For Doris, integrity isn’t just an ideal; it’s a way of life that resonates in every action, decision, and interaction. She seeks to work with people who inspire her and works to pave the way for others by encouraging equity and inclusivity in the legal profession.
Clients who work with Doris know she is a uniquely dedicated professional. She has more than 25 years of litigation experience and maintains a practice across the Gulf South. She also leads the firm’s employment law practice team. In addition, Doris focuses her practice on insurance coverage, professional liability, construction defect, workers’ compensation, premises liability, and general casualty.
Drawing on her formative trial experience as an Assistant District Attorney in New Orleans, Doris understands the art of trying a case. She litigates cases in state and federal courts in Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, and Texas and claims before the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Doris also litigates cases before the Louisiana Workforce Commission and the Mississippi Workers’ Commission.
As the firrst Hispanic woman on record to be admitted to practice law in Mississippi, Doris knows that diversity leads to better outcomes and a more productive work environment. She is also fluent in Spanish.
Doris’ honors include the Camille Gravel Public Service Award from the New Orleans Federal Bar Association, the Representative of the Year Award from Executive Women International New Orleans, and an honoree of New Orleans CityBusiness’ Leadership in Law.
Representative Matters
- Obtained jury verdict of no compensatory damages in favor of a defendant employer against a former employee alleging race discrimination.
- Obtained defense verdict in favor of defendant employer against former employee’s suit for property damage.
- Obtained a no-liability verdict on behalf of a local-area nail salon. The district court judge ruled in favor of our client, rendering us a full defense victory.
- Secured summary judgment for a full-service home health software provider in a case claiming that the provider’s non-compete contract for an employee prevented the employee from finding work after termination.
- Successfully defended a company at trial against alleged injury on premises.
- Defended survival and wrongful death suit against corporation involving alleged failure to secure restaurant’s premises.
- Secured summary judgment of claims against business alleging the business owned an ice machine that obstructed the view of an automobile driver that struck a pedestrian.
- Secured summary judgment of insurance agency from suit where its customer claimed the agency failed to provide accurate or necessary information in the insurance application process.
- Obtained dismissal in favor of a multinational restaurant chain. All claims against the defendant were dismissed with prejudice.
- Appellate court upheld court’s denial of withdrawal of admissions and granted summary judgment in favor of defendant apartment complex in a case involving death in an apartment fire.
- Appellate court affirmed dismissal of defendants, as a result of the plaintiff’s failure to state a claim for which relief could be afforded under Mississippi law, and for insufficiency of service of process in light of the plaintiff’s failure to strictly comply with Mississippi’s rules regarding service by publication.
