JP’s Story

JP’S SERVICE

Jean Paul "JP" Morrell has been a relentless advocate for policies that place people first. JP started serving our community as a public defender right out of law school and later was elected to the State Legislature in 2006 – where he helped pass a historic package of laws to increase protections for the survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence and a constitutional amendment to require unanimous jury decisions in felony trials, undoing a Jim Crow-era law in Louisiana. JP never backed down from impossible fights when he knew what was best for the people of our city.

While serving, JP championed progressive policies, such as the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment and to end the “Pink Tax,” which aimed to make diapers and feminine hygiene products more affordable. As Chair of the Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee, he led negotiations to finally stabilize the state's budget, finally securing desperately-needed investment in our colleges, universities, and hospitals.

JP’S BACKGROUND

JP fights for our city’s future because it is his home. He was born and raised in the 7th Ward in Mirabeau Gardens with his three brothers, Todd, Matthew and Nicholas. His grandfather, Reynard, a retired merchant marine, lived next door. After graduating from Spring Hill College, JP returned to New Orleans and graduated from Tulane Law School. He started his legal career as a Public Defender until he was elected to serve in the State Legislature.

His mother, Cynthia, was a career educator and the Principal of McDonough #15, JP learned the value of a quality public education for every New Orleanian. His dad, Arthur, worked his way through law school while helping to provide for his family and inspired JP to pursue his own legal career.

JP learned the value of personal integrity and how to fairly, but tenaciously, pursue justice no matter the odds. He knows firsthand about the challenges our city faces from gun violence to affordable housing to quality schools to good-paying jobs.

JP was the managing partner of a small family law firm until expanding his practice, focusing on commercial litigation. He and his wife Catherine, a pediatric oncology nurse at Children’s Hospital, are proud to raise their three children - Jude, Fiona and Alex - in Gentilly, the same neighborhood where JP grew up.

JP has always focused his advocacy on solutions and is committed to fighting for the changes needed to make our city the best that it can be for all of us.