I enjoyed reading James Gill’s opinion piece about my association with the Orleans Parish DA’s office. Not too fond of the characterization of myself as an ambulance chaser, but I get it.
On the other hand, I think it’s important to recognize the innovative approach in the unique partnership formed between myself and Jason Williams. There are several advantages, which I submit to you for your consideration.
First, we are handling these cases as fully commissioned assistant district attorneys, not as private civil attorneys. We have gone through background checks and the entire employment process to be commissioned. We have gone through days of intensive training in the law and how to screen cases by the chief of screening, Andre Gaudin. Our training is the same as what any assistant district attorney would go through.
It is our goal to screen simple, routine but very time-consuming cases in order to free up the time of full-time ADAs, so that they may concentrate on more serious cases and on their trials. So far, it is working very well!
I also want to point out that my entire team is working as volunteers. This is a heavy lift for all of us, but we are doing it out of my desire to do something altruistic and meaningful to help the DA’s office and the city of New Orleans.
I am very optimistic about our efforts and the results we will be able to attain. Stay tuned!
MORRIS BART
New Orleans
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