Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Jay B. McCallum has administered the oath of office to Katie Jo Miller, Esq., marking a significant milestone as she becomes the first military spouse attorney admitted to practice law in Louisiana under Rule XVII, Section 15. This rule, effective since September 23, 2022, allows licensed attorneys who are spouses of active-duty military members residing in Louisiana to apply for a limited license to practice law.
The rule addresses the frequent relocations required by military service and provides a pathway for military spouse attorneys to practice without examination, provided they meet specific requirements. The initiative is a collaboration between the Louisiana Supreme Court and the Louisiana State Bar Association, aligning with similar efforts in other states.
Chief Justice John L. Weimer commented on the new rule's potential benefits: “The enacting of this rule assists the men and women who serve in the military and their attorney spouses. We hope it may ultimately provide a very welcome side benefit in drawing more people to the state of Louisiana by allowing both the active-duty service member and their spouse to be productive in careers that they each have worked fervently to maintain."
Justice Jay B. McCallum expressed his honor in participating in this event during National Military Appreciation Month: “It was an honor to help usher Katie Jo Miller, Esq., into the practice of law in Louisiana as the very first military spouse attorney under the new rule. It was particularly appropriate that this would occur during National Military Appreciation Month.”
Katie Jo Miller holds a bachelor's degree from North Dakota State University and a juris doctor degree from University of North Dakota School of Law. She will work at the Caddo Parish Public Defender’s Office.
For further information, visit lasc.org or contact Trina S. Vincent at tvincent@lasc.org or (504) 310-2590.