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Cherrell Simms Taplin
Main image for Cherrell Simms Taplin

CHERRELL SIMMS TAPLIN

Shareholder

,
New Orleans

Co-Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Board Secretary

T  504.556.4025
cstaplin@liskow.com
Connect with me
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Practices

  • Litigation
  • Construction
  • Contract & Quasi-Contract Disputes
  • Director & Officer Liability
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Labor & Employment
  • Shareholder Disputes & Derivative Actions
  • Tax Disputes
  • Unfair Trade Practices & Business Torts
  • Refinery Incidents & Litigation
  • Construction Litigation & Alternative Dispute Resolution
  • Products Liability
  • Land Loss Litigation
  • Legacy/Oilfield Contamination Litigation
  • Personal Injury
  • Toxic Tort, Mass Torts & Class Actions
  • Education
  • Education
  • Environmental Justice

Assistant

Karen East

504.556.4061

“My varied experience as a trial lawyer, judge, mediator, and arbitrator allows me to view legal matters in a unique and comprehensive way. I can quickly identify clients’ needs and advise them on a plan of action to achieve the best results.”

Overview

Cherrell is the Co-Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer and a trial lawyer. She assists commercial clients, non-profit organizations, public entities, maritime companies, and major energy clients in various areas of litigation. Her wide range of experience includes construction disputes, contract and quasi-contracts, tort liability, toxic tort exposure, environmental liabilities, labor and employment matters, tax litigation, unfair trade practice/business torts, and unjust enrichment claims. She regularly assists clients with compliance under the Louisiana Public Works Act, Construction Management at Risk proposals, public bids, and zoning and variance petitions. She also handles litigation for any disputes arising from these construction procurements. Cherrell is also a qualified mediator and arbitrator through Mediations Arbitration Professional Systems, Inc. (maps) and an American Arbitration Association panelist.

Before joining the firm, Cherrell gained a diverse perspective on the practice of law. She began her career as an associate at a boutique firm that served as General Counsel to the Orleans Parish School Board. This experience exposed her to litigating a wide variety of issues in the public sector. In 2006, following Hurricane Katrina, Cherrell moved on to a larger regional firm where she became the first Black woman partner. There, she represented insurance companies, businesses, and corporate clients in both federal and state courts throughout Louisiana.

In 2013, Cherrell was appointed as the Senior Chief Deputy City Attorney for the City of New Orleans. Her role was second-in-command to the City Attorney and included the position of Chief of Litigation. As a top-ranking lawyer in the City Attorney’s Office, Cherrell worked closely with the City Attorney, Mayor, and City Council on important matters, including two consent decrees, high-profile litigation, and other special priority projects. As Chief of Litigation for the City of New Orleans, Cherrell managed over a thousand cases that involved litigation in state, federal, municipal, and traffic courts. The issues she managed in this role were expansive and included personal injury, contract, construction, land use, public bid, employment, code enforcement, public records, administrative appeals, and civil rights litigation.

In April 2017, the Louisiana Supreme Court appointed Cherrell to serve as Judge Pro Tempore in Division J of the Civil District Court for the Parish of Orleans. Cherrell presided over judge and jury trials, summary proceedings, and hundreds of motions during her time as a judge.

Cherrell is a Skills Instructor for Negotiation and Mediation at Loyola University College of Law, and she is a former Adjunct Professor teaching Negotiation and Mediation at Tulane University Law School. She was recently named the New Orleans CityBusiness’ Women of the Year Class of 2020, and she was selected as an American Bar Association Fellow in 2020. As the Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Cherrell is dedicated to promoting an inclusive workplace at Liskow for all employees and positioning the firm to promote diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. Additionally, she serves as the diversity relationship partner for one of the firm’s national oil and gas clients, where she identifies opportunities for the firm to collaborate with its clients on diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Talks about

#triallawyer #construction #disputeresolution #commerciallitigation #diversity

Highlights

Experience

Appointed to the Panel of Neutrals for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana Hurricane Ida Streamlined Settlement Program.

Experience

Mediated and resolved hundreds of cases for a major insurance client following Hurricane Katrina.

Experience

Served as Judge Pro Tempore in Division J of the Civil District Court for the Parish of Orleans.

