The Louisiana Supreme Court announces Brian Wiggins as Judicial Administrator, succeeding Sandra A. Vujnovich.
Vujnovich will serve in an advisory role as Judicial Administrator emeritus until July 1.
Vujnovich first joined the Louisiana Supreme Court in 1986 as a law clerk to Chief Justice John A. Dixon. In 1995, after several years in private practice with the New Orleans-based Brook, Morial, Cassibry, Fraiche, and Pizza law firm, she returned to the Court. She served first as a law clerk and then as Executive Counsel to Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero Jr. (1995-2008); she served as Executive Counsel to Chief Justice Catherine D. “Kitty” Kimball (2009-2013); and Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson (2013-2014). Vujnovich was appointed Judicial Administrator by the Louisiana Supreme Court in 2014.
“Sandra’s leadership has left a lasting mark on our court system, particularly her leadership around improving operations, access, and transparency,” Chief Justice John L. Weimer said. “We are deeply grateful for her institutional knowledge gained over three decades of selfless service, and for her steady hand during several momentous challenges the Court faced during her 12 years as Judicial Administrator. We are also confident that Brian Wiggins will build on this strong foundation and continue advancing the critical work of judicial administration in Louisiana.”
The Judicial Administrator’s office is the managerial arm of the Louisiana Supreme Court and is the staffing and fiscal agent for several court departments and programs, the Judicial Council, and court-appointed task forces and committees.
The Judicial administrator also serves as the chief executive officer of the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana. As Judicial Administrator, Vujnovich oversaw a staff of over 80 employees and a budget of over $9 million.
“Over the last decade, the state judiciary has navigated floods, hurricanes, a pandemic, and the demands of tight budgets and staffing challenges,” Vujnovich said. “Through it all, with the dedication and commitment of our Supreme Court justices, state judges, and court staff, I believe we have made significant improvements and lasting progress in judicial administration and in strengthening the public trust in the judiciary.”
Accomplishments and advancements during the past 12 years have included modernizing court technology and operations; increasing transparency and court access, especially for limited English proficient individuals; and investment in the future of the judiciary in training new judges. The Court has also expanded community outreach programs and specialty courts, and enhanced and streamlined the judicial discipline system, which has resulted in a significant increase in the number of cases of public discipline and counselling of state judges.
“Much of the Court’s progress and increased efficiency is due to the leadership of the Supreme Court Justices. I want to sincerely thank the Justices and the many judges who toil daily in our court system,” Vujnovich added. “I truly believe Louisiana has some of the most talented, innovative, and hard-working judges in the country who consistently strive to ensure justice for our citizens. They are supported by exceptional court staff who also deserve recognition and appreciation. I also wish to extend special thanks to the exemplary staff of the Louisiana Supreme Court and the Judicial Administrator’s office, especially my Chief Deputy and next Judicial Administrator Brian Wiggins, whom I am confident has the experience and skills to take the JA’s office to the next level in court services and judicial reform. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the people of Louisiana alongside so many talented people who dedicate themselves to public service.”
When asked about her plans once retired, Vujnovich expressed, “After 30 years at the Louisiana Supreme Court, I am looking forward to spending some quality time with my husband, Joseph Lorenzo, my beautiful family, and grandson while I explore opportunities in the next chapter of my life to continue to serve Louisiana’s judiciary and the legal profession.
