Law Firm News - J. Parker Layrisson, Louisiana Lawyer

Parker Layrisson Law Firm News

Did you know? Parker Layrisson received the highest available professional excellence rating.

View the Summer 2011 issue of the Layrisson Law Letter (PDF document).
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Parker Layrisson Co-Authors DWI Book

Parker Layrisson has co-authored a legal book entitled Negotiating a Plea Deal in DUI Cases, joining other leading lawyers from across the country in educating other attorneys and the public on proven legal strategies related to DWI defense.

“The opportunity to co-author a book on DWI defense with leading lawyers from around the nation was too good to pass up,” said Layrisson. “I hope my chapter helps people better understand the complicated DWI/DUI plea bargain process.”

The book’s publisher, West, describes it as “an authoritative, insider’s perspective on counseling clients during the plea bargaining process” in which “the different niches represented and the breadth of perspectives presented enable readers to get inside some of the great legal minds of today.”

The publisher invited Layrisson to write a chapter for the book, joining other national authorities on DUI defense who practice law in California, Florida, New Jersey, Nevada, Washington, and elsewhere.

Layrisson’s chapter is entitled “The Art of the DUI Plea Deal.” It focuses on preparing clients for the DWI process, learning about defendants and their cases, and challenging prosecutors’ evidence to obtain the best plea bargain possible. Layrisson dedicated his chapter to longtime friends Wil and Angelique Richardson.

The book retails for $90 and will be available for sale online at www.west.thomson.com/aspatore. The publisher, West, a Thomson Reuters business, operates Westlaw, the premier online legal research platform, and also annually publishes more than 66 million legal books and 500 CD libraries.

Parker Layrisson is also the author of "DWI Checklist: Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid." The Parker Layrisson Law Firm helps clients with personal injury litigation and criminal defense and has offices in Ponchatoula (985-467-9525) and New Orleans (504-264-1515).

Photo: Parker Layrisson displays his recently-published book, Negotiating a Plea Deal in DUI Cases.

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Parker Layrisson Joins Judges on Panel

Attorney Parker Layrisson joined a panel of legal professionals from across the state to speak on the topic of "Professionalism From The Bench And Bar" at an October continuing legal education event sponsored by the Louisiana State Bar Association.

The panel included federal judges Hon. James J. Brady and Hon. Stanwood R. Duval, Jr., state judge Hon. William J. Crain, and prominent attorney E. Phelps Gay.

In addition to speaking to a group of over 100 lawyers on the rules of professionalism in all aspects of the practice of law, the panelists also published an article on professional conduct.

“It was a huge honor to join such an esteemed panel of Louisiana legal legends,” said Layrisson. “Even though I was one of the featured speakers, I certainly learned more than I taught.”

The event was chaired by Judge Jimmy Kuhn and attorney Roy Cheatwood.

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Parker Layrisson Law Firm Welcomes Attorney Steven Gonzalez

Attorney Steven Gonzalez has joined the Parker Layrisson Law Firm in its New Orleans Office. Gonzalez is a former felony prosecutor whose practice now focuses on civil litigation and criminal defense.

Gonzales, a native of Kenner, is an experienced criminal trial lawyer with deep roots in Jefferson and Orleans Parishes. From 2009 until 2011, he worked as an Orleans Parish Assistant District Attorney. Prior to serving the District Attorney’s Office, Gonzalez worked as law clerk at the Louisiana Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal in New Orleans and the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office in Gretna.

Gonzalez, a graduate of Jesuit High School, received his Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Florida in 2003 and earned Master of Health Administration and Juris Doctor degrees from Tulane University in 2008. He is fluent in Spanish.

"I am proud to add an outstanding lawyer like Steven Gonzalez to our firm," said Parker Layrisson. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and talent to our team.”

To contact Steven Gonzalez, please call the New Orleans office of the Parker Layrisson Law Firm at (504) 264-1515.

