On Wednesday (July 17, 2026), Justice William H. Burris took the oath of office as Associate Justice of the First Supreme Court District, Louisiana Supreme Court. The First Judicial District includes portions of Orleans, Livingston, St. Tammany, St. Bernard, Washington, and Tangipahoa Parishes.
A native of Franklinton, Louisiana, Justice Burris earned a bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University and a juris doctor degree, magna cum laude, from Southern University Law Center. He began his legal career as an attorney in Baton Rouge, then entered private practice before joining the 22nd Judicial District Court in 2018.
As chief judge of the 22nd JDC, Justice Burris presided over general jurisdiction matters. From 2018 to 2020, he oversaw the Washington Parish Adult Drug Court. From 2020 until his election to the Supreme Court, he managed the 22nd JDC Reentry Court, focusing on offender rehabilitation and workforce development.
Justice Burris has served in the House of Delegates for the Louisiana Bar Association. He was an Executive Board member of the Louisiana District Judges Association and has served as chair of the LDJA/DOC Joint Committee. He also served as President of the Franklinton Chamber of Commerce. Justice Burris is an ordained deacon at First Baptist Church in Franklinton. He is married to Lacy Caine Burris, and they are the proud parents of two children.
The former Chief Judge of the 22nd Judicial District Court succeeds former Associate Justice William J. Crain, who retired effective December 2025, following his appointment to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. First Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Allison H. Penzato, who served as Supreme Court Justice pro tempore since December 2025, has returned to full service at the First Circuit Court of Appeal.
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