Michael Juneau

Michael Joseph "Mike" Juneau
Senior Judge of the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana
In office February 1, 2022 – May 12, 2023
Judge of the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana
In office October 17, 2018 – February 1, 2022
Appointed by	Donald Trump
Preceded by	Richard T. Haik
Born	June 29, 1962 Monroe, Louisiana
Died	May 12, 2023 (aged 60) Lafayette, Louisiana
Resting place	Lafayette Memorial Park
Political party	Republican
Spouse(s)	Becky Brooks Juneau (married c. 1992-2023, his death)
Children	Drew Bute James Juneau Ruth Juneau Mueller David Juneau
Alma mater	Lafayette High School Louisiana State University (Bachelor of Science)
Religion	Christian

Michael Joseph Juneau, known as Mike Juneau (June 29, 1962 – May 12, 2023), was a Donald Trump-appointed judge for the Western District of his native Louisiana. He served for five years on the bench until his death in office of a debilitating medical condition. The post will now be filled by U.S. President Joe Biden. Along with Juneau, Trump also named to the Western District of Louisiana state court Judge Terry Doughty of Rayville in Richland Parish.^[1] Judge Doughty issued a legal finding that the Biden White House likely colluded with Big Tech to censor protected speech during the COVID-19 pandemic.^[2]

Background[edit]

Judge Juneau was born in Monroe to Patrick, Jr., and Truley Ann Juneau, who survive him. He was reared in Lafayette, where he graduated in 1980 from Lafayette High School, at which he was an honor graduate and the football team captain. He graduated in 1984 from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge with a degree in accounting and service as president of Kappa Sigma fraternity. Three years later, he completed the law curriculum with honors at Harvard Law School in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In law school, he served on the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau and was selected best oralist in the Ames Moot Court Competition.^[3]

Career[edit]

As a Harvard law graduate, he had a host of job offers but preferred to return to his Cajun roots in Lafayette, where he practiced law until his elevation to the bench. Known for his intellect, ethical standards, calm demeanor, and big heart, he e was a nationally recognized expert in class action and complex litigation. He served as the Special Master in the Halliburton-Transocean settlement resulting from the British Petroleum oil spill.^[3]

Personal life[edit]

Judge Juneau was a true servant of God and devoted much of his time and talents to various charitable causes. A founding member of the Bridge Ministry of Acadiana, he spent countless hours to tutoring underprivileged children. He also served on the board of directors of Westminster Christian Academy.^[3]

He is survived by his wife of thirty-one years, the former Becky Brooks; four children, Drew Bute, James Juneau (and his wife, Alexis), Ruth Juneau Mueller (and her husband, Jordan), and David Juneau (and his fiancée, Laina Robinson). He had six grandchildren and two brothers, Patrick Juneau, III, and Tommy Juneau (and his wife, Karen). He is interred at Lafayette Memorial Park.^[3]

References[edit]