NCJW supports Judge Dana M. Douglas. Here’s why:
From her time in private practice and during her years as a US Magistrate Judge of the Eastern District of Louisiana, Judge Dana M. Douglas has been committed to her community. Her professional affiliations and pro bono work in the state include service on the Louisiana Bar Association, the New Orleans Civil Service Project, and the Pro Bono Project — work that has been recognized throughout her career. While in private practice for nearly twenty years, Judge Douglas focused on energy, products liability, and intellectual property litigation in the state and federal courts of Louisiana and across a wide variety of industry sectors. If confirmed, Judge Douglas would be the first woman of color to ever serve on the Fifth Circuit.
Judge Dana M. Douglas’ stance on important issues:
Workers Rights:
As a Commissioner on the New Orleans Civil Service Commission, which is charged with reviewing employee appeals of disciplinary actions, Judge Douglas authored an opinion affirming the suspension and termination of a police officer for committing a battery against a civilian. In another case, Judge Douglas affirmed disciplinary actions against officers who formed a limited liability company to administer their paid off-duty police.
DEI:
Judge Douglas authored a paper in 2009 encouraging law firms to recruit and support minority and female employees, noting that having a supportive working environment for a diverse workforce makes business sense for the companies.
Judicial Temperament:
Shannon Holtzman, a colleague and member of Liskow & Lewis’ Board of Directors, states that “in addition to her legal talent, Dana is thoughtful, even-handed, and unflappable. I have seen her maintain her calm, professional composure in situations in which many lawyers would respond with outrage. I can think of few lawyers whose temperament is as well suited for the bench. I am proud to have worked with Dana and I will miss her, but I’m also delighted that such a well-qualified person will be serving the Eastern District of Louisiana as a Magistrate Judge.” Further, former Mayor Marc Morial, now president of the National Urban League, and retired Army Lt. Gen. Russel Honore, is among those backing Douglas’ nomination to the Fifth Circuit.
Experience and Pro Bono Work:
After finishing her law degree, Judge Douglas clerked for Judge Ivan L. R. Lemelle on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana from 2000 to 2001. She then went on to work for Liskow & Lewis from 2001-2018 where she was a partner. While at Liskow & Lewis, Judge Douglas focused on energy law, products liability, and intellectual property litigation in the state and federal courts of Louisiana and served on the Diversity Committee for 15 years. Concurrently, from 2003 to 2013, Judge Douglas was on the New Orleans Civil Service Commission. In 2017, she served as Chair of the Annual Justice For All Ball, a fundraiser that benefits The Pro Bono Project, an organization providing pro bono civil legal services to the underserved in New Orleans. She also served as a Vice-Chair and Commissioner of the New Orleans Civil Service Commission.
Education and Awards:
Judge Douglas received her JD from Loyola University New Orleans School of Law in 2000 and her BA from Miami University of Ohio in 1997. While in law school, Judge Douglas served as Editor-in-Chief of the Loyola University Public Interest Law Journal. Judge Douglas has been honored countless times. In 2008, she was presented with the Louisiana State Bar Association’s (LSBA) President’s Award, and was twice selected as one of the Top 50 “Leaders in Law” in New Orleans. In 2014, she received the LSBA Crystal Gavel Award, and then in 2016, she was awarded the Federal Bar Association Camille Gavel Award. In 2017, Judge Douglas was a recipient of the Gillis Long Public Service Award from Loyola University School of Law, and then in 2018, the National Bar Association Women Lawyers Division Outstanding Minority Partner in Majority Firm Award. Judge Douglas was also recently selected as a “Women of the Year” honoree by New Orleans City Business.
Professional Affiliations:
Judge Douglas is the immediate Past President of the New Orleans Bar Association (NOBA) and a past President of the Greater New Orleans Louis A. Martinet Society. She was also a Charter and Founding Member of the Louisiana Chapter of the Women’s Energy Network.