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Margaret W. McLaughlin

Margaret W. McLaughlin

Associate

New Orleans

504-565-7561

504-799-4384


Education

  • Tulane University Law School, JD, magna cum laude
  • Georgetown University, BS in International Politics, cum laude

Bar Admissions

  • Louisiana
  • U.S. District Court for Eastern, Middle and Western Districts of Louisiana
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit

"Be a catalyst for change." This simple phrase drives Margaret to do her best work for her colleagues and her clients. Since her work as an elementary school teacher at a high-needs, year-round school, Margaret has always refused to quit in the hard hours because people rely on her. Margaret is a creative, strategic planner who is adaptable, personable, and passionate. She thrives on building relationships and has a natural teaching disposition, which means clients can expect a knowledgeable and genuine experience when working with her. Margaret is at her best when she is in the thick of a case, collaborating with her teammates, working diligently with her clients to deliver the best possible outcome. No matter the obstacle, Margaret is ready to face each client's unique case with a listening ear and a relentless work ethic.

Professional Recognition

Important Litigation Involvement

  • Member of trial team representing an equipment manufacturer in mesothelioma case in Santa Fe, New Mexico; primary responsibilities included cross examining fact witnesses at trial, arguing summary judgments, directed verdict, and jury instructions. After two-week jury trial, the jury returned a complete defense verdict after one hour of deliberation.
  • Briefed and argued multiple dispositive motions resulting in client dismissals in Louisiana state courts.
  • Represented a Fortune 50 energy company in multiple Louisiana state court trials. Primary responsibilities included preparation for cross examination of plaintiff, fact witnesses, and expert at trial, as well as briefing on complex maritime law issues. All cases resolved favorably after jury selection.
  • Drafted multiple successful pro bono briefs, including brief to USCIS’s Administrative Appeals which resulted in overturning USCIS denial of Special Immigrant Juvenile Status for young Guatemalan client.
  • Represents Fortune 100 client in connection with both premises and products liability cases relating to benzene and butadiene exposures pending throughout Louisiana and Texas.
  • Represents Fortune 200 client in coordinating national toxic tort docket.
  • Significant experience working closely with expert witnesses across multiple disciplines, including preparing and presenting for deposition, as well as preparing for and conducting cross-examination of opposing experts and successfully drafting Daubert challenges to limit the same.

News & Knowledge

Professional Recognition

  • The Best Lawyers in America®: Ones to Watch, since 2022: Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Defendants; Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants; Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
  • FormanWatkins Pro Bono Star, 2020
  • Selected to Louisiana Rising Stars (2022)

 

 

Speaking Engagements

  • Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University, Guest Lecturer, Toxic Torts Class, 2020, 2022. Topics and class focused on practical experiences in toxic tort related cases, including causation, expert witnesses, and Daubert challenges of expert witnesses.
  • “Non-Traditional Jurisdictions and Exposures,” Perrin Conference, National Asbestos Litigation Conference, 2022.

Publications

Pro Bono & Community Service

  • Juvenile life without parole representation
  • Representation of applicants for Special Immigration Juvenile status
  • Selected for New Orleans Young Leadership Council’s Leadership Development Series
  • Member of Young Leadership Council

Law School Honors & Awards

  • Order of the Coif, Dean’s Medal for best in class third year academic performance
  • Ettinger Award for excellence in civil litigation program; awards for best in class performance in civil procedure, criminal law, and immigration law
  • Selected for Tulane 34 (University-wide award for academic excellence, service & leadership)
  • Tulane Law Review, Articles Editor

Previous Experience

  • Rule XX Student Attorney in Tulane Civil Rights and Federal Practice Clinic
  • Summer clerk, Forman Watkins & Krutz LLP (2017)
  • Summer clerk, Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office Appeals Department (2016)
  • Award-winning Senior Network Associate for national education non-profit
  • Teach for America, first grade teacher in New Orleans elementary school

Practice Areas