For Immediate Release
July 15, 2025
Contact: Laura Tuggle, ltuggle@slls.org, 504-529-1000 x 270
SLLS Welcomes Tracie L. Washington as Litigation and Advocacy Director
Washington replaces longtime Director David Williams after 29 years of service
New Orleans, LA – Southeast Louisiana Legal Services (SLLS), the largest provider of free civil legal aid in Louisiana, has announced the hiring of Tracie L. Washington as its Litigation and Advocacy Director, succeeding David Williams, who is retiring after 29 years of service. Washington will oversee the firm’s major and complex litigation, as well as law and policy reform advocacy.
Washington has a bachelor’s degree from Carleton College, a juris doctor from the University of Texas School of Law, in addition to degrees from Drake University (MPA), the University of New Orleans (MBA), and Southern University and A&M College (Ph.D., Public Policy). She brings 35 years of civil practice experience to the firm, with a focus on civil rights, education law, and labor and employment law. Some of her most significant litigation achievements include Kirk v. City of New Orleans and Mayor Ray Nagin, a pivotal 14th Amendment constitutional case ensuring homeowners’ rights against unjust demolitions and ACORN et al. v. Kathleen Blanco, a historic voting-rights case reaffirming New Orleans evacuees’ rights to equal franchise under the Voting Rights Act and U.S. Constitution.
Under Williams’ leadership, SLLS’ Litigation and Advocacy unit achieved numerous victories in housing justice and access to public benefits, benefiting thousands of low-income individuals in southeast Louisiana. He uncovered the state’s failure to implement agreement it entered with the federal government to provide Medicaid during all post-Covid administrative appeals, in exchange for not having to comply with the 90-day deadline for deciding the appeals, securing continued healthcare for thousands and prompting the state to issue back benefits to those who were wrongfully denied. He successfully advocated for Medicaid to cover diabetic testing supplies for Louisiana residents and discovered that the state failed to apply a cost-of-living adjustment to food stamp benefits for 5 months, resulting in the restoration of $12 million in missed benefits.
“It is an incredible honor to now serve as the Director of Litigation and Advocacy for Southeast Louisiana Legal Services,” said Washington. “I am deeply committed to continuing SLLS’ legacy of pursuing systemic justice and advancing equity for the communities we serve. I look forward to working alongside our talented team to build on our successes and ensure access to justice for all.”
Williams said of his successor, “I am thrilled to leave the SLLS Advocacy leadership in the hands of someone with long ties to our community and who cares passionately about our clients and the issues we work on for them.”
About Southeast Louisiana Legal Services
Southeast Louisiana Legal Services (SLLS) fights for fairness in the justice system. We provide free civil legal aid to low-income people across 22 parishes in southeast Louisiana. We have seven offices located in Baton Rouge, Covington, Gretna, Hahnville, Hammond, Houma, and New Orleans. Our mission is to achieve justice for low-income people in Louisiana by enforcing and defending their legal rights through free legal representation, advocacy, and community education. For more information about SLLS, visit www.slls.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@SLLShelps).