Omar Mason decided to run for a judgeship because he wants to contribute to the community “in a more impactful way that touches more people.”

Mason says the top three issues confronting the Civil District Court are “public ignorance of and apathy toward the civil judiciary process, crowded dockets and backlogged cases, and a lack of willing civil engagement.”

To address these challenges, Mason says “I will educate litigants, witnesses, attorneys and jurors about the purpose and intent of the proceedings, implement strategies to run an efficient and orderly docket, and promote civic engagement by the community at large, especially New Orleans’ youth, to foster a greater appreciation of the role, purpose and function of Civil District Court.”

Concerning the plight of African-Americans and the judiciary, Mason promises to carry out the duties of the Section J judgeship in a “fair and impartial manner to ensure that justice is served.”

Mason has practiced civil law for 18 years. His work includes a variety of cases: personal injury, racial discrimination, toxic torts, and trade practices, among others. Outside of work, Mason is a volunteer for several organizations, among them, board director for Audubon Charter School, chief legal advisor for the Knights of Peter Claver, Inc., and board director of the New Orleans Chapter of the Federal Bar Association. He is also an adjunct professor at Tulane University and teaches at

He is also an adjunct professor at Tulane University and teaches at LSU and Loyola.

“I’ve been serving in a leadership role since a youth,” Mason says, citing his years as a drum major at McDonogh #35. “It’s something that says a lot about my commitment and determination,”