Notable Experience

Trial Lawyer Wins

Counsel for Waste Connections

  • Ictech-Bendeck v. Waste Connections Bayou, Inc.
  • United States District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana, Docket No. 18-07889
  • Achieved denial of class certification in high-stakes landfill toxic exposure claim, in which plaintiffs sought to certify a class of over 76,000 residents from Jefferson Parish’s East and West Banks, alleging exposure to landfill emissions over a thirty-month period.

Counsel for Prominent Genetic Testing Company

  • After a week-long trial, obtained defense verdict from Orleans Parish jury in favor of one of the nation’s most prominent genetic testing companies, in case where plaintiff alleged she was misled about her genetic test results, causing her to undergo 9 unnecessary surgical procedures and resulting in bodily scarring. Plaintiff asked jury for $14 million in general damages, but jury awarded no damages.

Counsel for Shell Oil Company

  • Obtained a Ruling and Order dismissing all claims against Shell and its related companies pursuant to Rule 12(b)(6) for plaintiff’s unjust enrichment claims. Plaintiff asserted contract claims against Shell in excess of $800,000 for its cleanup work to an old oilfield site in Bayou Sorrel. Plaintiff alleged that even though Shell was not a party to the original cleanup contract that was the subject of the underlying claim, Shell was unjustly enriched for Plaintiff’s work at the site. Shell’s basis for dismissal was that plaintiff could not meet the five elements of an unjust enrichment claim because it was not a party to the cleanup contract, and there was a remedy available based on a separate relationship controlled by an enforceable contract. The court concluded that because there was a remedy available at law against the party that was privy to the contract, the alternative claim for unjust enrichment against Shell could not survive.

Counsel for AECOM | Hunt Broadmoor, Joint Venture

  • The Lemoine Company, L.L.C., Metro Service Management Group, LLC, and the McDonnel Group LLC v. The Ernest N. Morial Exhibition Hall Authority, et al.
  • Orleans Parish Civil District Court, Division M, Docket No. 2021-7651.
  • Evidentiary hearing on Plaintiffs’ request for a preliminary injunction on a Construction Management at Risk bid dispute for New Orleans Convention Center renovation project; decision favorable to AECOM | Hunt Broadmoor, JV.
  • After a reversal by the Louisiana Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal, The Louisiana Supreme Court reinstated the original Trial Court’s decision in favor of AECOM | Hunt Broadmoor.
  • The Lemoine Company, LLC, Metro Services Management Group, LLC, and The McDonnel Group, LLC v. The Ernest J. Morial Exhibition Hall Authority, et al
  • Civil District Court for the Parish of Orleans, Docket No. 2021-07651
  • Successfully defeated a request for a preliminary and permanent injunction to block the award for the client to serve as the construction manager at risk contractor for a $300 million plus project to upgrade the New Orleans Convention Center.
  • The Louisiana Supreme Court affirmed the trial court’s decision.

Counsel for Exxon Mobil Corporation

  • Billy Olivier v. Exxon Mobil Corporation
  • United States District Court, Middle District of Louisiana, Docket No. 18-568.
  • Jury trial in an offshore platform accident injury case with significant medicals and multi-million-dollar demand; complete defense verdict in favor of Exxon Mobil Corporation.

Counsel for Vector Media Holding Corp.

  • Go-Graphics, LLC v. The Parish of Jefferson and the Jefferson Parish Council
  • 24th Judicial District Court, Division N, Docket no. 827-211.
  • Evidentiary hearing on petition for permanent injunction, declaratory relief and damages; decision favorable to Vector Media.

Counsel for Mitchell Landrieu, as Mayor, and the City of New Orleans

  • Monumental Task Committee, Inc. et al. v. Landrieu et al.
  • United States District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana, Docket No. 15-6905.
  • Motion for Summary Judgment granted in favor of Landrieu and the City of New Orleans against plaintiffs’ declaratory and injunctive relief action to declare the City Ordinance deeming confederate monuments nuisances as unconstitutional and in violation of federal law, and to prevent the subsequent removal of four prominent confederate monuments. The decision was upheld by the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Counsel for City of New Orleans

  • Scott Laurent v. City of New Orleans, et al.
  • United States District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana, Docket No. 14-2022
  • Motion for Summary Judgment granted in favor of the City of New Orleans in an asbestos survival action.

Counsel for City of New Orleans and employees

  • Damian Brown v. City of New Orleans, et al.
  • 24th JDC, Division P, Docket No. 742-241.
  • Bench trial in motor vehicle negligence case; verdict in favor of the City of New Orleans and its employees.

