News & Events
News
2023
Kaye N. Courington has joined the International Association of Defense Counsel. The IADC is the preeminent invitation-only global legal organization for attorneys who represent corporate and insurance interests. Founded in 1920, the IADC’s members hail from six continents, 51 countries and territories, and all 50 U.S. states. The core purposes of the IADC are to enhance the development of skills, promote professionalism, and facilitate camaraderie among its members, their clients, as well as the broader civil justice community.
Mathilde V. Semmes has been made a Member of the firm effective July 1, 2023.
2022
Courington, Kiefer, Sommers, Marullo & Matherne, LLC became certified as the largest woman-majority-owned law firm in Louisiana;
Courington, Kiefer, Sommers, Marullo & Matherne, L.L.C. has earned the distinction of being ranked one of New Orleans CityBusiness’s 2022 Best Places to Work in New Orleans;
Kaye N. Courington was featured in the New Orleans Bar Association Spotlight on Successful Women in Law;
Kaye N. Courington, Blaine A. Moore, and Troy N. Bell were selected by Thomson Reuters as Super Lawyers;
Mathilde V. Semmes and Brittney B. Ankersen were selected as Thomson Reuters Super Lawyer Rising Stars;
Scott B. Kiefer was selected to have a Martindale Hubbell AV Preeminent rating;
Dawn D. Marullo presented at the Louisiana State Bar Association Midyear Meeting for the Women’s Panel Diversity Committee on “Leveraging Your Current Skills & Strengths,” “Women Empowering Women” and “Developing Leadership Style”;
Valerie T. Matherne presented on “The Rewards of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging” at the Claims and Litigation Management Women’s Forum and “Understanding Bias, Disrupting It, and Increasing Performance and Profit$: A Guide to Becoming a Diversity Champion” at the Hispanic National Bar Association/Vision In Action Corporate Counsel Conference. In addition, she co-chaired the Events Committee for the National Association of Minority and Women-Owned Law Firm’s Driving Diversity & Leadership Conference and Annual Meeting. She currently serves on the Executive Committee for NAMWOLF;
Troy N. Bell received the “Committee on Diversity in the Legal Profession Award” at the 14th Annual Conclave on Diversity in the Legal Profession on August 12, 2022. Troy also prepared a presentation for the New Orleans Bar Association on Reprise of Steve Urkel’s “Did I Do That? Stop Before you Write, Say, Send or Do It!”;
The “Committee on Diversity in the Legal Profession Award” was established in 2016. Awarded at the annual Conclave on Diversity in the Legal Profession, this award recognizes a current member of the Committee who has demonstrated a commitment to diversity and has gone above and beyond their role on the committee to address the needs of underrepresented groups or public interest causes. The individual should demonstrate an ongoing commitment to the Committee through their appreciation, connection, and respect for all facets of diversity and makes active contributions to the betterment of the greater community as an agent for social change;
April A. McQuillar joined the firm as a Member.
2021
Kaye N. Courington was selected as a Thomson Reuters Super Lawyer;
Scott B. Kiefer was selected by New Orleans Magazine as a Top Lawyer and also selected as a Thomson Reuters Super Lawyer;
Dawn D. Marullo was selected by New Orleans Magazine as a Top Lawyer;
Troy N. Bell was selected by New Orleans Magazine as a Top Lawyer;
Brittney B. Ankersen was selected as a Thomson Reuters Rising Star;
Valerie T. Matherne was selected as the National Association of Minority & Women Owned Law Firms (NAMWOLF) Events Committee in charge of NAMWOLF’s 2021 Virtual Annual Meeting and Chair of NAMWOLF’s Diversity Initiative Award Committee;
Troy N. Bell was named a City Business Leader and a Thomas Reuters Super Lawyer and was a moderator for the Louisiana State Bar Association Diversity Committee Corporate Breakfast Panel;
Mathilde V. Semmes was admitted to practice law in the states of Mississippi and Tennessee; and
Louis O. Oubre became a Member of the firm.
