District Judge Lane Pittard of the 26th Judicial District passed suddenly at his home on December 12 in the evening, according to a mournful notice. Respected Minden native Judge Pittard was well-known for his dedication to victim advocacy and justice.
As he sent his condolences, US House Speaker Mike Johnson said, “We are saddened by the tragic news of Judge Lane Pittard’s passing.” He was an exemplary jurist and a modest leader who did our community proud.
Following his graduation from the University of Arkansas Law School in 1992, Pittard started his legal career. He had graduated from Northwestern State University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1978 before that.
Throughout his legal career, he held prestigious positions as lead prosecutor at the Bossier-Webster District Attorney’s office for 14 years in addition to two decades of private practice in the Shreveport, Bossier area.
Pittard began his second term as a 26th Judicial District Judge in Division C in 2017 when he was sworn in. Speaker Johnson said, “He was a longtime friend who will be sorely missed by us and countless others,” as she considered Pittard’s legacy. Kelly and I are praying for the Pittard family as well as the neighborhood around the 26th Judicial District Court, along with everyone else.
The loss has a significant influence on the legal community as well as other circles. Bossier Clerk of Court Jill Sessions described the impact in this way:
“Our parish has suffered a tremendous loss at the passing of one of our dear judges, Lane Pittard.”
Pittard had tendered his resignation, taking effect the following year, even though his tenure didn’t end until December 2026. The process of qualifying for the extraordinary election that will be held on March 23 to complete the remaining term has begun.
Many will remember Judge Pittard for his services to Webster Parish, his legal savvy, and his commitment to justice. Thoughts and prayers are being sent to the Pittard family and the 26th Judicial District Court at this time of communal mourning.