LSU Law News

Chief Judge Ralph E. Tyson, a 1973 graduate of the LSU Law Center, will be honored as the 2009 Distinguished Alumnus on the evening of Thursday, September 24.  The reception will take place at the Country Club of Louisiana beginning at 6:30 p.m.  Pre-registration is required for this event no later than noon on Monday, September 21.

The award is given annually to an alumnus who exemplifies the highest quality and ethical standards of the legal profession. It also recognizes personal and professional achievements, as well as loyalty to the LSU Law Center.

"Ralph Tyson has devoted more than 30 years of his career to exemplary public service-as prosecutor, state court judge, and federal district judge," said LSU Law Chancellor Jack M. Weiss. "At every step of the way, Judge Tyson has gained the respect and admiration of his peers. We are proud to honor this consummate professional and esteemed community leader as our distinguished alumnus of 2009."

 In...

Professor Susan C. Kalinka, the Harriet S. Daggett-Frances Leggio Landry Professor of Law at the Law Center, died earlier this morning at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge. Professor Kalinka had been diagnosed recently with cancer. She had been undergoing treatment for only a few weeks, and her condition deteriorated rapidly over the weekend.
 
Professor Kalinka joined the Law Center faculty in August of 1988.  She taught courses in a variety of tax law, real estate law and policy topics. She earned her law degree from Emory University School of Law.  
 
“Professor Kalinka was an exceptional teacher and scholar of tax law. She inspired dozens of students to seek specialized degrees in tax law and to pursue careers in that field. She was passionate about her work and about her students. She will be missed greatly and remembered fondly,” said Chancellor Weiss.
 
Beloved by her students, Professor Kalinka was known for the...

The newly renovated LSU Law Center Clinical Legal Education space was formally dedicated and opened at ceremonies held on Friday, August 21, 2009 at the Law Center.  Also, twenty third-year law students were administered the oath to practice in the clinical program.  

Chancellor Jack M. Weiss presided over the ceremonies and addressed the crowd of students, family, faculty, staff, and special guests gathered for the special day. The Honorable James L. Dennis, Judge, U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and a 1962 graduate of the Law Center, administered the oath under Rule XX of the Louisiana Supreme Court.

LSU System President John Lombardi congratulated the students and the Law Center on bringing the dream of a law clinic to reality.  Frank Neuner, a 1976 graduate and Chairman of the Louisiana Public Defender Board, reminded students of the importance of public service, while Professor Robert Lancaster, Director of the LSU Law Center Clinical Legal...

The newly renovated LSU Law Clinical Legal Education space will be formally opened at ceremonies planned for Friday, August 21, 2009 at the Law Center.

Chancellor Jack Weiss will preside over the ceremonies.

Events will begin at 1:00 p.m. in the McKernan Auditorium, where 18 law students will be sworn in to practice in the clinic program by the Honorable James L. Dennis, Judge, U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and a 1962 graduate of the Law Center.

Additional remarks will be given by Robert Lancaster, Director of the Law Center’s Clinical program and the J. Noland and Janice D. Singletary Professor of Professional Practice. 

Frank X. Neuner, Chair of the Louisiana Public Defender Board, and a 1976 graduate, will also give remarks. 

The formal ribbon cutting for the space, along with an Open House and tours, will follow.

Students who will take the oath for participation in the clinical program are: Daniel Bailey; Devon Bardin; Sarah Cable; Carolyn Cole; Andre...

Twenty members of the Class of 1959 returned to celebrate their 50^th class reunion on May 28. The Golden Grads participated in commencement exercises, donning golden caps and gowns, sitting on the floor with the graduating class and selecting one of their own to deliver a message to the graduates. 

Classmates called on Chris Roy, Sr., of Alexandria,  to speak on behalf of the Class of 1959.  Roy missed his own commencement due to his military obligation, so the opportunity was especially meaningful to him. He reflected upon the speed with which a career is built, time passes and relationships escape. He  advised graduates to maintain connections.

After commencement, the Class of 1959 and 26 family members gathered in the Tucker Room for lunch of borsin cheese-stuffed panko crusted chicken.  Chancellor Jack Weiss gave a brief update on the status of the clinical program, explained the admission process and answered questions. Chris Roy,...