Phelps Highlights Regional Strengths, Strategic Growth With Newest Counsel Class
NEW ORLEANS – Nov. 18, 2024 – Phelps elected eight lawyers to one of the firm’s largest counsel classes to date. The promotions echo the firm’s recent moves to deepen its presence in markets where industry interests are expanding.
“These lawyers have long shown their commitment to tackling clients’ challenges and giving them on-the-ground insight,” said Phelps Managing Partner Marshall Redmon. “We look forward to their continued success in the next stage of their careers.”
With a strong representation of women lawyers, the group brings a proven track record of resolving complex disputes and paving the way for clients to grow their businesses. Their varied practices and presence across the firm’s footprint highlight its regional strengths to address pressing industry issues.
Leah N. Bullock (business, Baton Rouge) helps developers, owners, operators and investors build their businesses across the Southeast and nationally. She assists companies to structure corporate governance and minimize risk through well-drafted contracts. She has wide experience supporting clients in various sectors with buyouts, mergers and real estate transactions in complex regulatory environments. This experience equips Leah to bring parties to agreement and navigate development and market exits.
Andrew W. Coffman (intellectual property, Tupelo) is sought after by professionals and businesses to protect their intellectual property rights and navigate administrative actions. He represents software developers, record labels, recording artists, publishers and songwriters in copyright suits. He also advocates for health care clients in intellectual property and regulatory concerns. His understanding of both sides of IP disputes has enabled him to resolve high-stakes trademark claims early in litigation, including securing an injunction against the misuse of a major insurance marketplace’s trademarks and dismissing infringement claims against a leading health system.
Julie A. Girard (labor and employment, Tampa) steers employers through all stages of litigation as businesses and talent flock to Florida’s growing commercial centers. Industry leaders rely on her mediation and trial experience to defend against discrimination, retaliation, family and medical leave and wage-and-hour claims. She also helps employers avoid future issues on the front end by preparing and reviewing employment contracts, severance agreements, and employee handbooks and policies.
Matthew S. Perez (employment litigation, Raleigh) provides comprehensive legal counsel and representation to employers of all sizes, drawing on his extensive experience litigating high-stakes employment suits in the Southeast’s largest markets. After years as a key member of Phelps’ Tampa employment team, Matt joined the strategic growth of the firm’s Raleigh hub as it expands support for Carolina-based businesses. Innovative companies look to his understanding of federal and state labor and employment laws to navigate suits and administrative proceedings involving workplace disputes and union-management relations.
Stephanie M. Poucher (labor and employment, New Orleans) defends employers and public-facing businesses against discrimination claims and business disputes, with a unique strength in untangling complicated legal and factual issues. Clients trust her candid approach and courtroom experience to find efficient solutions to contentious conflicts. She helps clients make critical compliance decisions and advises them on pre-suit negotiations, dispositive motions, bench and jury trials, and all the way through any necessary appellate challenges. She leverages her ability to clarify issues for the court to craft strong writ applications, appellate briefs and oral arguments.
Sarah J. Smith (insurance, Tampa) brings a deep understanding of state and federal courts to Florida insurers. In a quickly changing market, international and domestic carriers trust Sarah to navigate complex coverage issues as both a counselor and litigator. When major losses and natural disasters affect operations, they turn to Sarah’s experience handling business interruption, catastrophe, fire, collapse, water damage, equipment breakdown claims, fraud and rescission, and first-party bad faith claims, among other things. She combines a background in litigation with the ability to quickly assess a claim’s merits to provide informed options that mitigate risk.
Michael B. Victorian (commercial litigation, Baton Rouge) defends public and private clients in high-stakes disputes related to business operations, professional liability and company leadership. Employers also rely on Michael’s trial experience to manage complex litigation, including discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination and constitutional cases. He helps businesses implement sustainable practices, address diversity and inclusion, and stay on top of changing employment laws. An active member of trial teams with a record of favorable verdicts, Michael has helped manufacturers, municipalities and educational institutions negotiate successful pre-trial agreements. He also guides student-athletes and their families, institutions and agencies through the evolving landscape of name, image and likeness rights.
Katherine L. Wyly (insurance, Gulfport and New Orleans) represents and advises insurers on coverage and liability exposures in marine, energy and complex casualty matters. Katie’s practice includes advising on legacy losses, marine, toxic tort, pollution and climate claims. She works closely with clients to navigate complex claims across the Gulf South and nationally. These clients rely on Katie’s coverage and monitoring experience to resolve multimillion-dollar exposures. Katie is listed in The Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch for her work in insurance coverage and is involved with legal aid programs including The Pro Bono Project, with an interest in improving access to justice in the New Orleans area.