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Local Students Receive Parker Layrisson Law Firm Frisbees

Independence Elementary School students thank Parker Layrisson for his donation of Frisbees as rewards to students with excellent behavior. On Aug. 26, 2011, 150 Frisbees were given to the students as part of the school's PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Support) plan. Third and fourth grade students who received 10 or more reward coins for following the school’s FISH philosophy received a free Frisbee. The Frisbees will continue to be used as rewards throughout the year.

Students pictured are (front row, left to right): Madison Smith, Joshua Reyes, Kristy Alvarez, Fredrick Allen, and Shamitha Thumma. (Back row left to right): Brynette Cooper, Gisselle Montoya, Markendrick Andrews, and Coy Baham.

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Parker Layrisson Joins Guest Speakers at Chamber Event

Parker Layrisson was one of three guest speakers at the August Ponchatoula Chamber of Commerce's Summer Series Brown Bag Luncheon event, held at the Rotary Hut in Memorial Park in Ponchatoula.

Parker spoke about his role on as one of the Board of Commissioners for the Port Manchac Authority, as well as new projects happening at the Port. Emily shared details about Tangipahoa's booming film industry. You can read more at ActionNews17.com.

Judge Bennett spoke about the success rates of adult drug court programs across the nation and details about out own drug courts in the 21st JDC. You can read more at ActionNews17.com.

Pictured are Parker Layrisson, Ponchatoula Chamber President Dr. Karen Carter, Tangi Tourism Marketing Director Emily McKneely and Judge Bruce C. Bennett.

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Parker Layrisson Law Firm Opens New Orleans Office

Parker Layrisson Layrisson Law Firm is pleased to announce the opening of its new office in downtown New Orleans. The opening will allow the firm's attorneys to better serve their clients in Louisiana's largest metro area.

The Ponchatoula-based law firm helps clients handle auto accident injuries, DWI defense, and other legal problems.

"Our clients work and play in New Orleans, so it's important that we're here to serve their legal needs," said Parker Layrisson.

The new office is located in the heart of the Central Business District at the corner of Magazine and Girod Street, only one block from federal court. Attorney John Alford will run the day-to-day operations with fellow lawyers Parker Layrisson and Angela Elly available on a regular basis.

"Since the first day I moved to New Orleans as a Tulane freshman, I've loved this city," said Layrisson, "The opportunity to return with a law office was too good to pass up."

To contact the Parker Layrisson Law Firm New Orleans office, call (504) 264-1515.

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Parker Layrisson Law Firm Welcomes John Alford

Parker Layrisson Law Firm is pleased to welcome John S. Alford, attorney at law. John is a former felony prosecutor whose practice now focuses on criminal defense.

Alford, a native of Covington who now lives in New Orleans, is an experienced criminal trial lawyer. From 2008 until 2011, he worked as an Orleans Parish Assistant District Attorney. During that time he handled over 50 jury trials, including more than 10 homicide trials. Alford's success in those trials resulted in promotions from junior trial assistant to senior trial assistant to supervising trial assistant.

Prior to serving the Orleans Parish District Attorney, Alford worked as law clerk to the St. Tammany Parish District Attorney, Louisiana Attorney General, and a large private law firm. He also worked as a legislative aide to Congressman Billy Tauzin and State Senator Joel Chaisson.

Alford received his Bachelor of Science degree in International Trade and Finance from LSU and earned his law degree from Mississippi College School of Law.

"Our law firm is fortunate to add a top flight talent like John Alford," said Parker Layrisson. "John is a born trial lawyer who has proven many times over that he has the right stuff to be one of Louisiana's best criminal attorneys."

To contact Mr. Alford, please call Parker Layrisson Law Firm at (985) 467-9525.

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Layrisson Receives Highest Rating in World's Largest Legal Directory

According to Avvo.com, the world’s largest online legal directory, local attorney Parker Layrisson has received the site’s highest available rating of 10.0 Superb. The ranking is based on many factors, including peer endorsements, client feedback, and legal credentials. At this time, Layrisson is the only lawyer in Tangipahoa Parish with a 10.0 rating.

