James D. Cain Jr.

James David Cain Jr. (born November 30, 1964) is a United States District Judge for the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana.

Education

Cain earned his Bachelor of Arts from McNeese State University attending McNeese on a basketball scholarship (where he was roommates with Joe Dumars) and his Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge. Prior to entering law school, he served for three years as a congressional aide to Representative Jimmy Hayes, who served Louisiana's 7th congressional district from 1987 to 1991.

Career

Upon graduation from law school, Cain clerked for Judge Henry L. Yelverton of the Louisiana Third Circuit Court of Appeal.

Before starting his own firm, he practiced for twelve years at the law firm of Lundy & Davis. He is a founding member and former partner of the Lake Charles-based firm Loftin, Cain & LeBlanc, LLC, where his practice focused on civil litigation in state and federal courts. Judge Cain also gave the commencement address to graduates during the ceremonies.

Federal judicial service On August 27, 2018, President Donald Trump announced his intent to nominate Cain to serve as a United States District Judge for the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana. On August 28, 2018, his nomination was sent to the United States Senate. President Trump nominated Cain to the vacated judgeship held by Judge Patricia Head Minaldi, who assumed senior status on July 31, 2017. On November 13, 2018, a hearing on his nomination was held before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

On January 3, 2019, his nomination was returned to the President under Rule XXXI, Paragraph 6 of the United States Senate due to the end of the Congressional term. On January 23, 2019, President Trump announced his intent to renominate Cain for the federal judgeship. His nomination was sent to the Senate later that day. On February 7, 2019, his nomination was reported out of committee by a 20–2 vote. On June 18, 2019, the Senate invoked cloture on his nomination by a 76–20 vote. On June 19, 2019, his nomination was confirmed by a 77–21 vote. He received his judicial commission on June 25, 2019.

Between 2020 and 2023, Cain handled 6,877 insurance cases, that resulted from damage caused to homes and businesses following Hurricanes Laura and Delta, more than any other judge in the nation.

The Biden administration's actions to ban LNG exports and a pause on approving new facilities that export liquefied natural gas, was challenged by fifteen attorneys general. In July 2024, the case was brought before the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, and Cain blocked the pause.