Counsel for City of New Orleans and employees

  • Walter Penton, et al v. City of New Orleans, et al.
  • Orleans Parish Civil District Court, Division F, Docket No. 2012-3095.
  • Bench trial in motor vehicle negligence case with significant medicals; verdict in favor of the City of New Orleans and its employees.

Counsel for City of New Orleans

  • Delta Staff Leasing v. City of New Orleans
  • Orleans Parish Civil District Court, Division M, Docket No. 11-5493.
  • Bench trial on breach of contract claims; verdict in favor of the City of New Orleans.

Counsel for City of New Orleans

  • Walter Powers, et al v. City of New Orleans, et al.
  • United States District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana, Docket No. 13-5993.
  • Bench trial in declaratory action to declare City Ordinance on Office of Police Secondary Employment unconstitutional; verdict in favor of the City of New Orleans.

Counsel for Zurich American Insurance Company

  • Tim Sosebee v. Steadfast Insurance Company, et al.
  • United States District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana, Docket No. 09-4138
  • Motion for Summary Judgment granted in favor of Zurich American Insurance Company on the issue of insurance coverage in a maritime personal injury case.

Counsel for The Cato Corporation

  • Gloria Smith Bell v. The Cato Corporation.
  • United States District Court, Western District of Louisiana, Docket No. 10-0908.
  • Jury trial in premises liability personal injury case with significant medicals; mixed verdict in favor of The Cato Corporation.

Presiding Judge

Upscale Fashions, Inc., et al. v. Underwriters at Lloyd’s London, et al.

  • Orleans Parish Civil District Court, Division J, Docket No. 2008-8563.
  • Bench trial on insurance agent negligence in failure to procure sufficient insurance; plaintiff verdict (total judgment for $59,909 – defendant 100% liable).

Coastal Cargo v. Lamco Transport, et al.

  • Orleans Parish Civil District Court, Division J, Docket No. 2015-1686.
  • Jury trial on complex property damage and bad-faith claims; mixed verdict in favor of plaintiff (total judgment for $538,759 – defendant found 80% liable).

Christopher Causey, et al. v. New Orleans Regional Transit Authority, et al.

  • Orleans Parish Civil District Court, Division J, Docket No. 2015-0534.
  • Bench trial on personal injury negligence claims; defense verdict (case valued at $30,000).

Betty Ann Breaux Difiore v. Huntington Ingalls, Inc. et al.

  • Orleans Parish Civil District Court, Division J, Docket No. 2016-10800.
  • Jury trial in asbestos exposure case; settled on the third day of trial (case valued between $5-7mil).

Other Experience

  • Obtained defense verdict from Orleans Parish jury in favor of one of the nation’s most prominent genetic testing companies, in case where plaintiff alleged she was misled about her genetic test results, causing her to undergo 9 unnecessary surgical procedures and resulting in bodily scarring. Plaintiff asked jury for $14 million in general damages, but jury awarded no damages. 
  • Resolved hundreds of cases for a major insurance client following Hurricane Katrina.
  • Represented the Orleans Parish School Board in all aspects of defense litigation, as well as novel issues specific to education. She litigated hundreds of cases and was able to expand her litigation experience to include all insurance law (property and casualty, liability and coverage, and bad-faith claims), maritime law, commercial litigation, general liability, construction defects, environmental/toxic tort liability, subrogation, and workers’ compensation matters. The cases that she handled often included complex and high-exposure litigation.

Involvement

Professional

  • Loyola University New Orleans, Board of Trustees
  • Local Rules Committee of the Eastern District of Louisiana, Member
  • U.S. Magistrate Judge Merit Selection Panel by appointment of the United States Eastern District of Louisiana, Member, Present
  • Liskow’s Co-Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer
  • Mediations Arbitration Professional Systems, Inc. ("Maps"), Panel of Neutrals
  • Tulane University Law School – Former Adjunct Professor, Negotiation and Mediation
  • Loyola University College of Law – Skills Instructor, Negotiation and Mediation
  • Association of Law Firm Diversity Professionals
  • Association for Women Attorneys
  • The National Black Lawyers
  • American Arbitration Association
  • Greater New Orleans Louis A. Martinet Legal Society
    • President, 2007 – 2008
    • Board of Governors, 2006 – 2009
  • National Bar Association
    • Annual Convention Planning Committee Co-Chair, 2010
    • National Board of Governors, 2008 – 2009
    • Regional Board of Governors, 2006 – 2007
  • American Inn of Court, A.P. Tureaud Chapter
  • Defense Research Institute
    • Diversity Planning Committee, 2007
  • Louisiana State Bar Association
  • New Orleans Bar Association, Board of Directors, 2024
  • Federal Bar Association

