NEW ORLEANS' ADVOCATE SHOWS 'GOOD JUDGE-MENT' ON NAWJ 2013 ANNUAL CONFERENCE

(New Orleans, Louisiana) The always-fun theme of Mardi Gras prevailed at the reception for the National Association of Women Judges during its recent conference. Approximately 300 attendees rubbed shoulders, including Louisiana Supreme Court Chief JusticeBernette Joshua Johnson (joined by daughter Rachael Johnson) and 40th Judicial Court Judge Mary Hotard Becnel, who co-chaired the conference. They were particularly thanked by retired immigration Judge Joan Churchill, the NAWJ president, as were the Conference Planning Committee and the Louisiana Supreme Court.

According to a conference principal, “The Louisiana Supreme Court Reception was a perfect New Orleans welcome for the members and an exciting kick-off of the conference’s social events.” Contributing to the overall look and excitement were: the Carnival motif, New Orleans Catering, with such gustatory treats as gumbo, blackened redfish, Bananas Foster; thematic purple and gold linens placed on café tables lining the courthouse hallway; the décor, by Accents on Arrangements, of two giant masks flanking the courthouse lobby and Mardi Gras bunting; and Mona’s Accents flowers done as centerpieces of yellow Peruvian lilies accented with purple rain flower stalks and a mask. Singer Nayo Jonesregaled the assembly with a musical buffet of classics, jazz and R&B.

The who’s who in the limelight included Louisiana Supreme Court Justices Jeannette Theriot Knoll and Jefferson D. Hughes III; Judges Michael Bagneris with spouse Madeline, Phyllis Montgomery Keaty, Rosemary Ledet, Joy Lobrano, Laurie White, Ethel Simms Julien, Tiffany Chase, Bernadette D’Souza, andJune Berry Darensburg; Dr Corey and Alanah Hebert, Larry andEvelyn Odoms, Valerie Willard, and Laverne Tropez. Among the legion of lawyers were James Williams, Kim Boyle, and the aboveRachael Johnson.

Contact Nell Nolan at nnolan@theadvocate.com.