Distinguished Prosecutor Clifford R. Strider, III, inducted into the La. Justice Hall of Fame – Lincoln Parish Journal

Special to the LPJ

BATON ROUGE – For 45 years, Clifford R. Strider, III has devoted his entire legal career to the administration of criminal justice. What began shortly after law school as a young prosecutor in the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office in 1979, Strider has since traveled the state, serving successfully as an assistant district attorney in 19 jurisdictions, including in ascending to the role of first assistant district attorney in Rapides, Union and Lincoln Parishes.

Whether serving as an assistant district attorney, an assistant attorney general in the Los Angeles Department of Justice’s criminal division, or a special prosecutor specializing in violent crimes, Strider left an indelible mark on Louisiana’s legal landscape.

On Friday, June 7, 2024, Strider’s distinguished career was enshrined in the Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame during an induction ceremony in Baton Rouge.

The Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame was established to “honor and recognize the men and women of Louisiana who have served their community and the State of Louisiana in the honorable profession of law enforcement, justice and related fields” .

The board of directors of the Louisiana State Penitentiary Museum Foundation, which established the Hall of Fame in 2004, considers the merits and lifetime achievements of nominees. For Strider, the board was presented with a multitude of accomplishments to consider, including receiving the Outstanding Prosecutor Award from Louisiana Victims and Citizens Against Crime on three separate occasions and its Distinguished Professor Award awarded by the National College of District Attorneys.

Additionally, Strider has trained prosecutors and law enforcement in 41 states, often lecturing at state prosecutor association training seminars, as well as law enforcement seminars, covering a large number of topics, including trial tactics, prosecution of violent crimes, use of forensic evidence. and prosecutorial ethics. During his career, Mr. Strider also taught at the New Orleans Police Academy, New Orleans Port Police Academy, Alexandria Regional Police Academy, Department of Criminal Justice at Southern University in New Orleans and the American Attorneys Research Institute’s Top Gun Program.

Beyond the accolades, Strider has earned a reputation as a competent and talented litigator, often recruited to handle high-profile or complex cases, including prosecutions of capital cases. He regularly assists District Attorneys throughout Louisiana in criminal prosecutions and is an experienced resource for their offices.

Justice leaders from across Louisiana who worked with Strider expressed support for his induction into the Justice Hall of Fame.

Natchitoches Parish District Attorney Billy Joe Harrington, who is president of the Los Angeles District Attorneys Association, has known and worked with Strider for more than 30 years.

“Clifford Strider is a true legend of Louisiana justice and rightfully deserves his place of honor in the La. Justice Hall of Fame. His unwavering passion for the law, his dedication to victims of crime, and his relentless pursuit of fair justice continue to shape our justice system. Strider’s meticulous attention to the smallest details of cases, combined with his extensive knowledge of legal procedures and his unwavering commitment to fairness, sets the highest standards for our profession. I cannot emphasize enough how integral his invaluable contributions have been to our success over the years,” said Attorney Harrington.

Rep. Debbie Villio, who serves as chair of the House Criminal Justice Administration Committee, said, “I met Cliff Strider when I was a young prosecutor in New Orleans. Cliff mentored me in the mid-1990s as I pursued one of the first DNA cases. Throughout my career as a prosecutor, and even now as a legislator, Cliff has always been reachable by phone. He is a minister of justice and a warrior for victims.

Sabine Parish District Attorney Don Burkett, who relied on Strider to prosecute numerous criminal cases during his tenure, said, “Cliff Strider is the most dedicated and gifted prosecutor I have ever known ! His contributions to LA’s criminal justice system are immeasurable. Most importantly, Cliff is always willing to willingly share his knowledge and experience with all his fellow prosecutors.

Upon learning of his selection to the Justice Hall of Fame, Strider said, “I am very humbled by my selection to the Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame. I consider my service to victims of crime in Louisiana and the quest to make our communities a safer place a privilege. Being recognized for my service is very exciting. However, I am aware that all my successes are the sum of the efforts of those who came before me and those who guided me along my path. I am indebted to these dedicated people.

Strider continues to serve as a special prosecutor in various judicial districts in Louisiana.