On October 29, 2013, I was called to preside over the Shreveport Bar Association Memorial and Recognition Ceremony. This is an annual tradition where we honor our recently deceased colleagues of the bar association who devoted their lives to the practice of law and we contemporaneously recognize the new lawyers recently admitted to practice before the 1st Judicial District Court. This event is indeed a time of remembrance and a time of renewal.

I have participated in – and enjoyed – this important ceremony during my 23 years on the bench. This year was particularly meaningful as my son, Stuart, was recently sworn in to practice law by the Louisiana Supreme Court, and on October 29, the First Judicial District Court recognized him along with 26 of his new enthusiastic colleagues.

It’s been 33 years since I took the oath administered by Louisiana Supreme Court, was presented to the 1st Judicial District Court and began my law career. Stuart took the oath (slightly revised after three decades); he was presented to the court which has been a significant part of my professional life, and he now embarks on what will surely be a promising and gratifying career.

In this moment of remembrance and renewal from the perspective of both a father and a judge, I am profoundly thankful for the gift of a law education – for him and for me. What a tremendous honor and blessing!