Member Spotlight: Valerie Andrews

Valerie Andrews is an associate at Chaffe McCall where her complex commercial litigation practice focuses on insurance defense.  She provides litigation strategies that offer a comprehensive approach based on legal, economic, and industry trends.  Valerie has also represented multiple defendants in criminal cases at both the appellate and trial court level. We hope you enjoy getting to know Valerie! 

How has being a member of the FBA enhanced your career or benefitted you personally or professionally? 

Being a member of the FBA has enhanced my career both personally and professionally. I have made new friends and professional contacts during the association's various events and CLE offerings. I have particularly enjoyed the Judge Martin Feldman Federal Practice Series that are conveniently offered during lunch hour.

 What is your biggest strength as an attorney and why?  (e.g., legal writing, oral advocacy, marketing yourself and your firm).

 I would have to go with legal writing. As with any strength, there is always room for improvement, but I do believe my background as an English major gave me an extra boost when beginning my legal profession. 

What is your favorite part about being an attorney and why? 

I enjoy both legal writing and oral advocacy because it gives you a chance to really prove yourself as an attorney and establish a reputation for being a strong legal advocate for your client. 

What is one thing you wish you would have known before becoming an attorney and why? 

Billable hours. If you have to bill, you know why and if you don't, then you are very lucky. 

What is the best advice you have ever received in the legal profession? 

Kindness goes a long way - and that's for everyone you cross paths with in the legal profession. There is no sense in rudeness towards opposing counsel, law clerks, paralegals, court reporters, etc. This may seem like an obvious one, but I've seen it happen time and time again, and that's something I never want to be known for. 

Where are you from and how did you end up in New Orleans? 

I am from Greenwood, Mississippi. I ended up in New Orleans because of a boy - my husband to be exact. He is also an attorney and once he got a job here, we took the Louisiana Bar exam together. We love it here, and I don't think we will ever leave.

Where did you go to law school?  

University of Mississippi 

Name one thing that you could not live without and why? 

My dog or a dog in general. I love having my dog welcome me home every day. 

What would you do professionally if you were not an attorney and why?  

I would want to be an English Professor. I love reading, and I would really enjoy reading and analyzing literature with young minds as a profession. 

Other than your career, what are you passionate about and why?   

Reading and my book club. I love reading and discussing literature with friends. 

Favorite New Orleans dish and restaurant?   

I really love the fried oyster sandwich from Casamentos.

 You get one superpower. What is it and why? 

The ability to change people's minds with persuasive oral advocacy. Think about it, I would be an unstoppable lawyer. :-) 

What is a recent “success” you’ve had, either professional or personal, and how did you make it happen?  

Professionally, I have settled a lot of hurricane cases recently and that is a success because there will be more to come. It's accomplished through a lot of hard work and preparation on both sides of the table and being flexible when necessary.