Members of the bench, local bar association, and community leaders gathered at the Ouachita Parish Courthouse on Friday, September 11, for the annual Opening of Court ceremony for the 4th Judicial District Court, serving Ouachita and Morehouse Parishes.
The annual proceeding marks the official ceremonial commencement of the judicial term, featuring traditional state-of-the-court remarks, memorial tributes to deceased members of the legal community, and key administrative updates for the local legal system.
Judicial Transitions Highlight Ceremony
A central focus of this year’s ceremony was the official installation of newly elected Judge Jessica Williams. Judge Williams steps onto the bench to fill the unexpired term of former Judge Alvin Sharp, who recently resigned to enter the race for District Attorney.
Williams secured the seat without opposition after qualifying closed in August. Under Louisiana election rules, her unopposed status finalized her path to the bench for the immediate term. She will begin her full six-year term in January.
Retiring Judges Honored
The ceremony also acknowledged significant upcoming transitions on the 4th Judicial District bench. Attendees paid tribute to four long-serving jurists set to retire at the conclusion of their current terms: Judge Larry Jefferson, Judge Robert Johnson, Judge Sharon Marchman, and Judge Wilson Rambo.
Their collective decades of service on the bench were highlighted as colleagues recognized their contributions to the administration of justice across Ouachita and Morehouse Parishes.
The ceremony concluded with formal court proceedings resuming as the 4th Judicial District begins its upcoming judicial session.