2020
Kaye N. Courington was selected as a Thomson Reuters Super Lawyer;
Scott B. Kiefer was selected by New Orleans Magazine as a Top Lawyer and also selected as a Thomson Reuters Super Lawyer;
Dawn D. Marullo was selected by New Orleans Magazine as a Top Lawyer and also selected as a Thomson Reuters Super Lawyer;
Valerie T. Matherne was selected as the National Association of Minority & Women Owned Law Firms (NAMWOLF) Board Secretary and received a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating. Valerie also served as Co-Chair of the Events Committee responsible for NAMWOLF’s first virtual meeting;
Brittney B. Ankersen was selected as a Thomson Reuters Rising Star;
Troy N. Bell presented “Defining Ethical Social Media Investigations and Leveraging Social Media Evidence to Craft a Solid Defense” at the CLM Workers Compensation and Retail, Restaurant and Hospitality Conference. He also presented “Mastering the Basics of Discovery 2020” to the National Business Institute. Troy was selected as a Louisiana Super Lawyer and nominated for inclusion in America’s Top 100 Civil Defense Litigators; and
Mathilde V. Semmes was selected as a Thomson Reuters Rising Star.
2019
Our firm’s name changed to Courington, Kiefer, Sommers, Marullo & Matherne, L.L.C. in January of 2019;
Kaye N. Courington was selected as a Thomson Reuters Super Lawyer and was honored as the 2017 Woman of the Year for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for raising over $130,000. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society exists to find cures and ensure access to treatments for blood cancer patients. They are the voice for all blood cancer patients and work to ensure access to treatments for all blood cancer patients;
Scott B. Kiefer was selected as a Thomson Reuters Super Lawyer;
Troy N. Bell was selected by ALM Media and Martindale-Hubbell as a 2019 Top Litigator and was selected as a Thomson Reuters Super Lawyer. He also presented at the Louisiana State Bar Association 12th Annual Solo, Small Firm Tech Conference on “Reptile Tort Verdicts: What Are They and How Do They Work?”, and presented at the CLM 2019 Annual Conference in Orlando, FL.;
Dawn D. Marullo was selected as a Thomson Reuters Super Lawyer;
Valerie T. Matherne spoke on the topic of good faith and fair dealing in first party and third party insurance claims entitled “Whose Case is it Anyway?” and completed her first year on the National Association of Minority & Women Owned Law Firms Board of Directors;
Brittney B. Ankersen became a Member of the firm and was selected as a Thomson Reuters Rising Star;
Mathilde V. Semmes was selected as a Thomson Reuters Rising Star; and
Jennifer H. McLaughlin was selected to the Louisiana Law Institute Committee drafting “Vulnerable Road User Legislation” for the 2020 Louisiana Legislative Session.
2018
Kaye N. Courington was selected as a Thomson Reuters Super Lawyer and a New Orleans Magazine Top Lawyer;
Scott B. Kiefer was selected as a Thomson Reuters Super Lawyer;
Dawn Marullo was selected as a Thomson Reuters Super Lawyer and was selected by St. Charles Avenue Magazine as a Top Attorney in the New Orleans area;
Valerie T. Matherne spoke at the Claims Litigation Management meeting and was named to the Board of Directors of the National Association of Minority and Women Owned Law Firms (“NAMWOLF”) for 2019, being on the NAMWOLF CLE Selection Committee, the NAMWOLF Diversity Initiative Achievement Award Committee, a Moderator at the CLM Southeastern Conference, and a panelist on the topic “The Verdict Workshop: Calculating Exposure in Litigation Against Restaurant, Retail & Hospitality Defendants” at the CLM Annual Conference;
Troy N. Bell earned the distinction of Certified Claims Professional by Claims Litigation Management, was a panel member on “Understanding Generational Differences” at the CLM Annual Conference, and spoke at the Louisiana Bar Association 12th Solo, Small Firm & Tech Conference on “Reptile Tort Verdicts: What Are They and How Do They Work?”; and
Brittany B. Andersen was nominated to participate in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Woman Of The Year competition and helped raise over $844,000.00 to fight leukemia and lymphoma.
