Acrimony over Ambassador Town Center flares again
The latest dispute between prominent Lafayette families and the developer of the ambitious retail center concerns a most prosaic point of contention: maintenance of a retention pond.
Acrimony over Ambassador Town Center flares again
The latest dispute between prominent Lafayette families and the developer of the ambitious retail center concerns a most prosaic point of contention: maintenance of a retention pond.
Former LPD ‘Serpico’ officer’s firing upheld
The 3rd Circuit Court of Appeal has sided with a lower court, the City-Parish Council and the civil service board regarding the 2012 termination of Corporal Scott Poiencot.
Lafayette attorney faces forgery charge
Law enforcement officials allege Harold Register Jr. forged a client’s $12,500 check and deposited the money into his account.
Local firm earns windfall off BP spill
Domengeaux Wright Roy & Edwards of Lafayette is one of two Louisiana firms that will get roughly $88 million each — if a federal judge approves the recommendation.
Duson biz owner gets year in prison for tax evasion
Larry J. Thibodeaux admitted to ripping off Uncle Sam by underreporting his earnings from 2012 to 2014, costing the U.S. Treasury nearly $250,000.
Death by fritter? Local donut shop sued over fatal allergic reaction
The federal suit claims Rickey Meche's Donut King was negligent for selling Brian Allen Sr. an apple fritter without any warning that it was made with walnut flour, a claim Meche denies.
St. Landry Parish woman gets 57 months for theft
Misty Johnson, 40, stole more than $250,000 from an Opelousas medical imaging service from January 2009 to July 2014.
Texas judge temporarily blocks U.S. Department of Labor from implementing and enforcing its revised white collar overtime regulations.
ABA Journal takes a hard look at the cost of criticizing judges
Using a local case, the American Bar Association Journal raises serious concerns about the repercussions for attorneys who allege judicial misconduct.
Former Eunice police chief ordered to pay $20K for defamation
A Louisiana appeals court overturned a district judge’s ruling and agreed that Ronald Dies defamed the owners of a Eunice wrecker service.
State supreme court rules in favor of Acadiana man imprisoned on illegal sentence.
Briana Drescher joins Preis PLC
She obtained her juris doctorate degree, magna cum laude, and two bachelor of arts degrees from LSU in 2016 and 2013, respectively.
Rayne native paralyzed by 18-wheeler awarded $30M
Lafayette Parish jury finds R+L Carriers solely responsible for man’s injuries, awarding what may be the highest verdict in parish history.
Former LPD officer’s suspension upheld
Nolvey Stelly was disciplined in 2013 for failing to show up for a fitness-for-duty examination.
What’s the future of Moreno’s BR property?
ABiz source says Mike Moreno has been working with his longtime business partner, Kevin Moody, to buy the property from Goldman Sachs.
Russell Manuel secures his plea deal in Knight Oil case
The former Knight Oil Tools employee whose threats to an ex-coworker broke the case wide open will testify against his alleged co-conspirators.
Lafayette’s city marshal has exposed public coffers to more than $312,000 in costs to cover up his bungled foray into shadow politics.
Armentor given OK on LSU Board scholarships
The Lafayette attorney’s Pay It Forward scholarship program is about to get a lot bigger thanks to an advisory opinion from the Louisiana Board of Ethics.
Ex-Knight Oil employee due back in court Thursday
Source close to the case tells The IND Russell Manuel is negotiating a plea deal in exchange for testifying against his alleged co-conspirators.
Are FEMA grant payments taxable?
The IRS has stated that qualified disaster relief payments (like FEMA grant payments) are not included in the income of individuals to the extent any expenses compensated by these payments are not otherwise compensated for by insurance or other reimbursement.
Boustany, Ernest, Bernard Marcantel & David Marcantel named LBF fellows
Fellowship consists of judges, lawyers and law professors whose professional, public and private careers demonstrate their dedication to the improvement of the administration of justice.
Porter, Mims join Simien & Miniex
Both practices will concentrate on personal injury cases and outside counsel for a variety of clients.
Legal group: ’Don’t thread on me’ with hair removal rules
Women with decades of experience in "eyebrow threading" are out of work because Louisiana requires hundreds of hours of schooling unrelated to the hair-removal technique, a nonprofit law firm said Tuesday.
Lafayette used car dealers accused of sales tax fraud
Co-owners face felony charges for allegedly stealing tens of thousands of dollars in state sales tax revenues.
Funereal family feud spills into court
A well-known clan of morticians splits at the seams in a battle over control of the family funeral home empire.
An ongoing legal battle between the developers of Ambassador Town Center and a group of wealthy landowners appears to stem directly from a Louisiana tax law loophole that can be exploited — if you know the game and how to play it.
Adjusting to New Overtime Pay Rules
Get ready to comply with new regulations that raise the salary threshold for overtime pay.
Stutes drops LCG lawsuit; both sides ‘satisfied’
With the district attorney and consolidated government walking away with what amounts to a truce, the nagging issues of consolidation in Lafayette Parish will remain unresolved.
