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Melissa D. Fuller

Melissa D. Fuller

Partner

New Orleans

504-799-4390

504-799-4384


Education

  • Tulane University Law School, J.D., 2010
  • Clemson University, Sports Management, 2007, cum laude

Bar Admissions

  • Louisiana, 2010

As someone who thoroughly enjoys problem solving, Melissa has always been attracted to the critical and analytical thinking skills required in the practice of the law, and she practices them well. As a four time high school volleyball state champion and lover of challenges, Melissa is competitive by nature and passionate about everything she does. These qualities are what make her indispensable as a lawyer today. Melissa knows that litigation is tough for all parties involved, so she dedicates herself to finding personalized, thorough solutions for her clients and building lasting relationships with them. Fueled by her job's daily challenges, Melissa relishes in the chance to think outside the box for her clients. Her determination manifests every day as she operates under the belief that you should never regret anything in life. To Melissa, if it's good, it's wonderful, and if it's bad, it's experience. Keeping this in mind, Melissa is always learning as an attorney. She never sees failure, but simply an opportunity to grow for the benefit of the client. Ultimately, clients will find Melissa to be an advocate who is passionate in her work and compassionate in her approach, exactly what you need in a litigation attorney.

Professional Recognition

Important Litigation Involvement

  • National coordinating counsel on behalf of a Fortune 200 energy client and its subsidiaries in connection with their toxic tort litigation, including the preparation and presentation of corporate representatives for depositions.
  • Lead counsel for Fortune 50 and Fortune 200 energy clients in benzene exposure cases against both premises and products claims.
  • Defend Fortune 50 and Fortune 200 clients in asbestos matters in both Federal and State courts of Louisiana with responsibilities that include preparation for cross examination of fact witnesses at trial, dispositive motion practice, and working closely with expert witnesses, including preparing and presenting retained experts for deposition and conducting cross-examination of opposing experts.
  • Co-lead counsel for Fortune 500 forest products client on various expropriation claims in Louisiana.
  • Representation of Fortune 50 energy client in premises liability claim arising out of worksite injury.
  • Briefed and argued multiple dispositive motions resulting in client dismissals in Louisiana state courts.

News & Knowledge

Professional Recognition

  • Selected to The Best Lawyers in America®: Ones to Watch list in Litigation – Environmental, Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Defendants, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants (2021-2023)
  • Selected as a Top Lawyer by New Orleans Magazine (2021 and 2022)
  • Selected to Super Lawyers Louisiana Rising Stars (2018-2020)

 

Organization/Committee Memberships

  • Women’s Energy Network – South Louisiana Chapter
    • Board Director of Communications
  • New Orleans Bar Association
  • DRI: The Voice of the Defense Bar
  • FormanWatkins New Orleans Office Recruiting Committee Chair

Speaking Engagements

  • Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University, Guest Lecturer, Toxic Torts Class, 2018 and 2020
  • “Finding Your Voice: Strategies for Preparing for and Defending 30(b)(6) Depositions,” Summit V, May 2019, New Orleans, Louisiana

Publications

  • “When Your Rights Depend on Your Paycheck: The Scary Way Courts Are Deciding Right of Publicity Cases.” 12 Tul. J. Tech & Intell. Prop. 277-292 (2009).
  • “At the Direction of the User or Service Provider: The District Court of Northern California Takes a Stand on What Constitutes Creating a Copy Under DMCA Safe Harbors.” 11 Tul. J. Tech. & Intell. Prop. 147-156 (2008).

Law School Honors & Awards

  • Tulane Journal of Technology & Intellectual Property, 2009 Quill Award Winner

Practice Areas