In Memory of Judge Ginger Berrigan
Senior Judge Helen “Ginger” Berrigan, passed away on the evening of November 15, 2024, in Saddle River, New Jersey. Judge Berrigan was born in New Rochelle, New York, on April 15, 1948, the youngest of five children born to George Bassett Roberts and Jerry McCord Roberts. She obtained a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin in Madison in 1969, a M.A. in Journalism from American University in Washington, D.C., in 1971, and J.D. from Louisiana State University in 1977. Following her graduation from Louisiana State University Law School, Berrigan was a staff attorney of Governor's Pardon, Parole and Rehabilitation Commission from 1977 to 1978. She was in private practice as a criminal defense attorney in New Orleans from 1978 to 1994. On November 18, 1993, Berrigan was nominated by President Bill Clinton to a seat on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. After she was confirmed in 1994, Judge Berrigan served as an active district judge for 22 years.
Throughout her career, Berrigan demonstrated a deep commitment to social justice and transformative outreach, from her early work as a law student to her later role as a federal judge. In 1973, Berrigan enrolled at LSU Law School and began actively pursuing her commitment to civil rights and social justice. She organized efforts for LSU law students to visit children at the newly desegregated Louisiana Training Institute in Scotlandville, fostering weekend interactions and athletic activities. Additionally, she led initiatives for law students to conduct legal workshops with inmate counselors at Angola and other prisons across the state, promoting education and collaboration on post-conviction procedures. In 1994, following her appointment to the bench by President Clinton, Judge Berrigan became actively engaged with Angola's "Juvenile Awareness Program." This initiative aimed to expose at-risk teenagers to the realities of prison life by spending a day at Angola, where they interacted with inmates. Judge Berrigan’s lifelong dedication to justice and advocacy laid the foundation for initiatives that continue to transform lives and inspire future generations of legal professionals.
The Judge Ginger Berrigan Parole & Reentry Support Fund was established to honor Judge Berrigan’s distinguished career and unwavering dedication to justice. This fund reflects the values she championed—using the law to build a better society and advocating for social justice. The LSU Parole & Reentry Clinic serves individuals who have demonstrated maturity and transformation, providing legal assistance with parole and clemency processes to support successful reintegration into society. The clinic also offers law students hands-on experience in legal advocacy and casework, fostering their professional growth.
Donations to the clinic address critical needs, including obtaining vital records for reentry planning, covering clemency application fees, and addressing the medical and reintegration challenges faced by clients who have often spent decades incarcerated. Many clients were sentenced as juveniles and have served more than 20 years. By supporting this initiative, donors help provide comprehensive assistance to rehabilitated individuals, create meaningful second chances, and advance education in legal and social justice advocacy.
If you would like to make your gift by check, make check payable to: LSU Foundation
Notation Line: In Memory of Judge Ginger Berrigan
Send to: LSU Foundation
3796 Nicholson Dr.
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
The LSU Foundation will share notices about memorial gifts with Judge Berrigan's family. We do not share the gift amount unless a donor explicitly gives us permission to do so.