Former land owners sue Costco developers
GBB Properties Two and DBR Properties accuse Stirling/CBL/Ambassador Infrastructure of scrimping on road and drainage work at the 58-acre site.
River District developer adding acreage to property Goldman Sachs aims to seize
Recent court filings suggest negotiations to sell the property and pay off the mortgage could be in the works.
Bus driver wins $75K for ‘route from hell’
Gerald Castille paid his dues as a bus driver, but when the St. Martin Parish School Board re-assigned him to inarguably the worst route in the parish, he sued.
It’s time to rethink the law that strips drivers’ licenses from those who owe back taxes.
Avoiding the ‘Elephant’ in the Real Estate Room
Don’t let an IRS tax lien interrupt your dream of home ownership.
Amid a funding crisis, criminal justice in Lafayette and across Louisiana has slowed to a crawl.
Sasol Wins $740K Tax Dispute with State
Subsidiary of South African energy giant overpaid tax burden to Louisiana in 2000, appellate court finds.
Finley could be first African American on Western District bench
U.S. District Judge Richard Haik's decision to retire under a Democratic president paved the way for a Dem to replace him, but confirmation could be a long way off.
Local public defender refusing criminal cases
G. Paul Marx says criminal justice is “at a halt” in Lafayette, Acadia and Vermilion parishes.
Lafayette attorney Glenn Armentor hopes to change the world, one student at a time, with his ground-breaking scholarship program for at-risk teens.
Plaintiffs’ lawyers: don’t falsely inflate your clients’ medical bills
Louisiana Supreme Court says a plaintiff’s lawyer who negotiates a discount with a treating physician cannot then attempt to recover the undiscounted “cost” from the defendant.
Former rig worker loses ‘anxiety’ appeal
Hayward Allen III sued PHI claiming a minor mishap involving a PHI helicopter on an offshore rig made him too anxious to work. An appeals court says, “meh.”
She earned bachelor of science and juris doctorate degrees from Louisiana State University in 2010 and 2015, respectively.
Tuten Title hires Mestayer, creates endowed scholarship at UL Lafayette
Attorney Steve Mestayer has joined Tuten Title & Escrow. The New Iberia native earned his business administration and law degrees from LSU.
More Oilfield Layoffs = More Litigation
It should come as no surprise to anyone that the large number of layoffs going on in the oil industry because of the decline in the price of oil have resulted in more lawsuits being filed by those affected by the downsizings.
Cajun Harley-Davidson cleared in biker’s death
An appeals court has absolved Cajun Harley-Davidson in Scott of any culpability in the death of a 56-year-old Maurice man who was killed in a collision on Hwy. 93 during a so-called “demo ride.”
Ex-NFL’er Early Doucet wins reduced support payments
Now back at LSU as a full-time student, Doucet successfully appealed a $7,500-per-month child support order imposed by a St. Martin Parish Judge.
Attorney Randall named to SULC Chancellor Search Committee
Local ADA is part of a 14-member committee assisting in the effort to name a new chancellor to replace retired Judge Freddie Pitcher Jr., who stepped down as chancellor in June.
Ex-SMHA employee pleads guilty to stealing $90K
Defendant fraudulently approved loans in the names of friends and associates in New Iberia and Morgan City.
New overtime rules are coming, but the debate about how they will impact employers and employees rages on.
Since last year's felony indictment, the former "Accidental Chef" has paid restitution to a disabled Navy veteran, but are the feds about to seek their pound of flesh?
As Mike Moreno’s business empire crumbles, so too does his Lafayette home — literally.
Kendall Mosing, a scion of the Frank’s International family, seeks $79.5 million in a biz deal gone sour.
Tuten, Groner Join Forces in Title Biz
A lifelong resident of New Iberia, Groner has 30 years of legal experience, having primarily focused on personal injury and commercial cases.
Green Field trustee goes after Mike Moreno for $230 million
A new lawsuit alleges the Lafayette oilman looted Green Field just as it headed toward a “spectacular failure” — and also has harsh words for local shareholders and directors it claims rubber-stamped Moreno’s scheme.
Saltzman named partner at Anderson, Dozier & Blanda
Lafayette firm becomes Anderson, Dozier, Blanda and Saltzman.
Tuten, Groner join forces in title biz
Merger paves the way for Tuten Title and Escrow's entry into New Iberia.
Lafayette: Undergoing Dynamic Change
We are so fortunate to live in Acadiana, a bustling area that has, so far, maintained its smalltown feel.
Guidry’s departure from Onebane brings Ogletree Deakins to Lafayette
Longtime Lafayette attorney Greg Guidry has brought one of the largest employment law firms in the country, Atlanta-based Ogletree Deakins, to the city.
Pat Magee has joined the law firm of Voorhies & Labbe and will focus his practice on criminal defense, reflecting the firm’s expansion of its litigation practice to add selective criminal defense matters.
