Current Employment Position(s)

Judge, since 1992

Lawyer Overview

JUDGE SYLVIA R. COOKS BIOGRAPHY

Judge Sylvia R. Cooks was recently elected to serve in a newly-created position on the Third Circuit Court of Appeal. The Third Circuit Court of Appeal encompasses the parishes of Acadia, Allen, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Cameron, Calcasieu, Catahoula, Evangeline, Grant, Iberia, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, LaSalle, Natchitoches, Rapides, Sabine, St. Martin, St. Landry, Vermilion and Vernon.

Judge Cooks, 41, was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. As a child, she moved to Jeanerette, Louisiana; where she attended Thomas Gibbs Elementary School and Franklin High School. She received a BA degree in Political Science from Louisiana State University and her Juris Doctor degree from LSU School of Law.

Judge Cooks has built a distinguished career in the legal community of Louisiana since graduating from the law school. Judge Cooks served as the first African-American Assistant District Attorney for the 15th Judicial District, which includes the parishes of Lafayette, Acadia and Vermilion.

Judge Cooks became the first African-American to win a place on the LSU Law Review, an honor awarded students who demonstrate high academic performance and achievement.

Judge Cooks also became the first African-American in the state's history to serve as a law clerk for the Louisiana Supreme Court. She received the distinction of "outstanding clerk" during the term that she served.

Judge Cooks served as a Trustee on the Lafayette Parish Library Board for five years, Vice-President of the LSU Minority Alumni Association, and a member of the LSU Scholarship Committee. She also served on the State of Louisiana's Advisory Committee for Women by special appointment of the Governor.

Judge Cooks is a member of the American Bar Association, 15th Judicial District Bar Association, Lafayette Parish Bar Association, Southwest Lawyers' Bar Association and the Louisiana State Bar Association. She was recently appointed to a fourth term on the Louisiana Bar Associations's Minority Involvement Committee by President H.F. Sockrider, Jr.