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Mary L. Dumestre
Areas of Emphasis:
• Insurance Coverage and Regulation
• Commercial Litigation
• Toxic Tort Litigation
• Products Liability
Ms. Dumestre joined Stone Pigman in 1988 and is a member of the firm. Her practice is concentrated in commercial litigation, insurance products liability, and toxic tort litigation. She has represented insurers in class action proceedings and regularly consults on complex insurance coverage issues. She also has extensive experience in dealing with non-insurance contract litigation, including proceedings before the United States Court of Federal Claims. She is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, the United States Court of Federal Claims, all Louisiana federal and state courts.
Representative Matters
Defended major insurance company against class action claims arising out of January 2000 New Orleans area hail storm that alleged bad faith claims handling.
Defended major insurance company in multiple, varied property damage claim lawsuits, including hurricane, mold, termite, construction and wind damage.
Represented the London excess market in multiple toxic tort cases.
Represented major insurers in appeals of issues related to toxic tort litigation through state appellate courts to the United States Supreme Court.
Represented major manufacturer in asbestos in building litigation to the United States Supreme Court.
Successfully challenged government contract interpretation in favor of major transportation client.
Represented major insurer in property damage litigation through state and federal courts.
Education
Ms. Dumestre received her law degree in 1988, graduating first in her class and magna cum laude from the Loyola University School of Law. She was Editor in Chief of the Loyola Law Review, 1987-88, and was honored with the Milton Sheen Award for outstanding service to law and community. She also was elected to Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities. She received her undergraduate degree in 1981 from the University of New Orleans. Professional and Civic Activities
Ms. Dumestre has served as president of the Loyola Law School Alumni Association and is currently a member of the Loyola College of Law Visiting Committee. She continues to be active in Loyola matters, including advising and mentoring prospective and current Loyola law students. Ms. Dumestre is a member of the American and New Orleans Bar Associations, and is a Fleur de Lis member of the Louisiana State Bar Association. She also is a Fellow of the Louisiana Bar Foundation. She is a co-chair of the American Bar Association Litigation Section Sub-Committee on Property Insurance and is a member of the Professional Women's Group of the New Orleans Chapter of Dress for Success. She also volunteers as a judge and coach for the Orleans Parish Juvenile Court's "Teen Court" program.
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