PROFILE
Darleene has extensive multi-district litigation (MDL) experience in mass tort and products liability actions involving the defense of major pharmaceutical corporations throughout all phases of litigation, in state and federal court. She assists with formulating strategic approaches in the defense of these matters, including assessing and identifying frivolous lawsuits and formulating creative settlement strategies. She is also involved in the retention, development, and preparation of experts for depositions, hearings, and trials and has worked with numerous experts in various fields, including, but not limited to cardiology, endocrinology, epidemiology, environmental exposures, gynecology/urogynecology, hydrology, infectious diseases, psychiatry, and toxicology, as well as forensic experts. Darleene's current practice also includes defending corporate clients in environmental and occupational disease hazards cases involving asbestos exposure. She has also handled Railroad Litigation matters including the defense of derailments, grade-crossing accidents, personal injury and wrongful death actions, and trespasser claims. Her Railroad Litigation experience also includes the defense of employee lawsuits arising under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA). During her tenure with the firm, Darleene served as a Judicial Law Clerk for Magistrate Judge Karen Wells Roby at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
AREAS OF PRACTICE
Honors
- CityBusiness Leadership in Law, 2012
- National Diversity Council (Louisiana Chapter) – Selected to serve as a Women’s Symposium Chairperson
AFFILIATIONS
- Defense Research Institute (DRI)
- The National Black Lawyers Top 100
- Louisiana State Bar Association
- New Orleans Bar Association
- Greater New Orleans Louis A. Martinet Legal Society
- 2016 Co-Chairperson, National Diversity Council’s Louisiana Chapter – Women in Leadership Symposium
- 2014 Graduate of the International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) Trial Academy
EDUCATION
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J.D., Loyola University College of Law (1998)
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M.B.A., Loyola University College of Business (1998)
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B.S., Xavier University of LA (1991)
ADMISSIONS
- Louisiana state courts
- United States District Court Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of Louisiana
Community
- Xavier University of LA Business Advisory Council
- Board Member, R. C. Blakes, Sr. Scholarship Fund Board of Directors
- Attorney Volunteer, Civil District Court Help Desk for Self-Represented Litigants
Publications and Presentations
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Getting to the Roots: How to Be a Good Associate
New Orleans Bar Association, Procrastinators' Program, Continuing Legal Education
December 18, 2018
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Professionalism in the Courtroom: the Do’s and Don’ts from the Pros
New Orleans Bar Association, Continuing Legal Education Program
2016
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My Life as a Lawyer-Strengthening the Pipeline of Future Lawyers
Corporate Counsel Women of Color’s (CCWC) Pipeline Development Program
2015
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Inaugural Best Practices Seminar, Facilitator
National Diversity Council, Louisiana Chapter
2015
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Maintaining Longevity in the Profession
New Orleans Bar Association, Continuing Legal Education Program
2015
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Managing Career Risk and Work-Life Balance in the 21st Century
National Diversity Council’s Louisiana Chapter – Women’s Conference and Women in Leadership
September 2011 through 2014
