.  Speaking objections are not permitted.

Don't abuse requests for sidebar conferences.  These disrupt the flow of trial, and the jury does not appreciate being kept in the dark or the constant interruptions.

Raise preliminary matters or scheduling issues before a trial commences, during a recess, or upon adjournment for the day.

All personal communication devices should be set to silent before entering the courtroom.

Media:

Laptops are permitted in the courtroom gallery for credentialed media only.  Members of the media must present their credentials to court security upon entering the courtroom.  Laptops may be used for note-taking.  Any use of the internet in the courtroom is strictly prohibited, unless a separate order authorizing live blogging is entered.

Accessing any social media service from inside the courtroom is strictly prohibited.

The use of any audio or video recording devices is strictly prohibited.

Spectators:

Personal communication devices including cellular phones, tablets, and personal digital assistance must be turned off completely before entering the courtroom.

The use of any audio or video recording devices is strictly prohibited.

Motions & Oral Argument

Civil Oral Argument

This Section adheres to Local Civil Rule 78.1 regarding oral argument on motions.

Criminal Oral Argument

A separate request for oral argument is not necessary for criminal motions.  If the filing attorney sets a criminal motion for hearing, the Court will issue an order either setting oral argument or setting submission deadlines.

Available motion submission and oral argument dates

Pretrial/Trial Procedure

Evidence Presentation System

Judge Ashe's courtoom is equipped with an evidence presentation system for counsel's use in displaying exhibits or demonstrative aids using printed documents, physical evidence, or images from a laptop supplied by counsel.

Please contact the Section M Case Manager for a demonstration on use of the equipment.  The Court strongly advises counsel to test their personal equipment on the Evidence Presentation System prior to trial or hearing.

Pretrial Notice

Sample Documents

Pretrial Notice

Guidelines
  • When a case has settled, a letter must be submitted to Chambers with a carbon copy to all opposing counsel.  The letter may be submitted either via email to efile-ashe@laed.uscourts.gov or via facsimile at (504) 589-4457.  Following receipt of same, a 60 Day Order of Dismissal will be issued.
     
  • For conflicts with status or preliminary status conference dates, counsel shall contact Gretchen Heldner, Judicial Paralegal, at (504) 589-7560 for purposes of resetting on a mutually agreeable date.
     
  • A formal motion to continue is required for any deadlines set forth in the scheduling order.
     
  • Counsel shall deliver a hard copy of any pleadings, along with any exhibits and attachments, that together exceed 100 pages in total length to Chambers at 500 Poydras Street, Room C-367 for the Court's use.  This copy must be forwarded at the time of CM/ECF filing.  This copy must be placed in a binder and tabbed, and should reflect pagination and document numbers consistent with the electronic document stamping of CM/ECF.