“I am grateful for the support of my clients and fellow lawyers,” said Layrisson. “I would also like to thank my hardworking staff.”

Avvo is the world’s largest directory of lawyers, providing free information to help consumers make informed decisions. Avvo assigns attorneys numerical ratings from 1.0 (extreme caution) to 10.0 (superb) based on the lawyers’ experience, education, background, professional achievement, disciplinary history, and industry recognition, along with fellow attorneys’ endorsements and former clients’ reviews. Avvo’s attorney rating system has been endorsed by the Wall Street Journal for providing the legal profession with a measure of transparency.

Avvo is also a medical directory for finding physicians, and it provides a free question-and-answer forum where consumers can receive answers to legal and medical questions. Additionally, Avvo has how-to articles covering general issues authored by lawyers and doctors. To learn more, visit www.avvo.com.

Read more about this on ActionNews17.com's website.

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Parker Layrisson Judges Tulane Law School Moot Court Competition

Ponchatoula attorney and Tulane alumni Parker Layrisson recently served as a judge for the 2011 Tulane Law School Mardi Gras Sports Law Invitational, a moot court competition in which law student teams from across the county compete at the United States District Courthouse in New Orleans.

“I was honored to judge this competition and I was impressed with the caliber of law students I saw compete,” said Layrisson.

During moot court competitions, law students take part in simulated appellate court proceedings, including drafting briefs and oral arguments. This year’s mock court case involved the legality of gambling on college and major league sports teams.

The annual competition, held on March 3, 2011, was hosted by the Tulane Moot Court Board and the Tulane Sports Lawyers' Journal and is the largest and most prestigious appellate sports law competition in the country.

Layrisson (left) is pictured with two of his fellow judges of the 2011 Tulane Law School Moot Court Competition on March 3: Texas Wesleyan University Law Professor Meg Penrose (middle) and Donald Brannan of Simon, Peragine, Smith & Redfearn.

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Parker Layrisson Law Firm Welcomes Angela Elly to the Firm

Parker Layrisson Law Firm is pleased to welcome Angela M. Elly, attorney at law. Angela’s practice areas include auto accidents, personal injury and criminal defense.

Angela is an experienced civil and criminal law attorney. She has worked as an Assistant Public Defender and has held legal positions such as a managing attorney with a prominent law firm in Baton Rouge; an associate attorney at one of the largest personal injury firms in the US; and a law clerk at the Orleans Parish Civil District Court. Angela has practiced personal injury law throughout Louisiana.

Angela received her Bachelor of Arts in English Education from Southern University at New Orleans and earned her law degree from Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge.

She is an active member of the community, including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Jack and Jill of America, Inc., NOLA Women for Change, and Beacon Light Baptist Church of Hammond. Her community service includes participating and hosting political forums for judicial and mayoral candidates, a Relay for Life committee member, voter registration drives, tutoring, mentoring, clothes drives, etiquette workshops, blood and bone marrow drives. Angela enjoys going to music festivals and Saints games with her three-year-old son Jaiden.

To contact Ms. Elly, please call Parker Layrisson Law Firm at (985) 467-9525.

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Parker Layrisson Named Officer of Ponchatoula Rotary Board

The Ponchatoula Rotary Club recently elected its 2011 officers. The new officers are (left to right): Sparky Welles, Treasurer; Parker Layrisson, President-Elect; Paul Jones, Secretary; Chad Richard, President; and Wil Richardson, Immediate Past President.

"It's a great honor to serve as a Rotary officer," said Layrisson. "Many fine men and women have set a good example for us, including my mother, who served as the first female president of the Ponchatoula club.”

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Parker Layrisson Meets with Louisiana Commissioner of Administration Paul Rainwater

Louisiana Commissioner of Administration Paul Rainwater visited with Port Manchac President Parker Layrisson on Dec. 12, 2010 to discuss possible state grant opportunities for infrastructure improvement.

