Left: Administrative First Assistant District Attorney David Kimball
Right: Chief Felony Prosecutor Tara Hawkins
The Calcasieu Parish District Attorney’s promoted two felony attorneys on August 19, 2015. David Kimball will now serve as the Administrative First Assistant District Attorney, while Tara Hawkins is the new Chief Felony Prosecutor.
Kimball has worked at the District Attorney’s Office for a combined 32 years. For over three years, he has served as the Chief Felony Prosecutor. In this new position, Kimball will handle administrative and personnel matters, while continuing to handle his own felony division. A 1980 law school graduate of Louisiana State University, Kimball is excited for what’s ahead.
“I’m really looking forward to it,” says Kimball. “This is a great opportunity.”
Hawkins, a 1997 graduate of Tulane Law School, has been a felony prosecutor for the last six years. Prior to her joining the District Attorney’s staff, she spent several years practicing law. This includes time spent as the Administrative General Counsel for Chief Judge Gene Thibodeaux at the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeal.
As Chief Felony Prosecutor, Hawkins will serve as the supervisor of all felony trials. She says she is honored and humbled to accept this position.
“I believe wholeheartedly that the principle role of a prosecutor is to seek justice, which can only be accomplished by the representation and presentation of the truth,” says Hawkins. “That responsibility includes ensuring that the guilty are held accountable and that the innocent are protected from unwarranted harm. These are tenets of my profession that guide my work daily, and I look forward to actively working on behalf of my district attorney to assist the prosecutors in this office in making this a daily reality.”
District Attorney John DeRosier is looking forward to the transition of these attorneys.
“We’re preparing this office for the future, for the next ten years,” says DeRosier. “We’re preparing this office for continued excellence.”
Cynthia Killingsworth will remain as the First Assistant District Attorney.