Lauren Welch specializes in the representation of insurers in matters relating to life, health, and disability coverage involving issues arising both under state law and ERISA.  She has successfully litigated issues involving the applicability of ERISA to insurance policies issued to individuals, as well as policies issued to employers providing benefits to employees.  She has also litigated issues involving an insurer’s right to rescind insurance policies based on fraud and misrepresentation.  She frequently defends claims involving the applicable scope and standard of review in long- and short-term disability claims, as well as life claims, arising under ERISA.

Before joining the firm in January 2003, Ms. Welch was a member of the firm of McGlinchey Stafford (1985-2003).  Her prior litigation experience is in the areas of general casualty, intentional tort claims, premises liability, civil rights, toxic tort, and insurance coverage issues.  She has practiced in both state and federal trial and appellate courts and has successfully handled numerous appeals before the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Education

B.S., Louisiana State University, 1982.

J.D., Louisiana State University, 1985

Admitted

Louisiana 

United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana

United States District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana

United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana

United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit

United States District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas

United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas

United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas

United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas

Memberships

The Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel

The Defense Research Institute

Louisiana State Bar Association

Federal Bar Association

Federal Fifth Circuit Bar Association

New Orleans Bar Association

Jefferson Bar Association

Delta Theta Phi