Overview
Clare Millette is an accomplished litigator with over 15 years of experience representing the interests of large corporations in both state and federal litigation, with an emphasis in defending complex premises and product liability cases, and in trial and appellate advocacy. She has appeared in courtrooms across the country, briefed and argued motion practice in various jurisdictions, and personally led many critical deposition examinations of both fact and expert witnesses. Clare’s proven ability to articulate challenging legal issues concisely and persuasively, coupled with her deep understanding of procedural rules, has resulted in a myriad of favorable rulings and successful appellate decisions for her clients in both state and federal courts.
Clare has served as a National Coordinating Counsel jurisdictional manager, Regional Counsel, and Local Counsel for corporate clients in both asbestos and environmental exposure matters. She has also served on both national and local trial teams for Fortune 500 companies, resulting in her participation in many trials taken to verdict, as well as serving as lead writer on post-trial and appellate briefings.
In addition to litigation, Clare has notable experience examining regulatory compliance, investigating constitutional issues, evaluating commercial lease agreements and disputes, and crafting corporate formation documents and bylaws. Further, Clare often advises prospective and existing Mississippi medical cannabis establishments on legal matters, licensing requirements, and commercial considerations. She served on the Board of Directors for the Mississippi Cannabis Trade Association (“MSCTA”), of which she is a founding member.
Education
- University of Mississippi School of Law (J.D. 2007, cum laude)
- HSS Law School Scholarship
- Mississippi Law Journal, Staff Editor
- University of Mississippi School of Law Moot Court Board, Member
- Judicial Relations Chairman
- Phi Delta Phi Legal Honor Society
- Street Law Clinic
- Criminal Appeals Clinic
- University of Mississippi (B.A. 2004, Journalism, magna cum laude)
- Most Outstanding Public Relations Writer – Department of Journalism
- Kappa Tau Alpha National Journalism Honor Society (Top 10% of Class)
- Order of Omega Honor Society – Secretary
- Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society – Vice President
- Delta Delta Delta Sorority – Vice President: Public Relations, Officer’s Council
Admissions
- Arkansas (2023)
- Western District of Arkansas
- Louisiana (2018)
- Mississippi (2007)
- Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals
- Southern District of Mississippi
- Northern District of Mississippi
Experience
- Authored and crafted the strategy for the successful appellee brief submitted to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals pertaining to the requirements for admissibility of expert witness causation testimony in toxic tort matters; McGill v. BP Exploration & Production, Inc., et al., No. 19-60849, United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit (March 2020)
- Obtained key summary judgment ruling for defense in federal court proceeding pertaining to the use of medical records alone to establish causation in matters involving toxic exposures and latent disease
- Successfully excluded opposing party’s expert witness in over 50 matters by challenging the reliability of his causation opinion absent independent medical assessments of the plaintiffs and proper exposure details in drilling mud litigation in Mississippi
- Served as the chief brief writer for motions in limine, Daubert motions, and motions for summary judgment for regional trial team in litigation involving toxic exposures
- Crafted the briefs of multiple interlocutory appeals to the Mississippi Supreme Court on issues pertaining to both procedural issues and substantive law
- Served as a National Coordinating Counsel team member for multiple Fortune 500 companies in both premises and products liability matters involving toxic torts
- Served as a National Coordinating Counsel team member for two industrial manufacturers that provided equipment to the U.S. Navy
- Served as a key member of the Mississippi litigation and trial team defending a Fortune 100 company in personal injury lawsuits stemming from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill
- Served as a key member of the Mississippi trial team in litigation involving toxic exposures allegedly caused by drilling mud utilized on oil rigs and participated in the defense at trial
- Attended and participated in over 100 hearings in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania before Judge Eduardo Robreno pertaining to multi-district litigation involving asbestos exposures
- Conducted the lead direct and cross-examinations of many plaintiffs and expert witnesses in personal injury litigation
