Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
Barbara L. Arras
Awarded Practice Areas
Biography
Barbara Arras represents defendants in toxic tort litigation primarily involving pulmonary diseases allegedly caused by asbestos and other pulmonary irritants and hematopoietic diseases allegedly caused by benzene. She is responsible for the medical defense in each case. Specifically, she analyzes the facts to formulate a theory of defense and identifies the correct scientific discipline needed to advance that theory. She then identifies and retains the best expert in that discipline from her wide network of contacts, she deposes plaintiffs’ experts, defends defense experts at their depositions, prepares Motions to Exclude plaintiffs’ experts, and opposes plaintiffs’ Motions to Exclude defense experts. She also has considerable expertise in management of complex toxic tort litigation nationwide having spent nine years as in-house counsel with two Fortune 500 corporations.
Overview
- University of San Diego, M.I.B., J.D. , graduated 1995
- Florida State University, B.S. , graduated 1990
- Florida, Florida
- Illinois, United States
- Louisiana, Louisiana State Bar Association
- Texas, United States
- Defense Research Institute - Toxic Tort and Environmental Law Committee Member
- International Association of Defense Counsel - Member
- Louisiana State Bar Association - Member
- U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida
- Florida, Florida
- Illinois, United States
- Louisiana, Louisiana State Bar Association
- Texas, United States
- Defense Research Institute - Toxic Tort and Environmental Law Committee Member
- International Association of Defense Counsel - Member
- Louisiana State Bar Association - Member
- University of San Diego, M.I.B., J.D. , graduated 1995
- Florida State University, B.S. , graduated 1990
- U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida
Client Testimonials
Awards & Focus

Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
- Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants, New Orleans (2015)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
- Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
Awards:
- The Best Lawyers in America
- Louisiana Super Lawyers
News & Media
Publications
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