Jude Gravois announced today that he is a candidate for Judge on the Louisiana Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal.

The election is scheduled for Saturday, April 4, 2009. The judicial district encompasses all of St. James Parish and the East Bank of St. John the Baptist Parish.

“Like so many of you, I am a lifelong resident of the River Parishes,” Gravois said. “I grew up right here along the Mississippi River and share your appreciation of our people, customs and history.”

“I have actively practiced law in this part of the state for more than 30 years handling thousands of legal matters of almost every type imaginable for a diverse group of clients,” Gravois said. “As judge, I’ll draw upon my wide and varied legal experience to make decisions that are fair and right. I’ll put my understanding of our local people and deep appreciation and pride for our unique heritage and culture to work for you.”

“As an Assistant District Attorney I prosecuted criminals, working to protect the rights of crime victims,” Gravois said. “I also served as an indigent defender, providing legal counsel to people who could not afford a lawyer. I’ve represented public bodies, including the parish council, school board and levee district. My clients come from all walks of life and I have helped them with domestic, criminal, estate, probate, property and business matters, among others.”

Gravois served two terms as President of the local Bar Association and numerous terms as Vice President. He spearheads the local group’s annual Christmas toy drive each year. Gravois is a teacher/moderator of local high school mock trial competitions and served for many years as a member of the House of Delegates to the Louisiana State Bar Association.

He was awarded the State Bar Association’s Crystal Gavel Award for his outstanding service to the community and legal profession. Gravois also served as chairman of the St. James Parish Notarial Commission for some 30 years, and is a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus.

“My late father was a farm machinery mechanic and served as a school board member. I worked side by side with him throughout my school years where he taught me the value of hard work and doing what’s right. My mother continues to inspire me every day with her steadfast support and firm belief that you can do whatever you want to do if you put your mind to it. I’ll take those same principles to the Fifth Circuit.”