SHREVEPORT, La. — Shreveport City Judge Emily Merckle has officially been sworn in as chief judge.
Merckle fills the vacancy left by Judge Brian Barber, who resigned from his judgeship to accept an appointment as a U.S. marshal.
Throughout her tenure on the bench, Merckle has presided over a wide range of cases, including civil trials, evictions and traffic court.
Beyond her legal rulings, Merckle has focused on community outreach. In 2023, she launched the "Kids in the Courtroom" program, an initiative designed to engage with youth throughout Caddo Parish.