About the Louisiana Association for Justice (LAJ)
The Louisiana Association for Justice (LAJ) is a voluntary bar association with a statewide membership primarily composed of trial lawyers. While its members include both plaintiff and defense attorneys, the majority represent consumer plaintiffs in civil actions. Many LAJ attorney-members are small business owners, managing practices with fewer than 20 employees.
LAJ is deeply committed to:
- Preserving the civil justice system
- Protecting open access to courts
- Defending individual rights
- Promoting responsibility in the legal profession
- Upholding ethical and educational standards
LAJ’s Mission and Community Engagement
LAJ and its members strive to create a safer, fairer society. They advocate for justice in workplaces, the environment, and health care access. Members also dedicate time and resources to civic, charitable, and educational initiatives, including:
- Pro bono legal work for disadvantaged individuals
- Public safety education programs, such as anti-distracted driving talks in high schools in collaboration with EndDD
- People’s Law Schools, offering free legal education to Louisiana residents
- Bicycle safety campaigns, in partnership with Louisiana SafeKids, which provide free helmets to children statewide
Brian Katz: LAJ President 2024-25
On September 20, 2024, Brian Katz was sworn in as the President of the Louisiana Association for Justice during the association’s Fall Conference. Brian is the fifth attorney from Herman, Katz, Gisleson & Cain to hold this prestigious position, following the legacies of Russ Herman, Maury Herman, Ken Carter, and Steve Herman.
The ceremony was particularly meaningful, as Brian’s father, Morton Katz, officiated the swearing-in. In his acceptance speech, Brian reflected on his journey in law, humorously recalling his first trial alongside his father. He expressed gratitude to his family, firm colleagues, and LAJ staff. As president, Brian has pledged to energize LAJ members and enhance engagement across the organization.
Brian Katz’s presidency continues HKGC’s long-standing tradition of leadership within LAJ. His active role in the organization underscores a commitment to advancing justice and supporting the civil legal system in Louisiana.
Brian’s monthly president’s column in Louisiana Advocates will keep members informed about LAJ initiatives and inspire greater involvement from the legal community. To read Brian’s columns see the links below, and for more on LAJ and its transformative work, visit the Louisiana Association for Justice website.
Recent Louisiana Association for Justice News
In the March 2025 Louisiana Advocates President’s Column, Brian Katz discusses ways to navigate tort reform season.
In the most recent Louisiana Advocates President’s Column, Brian Katz discusses the importance of our independent judiciary.
In the most recent Louisiana Advocates President’s Column, Brian Katz discusses the shocking murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and what we must do to prevent an erosion of the civil justice system.
This time of year, it is dark outside when leaving the office, and we see homes lit up with outdoor lighting, holiday lawn decorations, wreaths on doors, and decorated trees in windows.
I attended a funeral at the end of September that reminded me of the importance of family, friends, and colleagues. The deceased left her mark in the community with her tireless service to the organizations and causes she supported.
“The more things change, the more they stay the same.” This was first written in the 19th century by French novelist Jean-Baptiste Karr. More recently, Bon Jovi released a song titled “The More Things Change.”