2017
Kaye N. Courington was honored as the 2017 Woman of The Year for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Kaye was selected as a 2017 City Business Woman of the year, a Thomson Reuters Super Lawyer, and a 2017 City Business Leader in Law. New Orleans City Business is an annual publication and event that honors professionals in the legal profession for their career and community achievements. Leadership in Law recognizes 50 area legal professionals in four categories: firm associated, court associated, in-house counsel and educators. Honorees were selected based on their professional and community involvement and achievements that have set the pace for the overall community. Kaye was also selected as a Leader in Law in 2013 and 2015;
Scott B. Kiefer was selected by Thomson Reuters as a Super Lawyer;
Dawn D. Marullo was selected by Thomson Reuters as a Super Lawyer;
Valerie T. Matherne was selected by the National Association of Minority and Women Owned Law Firms (NAMWOLF) to serve on its 2017 Diversity Initiative Award Committee;
Daniel R. Estrada became a Member of the firm and was selected by the Louisiana March of Dimes as a Spotlight on Success Honoree. The program and gala honors professionals in the New Orleans area. The March of Dimes provides funding towards the elimination of childhood diseases and for treatment of premature infants.; and
Jennifer H. McLaughlin joined the firm as a Member.
2016
The firm moved to its new office at 616 Girod Street, New Orleans, LA 70130;
Kaye N. Courington was selected by Thomson Reuters as a Super Lawyer and spoke on work-life balance at the Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel Women’s Retreat. Kaye was named a member of the National Academy of Jurisprudence and became a member of the American Inns of Court;
Scott B. Kiefer was selected by Thomson Reuters as a Super Lawyer;
Valerie T. Matherne and Troy N. Bell were selected as Co-Chairs and hosted the National Association of Minority and Women Owned Law Firms (NAMWOLF) Business Meeting— Louisiana Chapter ACC;
Valerie T. Matherne served as a Panelist at the Council for Litigation Management Annual Conference and spoke regarding Reptile Verdicts and Strategy and was asked by NAMWOLF to judge company diversity efforts awards;
Troy N. Bell was appointed as co-chair of the Louisiana State Bar Association Diversity Committee;
Daniel R. Estrada was selected an honoree for the Louisiana March of Dimes and its Spotlight on Success Gala which paid tribute to outstanding professionals in the New Orleans area;
Mathilde V. Semmes was named a finalist for the Frank L. Maraist Award of the Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel and Vice Chair Young Lawyers Division for the Defense Research Institute Asbestos Medicine Conference;
Steven M. Lozes joined the firm as Of Counsel;
Colin F. Lozes joined the firm as an Associate; and
Brittney B. Ankersen jointed the firm as an Associate.
Valerie Theng Matherne has been named 2015 Chair of NAMWOLF’s Diversity Initiative Award Committee.
Troy N. Bell named 2015 Top 100 Black Lawyers (Insurance and Litigation Defense).
Jene Liggins named 2015 Top 100 Black Lawyers (Insurance and Litigation Defense).
William J. “Bill” Sommers, Jr. participated as an instructor in “Law Enforcement on the Stand: Witness Training” that was given to members Jefferson Parish law enforcement.
William J. “Bill” Sommers, Jr. led an interactive presentation to the National Association of Minority and Women Owned Law Firms’ (NAMWOLF) 2015 Business Meeting entitled “Can You Be Fair?” This and other questions not to ask to determine jurors’ attitudes, opinions and bias. Bill was also a faculty member of Tulane Law School’s 2015 Civil Pre-Trial Litigation Boot Camp.
Valerie Theng Matherne led a very well- received presentation at the National Association of Minority and Women Owned Law Firms’ (NAMWOLF) 2015 Business Meeting on hot legal topics in the Restaurant, Retail, and Hospitality industries, including premises safety, cyber security, and franchise issues. Valerie is co-chair of the Restaurant, Retail, and Hospitality Practice Area Committee (RRH PAC).
