19th Judicial District Court Judge Kelly Balfour
Judge Kelly Balfour of the 19th Judicial District court will conduct “rule day” hearings in the Robinson Courtroom at the Paul M. Hebert Law Center on Wednesday, Oct. 5, starting at 9:30 a.m. Judge Balfour will hear a series of oral arguments on motions pending in a single complex case. There will be more than 10 attorneys representing as many clients making their submissions to the court during the hearings, which are expected to last until noon.
Professor Jeff Brooks, who also serves as Director of Advocacy Programs at LSU Law, is enthusiastic for the opportunity this collaboration will provide.
“We greatly appreciate Judge Balfour and the 19th Judicial District Court for bringing the courtroom to our students. Having ‘rule day’ at LSU Law gives our students the chance to see a day in the life of a litigator,” he said. “Students will experience a series of fast-paced arguments that are made to a judge, and not to a jury. The nature of a rule day requires courtroom advocates to think quickly and adapt. These are essential lawyering skills, and we are truly grateful to the court for making this unique opportunity available.”
The hearings are open to the LSU Law community and the public and they will be particularly useful to upper-level students, who will have access to some of the case materials in advance. All attendees are reminded that this is court, and normal court rules governing dress and decorum, use of electronics, and safety apply in the Robinson Courtroom.
The LSU Law Center’s Advocacy Program is hosting the event in cooperation with the Baton Rouge Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section Council. Judge Balfour is a 2001 graduate of LSU Law.
