Page 55 - 2021AprilBOG

March 16,2021

Louisiana State Bar Association
Attention: Award Committee

Please accept this letter as my recommendation for Judge Tony Marabella for the LSBA Catherine D.
Kimball Award for the Administration of Justice.

Judge Marabella has been greatly respected throughout his 45 years in the legal profession. He has served
the public in numerous varied legal capacities over this period with great distinction and integrity.

What is particularly extraordinary is how Judge Marabella presided over the adult Drug Court program of
the 19th JDC, in addition to performing his regular daily duties on the Bench. The Drug Court pretrial
intervention program helped numerous nonviolent offenders get back on track with their lives. The
program has helped ensure a low recidivism rate among graduates. With high drug abuse and
homelessness rates in the Greater Baton Rouge area, this program is certainly good news!

It was during his tenure overseeing the Drug Court that I had the privilege to work with him in my role as
(now former) Director of the BR Area Chamber’s Leadership Program. For 4 consecutive years, the
Judge spoke to our class on Criminal Justice Day. His knowledge of the judicial system was extensive, as
was his understanding of the disease of addiction. He treated those in his Court with care, providing an
avenue of help. He unselfishly gave of his time (away from his many Court duties) to speak and interact
with each year’s group of community leaders. They gained a much deeper understanding of judicial
challenges through his presentations. This is just one example of his commitment to this community and
to the administration of justice in this community.

It was understandable when Judge Marabella stepped down from the Court in his full-time capacity after
his numerous years of service. However, this was a significant loss of talent, compassion and expertise
for the 19th JDC and our community. He is truly deserving of the LSBA Award.

Mary Beth Chevalier
Baton Rouge
Community Volunteer

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