Alexandria, La. (7/14/2025) – Brian Cespiva has been elected unopposed to the 9th Judicial District Court Judge’s seat in Rapides Parish, following the retirement of Judge Patricia Koch. With qualifying ending July 11, Cespiva emerged as the sole candidate for the special election previously scheduled for October 11, 2025.
Judge Koch, whose retirement takes effect in mid-October, reflected on her years of service in a recent Facebook post:
“I’m still working and will not retire until mid-October. Truly I have enjoyed the work and so much more to do before my time in this position ends. Not moving anywhere so you’ll still see me, but I do want to have more time with family, friends, church and community. I do hear that retirement life is pretty sweet yet full.”
Cespiva’s Deep Legal Roots in Rapides Parish
A lifelong resident of Rapides Parish, Cespiva brings 37 years of legal experience to the bench. He began his legal career in partnership with the late Camille Gravel, a renowned criminal defense attorney whose firm, Gravel, Brady and Berrigan, played a notable role in Louisiana’s legal and civil rights history.
Gravel famously introduced Louis Berry to the Alexandria Bar, making Berry the first African-American attorney to practice in Rapides Parish. This groundbreaking act not only advanced civil rights but also established the firm as a symbol of progress during a time of entrenched segregation.
Cespiva later partnered with Gravel’s son, Greg Gravel, forming Gravel and Cespiva.
Cespiva’s Career Highlights
Cespiva graduated from LSU Law School in 1989 and has practiced in nearly every area of state law, including:
- Family law, personal injury, and medical malpractice defense
- Property law, media law, insurance defense, and governmental law
His public service includes roles as:
- Special Assistant Attorney General under four administrations (Billy Guste, Richard Ieyoub, Charles Foti, and Buddy Caldwell)
- City Attorney and Prosecutor for Ball and Glenmora
- General Counsel for the Alexandria Fire and Police Civil Service Board
- Pineville City Prosecutor
- Most recently, Section Chief and felony prosecutor at the Rapides Parish District Attorney’s Office for 16 years
Cespiva is married to his wife Cindy of 29 years and is the father of two sons, Brian and Brandon, and a stepson, Jason.
Continuing a Storied Legal Legacy
Cespiva will officially assume the 9th Judicial District Court seat following Judge Koch’s retirement in October. His transition to the bench not only reflects decades of legal service but also continues a tradition rooted in Rapides Parish’s history of justice and civil rights—where mentors like Camille Gravel once opened doors for pioneers such as Louis Berry. In a region shaped by struggle and progress, Cespiva’s tenure will add the next chapter to a long and storied legal legacy.
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