Members of the central Louisiana legal community assembled in Courtroom #6 at the Rapides Parish Courthouse in Alexandria on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, for the traditional opening of court ceremony. Hosted annually by the Alexandria Bar Association, the formal gathering served as an occasion to welcome newly admitted attorneys, recognize noteworthy career achievements, and acknowledge upcoming leadership changes across local courtrooms.
The time-honored event finds its roots in an old regional tradition from centuries past, when southern courtrooms routinely shut down during the oppressive heat of the summer months and resumed formal proceedings in the autumn. In modern times, the Alexandria Bar Association has preserved and repurposed this seasonal milestone to formally greet emerging legal practitioners, commemorate deceased colleagues, and bestow honors upon individuals who have delivered significant contributions to the justice system.
A central focus of Wednesday’s ceremony was a collective tribute to former Rapides Parish District Attorney James "Jam" Downs, who died on Sept. 5 at the age of 85. Attendees took time during the proceedings to reflect on his decades of public service and his lasting imprint on the local bar, setting a somber yet appreciative tone for the day's events.
Current Rapides Parish District Attorney Phillip Terrell initiated a solemn moment of silence in remembrance of his predecessor before introducing the ceremony’s keynote speaker, Louisiana Supreme Court Associate Justice Jay B. McCallum. Terrell spoke with deep reverence about Downs' long-standing influence across the parish's legal landscape.
Speaking after the formal proceedings concluded, Terrell described Downs as an iconic figure and a foundational mentor throughout his own professional development. He reflected on Downs’ composed disposition, highlighting how the former district attorney’s calm guidance and dry sense of humor provided a steadying counterbalance in high-pressure legal environments, characterizing him as a thoughtful pillar of the legal community who was never driven by impulse or emotion.
Further reflections were shared by retired 9th Judicial District Court Judge Rae Swent, who served on the bench during Downs’ tenure as district attorney. Swent commended Downs for his fairness and empathy, observing that while many legal practitioners become entrenched solely in their own arguments, Downs consistently sought to understand all perspectives involved in a case, maintaining exceptional kindness toward everyone who entered the legal process.
In addition to remembering Downs, the bar formally eulogized two other departed colleagues during Wednesday's session: J. Ogden Middleton and George A. "Bubba" Flournoy. Bar officials noted that while Downs, Catherine Brame, Blake Tillman, and J. Michael Percy were recognized by those present, formal bar eulogies for these four recently deceased members are scheduled to take place during next year's opening of court ceremony.
The event also highlighted major milestones and forthcoming transitions within the local judiciary. Judge Monique Rauls, serving as chief judge for the 9th Judicial District Court, presided over the opening remarks and directed the assembly's attention to colleague Judge Greg Beard, who will soon be departing the district court bench.
Beard, who has served as a judge in Rapides Parish for 12 years—including multiple terms as chief judge—was recently elected without opposition to a seat on the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeal. Set to formally assume his appellate duties on Jan. 1, 2027, at the court based in Lake Charles, Beard was celebrated for his dedicated public service.
Addressing Beard directly as he sat with fellow judges in the jury box, Rauls praised his strong work ethic and constant availability to colleagues and court staff. She commended his steadfast commitment to the rule of law and expressed firm confidence that his dedication would make him a significant asset to the appellate bench, prompting a standing ovation from the assembled crowd.
The audience also included Rapides Parish Assistant District Attorney Chris Maxwell, who was elected without opposition to fill the 9th Judicial District Court seat being vacated by Beard. Maxwell remarked that the upcoming transition to the bench had not yet completely set in, admitting with a laugh that he still reflexively looks around whenever someone addresses him as "judge."
Maxwell brings 24 years of courtroom experience to his upcoming judicial role, with his entire career spent practicing within Rapides Parish. Although he is thoroughly accustomed to courtroom proceedings, he acknowledged that viewing cases from the vantage point of the bench represents a major shift in perspective, noting he feels a mixture of nervous anticipation and excitement as he prepares for judicial training administered through the Louisiana Supreme Court.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of several major awards celebrating individual excellence and public service. Annie Johnson Salazar was named the recipient of the Debbie Smith Award, while Laurel White was recognized as the bar's Most Valuable Pro Bono Attorney for her dedicated volunteer legal efforts.
The Alexandria Bar Association concluded its awards presentation by conferring its highest honor, the Causidicus Award, upon attorney Michael H. Davis. In accepting the recognition, Davis described the prestigious accolade as representing the pinnacle of his legal career, while emphasizing that it marks a high point rather than the conclusion of his practice.
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