The Louisiana Supreme Court announced on Mar. 25 that it is observing Women’s History Month by honoring the women serving throughout Louisiana’s judiciary and celebrating pioneering leaders who have shaped the courts.
This recognition highlights the increasing presence of women in leadership roles within Louisiana’s judicial system, reflecting a broader effort to ensure that courts represent the communities they serve.
Currently, two women serve on the state Supreme Court: Justice Piper D. Griffin and Justice Pro Tempore Alison H. Penzato. Across Louisiana, there are 22 women on Courts of Appeal, 64 on District Courts, 18 on City Courts, and seven on Juvenile Courts. Thirty-eight women hold positions as chief judges statewide.
“Each year, we are encouraged to see more women serving across Louisiana’s judiciary,” Chief Justice John L. Weimer said. “Their service builds on the work of the trailblazing women who came before them: Women whose dedication and courage made today’s opportunities possible. As we recognize Women’s History Month, we are honoring our past and investing in our future, ensuring we can continue improving the diversity of our courts for generations to come.”
The announcement also listed several historic firsts for women in Louisiana’s legal system—such as Dana M. Douglas becoming the first African American female judge for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in 2022; Catherine D. “Kitty” Kimball being named both Associate Justice (1992) and later Chief Justice (2009) of the state Supreme Court; Bernette Joshua Johnson as both its first African American female Associate Justice (1994) and Chief Justice (2013); along with other milestones achieved by judges including Veronica Wicker, Rebecca F. Doherty, Edith Brown Clement, Shelly D. Dick, Jeanette Theriot Knoll, Fannie Burch, Anna Veters Levy, Joan Bernard Armstrong, Veronica Odinet Koclanes as Clerk of Court (2021), and Sandra A. Vujnovich as Judicial Administrator (2014).
Justice Griffin said this month serves as a reminder that efforts to empower women must continue: “When we champion women across every role in the judiciary, we will strengthen Louisiana’s courts and ensure that justice is fair, inclusive, and truly representative of the people we serve.”
According to its mission statement included in this announcement, “To preserve the integrity of the judiciary…and to ensure proper administration…and competence,” remains central to how Louisiana’s highest court views its responsibilities moving forward.