“To land a site visit with the governor’s right-hand-man during busy economic times of crisis makes clear that Port Manchac is finally on the map as a place to do business,” said Layrisson. “We will continue to work hard to produce jobs for this community.”

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Parker Layrisson Leads Delegation to Washington, DC

Parker Layrisson led Port Manchac commissioners to the Capitol to discuss growth and expansion projects in October. The group met with Senators Vitter and Landrieu; Congressmen Scalise, Melancon and Cassidy; and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to request assistance with funding and permitting for several projects including barge channel dredging, capital improvements, and green energy development.

Pictured are commissioners Mike Williams, Pat Dufresne, Don Bankston, Mark Griggs, Parker Layrisson, Don Boihem, and Lucas Watkins.

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Gov. Bobby Jindal reappoints Parker Layrisson to Port Commission

Governor Bobby Jindal has appointed four Hammond and Ponchatoula residents to the South Tangipahoa Port Commission, the governing authority for Port Manchac.

Jindal re-appointed Port President Parker Layrisson and veteran port commissioners Don Bankston and Don Boihem. The governor also tabbed newcomer Daryl Ferrara to replace former commissioner Paul Hooks.

"Port Manchac is fortunate to retain three great commissioners and while adding another fine local business leader," said the port's executive director, Pat Dufresne (pictured at right with Layrisson).

Port Manchac has seven commissioners who serve six year terms. They are not paid for their service.

"We appreciate this opportunity to serve the public and we thank Governor Jindal for his faith in us," said Layrisson. "I am particularly excited that Don Boihem and Don Bankston have agreed to stay on for a second term. Those local legends taught me a great deal during their successful terms as as port president, and I look forward to relying on their experience and counsel as I lead the port forward."

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Parker Layrisson Sworn in as Board Member of Ponchatoula Rotary

Chad Richard, Tom Frye and Parker Layrisson

Parker Layrisson was recently sworn in as a Board Member of the Ponchatoula Rotary Club. In his new role, Layrisson will be in charge of coordinating the Club’s international service initiates.

Photo: (from left) New Ponchatoula Rotary Board Members Chad Richard, Tom Frye and Parker Layrisson are sworn in during the Club’s induction ceremony on July 24, 2010.

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Parker Layrisson is Guest Speaker at Amite Kiwanis Club

Port President Parker Layrisson, Amite Kiwanis President-Elect Kevin Raiford, and Port Executive Director Pat Dufresne

Parker Layrisson spoke to Amite Kiwanis Club members at their June 22, 2010 meeting. Layrisson explained recent changes that strengthen the law against texting while driving in Louisiana. He also discussed the importance of purchasing under-insured motorist (UM) insurance to protect yourself and loved ones.

In addition, Layrisson spoke with Port Manchac Executive Director Pat Dufresne about Port Manchac current projects.

"With barge, rail, and interstate highway access, Port Manchac is a real 'diamond in the rough.' We have some truly exciting projects in the works." said Layrisson.

Photo: (from left) Port President Parker Layrisson, Amite Kiwanis President-Elect Kevin Raiford, and Port Executive Director Pat Dufresne.

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Parker Layrisson Elected Southeast Spouse Abuse Program Officer

Bry Layrisson, Parker Layrisson and Tayla Bergeron

Ponchatoula Chief of Police Bry Layrisson and local attorneys Parker Layrisson and Talya Bergeron were elected officers for the Southeast Spouse Abuse Program (SSAP). SSAP is a private, nonprofit organization designed to assist survivors of domestic violence and their dependent children in Livingston, St. Helena, Tangipahoa and Washington Parishes.

Bry Layrisson is president, Parker Layrisson is vice president/treasurer, and Bergeron is secretary.

SSAP seeks to promote social change by providing services that empower battered and abused individuals and their dependent children to achieve safe, violence-free lives. The program also focuses on partnering with the community by providing information and education geared toward the elimination of domestic violence, the achievement of peace in relationships and the establishment of a system to hold perpetrators accountable.