Moroux named partner at Broussard & David
An attorney at Broussard & David since 2010, he handles serious personal injury and wrongful death cases.
Federal judge dismisses Progressive Waste’s suit against LCG
Garbage company failed to produce evidence any financial losses (or anything else for that matter) related to the failed waste transfer station in north Lafayette Parish.
Is it the end of the line for former UL Lafayette head football coach Jerry Baldwin and his quixotic quest for money from the university, which in 2001 fired him — three years into a four-year contract and after the then-woeful Cajuns had compiled a 6-27 record under his leadership?
Appeals court sides with oil co. in fight with CPA
A divided 3rd Circuit Court of Appeal reversed a Lafayette district judge‘s ruling absolving the co-owner of a New Iberia accounting firm of liability in an embezzlement case.
Legal Matters: NeunerPate‘s Coreil wins Sandra Day O‘Connor Award
Prestigious honor annually recognizes a single attorney for excellence in public interest/pro bono work.
There has been much progress in the 50 years since the Civil Rights Act was passed, but there is still work to be done. There has been much progress in the 50 years since the Civil Rights Act was...
Legal Matters: Saloom, Diaz, McBride, Roy, Wright join local Hall of Fame
Newly established honor recognizes outstanding local attorneys; Neuner and McGoffin win President's Award; and Blanchard named Outstanding Young Lawyer. On Sept. 4 at 6 p.m., the Lafayette Bar...
Legal Matters: Brittan Bush, Blake David, Simien & Miniex
Brittan Bush joins Liskow & Lewis, Blake David installed as the Third District Member of the Louisiana State Bar Association's board of governors, and Simien & Miniex announces 2014...
National Award Spotlights Local Public Defender
Gideon's Promise lauds G. Paul Marx's work to improve the quality of indigent defense and helps train five new public defenders. National Award Spotlights Local Public Defender Gideon's Promise lauds...
Before Swamp Pop was a soda, it was a T-shirt design, yet the artist behind the T-shirt has been mostly forgotten as the soft drink's popularity rises. Using a double entendre for the music genre...
Legal Matters: LBF names Neuner Distinguished Attorney
State bar foundation bestows honor on founder and managing partner of NeunerPate LBF President Leo C. Hamilton, left, and Lafayette attorney Frank Neuner The Louisiana Bar Foundation has honored...
A lawyer's ad should only be a starting point, as there is much more to consider when seeking quality representation. You find yourself suddenly in need of a good lawyer. Maybe you were in an accident...
Josette Gossen Abshire has taken over as executive director of the Lafayette Bar Association and Lafayette Bar Foundation. Josette Gossen Abshire has taken over as executive director of the Lafayette...
Lafayette Bar Association Answers the Call
Responsible representation is our promise. The role of an attorney is multi-faceted, and the most important term associated with that role is "representation." In service to the legal...
Getting the Parish Courthouse in Order
Our 50-year-old Lafayette Parish courthouse continues to serve the residents of our parish, despite that our population has grown from 85,000 to well over 227,000. Our 50-year-old Lafayette Parish...
Lowering the jury threshold could have an uncertain impact on car insurance rates. If you are a Louisiana driver, chances are you pay considerably more for auto insurance than a driver in any other...
‘I Hereby Waive & Release Cajun Canoe Rentals of Any and All Liability' ... Or Do I?
Liability waivers - what you need to know before you sign Liability waivers are everywhere. We find them in recreational sports application forms (youth and adult), on signs and menus in restaurants...
You might want to think twice before sending a text to someone you know is driving and likely to read it immediately. You might want to think twice before sending a text to someone you know is driving...
Impartiality in a World Gone Viral
In a high-tech world, seating a jury not exposed to potentially prejudicial elements of criminal cases gets harder by the day. The video of his confession was startling in its clarity: "My name...
Louisiana takes one small step in leveling the paying field. Fifty years ago the Equal Pay Act was signed into law by President Kennedy, making it a federal offense for employers to pay different...
Legal Matters: The Legacy of Our Sister Storms
Louisiana's legal community learned valuable lessons from Katrina and Rita in 2005, lessons we are now sharing with a global audience. Louisiana's legal community learned valuable lessons from Katrina...
Choosing and protecting a trademark is serious business - almost as serious as the business itself. Choosing and protecting a trademark is serious business - almost as serious as the business itself....
Legal Matters: Protecting Competitive Business Interests
One size does not fit all when it comes to Louisiana appeal courts' interpretation of noncompete and nonsolicitation agreements. One size does not fit all when it comes to Louisiana appeal courts'...
A lot has changed in five decades in Lafayette. The Lafayette Parish Courthouse has not. First floor restroom used by employees and the public A lot has changed in five decades in Lafayette. The...
LBA: Motivated by Justice, Inspired by Service
All jokes aside, Acadiana lawyers are volunteers at heart. All jokes aside, Acadiana lawyers are volunteers at heart. As long as there have been lawyers, there have been lawyer jokes. Perhaps lawyers...