March 20, 2026 – Atoundra Pierre-Lawson, the public defender from St. John the Baptist Parish, was invited to present at the National Association for Public Defense’s annual conference on March 20, 2026.
Focus on Courtroom Objections
More than 100 public defenders participated in a virtual training session led by Pierre-Lawson. The session focused on proper courtroom objections and drew from her over 10 years of experience in the field. Her presentation provided valuable insights to her colleagues on handling courtroom procedures effectively.
Annual Conference Highlights
The annual conference brings together legal experts from across the United States. This year’s theme, “Rise, Resist, Represent,” focused on skills training, systemic litigation, and legal research. It also provided an opportunity for public defenders to explore innovations in their field and engage in networking.
The conference covered a range of important topics, including immigration, constitutional protections, and courtroom procedures, all essential to public defenders’ work in ensuring fairness and dignity for their clients.
Pierre-Lawson’s Experience and Contribution
Pierre-Lawson was selected to present due to her extensive experience as a public defender. She has more than a decade of trial and courtroom experience, representing clients across multiple parishes. Although she works in several areas, she resides on the west bank of St. John the Baptist Parish.
Recognition and Future Plans
Jeni Benavides, the conference programs liaison, praised Pierre-Lawson for her participation and invited her to speak at future events. Pierre-Lawson expressed her gratitude, saying, “It is always my pleasure to represent the important work of public defenders. We protect the U.S. Constitution every day and make sure ‘justice’ is more than a word.”
Pierre-Lawson plans to continue speaking at various events throughout the year while remaining dedicated to her public service in the community.