Photo: The newly elected Southeast Spouse Abuse Program Officers (from left): Vice-President/Treasurer Parker Layrisson, Secretary Talya Bergeron, and President Bry Layrisson.

Some of SSAP’s services include a 24-hour crisis line, community resource referrals, short-term counseling and peer support group meetings, housing opportunities, assistance with protective orders and legal issues, community education and training, and temporary shelter arrangements.

Bry Layrisson is the Chief of Police for the city of Ponchatoula, an office he has held since 2008. Parker Layrisson is an attorney at Layrisson Law Firm in Ponchatoula, focusing on auto accidents, DWI defense and other litigation. Bergeron is a family law attorney with Southeast Louisiana Legal Services, which provides free legal aid for low-income people.

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Parker Layrisson Commended in Editorial

In a Daily Star editorial, Port Manchac Commission Chairman Parker Layrisson was commended for his interest in knowing and following the open meetings law. Open meetings and public records laws, often called "sunshine laws", establish guidelines for holding government meetings, providing for greater transparency in operations.
Read the editorial in the Hammond Daily Star.

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Parker Layrisson Presents LSU All-American Josh Dominguez at Rotary

Parker Layrisson presented LSU All-American Josh Dominguez as a speaker to the Ponchatoula Rotary Club in June.

Pictured left to right are Josh’s mother Rose, his sister Lexie, Josh and Parker. Parker is displaying Josh’s second place award in the NCAA National Championship for pole vaulting.

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Parker Layrisson Named Fellow of Louisiana Bar Foundation

Parker Layrisson was recently named a fellow of the Louisiana Bar Foundation (LBF). This honor places him among a group of judges, lawyers and law professors whose careers demonstrate their dedication to advancing equal justice and law-related education.

“I am honored to join the ranks of such a prestigious group of law professionals,” said Layrisson. “The LBF works tirelessly to help people understand and have access to our legal system and I am proud to support their efforts.”

The Louisiana Bar Foundation’s mission is to preserve, honor and improve the justice system by funding, developing or otherwise promoting efforts which enhance the legal profession, increase public understanding of the legal system and advance the reality of equal justice under the law. Among other objectives, the LBF seeks to insure access and improve efficiency of the justice system, support legal education, and raise the ethical and professional standards of the lawyers who operate the legal system. The Foundation also supports programs that provide free legal services for the poor in all 64 parishes of the state of Louisiana.

Read the news article in the Hammond Daily Star.

Learn more about the Louisiana Bar Foundation.

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Tangipahoa Parish Hires Layrisson as Special Counsel

The Tangipahoa Parish council approved Parker Layrisson as special legal counsel to the parish on April 12, 2010. Layrisson will perform specialty legal work for the parish, along with other attorneys Duncan Kemp III and Glen Galbraith. Layrisson will be working with the parish’s adjudicated properties.
Read the news article in the Amite Tangi Digest.

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Right to Free Speech Under Fire in Recent Case

The local author of a humorous blog looked to Layrisson Law Firm to defend his First Amendment rights after he became involved in a lawsuit over a satirical article.

Southeastern student Nicolas Brilleaux runs a satirical blog called HammondActionNews.com. The website features stories
that play off of national events, adding humor and local interest, similar to websites such as The Onion. Examples of recent entries on his blog include “Archaeological dig underway at Hammond Mall” and “Mayor Apologizes for Paparazzi Assault.”

Hammond Action News published a blog entry on Feb. 25, 2010 entitled “Giraffe claims third victim at Global Wildlife”, meant to satirize the death of a Sea World trainer by a killer whale that occured the day before. Following the posting, Mr. Brilleaux received notice from Global Wildlife to remove the story. Mr. Brilleaux declined, but Global Wildlife pursued legal action and Mr. Brilleaux hired Layrisson Law Firm to help protect his right to free speech.

The American Civil Liberties Union stepped in to file a “friend of the court” petition in favor of Brilleaux, and the case received ample media coverage, including coverage in USA Today, The American Bar Association Journal, and CBS/WAFB Channel 9.

