On Thursday, October 16, 2025, Fox 8 reported that Jefferson Parish Judge Donald “Chick” Foret has been suspended without pay for 30 days by the Louisiana Supreme Court. The suspension stems from findings of inappropriate judicial demeanor and a failure to recuse himself from a case where potential bias was evident.
The state’s high court delivered its disciplinary ruling on Wednesday, October 15, following an investigation into two formal complaints and a media report. This penalty exceeded the initial recommendation of a public censure by the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana.
Gus Fritchie, Judge Foret’s attorney, expressed his client’s profound disappointment with the Supreme Court’s decision.
Foret, a long-time local attorney, was elected to the Division H bench in November 2020 and assumed office on January 4, 2021. Shortly after a year into his term, the Judiciary Commission received two complaints concerning his conduct while presiding over cases.
The first investigation was initiated following an anonymous complaint filed in May 2022. The complaint centered on Foret’s conduct during a murder trial in his courtroom. According to the complaint, the judge displayed impatience with the pace of the proceedings and allegedly pressured attorneys to expedite closing arguments, disregarding the victim’s family’s prior arrangements.
Justice John M. Guidry, in the state Supreme Court’s opinion, noted the victim’s family had waited seven years for the trial but were unable to attend the proceedings due to sequestration. The closing arguments represented their only opportunity to hear the trial’s events. However, the family missed a portion of the prosecution’s closing arguments because the judge did not wait for their arrival.
The second investigation originated from a complaint filed by defense attorney James Prather in July 2022. Prather alleged that in the fall of 2021, while litigating a homeowner’s insurance claim, Judge Foret expressed a general predisposition against motions for summary judgment and motions in limine.
Prather further alleged that in November 2021, after hearing settlement offers in a civil case, Foret instructed the plaintiffs’ counsel to tell Prather to “go f*** himself” if he did not increase his settlement offer.
The Supreme Court also investigated a report by the Times-Picayune in July 2022, which detailed Foret’s apparent animosity toward an attorney associated with lawyers in his courtroom. These attorneys were preparing for a class action lawsuit filed by residents of nursing homes owned by Bob Dean, who had been evacuated to a warehouse in Independence during Hurricane Ida.
Attorney Stephen Miles, representing Dean, overheard the judge’s disparaging remarks and subsequently filed a motion to recuse Foret from the case. Instead of recusing himself, Foret delegated the decision on the motion to an ad hoc judge, who denied it. Dean appealed this ruling, and the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the decision, removing Foret from the case, citing concerns about his ability to remain fair and impartial.
Justice Guidry stated that these incidents demonstrated a failure to uphold high standards of conduct to preserve the integrity and independence of the judiciary. They also reflected a failure to avoid impropriety, maintain order and decorum, and be patient, dignified, and courteous to those involved in his official capacity.
Justice Guidry acknowledged that Judge Foret is being disciplined for his intemperate words and actions. He also noted that Foret sought mentorship from retired Judge Dennis Waldron and counseling from Father Anthony McGinn, after learning of the complaints. Foret expressed gratitude for the disciplinary proceedings, stating that they had helped him mature judicially and improve his demeanor.
Fritchie issued a statement on behalf of Foret, assuring the Jefferson Parish community that the discipline was a result of behavior that may have appeared unbecoming, but that he never exploited his position for personal gain. The statement concluded by saying that Judge Foret is honored to serve the people of Jefferson Parish and will continue to serve honorably while contemplating how he can best serve his family and community.
Source: Fox 8
