PROFILE

Darleene represents pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers in Louisiana and throughout the country, in federal and state court, as well as in numerous multi-district litigation (MDL) matters. She has extensive experience with all phases of litigation, formulating strategic approaches in the defense of these matters, assessing and identifying lawsuit merits, and devising creative settlement strategies. Darleene actively managed and participated in the comprehensive affirmative discovery and motion practice for the MDL transvaginal mesh litigation matters, which, at one time, was one of the largest complex litigation/multi-district products liability litigation in MDL history. 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 also served as a Judicial Law Clerk for Magistrate Judge Karen Wells Roby at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. Darleene is a proud native of New Orleans. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Xavier University of LA. She simultaneously earned her Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration degrees in three years from Loyola University College of Law and Loyola University College of Business. Darleene also serves as the Chairperson of the firm’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

• Asbestos
• Complex Litigation
• Pharmaceutical & Medical Device
• Railroad & Transportation

Representative Matters / Experience

• Actively managed and participated in the comprehensive affirmative discovery and motion practice for the MDL transvaginal mesh litigation matters, which, at one time, was one of the largest complex litigation products liability litigation in MDL History

Honors

• President's Award, Greater New Orleans Louis A. Martinet Society (2021)
• 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, Wellness and Stress Management Committee
• Greater New Orleans Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, Wellness Contributor
• Institute for Well-Being in Law (IWIL), Co-Chairperson of Communications Committee
• 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
• 2006 Graduate of the American Bar Association Tort, Trial & Insurance Practice Section (TIPS) Academy
• National Association of Women Lawyers (NAWL)
• Women of Color in Pharma (WOCIP)
• Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), new Orleans Chapter
• Certified Nutrition Coach by Precision Nutrition (PN)
• Certified Health and Wellness Coach, American Fitness Professionals & Associates (AFPA)

EDUCATION

• J.D., Loyola University College of Law (1998)
• M.B.A., Loyola University College of Business (1998)
• 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, The Pro Bono Project
• 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

• Can You Have It All?
  Women's Equity Event, National Bar Association’s Women Lawyers Division June 30, 2022
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Workplace Well-Being
  DRI Diversity Insider November, 23, 2021
• Getting to the Roots: How to Be a Good Associate
  New Orleans Bar Association, Procrastinators' Program, Continuing Legal Education December 18, 2018
• Professionalism in the Courtroom: the Do’s and Don’ts from the Pros
  New Orleans Bar Association, Continuing Legal Education Program 2016
• My Life as a Lawyer-Strengthening the Pipeline of Future Lawyers
  Corporate Counsel Women of Color’s (CCWC) Pipeline Development Program 2015
• Inaugural Best Practices Seminar, Facilitator
  National Diversity Council, Louisiana Chapter 2015
• Maintaining Longevity in the Profession
  New Orleans Bar Association, Continuing Legal Education Program 2015
• 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