“The story was clearly satire — and constitutionally protected. Global Wildlife is a wonderful local asset to our community, but in this case they just went too far after getting their feelings hurt, resulting in their attempt to repress my client's free speech," said Mr. Layrisson.

During the trial on March 15, Layrisson Law Frim prevailed and the judge reversed an earlier temporary order that forced Mr. Brilleaux to remove the article, stating that the story was satire and therefore protected speech. Global Wildlife was ordered to pay attorney fees and court costs.

Check out HAN online at: www.hammondactionnews.com or twitter.com/hammondnews.

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Parker Layrisson Elected President of Port Manchac

The South Tangipahoa Parish Port Commission elected Mr. Layrisson to the position in January.

“The port presidency is a true honor and a great opportunity,” said Layrisson. “My top priorities as port president are job creation and business development. I’ll do whatever it takes to bring more quality businesses to the port. Also, we plan to continue making capital improvements at no cost to local taxpayers. Finally, I’ll focus on preparing the port for the upcoming influx of Panama Canal international trade route opportunities. With hard work and God’s blessing, we anticipate a busy year at Port Manchac!”

Port Manchac is a public inter-modal port facility capable of handling cargo by barge, rail or truck. The port is run by a commission of seven business and community leaders appointed by the governor.

Learn more about Port Manchac.

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Parker Layrisson Receives Highest Available Professional Excellence Rating

According to the prestigious Martindale-Hubbell legal profession directory, Louisiana lawyers and judges have ranked local attorney J. Parker Layrisson at the highest possible level of professional excellence.

Asked to rate Layrisson’s legal ability and professional ethics, his peers bestowed the prestigious AV rating upon him. The AV rating is the highest peer ranking available to attorneys. It applies to lawyers regarded for “very high” ethical standards and “very high to preeminent” legal abilities. According to Martindale-Hubbell’s website, Parker Layrisson is Ponchatoula’s only AV-rated lawyer.

“I am honored that lawyers and judges I respect think this highly of me,” said Layrisson.

Martindale-Hubbell is the authoritative resource for information on the worldwide legal profession. With a history spanning 140 years, Martindale-Hubbell is powered by a database of over one million lawyers and law firms in over 160 countries. Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings attest to a lawyer's legal ability and professional ethics and reflect the confidential opinions of members of the bar and judiciary.

Typically, lawyers must practice for a minimum of ten years before receiving an AV rating. However, in light of his high peer reviews, Martindale-Hubbell made an exception for Layrisson, who began practicing law in 2002.

“My colleagues have humbled me with their vote of confidence,” said Layrisson. “I will continue working tirelessly on behalf of my clients to justify this honor.”

Read the news article in Hammond's Daily Star.

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Parker Layrisson Attends the National College for DUI Defense Seminar at Harvard Law School

Parker Layrisson completed the National College for DUI Defense summer session at Harvard Law School in July 2009. The program taught advanced courtroom strategies for drunk driving litigation to lawyers from around the nation.

“Harvard Law School is amazing,” said Layrisson, “and the training was tremendous. I learned state-of-the-art DWI trial techniques.”

Founded in 1817, Harvard Law is America’s oldest continuously-operating law school. It is also the largest. Scholars universally regard Harvard Law as one of the best legal institutions in the world. President Barack Obama and Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts both graduated from Harvard Law School, as did many other American and world leaders. Six of the nine current United States Supreme Court justices attended Harvard Law.

Each summer, Harvard opens its doors to the National College for DUI Defense, a non-profit professional corporation dedicated to the improvement of the criminal defense bar within the specialty area of law practice relating to DWI/DUI. According to its website, NCDD members represent the most experienced DUI defense attorneys in the country.

“Continuing my legal education at Harvard Law School was a once in a lifetime experience,” said Layrisson. “Hopefully, I can better defend my clients with what I learned up there.”

Parker Layrisson in pictured above in front of Harvard’s Langdell Hall, home of the largest law library in the world.

Read the news article in Hammond's Daily Star.

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