Citing the breadth and depth of his experiences as having prepared him to serve the people of Washington and St. Tammany parishes as an honest, impartial judge, A.J. Hand has announced his candidacy for Judge, Division B of the 22nd Judicial District Court.

“Since all 10 of our current judges, four of which are retiring, must preside over any type of case filed in the 22nd JDC, we must have judicial candidates who are well rounded in their legal experiences,” Hand said.

Hand, 47, has practiced general law in the 22nd Judicial District Court for more than 21 years, representing clients in hundreds of cases: civil, criminal, business litigation, family law, successions, real estate, banking and personal injury. He has also served as court appointed counsel in children in need of care cases. He is also active in the legal community as a member of the state and local bar associations and the Inns of Court.

Hand

A third generation St. Tammany Parish resident, Hand grew up on the Northshore, graduating from St. Paul’s High School in 1979. He graduated from Loyola University in 1983 and Southern University Law School in 1986. While at Loyola, he worked as a clerk for the New Orleans Traffic Court, and during law school he worked for the Baton Rouge City Attorney’s office doing case research and writing legal briefs. Upon his graduation, he returned to St. Tammany Parish to join his father, the late Ronald G. Hand, in the law firm of Blossman and Hand. Today, Hand is the sole practitioner of August J. Hand Law Firm, LLC.

“I have the experience, personality and knowledge of all areas of the law required of a good judge,” he said. “During these times filled with record breaking growth, we need judges who are willing to roll up their sleeves and maintain our court’s models of efficiency, fairness and impartial justice.

“While we have one of the best judicial systems of the highest judicial quality in the state, we must maintain this standard of excellence in the face of a stressed docket. For instance, 80 percent of the crimes committed in St. Tammany Parish stems directly or indirectly from drug and alcohol abuse, which cases make their way into the court system. Thirty percent of all 22nd JDC filings are family filings. We must provide each type of case with an efficient trial system and balance quantity and seriousness of criminal cases with the family cases.”

Hand stressed the need for additional funding for improved comprehensive drug rehabilitation programs for youth.

Hand and his wife, Vaunne Blossman Hand, are the parents of Andree, Marley and Delilah. Hand worked as a volunteer organizer along with Jim Burdette for the Youth Service Bureau’s FINS fishing tournament, raising funds for special services for families in need across the district. He is active as a volunteer organizer to raise funds for children with major learning difficulties attending St. Michael Special School. He is also a member of the West St. Tammany Chamber and the Northshore Republican Men’s Club.