Trying criminal defense and civil cases before a jury:

42 Years

Representing people who cannot afford an attorney as a public defender:

21 Years

Educational Background

  • Opelousas High School

    • High School Diploma, Class of 1975

  • Southern University

    • Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, 1978

  • Trinity University

    • Master of Arts in Urban Studies, 1980

  • Southern University Law Center

    • Juris Doctorate, 1984

A historic certificate from the State of Louisiana, recognizing Jarvis Jerome Claiborne as an attorney and counselor at law, with signatures, a gold embossed seal, and decorative text and graphics.
Newspaper article titled 'On campus' about Jarvis Claiborne passing the Louisiana State Bar Examination, with a photo of him.

Legal Experience

  • Represented clients in civil, criminal and administrative hearings.

  • Experience handling family law, successions, criminal law, collections, juvenile, and personal injury cases.

  • Instrumental in the creation of Section 1-C of the 27th Judicial District.

  • Former City Attorney of Opelousas.

Man in a suit and tie standing in front of a fireplace and green, textured wall.

Honors & Associations

  • St. Landry Parish Democratic Executive Committee — 2026 Hall of Fame Honoree

  • National Association of University Women, St. Landry Parish Chapter — 2023 Black History Month Hall of Fame Honoree

  • Member of American Inns of Court, A.P. Tureaud Chapter

  • Member of Louisiana Bar Association

  • Member of St. Landry Parish Bar Association

  • Member of Louisiana City Attorneys Association

A man in a gray suit and glasses speaking at a podium during a formal event with an American flag and a floral arrangement in the background. The podium has a green banner with the words 'NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY' visible.