Cover Story: Summer Vacation Challenge

RETURNING BACK TO NORMAL

By: Edward Barousse

Incrementally, and cautiously, the world is opening back up after the COVID-19 pandemic. Changes have picked up pace both within our profession and our community. In our local legal community, though normal protocols have not fully returned, court activity has increased. When we all had to acquaint ourselves with the “new normal” almost a year and a half ago, many attorneys wondered about both the practicality and impact of Zoom and other videoconferencing programs. Though none of our local attorneys have appeared on-screen as a cat (at least, I’m not aware of any), several judges have remarked that such programs allowed dockets to move forward, disputes to be resolved, and lawsuits to be settled effectively. Zoom and other programs served as a necessary bridge for courts to return to somewhat normal business.

We are now crossing that bridge. As of April 1, 2021, the Louisiana Supreme Court has allowed local judicial districts the discretion to resume jury trials and attendant motion practice. Perhaps some of you have participated in bench trials in recent months. In federal court, more motions are still being set for hearing without oral argument, though some hearings and magistrate settlement conferences are being conducted at the courthouse. According to the Western District of Louisiana website, a number of criminal matters are still being conducted via teleconferencing due to public health concerns.

And, of course, the world is opening back up. We’ve all missed something different in the past year and a half, but most of those activities involve socialization. Within our legal community, the Lafayette Bar Association has been able to hold various events, and our local chapter of the Federal Bar Association will host a social in early August. Working downtown, restaurants and venues are attracting brisk foot traffic. And, this is Lafayette, after all. I’ve seen numerous people greet and hug each other after not being able to do so for a very long time. Nationally, air traffic has rebounded and numerous events (including concerts and music festivals, which I have missed acutely) are being scheduled for the fall. There can be no doubt that UL, LSU, and Saints tailgates will be particularly raucous this fall.

What lessons can we can take away from all of this? Everyone likely has different thoughts. I do recall that last spring I had never seen so many families spending time together outdoors. Our neighborhood was a constant procession of family bike rides and outdoor sports. A number of friends took care of impressive home improvement projects that they had put off for years. And, as busy adults, perhaps all of this provided a nudge to check in with a friend or family member when we had not done so, despite the best of intentions.

As the world opens back up, I feel a sense of gratitude and appreciation for activities and interactions I may have previously taken for granted. I doubt I'm alone.