New Orleans, LA – The Orleans Public Defenders are proud to announce that Alexis Chernow and Cheri Deatsch have been named recipients of the 2026 CityBusiness Leadership in Law Award. The sole court-appointed honorees, Chernow and Deatsch are among 50 New Orleans legal professionals recognized for their accomplishments and contributions to the community.
Alexis Chernow has been a dedicated member of OPD since 2014. Throughout her career, from Staff Attorney to Deputy Chief Defender, she has zealously represented her clients and fought for a fairer, more just New Orleans. A passionate and commanding courtroom advocate, Chernow is deeply committed to protecting the Sixth Amendment right to counsel.
Cheri Deatsch brings more than 30 years of legal experience and a career-long commitment to protecting the constitutional rights of her clients. As Supervising Attorney of OPD’s Juvenile Division, she is a steadfast advocate for children and families, leading with compassion, integrity, and determination. Her mentorship and advocacy have shaped countless lives and inspired generations of public defenders.
Leadership in Law honors court-associated attorneys, in-house counsel, and firm-associated attorneys. The 2026 class will be recognized October 5 at the New Orleans Museum of Art and featured in a special issue of New Orleans CityBusiness.
