News Release
Mary Joseph named Distinguished Alumnus by LSU Law
Read Time: 2 minsMcGlinchey Stafford proudly congratulates Mary Terrell Joseph, attorney in the firm’s Baton Rouge office, on being honored by the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center as a 2025 Distinguished Alumna in the category of Service to the Profession.
Mary’s legal career spans more than five decades, including an appointment by the Louisiana Supreme Court to serve as Judge Pro Tempore for the 19th Judicial District Court in 2005. In her practice, Mary advises clients on collections matters and creditors’ rights, including both retail and commercial collections. She has presented seminars and continuing education lectures on creditors rights through the Baton Rouge and Louisiana State Bar Associations.
“Mary’s extensive volunteer contributions to the local and legal communities here in Baton Rouge are unparalleled,” said Michael Ferachi, McGlinchey’s Managing Member. “It is an honor to see her receive this well-deserved honor from LSU Law, an institution of which I know Mary is tremendously proud.”
Beyond her trendsetting legal practice, Mary has been a champion of the arts, culture, and education in the Baton Rouge community. She has chaired numerous local organizations, including the Capital Area United Way’s Board and Annual Campaign, the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge, Capital Area Network, and the Rotary Club of Baton Rouge. Mary has also served in leadership for Baton Rouge Area Foundation, the LSU Museum of Art Advisory Board, the Leadership Baton Rouge Alumni Board, and the Board of Trustees for her alma mater, Hollins University, in Virginia. She currently serves on the Board of the Foundation for Excellence in Louisiana Public Broadcasting.
Mary’s dedication to the legal profession and the community has earned her recognition as a Volunteer Activist, an Olympic Torchbearer, one of Baton Rouge’s 25 Outstanding Women, and YWCA Women of Achievement. She received the Community Leadership Award from the Leadership Baton Rouge Alumni. Mary has also received the Louisiana Bar Association’s Crystal Gavel Award and was named 2019 Distinguished Attorney by the Louisiana Bar Foundation.
Mary’s late husband, Cheney Joseph, served on the faculty of LSU Law Center for more than 40 years, including as Vice Chancellor. He was named its Distinguished Alumnus in 2013. Mary joins McGlinchey attorneys Michael H. Rubin (2007) and Christine Lipsey (2019) who have received this award in the past.
The LSU Law Center will formally recognize Mary and other honorees at the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Awards Ceremony on May 8.