Professor Blaine Lecesne to serve as Loyola New Orleans College of Law Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

(New Orleans – December 2, 2020) Loyola University New Orleans College of Law Dean Madeleine Landrieu is pleased to announce Professor Blaine LeCesne as the College of Law’s new Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The new role comes as a necessary addition to the law school’s leadership team at this critical time in our nation’s history.
 
In this new and developing role, LeCesne will report directly to the dean and provide clear leadership over the development and maintenance of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture on and off the law school campus. By working closely with Dr. Kedrick Perry, Loyola’s new Vice President of Equity and Inclusion, LeCesne will contribute to and broaden the scope of the University’s Strategic Plan for Inclusive Excellence.
 
“Diversity and inclusion have always been integral to our work here at Loyola. But, the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmad Aubrey and too many others and our nation’s response to these events compel us to do more,” said Dean Madeleine Landrieu, J.D. ’88, H ‘05. “After gaining insight from our students, faculty, and alumni, we realized the need to elevate these values and create a position dedicated to ensuring that we are doing all we can. Because of his longstanding commitment to social justice and to Loyola, Professor LeCesne is the perfect fit for this role and a strong addition to our leadership team. We are grateful to have him serve in this capacity.”

This summer, LeCesne helped establish and implement the We Work for Justice Webinar Series, a program that encourages dialogue between Loyola Law students of color, Loyola Law alumni, and other community leaders about systemic inequities. LeCesne plans to translate these conversations into tangible actions toward systemic change.

“I am thankful to Loyola for providing a space to explore concrete solutions for such complex and paramount issues,” said LeCesne. “I am looking forward to providing a sense of belongingness for our students, faculty, and staff, and I am grateful for the overwhelming support from the Loyola community who see the immeasurable value and impact of this position.”

LeCesne, the Donna and John Fraiche Distinguished Professor of Law, began his career at Loyola in 1991. Previously, he was employed by the New York law firms of LeBoeuf, Lamb, Leiby & MacRae; and Weil, Gotshal & Manges. He served as Deputy City Attorney for the City Attorney of New Orleans from 1987-1989 and was a partner with the law firm of Brook, Morial, Cassibry, Fraiche & Pizza from 1989-1991. Professor LeCesne teaches Louisiana Civil Procedure, Criminal Law, Torts, and Trial Advocacy.

Professor LeCesne is a past recipient of the Favorite Professor Award and Most Trusted Professor awards from the Student Bar Association, Distinguished Service Award by the Federal Bar Association, and the Monroe Lemman Award by the Louisiana Civil Service League.