Professor Frank L. Maraist, the Nolan J. Edwards and Holt B. Harrison Professor of Law at the LSU Law Center, walked in to his Evidence class today for the last time. It was as emotional – but characteristic “Maraist” ending – for a career that has spanned nearly four decades. Maraist has taught, mentored, and counseled several thousand students who have graced the halls of the LSU Law School. He showed up early today for his 7:30 a.m. class, expecting nothing out of the ordinary. But students and colleagues had other plans, and he was greeted with cameras and cakes by Chancellor Jack Weiss and other faculty members and colleagues. The quick witted Maraist noted, “It’s going to be intimidating to teach this class in front of so many colleagues.” Today he presented his final review session as a member of the LSU Law faculty.
Maraist graduated from Southwestern LA Institute in Lafayette, and earned his LL.M. from Yale University. He is a U.S. Army war veteran.
He began his career as a sports information officer for the LSU sports program and later entered the LSU Law School, graduating in 1958. Professor Maraist taught Evidence, Torts, Admiralty, and Civil Procedure. He also authored numerous books on Torts, Louisiana Civil Procedure, the Louisiana Law of Lawyering, Louisiana Evidence & Proof, Louisiana Civil Procedure-Special Proceedings, and Maritime Law.
Maraist plans to work on a second book, a sequel to Louisiana Law Legends and Laughs: A Collection of Tales from the Legal Community. The first was compiled and edited by Professor Maraist and Judge Henry A. Politz and published in 2001. He also hopes to assist with faculty recruitment and, “be of help anywhere I can,” Maraist said.
Congratulatory remarks for Professor Maraist may be forwarded to the Office of Alumni Relations at lawalumni@lsu.edu.
