Page 74 - 2023aprilBOG

Mrs. Betty A. Maury
Judicial Law Clerk to the Hon. Lee V. Faulkner, Jr.
Twenty-Fourth Judicial District Court for the Parish of Jefferson
bettym@24jdc.us | 504-365-3384
April 5, 2023
Jen France
Executive Assistant
Louisiana State Bar Association
601 St. Charles Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70130
Re: 2023 Hon. Catherine D. Kimball Award Nomination
Dear Ms. France:

I write in support of The Honorable June Berry Darensburg for nomination of the 2023
Catherine D. Kimball Award for Advancement of the Administration of Justice Award. I am the
Judicial Law Clerk to The Honorable Lee V. Faulkner, Jr. and have served in this position since
2014. I first met Judge Darensburg in 2012 during the summer of my 3L year at Loyola College
of Law as a summer intern for Judge Faulkner. During my internship, Judge Faulkner sought to
place me in another division for his vacation week. Without hesitation, Judge Darensburg
graciously invited me to intern in her Division. During my short stay, I gained valuable insight in
the judicial process as well as a deep respect and admiration for Judge Darensburg. Like myself,
Judge Darensburg was a full-time working mother during law school. Judge Darensburg offered
empathy and advice for my law school experience. Judge Darensburg also set the standard for me
as a woman and mother in the practice of law. In the fall of that same year, Judge Darensburg
swore-in my Loyola Clinic class and I was again exposed to Judge Darensburg’s kindness and
professionalism.
Judge Darensburg is the first African-American female judge and chief judge in Jefferson
Parish. She continuously paves the way for diversity and often speaks on topics of ethics and
professionalism. As the CLE Director for the Jefferson Bar Association, I rely on Judge Darensburg
to regularly present continuing legal education sessions on various topics, and Judge Darensburg
is always available for my requests. Judge Darensburg is one the Specialty Court Judges here at
the Twenty-Fourth Judicial District Court, meaning that she goes above and beyond her duties as
a member of the judiciary. In fact, Judge Darensburg is always willing to take on other Division’s
Drug Court Dockets when one of her fellow Specialty Court Judges has a need. Whether it is a
Drug Court participant, a newly admitted attorney, or her fellow members of the Bench, Judge
Darensburg treats everyone with patience and dignity. Judge Darensburg maintains a structured
and proficient internship/externship program throughout the year. Her goal is to provide
mentorships and continuously cultivate competent and compassionate young lawyers. Judge
Darensburg also volunteers in Judges in the Classroom, planting seeds of interest in the law in
primary and secondary students.
In closing, Judge Darensburg is a truly worthy candidate for the Hon. Catherine D. Kimball
Award because she works diligently to advance the administration of justice in Louisiana. Thank
you for your consideration of Judge June Berry Darensburg for this special award. Please let me
know if I can be of any assistance in your decision.

Best regards,
/s/ Betty A. Maury
Betty A. Maury