Judge Tiffany Chase to run for open seat on the Louisiana Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal

Civil District Court Judge Tiffany G. Chase announced her candidacy today for the Louisiana Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal, Division C.  After seventeen (17) years of distinguished service on the appellate court, the Honorable Dennis Bagneris has submitted his official notice of retirement to the Louisiana Secretary of State.  Judge Bagneris has served the public with honor and distinction in both the judiciary and legislative branches of government and will be missed. Judge Chase originally intended to qualify in July for another open seat on the Court of Appeal. However, a family medical emergency developed which will require her attention in the coming months.  Judge Chase, therefore, made the understandable decision to put her family first and then resume her campaign for the election to replace the retiring Judge Bagneris.

Judge Chase has a distinguished twenty year career as a lawyer and a jurist.  She has served on the bench of Civil District Court for nearly a decade where she has not only maintained a rigorous docket but has continued to serve both the civic and legal community.  Judge Chase began her legal career with the prestigious honor of serving as a judicial law clerk at the Louisiana Supreme Court.  With seven years of tenure at Louisiana’s highest court, Judge Chase reviewed cases on all aspects of law which come before the Fourth Circuit- criminal law, civil law, family law, and domestic violence to name a few.  As a lawyer, she worked for both plaintiffs’ and civil defense law firms.  When asked about why she seeks to serve on the appellate court, Judge Chase responded, "my diverse legal career has prepared me to seek a promotion to the Court of Appeal.  The appellate court reviews decisions of the trial court and it must determine the correctness of the trial court’s decisions.  I have served as a trial court judge, making decisions and ruling in accordance with the facts and law presented.  Trials are intricate and require immediacy.  By contrast, appellate court decisions allow for more deliberative review and greater analysis of the law.  Having worked for the state’s highest court and served as a judge for nearly a decade, my perspective and abilities have provided me with a strong foundation to serve on the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal.  I would be honored to be elected to such a prestigious court.”

After only three years as a judge, in 2010, Judge Chase along with the Louisiana State Bar Association established Louisiana’s first Self Help Desk at Civil District Court which assists unrepresented parties navigate the judicial system.  To date, nearly 10,000 people have been served at the Help Desk by volunteer lawyers.  She has also been named as Chair of the Technology Committee for several years, working very closely with Clerk of Court, Dale Atkins on improving technology in the court.  Judge Chase was also appointed by the Louisiana Supreme Court to Chair the statewide Court Security Committee. She has Co-Chaired the New Orleans Bar Bench Bar and Louisiana Summer School Conferences as well as taught numerous courses to both lawyers and judges.  Judge Chase's continued dedication to the legal profession was recognized in 2010 when she received the President's Award from the Louisiana State Bar Association.  Earlier this year, Judge Chase was honored by Family Services of Greater New Orleans at the 42nd Open Door Awards– Ten Outstanding Persons Gala.  
    
"As a New Orleans native and graduate of the Orleans Parish Public School System, I am dedicated to the community that raised me and I believe in always giving back. I would not be true to who I am if I did any less.”