The large professional service industry in Lafayette is heavily populated with attorneys and legal professionals who practice all aspects of law, including many professionals in the oil and gas industry who hold law degrees but do not practice traditionally. According to the enrollment figures of the Lafayette Parish Bar Association, Lafayette has 1,100 attorneys in all aspects of practice in this area.

Judges, attorneys, law clerks and famiilies and friends began the 2007-08 judicial year in Lafayette with a Red Mass at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist Wednesday, September 05, 2007. As the Chamber of Commerce represents the business community, the Bar Association is the voice for the legal community. It acts as a one-stop-shop for attorney networking, CLE and professionalism.

The association is dedicated to providing high-quality programs and act as an important resource to it's nearly 850 members.

One of its premier events is the Red Mass held each September to announce the opening of court. Prayers for the legal community, members who have passed on and justice in general are said. The term “Red Mass” goes back to the 13th century to the custom of Mass invoking the Holy Spirit at the beginning of the judicial year. The color red comes from the vestments worn by priests and scarlet robes of the Lord High Justices and university professors.

Contact the Lafayette Parish Bar Association at 337-237-4700 or www.lafayettebar.org for more information.