Darleene D. Peters

About Darleene D. Peters

I am a Partner at Irwin, Fritchie, Urquhart, Moore & Daniels, where I litigate complex corporate civil defense matters involving pharmaceuticals, medical devices, consumer products, railroads, toxic torts, and contractual matters.I am proud to be the firm’s first African American Attorney, first African American Female Attorney, and first African American Female Partner— distinctions that guide my leadership and purpose.I simultaneously earned my Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration from Loyola University Colleges of Law and Business (New Orleans), a foundation that continues to shape my approach to legal strategy, leadership, and organizational impact.I also serve as Chair of the firm’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee, where I help drive meaningful, sustainable change at the intersection of equity, culture, and professional well-being.My double certification in Health & Wellness and Nutrition Coaching, merges my expertise and experience to formulate deep wellness strategies to recognize, reduce, and prevent burnout, and strengthen organizational communication and cultures for continued growth and sustainability. Why I Do This WorkI am a lawyer who understands that the legal profession is both one of the least diverse and one of the unhealthiest professions.That reality fuels my commitment to disrupting outdated narratives, redefining what leadership looks like, and advancing equity and wellness as business imperatives—not side conversations.I care deeply about this work because I am living proof that change is possible—and necessary.What I DoSpeak and write nationally on equity, inclusion, leadership, and holistic well-being as core strategies for sustaining people and organizations, and their interrelated impact.Empower individuals and organizations to build healthier, more sustainable cultures.Serve in leadership and advisory roles within national, state, and local legal associations and professional organizations. I regularly conduct seminars, workshops, and trainings that are rooted in real-world insight and practical wellbeing, in corporate, association, and law firm settings. I am here to disrupt outdated narratives, elevate the conversation, and help build more equitable and empathetic professional cultures.If you don’t see or hear me speaking or writing about it yet—trust me, the next meaningful conversation is already in progress.*Views expressed herein are the personal views of the author and do not represent the views of Irwin Fritchie, its partners, employees, or clients.

Experience

1. Certified Nutrition Coach

   Precision Nutrition

   Apr 2020 — Present

Education

• Xavier University of Louisiana

  Bachelor of Science, Business Administration/Marketing

• Loyola University New Orleans College of Law

  Juris Doctor

  1995 — 1998

• Loyola University New Orleans College of Business Ad

  Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services

  1995 — 1998

Skills

• Courts
• Legal Research
• Civil Litigation
• Mediation
• Trials
• Legal Writing
• Litigation
• Product Liability
• Commercial Litigation