meet sheryl
Sheryl Howard is a seasoned attorney and lifelong public servant with more than three decades of legal experience in Louisiana’s civil courts. Twice appointed as Judge Pro Tempore by the Louisiana Supreme Court, Howard has presided over complex litigation and earned the trust of peers, clients, and the broader legal community.
A dedicated litigator, she has served as a partner and shareholder at top law firms and managed high-stakes cases involving catastrophic injury, commercial liability, and insurance defense. She currently leads her own firm, providing expert legal counsel and pro bono representation to underserved individuals across New Orleans.
Sheryl’s commitment to justice extends far beyond the courtroom. She has trained the next generation of trial attorneys through faculty roles with the National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA) Summer Program at LSU Law and the Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel. She served on the boards of organizations advancing financial equity, affordable housing, and small business development, including NewCorp Inc. and the Neighborhood Development Foundation.
Rooted in faith and community, Sheryl is an active member of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church and a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
Sheryl Howard brings legal excellence, compassionate leadership, and a proven record of service to all of her endeavors.
Sheryl Howard is a seasoned attorney and lifelong public servant with more than three decades of legal experience in Louisiana’s civil courts. Twice appointed as Judge Pro Tempore by the Louisiana Supreme Court, Sheryl has presided over complex litigation and earned the trust of peers, clients, and the broader legal community.
A dedicated litigator, she has served as a partner and shareholder at
respected law firms and managed high-stakes litigation involving
catastrophic injuries and commercial liability. She currently leads her
own firm, providing expert legal counsel and pro bono representation to underserved individuals across New Orleans.
Sheryl’s commitment to justice extends far beyond the courtroom. She has trained the next generation of trial attorneys through faculty roles with the National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA) Summer Program at LSU Law and the Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel. She served on the boards of organizations advancing financial equity, affordable housing, and small business development, including NewCorp Inc. and the Neighborhood Development Foundation.
Rooted in faith and community, Sheryl is an active member of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church and a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
Sheryl Howard brings legal excellence, compassionate leadership, and a proven record of service to all of her endeavors.
Legal Experience
Private Practice & Law Firms
- Principal, Sheryl M. Howard, Attorney at Law and Notary Public, LLC (2022 -present); personal injury cases, civil defense litigation, and pro bono legal services
- Shareholder (2019 - 2021)/Partner (2013 - 2019), The Duplass Firm; lead counsel on complex litigation in commercial auto, trucking, and premises liability cases
- Senior Trial Attorney, Law Office of Thomas H. Barnett (2010 – 2013); lead counsel on commercial and personal lines cases, including catastrophic injuries
- Partner (2008 – 2010) Senior Trial Attorney (2001 – 2008), Evans & Clesi, PLC; lead counsel in high-stakes jury and bench trials
- Senior Trial Attorney, Law Offices of Harold G. Toscano (1998 – 2001)
- Trial/Associate Attorney, Law Offices of Richard E. Britson, Jr. (1992 – 1998)
Bar Admissions & Courts
- Louisiana State Bar Association (admitted 1991)
- New Orleans Bar Association
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana
- U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana
Training & Professional Development
- National Institute of Trial Advocacy (2013, 2015)
- LSU Law Trial Advocacy Program (2003, 2004, 2008, 2011)
- Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel Trial Academy (2004, 2005)
Judicial Experience
Judicial Appointments
- Judge Pro Tempore, Civil District Court, Orleans Parish, Division “G” (July 2023 – Sept 2023), appointed by the Louisiana Supreme Court at the recommendation of Associate Justice Piper D. Griffin
- Judge Pro Tempore, Civil District Court, Orleans Parish, Division “M” (Nov 2003 – May 2004), appointed by the Louisiana Supreme Court at the recommendation of Retired Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson
Community Experience
Board Memberships & Leadership
- NewCorp Inc. – Board Member (2017 – 2025); provides financial assistance to small and emerging businesses
- Neighborhood Development Foundation (NDF) – Board Member (2013 –2022); promotes asset building and homeownership for low and moderate income families
- Franklin Avenue Baptist Church, Trustee Board Member (2010 – 2019),
- Evangelism Ministry (2015 – 2017, 2020 - present)
- New Orleans area high schools, Career Day Presenter, (1992 – present)
Service & Civic Engagement
- Southeast Louisiana Legal Services – Volunteer (2023 – present)
- New Orleans Blood Center – Blood Donor (2007 – present)
- Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated – Member since 1985/Social Action Committee Member (2023 – present)