D. Nicole Sheppard wants to be judge of Civil District Court – Section J because “the integrity of our legal system depends on all citizens having access to justice and the right to be heard, regardless of race, gender, or class,” she says.
“I see the challenges and the hurt and pain on some of the people’s faces,” the attorney adds. “I want to bring healing to those situations. My decision to run for Civil District Court is grounded in my desire to serve and move our community forward. One of the things people don’t realize is that cases take up a lot of people’s time.”
Sheppard says she will adopt a scheduling system where cases move forward in a timely manner.
If elected, Sheppard says she would also develop a foreclosure specialty court.
“Some families experience financial hardships. Homes are being auctioned, citizens are being evicted, and we have to provide an efficient, sensitive process that offers options. I would partner with law school clinics and non-profits to provide succession clinics for our community.”
After Katrina, she offered pro-bono wills and educated the community on homeownership preservation.
The Sheppard Williams Law Firm is a general practice that focuses on criminal, state, federal and entertainment litigation.
“I am the only candidate that has an active family practice,” she adds.
Sheppard is an advocate of early intervention and conflict resolution and a motivational speaker in the schools.
Sheppard educates the community through a TV show about the law and can be heard often on radio. She has also taught at several universities. She coordinates annual workshops on domestic violence, property preservation, and pro bono divorces. Sheppard serves as a board member of the Algiers Charter School Association and other civic groups.