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“Libraries are evolving in how they’re being used. The library will also have more centralized student services.” PAUL FAVALORO, LSU executive director of planning, design and construction
LSU to break ground on new $154M library
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McGlinchey shutdown shuffles legal landscape Law firms try to snag top talent before competition does
BY STEPHANIE RIEGEL Staff writer
The decision by McGlinchey Stafford PLLC leaders this week to shutter their powerhouse law firm after more than 50 years sent shock waves across south Louisiana’s legal community, and even took some of the firm’s attorneys by surprise. It also began reshaping the local legal landscape. In the days since the announcement, at least two firms have announced that McGlinchey attorneys will be joining them, bringing lucrative practices and longtime clients along. New Orleans-based Adams and Reese said Thursday it is hiring nearly a third of McGlinchey’s Baton Rouge office — 11 attorneys and two paralegals — from the real estate and corporate transactions group. More announcements are expected to follow, as firms try to snag top McGlinchey talent before the competition does. Amid the reshuffling, the full picture of what caused McGlinchey’s partners who own the firm, known as equity members, to vote to dissolve is starting to emerge. According to attorneys familiar with the situation and a statement from the
ä See MCGLINCHEY, page 5A
RENDERING PROVIDED By LSU PLANNING, DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
A rendering shows the new LSU Library, which officials say will create a ‘hub for student engagement.’
Project aims for 2027 start, opening in fall 2029 BY HALEY MILLER
creasingly southward orientation and will create a “hub for student engagement,” Favaloro said. “The library location was in a place Utility work is kicking off for the construction of a long-awaited, $154 that was considered more centric million library on the LSU campus, to the university, but now with our master plan, things but students still Dalrymple are moving toward have a few years to the south,” Favaloro go before they’ll be Tiger Stadium said. “This reposiable to hit the books in the new space. tions that library to According to Paul a better location.” Stadiu Favaloro, executive The new library mD r. director of planwill be 198,000 square feet and conning, design and construction, the plan tain three levels. It Sout h Qu ad is to break ground will be able to hold New in spring 2027, with between 1.6 million LSU Burbank doors opening in fall and 2 million books Dr. library 2029. The new buildand media. In addition to pubing will sit at the cor- Staff map ner of Field House lications, the library Drive and South Stadium Drive and will house a cafe and numerous stureplace the LSU Main Library, for- dent support services. LSU is strivmerly known as Middleton Library. ing to build the “modern library,” The project aligns with LSU’s in- Favaloro said. Staff writer
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“Libraries are evolving in how they’re being used,” Favaloro said. “The library will also have more centralized student services.” The project will be funded through a mix of state and donor funds. The LSU Foundation has set a $35 million fundraising goal, with nearly $12 million contributed to date, according to a foundation spokesperson. The former Middleton Library, built in 1958, will continue to be operational until the new building opens, Favaloro said. He described the building as too costly to justify renovating, with air conditioning, electrical, utility and moisture issues. “It’s had modernizations here and there, but couple that with today’s library needs and deferred maintenance needs, it would take really a gut renovation to make it meet today’s standards,” Favaloro said. “It’s
ä See LIBRARY, page 5A
Alito recuses from coastal lawsuit case Supreme Court arguments set to begin Monday
BY ALEX LUBBEN Staff writer
On the eve of oral arguments in a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case that could determine the fate of dozens of lawsuits that seek billions in damages to repair Louisiana’s eroding coastline, Justice Samuel Alito has recused himself, citing a financial conflict of interest. The Chevron U.S.A., Inc. v. Plaquemines Parish case will determine whether the lawsuits, brought by Louisiana parishes against oil companies, belong in state or federal court. The high court’s ruling could determine whether a jury’s $745 million verdict in Plaquemines Parish stands. Oral arguments in the case are scheduled for Monday. Alito has frequently recused himself from cases involving companies in which he owns stock. In a letter to the parties involved in the case, the Supreme Court clerk, Scott Harris, wrote that
ä See ALITO, page 4A
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