Blog

LACDL Celebrates Champions of Justice at the 39th Annual Tate Banquet

Posted by [email protected] on Dec. 22, 2025  /  Subscribe 0

The Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (LACDL) brought together attorneys, advocates, and leaders from across the state on Friday, December 5th for the 39th Annual Justice Albert A. Tate, Jr. Awards Banquet. Held at the Loews Hotel in New Orleans, the evening honored the people who advance fairness, defend constitutional rights, and strengthen Louisiana’s justice system. 

The banquet opened with the introduction of LACDL’s 2026 leadership team. The following Officers began their terms on December 8th: 

“This community shows up for the hard work of justice,” said Immediate Past President Jim Boren. “Tonight, we celebrate the defenders, the advocates, and the leaders who make Louisiana stronger.” 

Honoring Excellence in Criminal Defense
LACDL recognized outstanding contributions across the profession with its annual awards: 

Justice Albert Tate, Jr. Award - Rick Schroeder
Named for Justice Albert Tate Jr., who served on both the Louisiana Supreme Court and the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. This is LACDL’s highest honor. It goes to someone with extraordinary contributions to Louisiana’s criminal justice system and a career that reflects Justice Tate’s integrity, intellect, and deep commitment to constitutional principles. On behalf of the LACDL Board of Directors, Stephen Haedicke presented the award to Rick Schroeder. 

Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award - Emily Maw and Bidish Sarma
Named for Chief Justice Calogero, renowned for his long leadership on the Louisiana Supreme Court and deep commitment to justice. This award goes to someone in an official capacity whose leadership strengthened access to counsel and fairness in the justice system. Jim Boren presented the award to Emily Maw and Bidish Sarma. 

Sam Dalton-Gary Clements Capital Defense Award - Cristie Gibbens
Given to a defender whose career shows unwavering commitment to justice and compassion for people facing the death penalty. It honors the legacy of Sam Dalton and Gary Clements — two of the state’s most respected capital defenders — and celebrates courage, skill, and humanity in capital defense. On behalf of the LACDL Board of Directors, Rebecca Hudsmith presented the award to Cristie Gibbens.

Professor Lucy McGough Juvenile Justice Award - Lakita Leonard
Named for Professor Lucy McGough, whose scholarship and advocacy transformed Louisiana’s juvenile justice system. This award recognizes work that advances juvenile justice reform, values children in the system, and improves outcomes under Act 307 and the Children’s Code. Jim Boren presented the award to Lakita Leonard.

Trustees of Freedom Lifetime Award - Rebecca Hudsmith
This award honors a lifetime of extraordinary service to the cause of justice and the right to counsel. Recipients have shown sustained dedication to defending the accused, strengthening public defense, and advancing fairness in Louisiana. Jim Boren presented the award to Rebecca Hudsmith. 

Trustees of Freedom Gideon Award - Andrew “Andy” Duffy
Named in honor of Gideon v. Wainwright, this award recognizes public defenders whose work gives life to the Sixth Amendment right to counsel, especially those providing frontline direct representation and advancing equal justice. On behalf of the LACDL Board of Directors, Paul Fleming presented the award to Andy Duffy.

CJA Panel Award - Christopher Murell
Recognizes a federal CJA panel attorney who has shown exceptional commitment, professionalism, and achievement while providing appointed representation in the federal courts of Louisiana. On behalf of the LACDL Board of Directors, Meghan Matt presented the award to Chris Murell.

President’s Award - Stephen Haedicke
Chosen by the sitting LACDL President to honor an individual or group whose devotion to justice and service to the organization set an example during the President’s term. On behalf of President Jim Boren, Brett Brunson and Deirdre Fuller presented the award to Stephen Haedicke.

President’s Award - Kerry Cuccia and Michael Fiser
President Boren also selected two additional recipients whose dedication distinguished LACDL’s work this year. The President’s Award was given to Kerry Cuccia and Michael Fiser.

LACDL Appreciation Award - Mitch Bergeron
Awarded by the Board to someone whose dedication and service have strengthened LACDL and the justice system through commitment, professionalism, and support throughout the year. President-Elect Jacob Longman presented the award to Mitch Bergeron. 

The Board also recognized President Jim Boren for stepping in for a second term of leadership, having previously served in 1990-1991. 

Celebrating the Blackstone’s Order
One of the most anticipated moments of the evening was the induction of new members into LACDL’s prestigious Blackstone’s Order, created to honor defenders who embody the principle that “it is better that ten guilty persons escape than that one innocent suffer.” This honor recognizes defense attorneys whose courtroom victories — like winning key motions, securing acquittals, or reversing convictions — uphold liberty and safeguard rights. Membership in the Order marks one of the highest recognitions a Louisiana defender can receive, reflecting skill, courage, and unwavering commitment to constitutional protections.

This year’s inductees represent a powerful cross-section of Louisiana’s defense community, including:

The Order also recognized members who secured a significant victory in 2025. These wins reflect the heart of criminal defense work: protecting rights, standing firm against injustice, and ensuring fairness for every person. Honorees included: 

A Night That Honors the Work Ahead
The Tate Banquet stands as LACDL’s signature celebration of the criminal defense community. It recognizes not only individual accomplishments but the shared mission of protecting constitutional rights and ensuring justice for all Louisianans.

“Our members fight every day for fairness, liberty, and human dignity,” said new President Jacob Longman. “This banquet is our moment to lift up that work, celebrate our wins, and strengthen the community that makes it possible.”

This evening underscored LACDL’s mission to support the defense bar, uphold constitutional rights, and champion a fairer, more just Louisiana. 

About LACDL

The Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers is the statewide organization dedicated to supporting the criminal defense bar, protecting the rights of the accused, and promoting reforms that advance justice and fairness. For more information, please visit LACDL.org, email [email protected], or call the LACDL office at (225) 341-2573.

Return to list