Community

  • French Quarter Festival, Board of Directors, 2021 – Present
  • The Pro Bono Project, Board of Directors, 2023
  • The Pro Bono Project’s Justice for All Ball, Planning Committee, 2022 – present
  • Bridge House/Grace House, Board of Directors, 2020 – 2023

Recognition

  • Louisiana Super Lawyers, Civil Litigation, 2022-2025
  • New Orleans CityBusiness Women of the Year Class of 2020 
  • New Orleans Magazine “Top Lawyer," 2022
  • The National Black Lawyers, "Top 100," 2020 
  • American Bar Association, Fellow, 2020-Present 
  • Louisiana Super Lawyers, “Rising Stars,” Civil Litigation, 2012, 2014 
  • Loyola University College of Law, Black Law Students Association (BLSA) Distinguished Alumni Award, 2009 
  • The Best Lawyers in America®, 2025

Credentials

Education

  • Loyola University New Orleans College of Law (J.D., 2002)
  • Loyola University (B.A., Psychology, 1998)

Bar Admissions

  • Louisiana, 2002
  • Texas, 2024

Court Admissions

  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit, 2011
  • U.S. District Court, Western District, Louisiana, 2008
  • U.S. District Court, Middle District, Louisiana, 2008
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District, Louisiana, 2007

Presentations

  • "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Legal Industry Post-Election CLE," New Orleans Bar Association, February 13, 2025
  • "Ethics & Professionalism: Watch Your P's & Q's," Louisiana Bar Association, December 6, 2024
  • "'Soak Up the Sun" in Trial Practice," New Orleans Bar Association Bench Bar Conference, March 23, 2024
  • "Creating a Culture of inClusion in your Clique," Liskow's Energy Law Seminar, October 26, 2023
  • "Second Movement – Direct and Cross Examination," LSBA CLE during Jazz Fest, April 28, 2023
  • "Professionalism: Diversity? Past, Present, and Future," LSBA Ethics & Professionalism Seminar, December 7, 2022
  • "Post Pandemic Litigation,"  National and Louisiana Judicial Counsel, May 22, 2021 
  • "The Impact of Social Media: Benefits, Burdens & Legal Implications," Louisiana State Bar Association, December 8, 2020 
  • "Conflicts of Interest: When Do You Need Separate Counsel?," Louisiana State Bar Association, December 10, 2019 
  • "Professionalism: High Impact Opening and Closings," Louisiana State Bar Association, December 6, 2019 
  • "Malcolm Monroe Federal Practice Seminar: Recruiting and Self Marketing," December 4, 2019 
  • "How to Try a Case in Ten Days,"  Louisiana Bar Association, December 20, 2017 
  • "Professionalism in the Judiciary,"  Louisiana Bar Association,  December 1, 2017 
  • "Summary Proceedings," City of New Orleans,  July 26, 2017 
  • "Everything You Don't Know About E-Discovery (But Wish You Did)," National Bar Institute, May 15, 2015 

Publications

  • "EJ Analysis Remains Part of Louisiana’s Public Trust Duty," Liskow's The Energy Law Blog, September 19, 2024
  • "Liskow Secures Success on Summary Judgment Motion, Dismissing the Entirety of Plaintiffs’ Personal Injury Claims, with Prejudice," Liskow's Gulf Coast Business Law Blog, April 8, 2024
  • "EJ Evolution: Court Enjoins EPA from Imposing Disparate Impact Requirements via Title VI in Louisiana Permitting," Liskow's The Energy Law Blog, January 31, 2024
  • "Louisiana Appeals Court Finds Environmental Justice Is Part of the Louisiana Public Trust Duty," Liskow's The Energy Law Blog, January 25, 2024

After Hours

Cherrell was born and raised in New Orleans, is a graduate of St. Mary’s Academy, Loyola University, and Loyola Law School. She is married to a New Orleans musician and has two children. She loves to travel and enjoys all things that New Orleans has to offer, especially Saints games, Mardi Gras, and all the festivals that she can attend.

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