Currault Donna P

For individuals, businesses, and legal professionals across Louisiana, understanding the intricacies of the federal judicial system and gaining insight from highly experienced legal minds is invaluable. While this article focuses on a lawyer in a slightly different capacity, it spotlights Donna P. Currault, whose journey from a highly accomplished attorney to a respected Magistrate Judge in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana offers a unique perspective on legal practice in our state. Her extensive background provides a deep well of knowledge for the local legal community and the public she now serves.

Donna P. Currault, a distinguished alumna of Tulane University School of Law, built an impressive career in private practice for nearly three decades, specializing in complex commercial litigation and labor and employment matters. Her transition to the federal bench as a Magistrate Judge means she no longer directly provides legal representation to private clients in the same way. Instead, her expertise now contributes to the efficient and just administration of federal law. This comprehensive overview will detail her background, highlight the significant features of her legal career that make her a vital part of the Louisiana legal landscape, and provide contact information for the court she serves. For those in Louisiana seeking to understand the caliber of legal professionals shaping our federal judiciary, learning about Judge Currault's contributions is a crucial step.

As a United States Magistrate Judge for the Eastern District of Louisiana, Donna P. Currault's chambers are located within a central and historically significant federal building, ensuring accessibility for the legal community and the public in New Orleans. Her address, within the federal courthouse system, is tied to the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana. While the provided address is 201 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70170, USA, it's important to note that federal judges' chambers are typically within the Hale Boggs Federal Building or other federal courthouse facilities in the area. Official federal court contact information usually points to the main court building.

The Hale Boggs Federal Building at 500 Poydras Street is a well-known federal landmark in New Orleans' central business district. While the specific room number might vary, the primary address for the Eastern District of Louisiana ensures excellent accessibility. The building's central location on St. Charles Avenue (or a very close proximity, as 201 St. Charles Avenue is a major office tower) makes it easily reachable by various means. Public transportation, including the historic St. Charles Streetcar and numerous bus lines, provides convenient access from different parts of the city and surrounding parishes. For those driving, multiple parking garages are available in the downtown area, although it's always wise to anticipate downtown traffic and parking availability. The secure and professional environment of a federal courthouse underscores the gravity and importance of the legal proceedings conducted within, providing a clear and accessible point for engagement with the federal judiciary.

As a United States Magistrate Judge, Donna P. Currault does not offer legal services in the traditional sense of representing private clients. Instead, her "services" are integral to the functioning of the federal judicial system within the Eastern District of Louisiana. Her duties and contributions encompass a wide range of judicial responsibilities aimed at facilitating justice and managing the court's caseload efficiently. These judicial functions include:

• Presiding over Civil and Criminal Matters: Magistrate Judges handle a variety of civil and criminal proceedings. In civil cases, they often manage discovery, conduct settlement conferences, and may preside over trials with the consent of the parties. In criminal matters, they handle initial appearances, bail hearings, preliminary examinations, and other pre-trial proceedings.

• Conducting Settlement Conferences: A significant role of Magistrate Judges is to facilitate settlement discussions between parties in civil cases, helping them reach resolutions without the need for a full trial, thereby conserving judicial resources and potentially reducing litigation costs for parties.

• Managing Discovery Disputes: Judges often oversee the discovery phase of litigation, ruling on motions to compel or quash discovery requests, and ensuring that parties exchange information appropriately and efficiently.

• Issuing Orders and Reports & Recommendations: Magistrate Judges issue orders on various procedural and substantive motions. For more significant matters, they prepare "Reports and Recommendations" for the District Judge, who then makes the final ruling.

• Handling Habeas Corpus Petitions and Social Security Appeals: Magistrate Judges frequently review and issue recommendations on petitions for habeas corpus and appeals of Social Security benefit denials.

• Overseeing Evidentiary Hearings: Conducting hearings to gather testimony and evidence on specific issues, often related to pre-trial motions.

• Administering Oaths and Affidavits: Performing administrative judicial tasks, such as administering oaths and taking affidavits.

• Guiding Legal Professionals: Through their rulings and participation in legal education, judges like Donna P. Currault contribute to shaping best practices for attorneys practicing in federal courts.

Donna P. Currault’s career is marked by exceptional achievements and a profound dedication to the legal profession, both as a litigator and now as a federal judge. Her journey is a testament to her high caliber and the respect she has earned within the legal community. Here are some of her most notable features and highlights:

• Distinguished Judicial Appointment: In January 2020, Donna Phillips Currault was selected as a Magistrate Judge for the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, a prestigious appointment that reflects her standing and expertise in the legal field.

• Extensive Legal Practice Background: Prior to her judicial appointment, Ms. Currault spent almost 30 years as an associate and partner/member at the prominent firm Gordon, Arata, Montgomery Barnett, LLC. This extensive private practice experience equipped her with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by litigants and attorneys.

• Expertise in Complex Commercial Litigation: Her practice at Gordon Arata included significant work in complex commercial litigation matters, demonstrating her ability to navigate intricate legal and factual scenarios involving businesses and corporations.

• Specialization in Labor and Employment Law: She was also a leading attorney in labor and employment matters, including class and collective actions, showcasing her specific expertise in this dynamic and often sensitive area of law.

• Academic Excellence: Ms. Currault graduated magna cum laude from Tulane University School of Law in 1989 and was inducted into the Order of the Coif, an honor reserved for students in the top 10% of their class. While in law school, she served as a managing editor of the Tulane Law Review and a Senior Fellow for Legal Research and Writing.