Kaye N. Courington has been selected to be a 2015 City Business Leader in Law. New Orleans City Business is an annual publication and event that honors professionals in the legal profession for their career and community achievements. Leadership in Law recognizes 50 area legal professionals in four categories: firm associated, court associated, in-house counsel and educators. Honorees were selected based on their professional and community involvement and achievements that have set the pace for the overall community. Kaye was also selected as a Leader in Law in 2013.
Courington, Kiefer & Sommers, LLC Firm has been recognized as a 2015 U.S. Top Ranked Law Firm™ by Martindale-Hubbell, a nation-wide organization that evaluates and ranks firms across the country. The law firm has achieved and maintained the highest rating of “AV Preeminent” since its inception. This recognition also appears in Fortune Magazine’s “Investor’s Guide 2015.
Courington, Kiefer & Sommers, LLC congratulates Member Kaye N. Courington on her selection by her peers for being named a Louisiana Super Lawyer 2015.
Courington, Kiefer & Sommers, LLC congratulates Member Blaine A. Moore on her selection by her peers for being named one of New Orleans magazine’s 2014 Top Lawyers in the field of Mass Tort Litigation and Class Actions for Defendants and a Louisiana Super Lawyer 2015.
Courington, Kiefer & Sommers, LLC congratulates Member Scott B. Kiefer on his selection by his peers for being named a Louisiana Super Lawyer 2015.
William J. “Bill” Sommers, Jr. attended the 2014 Annual Meeting of the National Association of Minority & Women Owned Law Firms (NAMWOLF) in Philadelphia, September 21 – 24, 2014. At the annual meeting, Bill chaired a very well received CLE panel to a standing room only audience. The subject of the CLE was “The Art of Persuasion: Influencing Juries When the Law and Facts Are Against You.”
Valerie Theng Matherne attended the 2014 Annual Meeting of the National Association of Minority & Women Owned Law Firms (NAMWOLF) in Philadelphia, September 21 – 24, 2014. At the annual meeting, Valerie chaired a well received CLE panel. The subject of the CLE was “Understanding Spinal Injuries to Maximize Your Defense.”
Courington, Kiefer & Sommers, LLC congratulates GlaxoSmithKlein as the National Association of Minority and Women Owned Law Firm’s (NAMWOLF) Diversity Initiative Award recipient for 2014! This award is given to the corporate legal department that is a champion for diversity and inclusion in the legal profession through its strong leadership and effective actions. GlaxoSmithKlein has proven to be an organization that truly deserves this recognition. The annual award allows NAMWOLF firms to recognize a Corporate Partner that has distinguished itself through outstanding commitment to using minority or women-owned law firms. Our own Valerie Theng Matherne had the privilege of sitting on this year’s committee.
Jeffrey M. Burg has been selected as a member of NAMWOLF’s White Collar Defense and Internal Investigations PAC. The White Collar Defense and Internal Investigations Practice Area Committee is made up of law firms and attorneys that have significant experience in government-initiated investigations and internal investigations. Member firms’ investigation experience includes white collar defense as well as civil and quasi-criminal regulatory defense. Member firms also have experience in federal qui tam litigation and whistleblower litigation.
Valerie Theng Matherne has been selected as a committee member for the following National Association of Minority and Women Owned Law Firms committees (NAMWOLF): NAMWOLF Diversity Initiative Award committee.
Kaye N. Courington has been appointed to a three-year term on the Director’s Council of the Newcomb College Institute, an academic center at Tulane University with a mission to educate women for leadership in the 21st century.
William J. Sommers, Jr. was invited to attend the Champions Breakfast hosted by the Leading Educators organization. Other participants included the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Patrick Taylor Foundation. Leading Educators advances teacher leadership skills by building a national movement to ensure all students have the opportunity to succeed in school and life. It influences and motivates colleagues to improve teaching and learning skills to improve the entire community.
