Colton P. Duhon
Reserve, Louisiana
- Juris Doctor, Graduate Diploma in Comparative Law
- magna cum laude graduate
- Paul M. Hebert Scholar
- Dean’s Scholar
- Journal of Energy Law and Resources Senior Editor
- Undergraduate: LSU, Bachelor of Arts, Political Science
What are your immediate career plans?
After taking the bar, I will join Kean Miller’s Baton Rouge office in the environmental litigation group.
What are your long-term career aspirations?
I’d love to be a judge one day. I hope the quality of work I produce and the connections I make throughout my career help me achieve that goal.
Please tell us about the organizations and activities you participated in at LSU Law, including any awards or honors you received.
I was a member and proud Senior Editor on the LSU Journal of Energy Law and Resources. My article, “When Property Insurance Strikes Back: An Examination on the Collapse of Coastal Property Insurance as Private Companies Flee the Market” was published in Volume XII of JELR.
I also participated in many mock trial competitions, including an external competition in Puerto Rico. I was also a member of the Assault and Flattery Board in 2024 and a Purple team member for the 2024 Barrister’s Bowl, where we raised over 38,000 dollars for the Big Buddy Program. I was also a Paul M. Hebert Scholar five out of six semesters in law school and was Dean’s Scholar during my final semester. Additionally, I earned the CALI award for excellence in Legal Research and Writing II, Mineral Rights, Environmental Law, and Administration of Criminal Justice II.
Please tell us about any LSU Law faculty, classes, or other experiences that were particularly impactful on your legal education.
My field placements, the first of which was assigned by Professor (Jeff) Brooks, were particularly impactful on my legal education and future. I was assigned to extern for Chief Judge Shelly Dick (’88) at the Federal District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana. My work there was very helpful, as I was able to learn invaluable lessons about courtroom demeanor, motion practice, research, writing and litigation in general that sparked my desire to litigate.
I also had the opportunity to help Professor (Margaret) Thomas as a research assistant, which allowed my research and writing skills to increasingly develop while exploring some fascinating legal topics. Professor (Tracy) Norton also selected me as an academic tutor which allowed me to aid first year students in their understanding of legal writing and research.
Finally, my faculty advisor for my journal topic, Professor (Ed) Richards, gave me invaluable help in the writing of my journal article. I got my topic idea from him and he assisted by providing me with constant support and feedback throughout the writing process. I also received tons of help from (Associate Director of Career Services) Melanie Anderson, who was a huge asset in figuring out what law firms I would fit in with. Many other staff and faculty members have had impacts on my law school career, but these moments stand out amongst the rest.
What are your fondest memories from your time at LSU Law?
I couldn’t have done my 1L year without the “Library Lads” as we dubbed ourselves. Without fail, every day of 1L year, a group of Section 3 students, consisting of myself, Tyson Lee, Grey Fitzgerald, Patrick Van Burkleo, and Brendan Cuti, would sit down and attempt to break down problems we had from class that day, or week, or from the whole semester. It seemed that the more we hung out the less school came up and the more lifelong friendships developed. We started having breakfast on Sundays and we had to start finding time to study apart so we could actually get work done. These friendships as well as countless others make up all of my fondest memories from my time at LSU Law.
What advice would you give to students entering law school who aspire to become Order of the Coif members when they graduate?
Prioritize what works for you. If that means taking off on Saturdays for LSU football games or Thursday nights to hang out with friends, then do it. Studying 24/7 does not mean you’re going to get the best grade in the class. Balancing study time with the things that made me happy (when I could) had a very positive impact on my success and enjoyment in law school.