• Judicial Clerkship Experience: After law school, she gained invaluable insight into judicial decision-making by serving as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Morey L. Sear, a highly respected federal judge.

• Leadership in the Federal Bar Association: Judge Currault has been highly active in the Federal Bar Association (FBA) and its New Orleans Chapter. She served as Chair of the FBA's Labor & Employment Section (2015-16) and on the New Orleans Chapter's Board of Directors since 2002, currently serving as Recording Secretary. She was also elected as a Director of the Foundation of the FBA, where she is a Life Fellow.

• Bar Foundation Fellowships: She is a Fellow of both the American and Louisiana Bar Foundations and the Litigation Counsel of America, further highlighting her commitment to the legal profession and its foundations.

• Louisiana Bar Examinations Examiner: Currently, she serves as an Examiner for Code I for the Louisiana Committee on Bar Examinations, playing a critical role in ensuring the competency of new attorneys entering the profession in Louisiana.

• Recognized by CityBusiness: In 2020, she was chosen for the New Orleans CityBusiness Leadership in Law Class, recognizing her career and community accomplishments.

As a sitting United States Magistrate Judge, Donna P. Currault does not offer "promotions" or "special offers" in the commercial sense. Her role is to serve the public through the fair and efficient administration of justice within the federal court system. Therefore, the "offers" related to her position are the benefits she provides to the legal process and the community, which include:

• Impartial Adjudication: As a judge, she offers an impartial forum for resolving disputes, ensuring that all parties receive fair consideration under the law.

• Efficient Case Management: Her judicial duties often involve managing the pre-trial stages of complex cases, which can lead to more efficient and timely resolutions, benefiting all parties involved by reducing protracted litigation.

• Facilitation of Settlements: Her role in conducting settlement conferences provides parties with an opportunity to resolve their disputes amicably outside of trial, potentially saving significant time and legal expenses.

• Expertise in Specific Legal Areas: Her background in complex commercial litigation and labor and employment law means she brings a wealth of practical experience and specialized knowledge to the cases she oversees in these areas, contributing to informed judicial decisions.

• Contribution to Legal Education: Through her involvement with bar associations and as an examiner for the Louisiana Bar Examinations, she contributes to the ongoing education and ethical development of legal professionals in Louisiana, which ultimately benefits the quality of legal services available to the public.

For information on federal court procedures, scheduling, or access to specific case documents under her purview, individuals should consult the official website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana or contact the Clerk of Court's office.

As a United States Magistrate Judge, direct contact for legal advice or case-specific inquiries is not appropriate. All formal communications related to cases before Judge Currault, or general inquiries about the court, should go through the official channels of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. While the address provided is 201 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70170, the primary federal courthouse building and official contact point is generally the Hale Boggs Federal Building.

• Official Court Address (commonly used for general inquiries): 500 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA (Hale Boggs Federal Building)

• Phone (U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana Clerk's Office): (504) 589-7575

• Judge Currault's Chambers Phone: (504) 589-7630 (Note: This is for chambers, not for general public legal advice. Attorneys with cases before her should refer to local rules for communication protocols.)

For specific procedures for communicating with Judge Currault's chambers, attorneys should consult the court's website or local rules. For general public inquiries, the main Clerk's Office phone number is the best point of contact.

For residents and legal professionals across Louisiana, the presence of distinguished individuals like Donna P. Currault within the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana makes the federal judicial system exceptionally suitable and accessible for local legal needs. While she serves as a Magistrate Judge rather than a private attorney, her background and current role significantly benefit the local community.

Firstly, her location within a central federal courthouse in New Orleans ensures direct and convenient access for all Louisianans interacting with the federal judiciary. The established infrastructure of the U.S. District Court, including its clear procedures and central location on St. Charles Avenue (or nearby Poydras Street), makes it a predictable and manageable entity for individuals, attorneys, and businesses navigating federal legal matters. This local, yet nationally significant, presence provides a tangible point of contact for complex federal issues, from civil disputes to criminal proceedings, right here in our backyard.

Secondly, Judge Currault's extensive legal experience directly enriches the quality of justice administered in our federal courts. Her nearly three decades as a leading attorney specializing in complex commercial litigation and labor and employment law means she brings a profound understanding of the nuances and challenges that businesses and individuals face. This practical experience translates into well-reasoned judicial decisions and efficient case management. For Louisiana locals involved in federal lawsuits concerning these areas, having a judge with such a deep background offers confidence that their cases are being overseen by someone who truly understands the intricacies of the law and the practical implications for all parties. Her judicial temperament and knowledge of both legal theory and real-world application contribute to a fair and effective judicial process.

Furthermore, Judge Currault's consistent involvement in the Federal Bar Association and her role as an examiner for the Louisiana Committee on Bar Examinations highlight her commitment to the broader legal community and the standards of the profession in our state. This dedication to legal excellence ensures that the judiciary she is a part of remains robust and responsive to the needs of the legal practitioners and citizens of Louisiana.

In conclusion, Donna P. Currault, through her distinguished role as a U.S. Magistrate Judge, embodies the high caliber of legal expertise available to locals within Louisiana's federal court system. Her accessible location in New Orleans, combined with her vast experience in complex litigation and labor/employment law, makes her a vital asset to the efficient and just administration of federal law, ultimately benefiting all Louisianans who interact with this crucial branch of government.