Notable cases

Papillion served as co-counsel in Johnson v. Ardoin, a Voting Rights Act challenge to Louisiana's 2011 congressional districts. Papillion represented the plaintiffs, nine African American voters who alleged the congressional map violated Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.^{[7][8][9][10]}

Papillion represented plaintiffs in English v. Ardoin seeking declaratory and injunctive relief preventing Louisiana's Secretary of State from using the 2010 congressional districts reapportionment and redistricting map. The plaintiffs claimed the plan was violating the United States and Louisiana constitutions.^[11][12][13]

Federal judicial service

On March 20, 2023, President Joe Biden announced his intent to nominate Papillion to serve as a United States district judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana.^[3] On March 21, 2023, his nomination was sent to the Senate. President Biden nominated Papillion to the seat vacated by Judge Carl Barbier, who assumed senior status on January 1, 2023.^[14] He had the support of Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy.^[15][16][17] On April 18, 2023, a hearing on his nomination was held before the Senate Judiciary Committee.^[18] During his confirmation hearing, he was questioned by Senators Mike Lee and Marsha Blackburn over his role in prosecuting Tony Spell, a Louisiana pastor who defied state restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic.^[19] On May 11, 2023, his nomination was reported out of committee by a 15–6 vote.^[20][21] On May 17, 2023, the United States Senate invoked cloture on his nomination by a 63–33 vote.^[22] On May 30, 2023, his nomination was confirmed by a 59–31 vote.^[23][24] He received his judicial commission on June 1, 2023.^[25]