Louisiana Legislative Act No. 24, which was signed by the Governor on May 26, 2010, amended La. R.S. 37:212, to expand the right of legal entities to present a legal defense in civil matters, without legal counsel, in courts of limited jurisdiction, as long as the defense is presented by a partner, shareholder, officer, employee, or agent of the entity.

[Traditionally, owners of legal entities have been restricted from representing the corporation, partnership or LLC, without legal counsel.  Now, at least in matters filed in small claims court or city court, the owners have the option of defending the matter without incurring the expense of legal counsel.]

La. Leg. Act No. 24

Alexandria, Baker, Bastrop, Baton Rouge, Bogalusa, Bossier City, Breaux Bridge, Covington, Denham Springs, Donaldsonville, Franklin, Gonzales, Gretua, Hammond, Harahan, Houma, Kenner, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Leesville, Mandeville, Marksville, Minden, Monroe, Morgan City, Nachitoches, New Iberia, New Orleans, New Roads, Opelousas, Ponchatoula, Port Allen, Prairieville, Ruston, Saint Francisville, Saint Martinville, Shreveport, East Baton Rouge Parish, Iberville Parish, West Baton Rouge Parish, Pointe Coupee Parish, Terrebonne Parish, Lafourche Parish, Orleans Parish, Lafayette Parish, Calcasieu Parish, Cameron Parish, Caddo Parish, Ouachita Parish, Morehouse Parish, Ascension Parish, Jefferson Parish, Livingston Parish, Plaquemines Parish, St. Bernard Parish, St. Tammany Parish, Bossier Parish

Ed is married to a veterinarian, owns six dogs and in recent years has become active in the areas related to animal law issues. He has taught CLE classes on the drafting and development of animal trusts pursuant to the requirements of state law. Additionally, he has represented the interests of a California Trust involved in the litigation of the possession, ownership and compensation for services related to a line of champion-quality show dogs. Further, he has represented veterinarians and veterinary students, who were confronted with legal issues related to their employment. Mr. Hightower is also an active member of the American Veterinary Medical Law Association (“AVMLA”).  As an assistant editor of the AVMLA newsletter, he reports on case law and trends affecting the practice of veterinary medicine and animal law across the country.

Earlier this year, Edwin Hightower started the law firm, Hightower Commercial Law Center, LLC, located in the Baton Rouge, Louisiana area, to continue building on his experience and reputation as an advocate for companies, business owners and professionals requiring legal services in litigation or commercial transactions.

The St. Joseph Abbey, located in Covington, Louisiana, is reportedly challenging Louisiana statutory law, which restricts the building and selling of caskets in the State of Louisiana, without a funeral director licenses.  Apparently, the simple wooden caskets, which are built in Louisiana by the Benedictine monks, can be sold outside of Louisiana, but the State of Louisiana has moved to stop the sales in the State.  Also, it is reported that legislation to create an exception for the monks failed in the most recent state legislative session.

[With the publicity, this issue may get added attention in the future.]