BFV attorneys David Bienvenu and Anthony Lascaro are proud to announce a decisive and important victory for our client in a recent election qualifications suit that culminated in decisions issued by the Louisiana Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal and the Louisiana Supreme Court.   Our client exercised her right as a voter under Louisiana’s Election Code and requested Louisiana’s judicial system to review the legal qualifications of two candidates to seek election to the Louisiana Supreme Court from the newly created Supreme Court District 2.  The legal qualifications enforced by our client’s suit are requirements of the Louisiana Constitution and the Louisiana Election Code enacted by the Louisiana legislature and are applicable to any candidate who seeks elected judicial office in Louisiana.   

 There presentation of our client commenced with a suit being filed on July 26,2024, a seven hour evidentiary hearing on July 30, 2024, an appellate hearing before the entire Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal sitting en banc on August 7, 2024 and a final ruling from the Louisiana Supreme Court on August13, 2024, with extensive briefing being filed during the entire appellate process. 

 The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal issued a ruling and opinion that disqualified one candidate as a qualified candidate and a ruling of the Louisiana Supreme Court issued an opinion that disqualified another candidate as a qualified candidate on August 13, 2024.  The rulings are attached and describe the factual details of the suit, the candidates and the evidence that led to the disqualifications. 

 These rulings reaffirm the integrity of our electoral process and underscore the fundamental importance of upholding the law to ensure fair and just elections.  This victory is not just our client’s victory, but is an important result for every citizen who believes in the power of democracy and the sanctity of the ballot.  It serves as a reminder that the integrity of our elections is paramount, and we must remain vigilant in protecting it against any and all challenges.   As we move forward, let this outcome strengthen our commitment to transparency, fairness, and the rule of law in every election.

A Copy of the full opinions and press release can be viewed here. Collins v Chambers

‍