Education
- Southern University Law Center, J.D.
- Louisiana State University, Bachelor of Science, Psychology
Bar Admissions
- Louisiana, 2019
Whitney developed her passion for law early, driven by a natural analytical mindset and an unwavering love for writing and oral advocacy. A magna cum laude graduate of Southern University Law Center in 2019, she has since embraced a standard of excellence that underpins her practice. Whitney’s time as a law clerk to the Honorable Ivan L.R. Lemelle at the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, where she also gained experience in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, deepened her understanding of complex federal litigation and honed the meticulous preparation that defines her practice today.
Understanding that each client’s version of success is unique, Whitney works diligently to tailor strategies that align with their goals. She is driven by her ABC motto: Be Authentic, Be Bold, and Be Courageous, a mantra that infuses her practice with determination and resilience. Whitney’s clients benefit from the assurance that they have an advocate who is not only fiercely committed, but also fearless in crafting innovative solutions. Whitney brings her tenacity and genuine care to every case she manages, ensuring each client feels valued and empowered by her representation.
Important Litigation Involvement
- Successfully defended an indigent client against claims in city court, resulting in dismissal of all claims.
- Drafted a successful motion for summary judgment in a contract dispute, securing a $1.1 million judgment.
News & Knowledge
Organization/Committee Memberships
- Louisiana State Bar Association
- American Bar Association Litigation Section
- Greater New Orleans Louis A. Martinet Society
- Social Committee Chair
- Young Lawyers’ Committee Chair
- New Orleans FBA Judicial Law Clerk Committee
- DRI
Speaking Engagements
- “The Attorney-Client Privilege: An Ethics Test,” American Bar Association Litigation Section Webinar (August 18, 2023)
- “Bare Metal Defense: A Debrief on Air & Liquid Systems Corp. v. DeVries,” Firm Client Counsel Meeting (May 2022)
- “Rules NOT Made to Be Broken: Underlying Local Practice in Louisiana’s Federal District Courts,” Federal Bar Association New Orleans Chapter Malcolm Monroe Seminar CLE (December 9, 2021)
- “Diversity in Judicial Clerkships,” Greater New Orleans Louis A. Martinet Society’s Pathways and Pipelines Program (February 3, 2021)
- “Practical Tips for Virtual Motion and Trial Practice,” New Orleans Bar Association’s Procrastinators’ Program CLE (December 15, 2020)
- Dillard University’s Foundation to LEAD Program Speaker, Lunch with a Lawyer Series
Publications
- ABA Pretrial Practice & Discovery Practice Pointers: “Dismissal for Lack of Subject-Matter Jurisdiction No Bar to Motion for Discovery Sanctions Filed Before Dismissal”
Pro Bono & Community Service
- Dillard University’s Legal Education Advancing Diversity Program Mentor
- Pro-Bono Project Volunteer
Law School Honors & Awards
- Moot Court Board, Chairman
- Best Oral Advocate, SULC Moot Court Competition
- Journal of Race, Gender, & Poverty, Senior Editor
- Marshall Brennan Fellow
- Student Bar Association, 1L Class Representative
- CALI Award, Legal Writing II, Evidence, and Sales & Leases
Previous Experience
Before joining FormanWatkins, Whitney served as law clerk to the Honorable Ivan L.R. Lemelle at the United States District Court Eastern District of Louisiana. During this period, the Honorable Ivan L.R. Lemelle also sat by designation on the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.