Louisiana Association for Justice

It is with the profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Leah Saye Guerry, who was the first executive director of this association and served in that position until 2011. Leah died at her home on Saturday. She was 89.

A graduate of Southern Methodist University Law School, Leah was hired by William B. “Billy” Baggett, Sr., of Lake Charles to write the first newsletters published by our association, which began in 1953 as the Louisiana Association of Compensation and Claimant’s Attorneys. But even before Leah joined what would evolve into Louisiana Association for Justice, she had built an impressive resume and her responsibilities soon expanded to executive director. Through Leah’s efforts and those of the association’s early leaders, our organization’s membership grew.

During her career, Leah held all offices of both the National Association of Trial Lawyer Executives and the Louisiana Society of Association Executives. In 2013, NATLE permanently named for her its governmental affairs conference, which she was instrumental in creating, and it presented her with its first Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007.

The American Association for Justice (then ATLA) named Leah the Outstanding Executive Director in the nation in 1989, and it honored her in 2003 with its prestigious Partnership Award. LAJ President Richard “Jerry” Dodson presented her with our association’s Stalwart Award in 2011.

Leah was one of the founding directors of the Louisiana Appleseed Center for Law and Justice. In 2012, the Louisiana Democratic Party honored her with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Our association is what it is today because of Leah. She will be greatly missed.

Never a dull time at the Louisiana Association for Justice Grand Reception. Glad I got to see so many friendly faces after last year’s event was held virtually.