JUDGE VERONICA HENRY is a respected judge, veteran trial attorney, and community leader. She seeks your support for the position of Civil District Court judge, Division ‘G’. Judge Robin Giarrusso’s retirement created a vacancy on the court, which vacancy Judge Henry seeks to fill. 

Judge Henry is presently the Chief Judge of New Orleans First City Court. With over 12 years of experience as a judge, Judge Henry is known to be a fair and impartial judge. Moreover, she has the temperament, patience, compassion, and knowledge to handle the work of civil district court, especially in family court matters and civil litigation.

It is important to have an experienced judge on the district court bench. Having practiced law for over 25 years before becoming a judge, Judge Henry understands the needs of attorneys and self-represented litigants and knows the importance of ensuring everyone has their day in court.

Committed to instilling confidence in our justice system, Judge Henry believes our courts should work for everyone, whether a litigant has a lawyer, or not, and regardless of a litigant’s race, gender, orientation, religion, nationality, and beliefs.

COMMITTED TO PUBLIC SERVICE.

Judge Veronica Henry grew up in the ninth ward of New Orleans. Her family has a long history and commitment to public service. Indeed, her grandfather, Clarence “Chink” Henry, was a historic figure in the labor movement for many years. In that tradition, the judiciary is Judge Henry’s call to service. She has demonstrated that she is committed to serving the legal community, as well as communities outside of the law where resources are lacking and the underrepresented need a voice and a hand up.

DEMONSTRATED LEADERSHIP IN THE DELIVERY OF COURT SERVICES.

In October 2021, Judge Veronica Henry’s First City Court Eviction Diversion Project was awarded the 2021 Legal Services Innovation award by the Louisiana State Bar Association’s Access to Justice Commission. The court’s Eviction Diversion Project has become a model for city courts throughout the state of Louisiana.

In August 2022, Judge Henry was invited by the Biden administration to participate in a White House virtual summit. The virtual event focused “on the need to build on the American Rescue Plan’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program to ensure long-term eviction reform, including highlighting model innovations across the country.” Judge Henry’s presentation was part of the panel on Visionary Court-Led Eviction System Reform.

In May 2023, Judge Veronica Henry and the Clerk of First City Court lodged the court’s first-ever electronic appeal record with the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal. A milestone sure to be replicated in other ways as the court moves forward technologically.