Atty. Barbara L. Arras

Atty. Barbara L. Arras

Barbara Arras represents defendants in toxic tort litigation primarily involving pulmonary diseases allegedly caused by asbestos and other pulmonary irritants and hematopoietic diseases allegedly caused by benzene. She is responsible for the medical defense in each case.

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Profile Summary

About Barbara L. Arras at a glance

Barbara L. Arras is a class action and product liability attorney based in New Orleans, Louisiana, practicing at Phelps Dunbar LLP. Admitted to practice in Florida, Florida, Illinois, United States, Louisiana, Louisiana State Bar Association, and Texas, United States. Educated at University of San Diego (J.D., 1995) and Florida State University (B.S., 1990). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — The Best Lawyers in America (2026). Serands clients in New Orleans, LA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Barbara Arras represents defendants in toxic tort litigation primarily involving pulmonary diseases allegedly caused by asbestos and other pulmonary irritants and hematopoietic diseases allegedly caused by benzene
  • She is responsible for the medical defense in each case
  • Specifically, she analyzes the facts to formulate a theory of defense and identifies the correct scientific discipline needed to advance that theory
  • She then identifies and retains the best expert in that discipline from her wide network of contacts, she deposes plaintiffs’ experts, defends defense experts at their depositions, prepares Motions to Exclude plaintiffs’ experts, and opposes plaintiffs’ Motions to Exclude defense experts
  • She also has considerable expertise in management of complex toxic tort litigation nationwide having spent nine years as in-house counsel with two Fortune 500 corporations

Practice Areas Explained

Barbara L. Arras's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Barbara L. Arras handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Class Action

Barbara L. Arras is one of 26,424 class action attorneys indexed nationally. Browse class action attorneys in Louisiana →

Product Liability

Barbara L. Arras is one of 66,193 product liability attorneys indexed nationally. Browse product liability attorneys in Louisiana →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Louisiana

Practicing law in Louisiana. Legal matters in Louisiana are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in New Orleans are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Louisiana state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Louisiana brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Louisiana courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Louisiana attorneys? Browse all attorneys in New Orleans or all attorneys in Louisiana.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Barbara L. Arras

Where is Barbara L. Arras's law office located?
Barbara L. Arras's law practice is located in New Orleans, Louisiana. The firm is Phelps Dunbar LLP. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Barbara L. Arras handle?
Barbara L. Arras focuses on class action, product liability. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Louisiana.
Where did Barbara L. Arras go to law school?
Barbara L. Arras earned their education at (J.D., 1995); (B.S., 1990).
How can I contact Barbara L. Arras for a consultation?
You can contact Barbara L. Arras directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Barbara L. Arras received?
Barbara L. Arras's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants; Best Lawyers in America — Awards:; Best Lawyers in America — The Best Lawyers in America; Best Lawyers in America — Louisiana Super Lawyers; Lawyer of the Year — Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants (New Orleans).

Education

J.D.
University of San Diego
- 1995
B.S.
Florida State University
- 1990

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — The Best Lawyers in America
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Louisiana Super Lawyers
- 2026
Lawyer of the Year — Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants (New Orleans)
- 2015

Bar Admissions

Florida, Florida
Illinois, United States
Louisiana, Louisiana State Bar Association
Texas, United States

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