Judge David Bell is an accomplished jurist, educator, and business leader. A graduate of Southern University Law Center where he earned his juris doctor in 1995, Judge David Bell began his legal career in private practice. He founded his law firm in 1996, serving as its managing partner until 2004. He led the law practice while supervising associate attorneys, focusing on family law, criminal defense, and government work.
In 2004, Judge Bell was elected Judge of Section C of the Orleans Parish Juvenile Court and a year later, Chief Judge of the court. He served in this capacity for five years, championing progressive reforms in juvenile justice, including alternatives to detention and rehabilitation programs for youth with substance use issues. He further contributed to systemic change through roles as an instructor with the National Council for Juvenile and Family Court Judges and a principal with Youth Works NOLA, a program he founded to assist youth at risk of dropping out of school.
In addition to his judicial service, Judge Bell has been an adjunct professor (political science and criminal justice) at Southern University at New Orleans since 1998. He also currently serves as CEO of Personal Care Partners, LLC, which he founded in 2011. He oversees operations at the multi-state healthcare enterprise, managing administrative scheduling, payroll, budgeting, and growth. He complements his healthcare leadership with community impact as a board member of Do the Write Thing and the Children’s Youth and Planning Board.