Currault Donna P

For anyone in Louisiana seeking a legal professional with a profound understanding of the law and a distinguished career dedicated to justice, the Honorable Donna Phillips Currault stands as a prominent figure. Currently serving as a U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Eastern District of Louisiana, Judge Currault brings an exceptional depth of experience from both private practice and the judiciary. While her current role as a judge means she no longer directly represents private clients, her illustrious career and extensive knowledge are invaluable for understanding the caliber of legal expertise available within our state's judicial system.

Before her appointment to the federal bench, Judge Currault spent nearly three decades as a practicing attorney, earning a reputation for excellence in complex commercial litigation, including class and collective actions, as well as labor and employment law. This background provides her with a unique perspective on the legal challenges faced by individuals and businesses across Louisiana. Her insights into the intricacies of legal disputes, particularly in areas crucial to our state's economy and workforce, are a testament to her dedication to the rule of law. This article aims to highlight the remarkable career of Judge Currault, offering locals a glimpse into the expertise that shapes our judicial landscape and underscores the high standards of legal professionalism in New Orleans.

The chambers of the Honorable Donna Phillips Currault, as a U.S. Magistrate Judge, are centrally located in the vibrant heart of New Orleans. This strategic location ensures accessibility for those involved in federal court proceedings and highlights the integral role the courthouse plays in the local legal community. The address for the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, where Judge Currault serves, is:

• 201 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70170, USA

Situated on St. Charles Avenue, a major thoroughfare, the courthouse is easily reachable from various parts of the city and surrounding parishes. Its downtown location is well-served by public transportation, including streetcar lines and bus routes, and offers proximity to numerous parking facilities, making visits convenient for litigants, legal professionals, and the public alike. The accessibility of the court reflects the commitment to providing fair and efficient access to justice for all citizens of Louisiana. The building itself is a landmark in the New Orleans legal and business community, embodying the gravitas and professionalism of the federal judiciary.

While the Honorable Donna Phillips Currault, as a sitting U.S. Magistrate Judge, does not offer direct legal services to private clients, her career as an attorney before her judicial appointment, and her current judicial duties, showcase an impressive range of legal expertise. Her historical practice areas and current judicial responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Complex Commercial Litigation: Extensive experience in handling intricate business disputes, including contract disagreements, business torts, and other commercial conflicts that often arise in Louisiana's diverse economy.
• Class and Collective Actions: Significant expertise in defending businesses against large-scale class action lawsuits, requiring a deep understanding of procedural rules and substantive law.
• Labor and Employment Law: Representation of employers in defending claims brought under federal and state anti-discrimination statutes. This also included advising clients on employment agreements, non-competition/non-solicitation issues, and preparing employment policies and handbooks, along with conducting training on employment matters.
• Judicial Law Clerk Experience: Served as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Morey L. Sear, a U.S. District Judge, providing invaluable insight into judicial decision-making and court operations.
• Federal Judicial Proceedings: As a U.S. Magistrate Judge, she presides over a wide array of federal court matters, including discovery disputes, preliminary hearings, settlement conferences, and trials in civil cases with consent of the parties.
• Legal Education and Bar Examinations: Involved in legal education, including serving as an adjunct professor and as an Examiner for the Louisiana Committee on Bar Examinations, demonstrating her commitment to upholding high standards within the legal profession.

The career of the Honorable Donna Phillips Currault is marked by numerous impressive features and highlights that attest to her distinguished legal career and contributions to the legal community:

• Federal Judicial Appointment: Selected as a U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Eastern District of Louisiana in January 2020, a testament to her legal acumen and integrity.
• Extensive Private Practice Background: Prior to her judicial appointment, she was a partner/member at Gordon, Arata, Montgomery Barnett, LLC for nearly 30 years, handling complex commercial and labor & employment litigation.
• Academic Excellence: Graduated magna cum laude from Tulane University School of Law in 1989 and was inducted into the Order of the Coif, a distinction reserved for the top 10 percent of her class. She was also a managing editor and member of the Tulane Law Review.
• Judicial Clerkship: Served as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Morey L. Sear, U.S. District Judge, immediately after law school, gaining direct experience in the judicial process.
• Leadership in Legal Organizations: Highly active in the Federal Bar Association (FBA) and its New Orleans Chapter, serving as Chair of the FBA's Labor & Employment Section (2015-16) and on the New Orleans Chapter's Board of Directors since 2002. She was also elected as a Director of the Foundation of the FBA.
• Bar Foundation Fellowships: A Life Fellow of the Federal Bar and American Bar Foundations, and a Fellow of the Louisiana Bar Foundation and Litigation Counsel of America, indicating high recognition within the legal profession.
• Contributions to Legal Education: Served as an adjunct professor of law at Tulane Law School, where she was a founding faculty of the Civil Litigation Boot Camp, and also served as an Examiner for the Louisiana Committee on Bar Examinations, contributing to the development of future legal professionals.
• Awards and Recognition: Received the Pro Bono Project's Distinguished Service Award and multiple Pro Bono Publico, Pro Bono Century, and Citizen Lawyer Awards from the Louisiana State Bar Association, recognizing her commitment to public service.

As a U.S. Magistrate Judge, the Honorable Donna Phillips Currault operates within the framework of the federal judiciary and does not offer promotions or special offers in the traditional sense of a private legal practice. Her role is to impartially apply the law and facilitate justice within the court system. The "promotion" for the community comes in the form of her dedicated service, extensive legal knowledge, and unwavering commitment to the fair administration of justice. Her career highlights and deep expertise are a testament to the high standard of judicial service she provides to the Eastern District of Louisiana. For those navigating federal legal processes in Louisiana, the presence of a judge with her background and integrity is a significant asset, ensuring that matters are handled with diligence and fairness.

For official inquiries related to cases before the Honorable Donna Phillips Currault, or for general information regarding the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, the primary contact information is as follows:

• Address: 201 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70170, USA
• Phone: (504) 582-1111
• Mobile Phone: +1 504-582-1111

It is important to note that direct contact with a judge or their chambers regarding an active or potential case is generally prohibited outside of official court proceedings, in order to maintain judicial impartiality. However, the court's clerk's office can provide information on court procedures, filing requirements, and other general inquiries. For specific legal advice, individuals should consult with a private attorney.

The Honorable Donna Phillips Currault's journey from a highly respected private practice attorney to a U.S. Magistrate Judge makes her an exceptionally suitable and inspiring figure for locals in Louisiana. Her career trajectory exemplifies dedication to the legal profession and a deep commitment to serving the public. For those in Louisiana seeking justice within the federal system, her background in complex commercial litigation, labor, and employment law provides a distinct advantage to the court in understanding the nuances of such cases. Her role as a federal judge means she is at the forefront of applying federal law, which significantly impacts many aspects of life and business in Louisiana.

Her active involvement in the Federal Bar Association, American Bar Foundation, and Louisiana State Bar Association, coupled with her contributions to legal education, underscores her commitment to the broader legal community and the development of future legal talent. Locals can be confident that cases brought before Judge Currault benefit from her extensive experience, meticulous attention to detail, and a fair, impartial approach to legal proceedings. Her presence on the bench assures a high standard of judicial integrity and competence, making the Eastern District of Louisiana a place where justice is diligently pursued.