Trusted to Lead: New Orleans Judges Reflect on Service, Experience and Community

Eric Connerly
Data News Weekly Contributor

Several New Orleans judges are expressing gratitude to residents as they prepare to continue—or begin—service on the bench, emphasizing experience, fairness, public trust and their personal connections to the city.

Judge Candice Bates-Anderson, Chief Justice of Section C of Orleans Parish Juvenile Court, reflected on 16 years of serving New Orleans children and families.

“I would like to thank the New Orleans community for believing in me for the last 16 years and continuously giving me the opportunity to serve our kids,” Bates-Anderson said. “It is an honor and a privilege to make a difference in the lives of the citizens of New Orleans.”

She said protecting children remains central to her decision-making and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve another six years in the city where she was born and raised.

Judge Desiree Cook-Calvin of Juvenile Court Section E is preparing for a third term and her second consecutive election without opposition. A Hollygrove native and the seventh of nine children, Cook-Calvin reflected on a journey that included Benjamin Franklin High School, Carnegie Mellon University and Tulane Law School.

“I am deeply grateful for the continued trust the people of New Orleans have placed in me,” Cook-Calvin said. “Thank you for believing in me and for allowing me the privilege of serving the city I love.”

Judge-elect Tiffany Delery will serve in Orleans Parish Civil District Court, Division C. Delery brings more than 20 years of civil-law experience and service in the United States Marine Corps Reserve.

“To have my first run for public office conclude without opposition is an extraordinary way to begin this new chapter of service,” Delery said. “The Crescent City is my home, my heritage, and an enduring part of who I am.”

Judge LaKeisha Jefferson will continue serving Civil District Court, Division H, Domestic Section 2.

“Being elected without opposition is a responsibility I do not take lightly,” Jefferson said, pledging continued service marked by “fairness, integrity, professionalism, and respect.”

Judge Lori Jupiter similarly expressed gratitude for another six years on the bench.

“I remain steadfast in my promise to approach this next term with the utmost integrity,” Jupiter said, “ensuring that every decision is guided by justice and fairness for all.”

Together, their stories reflect a judiciary shaped by deep New Orleans roots, decades of legal experience, and a shared commitment to fairness, integrity and service. As they begin new terms on the bench, each views the public’s trust not simply as an affirmation of proven leadership, but as a responsibility to continue serving the people and families of New Orleans.