About Renee
Renee F. Smith Auld is a partner at Degan, Blanchard & Nash, a prominent law firm located in New Orleans, Louisiana. With over 30 years of legal experience, she has established herself as a leading attorney specializing in various areas, including insurance defense, toxic torts, complex commercial litigation, and municipal law. Her extensive expertise also encompasses labor and employment law, as well as appellate practice. Ms. Auld's knowledge of these fields has made her a trusted advisor for both national insurance companies and local governmental agencies. In 1990, Ms.
Auld earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Loyola University. This foundational education paved the way for her legal career, culminating in her Juris Doctor degree from Loyola School of Law in 1994. Since then, she has represented clients in many litigation matters, including class actions, trials, writs, and appeals. Her practice spans both state and federal courts, showcasing her versatility and commitment to achieving favorable outcomes for her clients. Beyond her legal practice, Ms. Auld is deeply committed to legal education and professional development. Since 2005, she has served as an Assistant Examiner for the Louisiana Supreme Court Committee on Bar Admissions.
In this role, she grades the Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure section of the Louisiana Bar exam, contributing to the integrity of the legal profession in Louisiana. Additionally, she has taught courses such as Persuasive Appellate Writing at Loyola School of Law, where she shares her insights with the next generation of legal professionals. Ms. Auld is also a sought-after speaker at Continuing Legal Education (CLE) seminars. Her presentations cover a variety of topics, including ethics in film and music, open meetings, and federal and state laws regarding school board employee and student records. She has also addressed the details of e-discovery in the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, providing valuable guidance to her peers in the legal community. Recognized for her professional and civic contributions, Ms.
Auld received the Leadership in Law Award from New Orleans City Business Newspaper in 2008. She holds an "AV" Martindale-Hubbell peer review rating, which signifies the highest level of professional excellence in the legal field. Admitted to practice in both Louisiana and Texas, she is an active member of the Louisiana State Bar Association and the State Bar of Texas. Fluent in English and possessing a working knowledge of Spanish, Ms. Auld's diverse skill set enhances her ability to serve many clients effectively.