Richard D. Mere, Ltd.

06/17/2026

My next presentation for Lafayette Lawyers

06/03/2026

A key to conflict resolution, both in litigation and in life, is communication. This involves not only clearly stating your position, but also listening to the other person's perspective.

This is true for personal injury cases, and there would be a lot fewer of them if insurance adjusters had this skill. Unfortunately, being blind to the needs of the insured, and trying to save money. This failure of insurance adjusters puts money into lawyers pockets, both defense and plaintiff's attorneys.

It is true in criminal law. The prosecutor is usually more concerned with protecting the public than vengeance, he fears for the public if he makes a mistake. The accused is trying to avoid punishment entirely, whether guilty or innocent. He fears the long term consequences of a guilty verdict. How to reconcile these perspectives is the business of the criminal defense attorney.

In domestic law, the importance of clear thought is even more significant. Clear thought is effectively impossible, if you are the party involved. Too many emotions, too many fears, lead to poor decisions, in the moment. This is the area where trained lawyers can step in and fix a lot of problems. IF they do what is best for their client, not necessarily what their client wants in the short term. This is difficult, but necessary.

It all comes down to communication. It is easy to forget this, in the middle of a fight.

05/27/2026

Lately some people have been representing themselves, and having A.I. write pleadings for them. This is a bad idea.

I have gone to continuing education classes where the danger of A.I. in legal work has been explained. Unfortunately, A.I. hallucinates when it comes to legal work. It cites cases and laws that don’t exist, makes discredited arguments, and makes up facts, to stick with the chosen narrative.

A.I. is only useful if you know enough law to edit what it says. When you represent yourself, you lack that knowledge.

05/20/2026

Just finished my Continuing Legal Education presentation for June, a month early! Educating attorneys and judges on a subject is both rewarding and a bit intimidating. We are a tough audience!

04/22/2026

On May 16th, 2026 there is an election regarding Amendments to the Louisiana Constitution. It is always important to exercise your right to vote!

04/15/2026

Due to some misunderstandings we will be having future presentations, on custody and child support, at one of the Lafayette Public Libraries. Which library would be best?

04/01/2026

Currently in the works:
1) Presentation on Mythbusting Divorce. Scheduled for April 14, 2026.
2) Preparing a presentation mythbusting Custody Proceedings, tenatively scheduled for May.
3) Preparing a Continuing Education Presentation for Lawyers and Judges, scheduling hasn't been done yet.

It's going to be a busy summer!

03/25/2026

What do you think judges need to know that they don’t know?

03/18/2026

I am currently deciding which new topic to prepare for May. Which would be more useful, child custody, or child support?

03/10/2026