The Justices of the Louisiana Supreme Court have appointed First Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Allison H. Penzato as justice pro tempore of the Louisiana Supreme Court to fill the vacancy created by the departure of Justice Will Crain. Judge Penzato’s appointment is effective now through June
30, 2026, or until the vacancy is filled, whichever occurs sooner.
The 1st Supreme Court District seast became vacant when Crain resigned upon his confirmation as a federal judge.
Judge Penzato’s appointment is temporary. A special election to fill the seat will be held in 2026. The 1st Supreme Court District consists of Washington Parish and 5 other parishes.
Like Judge Crain, Judge Penzato is a native of Bogalusa. She graduated from Bogalusa High School in 1975 and earned her bachelor’s degree from Southeastern Louisiana University in 1977. She received her law degree from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law in 1981.
Judge Penzato was elected to the 22nd Judicial District Court for Washington and St. Tammany parishes in 2009, where she served until 2017, including as Chief Judge from 2014 to 2016. During her tenure, she presided over general jurisdiction cases and a division of adult drug court. In 2017, she was elected to the Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal, where she currently serves.