Dawn Marullo and Scott B. Kiefer obtained a favorable decision on a matter that was argued before the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals on June 4th, 2014. The plaintiff, Deren Smith, had filed a complaint pursuant to the Jones Act for the alleged unseaworthiness of an inland workover barge under the General Maritime Law, against Basic Marine Services, Inc. A Motion for Summary Judgment was filed on behalf of Basic Marine seeking dismissal of the Jones Act and unseaworthiness claims on the basis that there was no genuine issue of material fact as to the absence of negligence on behalf of the employer, the unseaworthiness of the vessel, or causation. The District Court granted the Motion for Summary Judgment on August 7th, 2013 and dismissed the plaintiff’s claims in their entirety (Maintenance and cure benefits had at all times been paid to the plaintiff). The plaintiff appealed to the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and requested oral argument which was granted by the Court. Following oral argument, the panel was comprised of Judges Jennifer Elrod, W. Eugene Davis, and Gregg Costa issued a per curiam decision on June 12th affirming the District Court’s decision granting summary judgment in Basic Marine’s favor. The Court held that “no question of fact was presented tending to establish Basic Marine’s negligence or the unseaworthiness of the vessel….For the reasons stated above and in the district court’s careful August 7th , 2013 Order and Reasons, the judgment is affirmed”. Dawn Marullo prepared the brief and Scott Kiefer presented the oral argument to the Court of Appeals.
Valerie Theng Matherne has been selected as a Co-Chair of NAMWOLF’s Restaurant, Retail and Hospitality Practice Area Committee.
A successful application for emergency supervisory writs with Louisiana’s Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal was filed by Jonathan Hilbun, Jennifer McLaughlin, and Blaine Moore. The appeal concerned the denial by an Orleans Parish Civil District Court judge of a summary judgment motion regarding executive officer liability. The Fourth Circuit reversed the trial court judge and granted the original summary judgment motion, resulting in the successful extrication of the firm’s clients from the case just before trial.
Kaye N. Courington has been named to the Editorial Board of the new Journal of American Law in the Environmental/Energy Specialty Board area. The journal will be similar to the American Medical Association Journal. Courington has also been selected to Co-Chair the CLE Subcommittee of the National Association of Minority & Women Owned Law Firms’ Insurance Alliance’s Committee.
William J. Sommers, Jr. has been been selected to be a 2014 City Business Leader in Law. New Orleans City Business is an annual publication and event that honors professionals in the legal profession for their career and community achievements. Leadership in Law recognizes 50 area legal professionals in four categories: firm associated, court associated, in-house counsel and educators. Honorees were selected based on their professional and community involvement and achievements that have set the pace for the overall community. Click here.
Scott B. Kiefer has been selected to be a 2014 City Business Leader in Law. New Orleans City Business is an annual publication and event that honors professionals in the legal profession for their career and community achievements. Leadership in Law recognizes 50 area legal professionals in four categories: firm associated, court associated, in-house counsel and educators. Honorees were selected based on their professional and community involvement and achievements that have set the pace for the overall community. Click here.
Valerie Theng Matherne has been selected as a committee member for the following National Association of Minority and Women Owned Law Firms committees (NAMWOLF): NAMWOLF Insurance Committee; NAMWOLF Insurance Subcommittee on CLE’s
Blaine A. Moore named 2013 New Orleans Magazine Top Lawyer, Mass Tort Litigation/Class Action.
Tulane University Labor Law Moot Court team headed to nationals, coached by our own William J. Sommers, Jr.
Valerie Theng Matherne has been selected as a committee member for the following Claims and Litigation Management Alliance committees: CLM Retail, Restaurant and Hospitality Committee; CLM Insurance Bad Faith Committee; CLM Diversity & Inclusion Committee; CLM Construction Committee
Courington, Kiefer & Sommers announces the opening of our Mississippi office.
“Burg holds a law degree from Loyola and works with Courington, Kiefer and Sommers in New Orleans. But on many nights during the summer he can be found at Girard Playground in Metairie, where he umpires softball and baseball games and directs the 9- and-10-year-old girls softball league. Burg, along with his wife Laurie, also coaches Girard’s 9- and 10-year-olds girls all star softball team. He also referees middle school softball, basketball and flag football games.”