Publications & Presentations
- “Launch Your Legal Career with Resume Radiance and Interview Ingenuity” – University of Mississippi School of Law; Oxford, Mississippi (January 2024)
- “Exploring Artificial Intelligence in Litigation” – DRI Asbestos Medicine Seminar, Young Lawyer Breakout Session; Austin, Texas (November 2023)
- “Mississippi Medical Cannabis Business Licensing” – Not Dazed and Confused: Mississippi Cannabis presented by Mississippi College School of Law; Jackson, Mississippi (July 2023)
- “Cannabis Business Laws & Regulations Round Table” – Mississippi Cannabis Trade Association; Jackson, Mississippi (July 2023)
- “Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act: An Overview” — Last Chance CLE, Mississippi Legal Professionals Association; Jackson, Mississippi (July 2023)
- “Medical Cannabis and the Law” – WLBT Law Call; Jackson, Mississippi (March 2023)
- “Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act: An Overview” – Evelyn Gandy Lecture Series, The Mississippi Bar; Meridian, Mississippi (January 2023)
- “How to Tee Up for Trial” – DRI Asbestos Medicine Seminar, Young Lawyer Breakout Session; San Diego, California (November 2022)
- “Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act” – Jackson Young Lawyers Association Fall Meeting; Jackson, Mississippi (September 2022)
- “Licensing Tips for Medical Cannabis Businesses” – Mississippi Cannabis Business Conference; Biloxi, Mississippi (June 2022)
- “Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act: An Overview by MSCTA” – Canton Rotary Club; Canton, Mississippi (June 2022)
- “Mississippi Cannabis Business Licensing Workshop” – Mississippi Cannabis Trade Association; Jackson, Mississippi (May 2022)
- “Burning Questions” – Mississippi Cannabis Trade Association Podcast with Melvin Robinson (May 2022)
- “Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act: An Overview” – Mississippi Paralegal Association Spring Seminar; Jackson, Mississippi (April 2022)
- “A Bankruptcy Update: Bankruptcy Trusts and How to Use Them To Your Advantage” – DRI Asbestos Medicine – Defense Lawyers Asbestos Symposium; Boston, Massachusetts (November 2019)
- “Six Keys to Being a Successful Candidate” – University of Mississippi School of Law, Oxford, Mississippi (February 2018)
- “Guidelines for Fair Play in Your Practice” – The Mississippi Bar Bridge the Gap: Rule 3 – New Lawyer Program; Jackson, Mississippi, September 2017
- Mock Trial Plaintiff Attorney Participant for Travelers Insurance – Perrin Conferences; Richardson, Texas (May 2017)
- “2017 Alternative Exposures Round Table Discussion” – Perrin Conferences; Beverly Hills, California (March 2017)
- “Understanding Your Obligations to Your Adversaries” – The Mississippi Bar Bridge the Gap: Rule 3 – New Lawyer Program; Jackson, Mississippi (September 2015)
- “Asbestos Past, Present, & Future: Jurisdictional Analysis – Illinois” – Summit III, Perrin Conferences; New Orleans, Louisiana (May 2015)
Distinctions
- Litigation Counsel of America, Fellow
- Fellow – Toxic Tort, Asbestos, Products Liability (Defense), 2024
- Super Lawyers
- Mid-South Super Lawyer, Personal Injury – Products (Defense), 2020-present
- Mid-South Rising Star, Personal Injury – Products (Defense), 2013-2017
- Best Lawyers in America, 2021
- Mississippi Business Journal
- Top 50 Under 40 Leader in Business, 2016
- University of Mississippi Department of Journalism
- Most Outstanding Public Relations Writer, 2004
Associations
- Defense Research Institute: Asbestos Section
- Defense Research Institute: Asbestos Medicine Seminar – Marketing Committee (2016-Present)
- Asbestos Medicine DRI – Marketing Committee Co-Chairman (2024)
- Asbestos Medicine DRI – Social Media Chairman (2018, 2020)
- Defense Research Institute: Toxic Torts & Environmental Law Committee
- Defense Research Institute: Women in the Law Committee – Toxic Torts & Environmental Law Litigation
- Capital Area Bar Association – Women’s Initiative Committee, Chairman (2021-2022)
- Mississippi Bar Association
- Appellate Practice Section
- Litigation Section
- Women in the Profession Section
Civic Involvement
University of Mississippi Alumni Association
Mississippi Cannabis Trade Association, Board Member (2021-2024)
Junior League of Jackson (2007-2013)
Outside the Office
In her spare time, Clare enjoys traveling to listen to music or catch sporting events and is most often found cheering on her beloved college team, the Ole Miss Rebels, whether in Oxford or on the road. Growing up with four brothers, Clare has always enjoyed being active outdoors and is an avid skier, swimmer, and tennis player. If she’s away from competition, you will likely find her soaking up the sun while boating with her husband on the Gulf Coast, learning about new wines, or entertaining her pup – an (energetic) German Shorthair pointer.