Overview
Cecelia Virden is an associate in the firm’s Jackson, Mississippi office. She has experience analyzing, assessing, and leveraging effective defense strategies across several areas of litigation. Cecelia is a member of a National Coordinating Counsel team and is involved in managing asbestos exposure cases across the country. As part of the National Counsel team, Cecelia assists with national docket management, early case evaluations to determine case value for resolution, the development of overall litigation strategies, and the implementation of consistent defense theories for depositions, motion practice, discovery, and trial.
Cecelia brings a measured and thoughtful approach to her work, which allows her to skillfully evaluate the intricacies of her cases and advocate effectively on behalf of her clients. Cecelia works diligently to protect her clients’ interests by conducting thorough investigations and providing comprehensive legal counsel to achieve favorable outcomes that align with the goals of her clients. She has successfully drafted dispositive and Daubert challenges, resulting in the exclusion of causation experts and, ultimately, the granting of summary judgment in complex mass tort litigation.
Practice Areas
Education
- University of Mississippi School of Law (J.D., May 2016)
- Limited Practice Student-Attorney/Guardian Ad Litem
- Trial Advocacy Board – Administrative Vice Chair
- Mississippi Sports Law Review – Senior Articles Editor
- Order of Barristers – Inductee, 2016
- Dean’s Leadership Counsel
- Mississippi State University (B.A. English, May 2013, magna cum laude)
- President’s List Scholar
- Helen W. Skelton Scholarship Recipient
- Mortar Board National Honor Society
- Phi Kappy Phi Honor Society
- Dean’s Student Advisory Counsel – President
- Delta Gamma Fraternity
Admissions
- Mississippi
- United States District Courts
- Northern District of Mississippi
- Southern District of Mississippi
- United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
Experience
- Prevailed in numerous Daubert motions striking unreliable expert testimony on scientific and medical causation issues in mass environmental disaster, resulting in the dismissal of lawsuits pending before Mississippi and Florida federal courts.
- Successfully defended an international oil company against personal injury lawsuits resulting from oil spill and obtained hundreds of dismissals.
- Obtained summary judgment in favor of a physician in a medical malpractice claim.
Publications & Presentations
- Co-Author, “Chemistry Industry Group Takes the EPA to Court to Stop Unfair PFAS Advisory,” The Environmental and Toxic Tort Advisor, August 29, 2022.
Distinctions
- Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, 2025
Associations
- Mississippi Bar Association
- Young Lawyers Division of the Mississippi Bar
- Jackson Young Lawyers Association
Civic Involvement
Outside the Office
Cecelia enjoys maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle by pursuing her hobbies of CrossFit and running. She has collected “participation awards” from six marathons, two Half-Ironman triathlons, and countless half-marathons and shorter road race distances. Cecelia also loves getting lost in a good book and attempting to bake various artisan bread recipes.
Most importantly, Cecelia enjoys spending quality time with her husband and son. Whether it’s a family outing to the Mississippi Delta or traveling to the mountains for snow skiing and hiking, she cherishes their time together, and looks forward to returning to the office refreshed and ready to serve her clients with renewed energy.