“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.
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.