Celeste Coco-Ewing and Michelle McClafferty Join Lawrence & Bundy Litigation Team

Lawrence & Bundy, a nationally recognized boutique litigation firm known for its agility, innovation, and representation of leaders committed to doing the right thing, is pleased to announce that Celeste Coco-Ewing and Michelle McClafferty have joined the firm.

Ms. Coco-Ewing is a seasoned litigator who has represented many large corporations in complex litigation across the country. She successfully defends cases in multi-week trials at both the state and federal court levels. Her trial work has contributed to numerous defense verdicts in jury trials in federal multidistrict litigation, and state court consolidated proceedings. Ms. Coco-Ewing has been recognized by Chambers, Best Lawyers®, Super Lawyers®, and Benchmark Litigation.

Ms. McClafferty is an accomplished litigation attorney who works closely with businesses, governmental entities, and individuals to understand their business and legal objectives, develop pre-litigation strategies, assess potential risks, and guide them through all stages of litigation and problem resolution in state and federal court. She also is experienced in consumer and commercial arbitration proceedings. Ms. McClafferty was recently named to Ones to Watch by Best Lawyers®, a distinction that recognizes extraordinary lawyers who have been in practice for less than ten years.

“Together, Celeste and Michelle will bring significant commercial litigation and employment experience to our already accomplished team. Their ability to anticipate client needs will further support our goal to stay two steps in front of our clients’ challenges, so we can successfully address their needs at every turn,” said Allegra Lawrence-Hardy, co-founder of the firm.

“We are excited to welcome Celeste and Michelle to our team. Their depth of experience in complex commercial litigation combined with their client-focused approach will benefit both our clients and our team,” said Washington D.C. partner Thomas Bundy.

Both Ms. Coco-Ewing and Ms. McClafferty were drawn to Lawrence & Bundy in part because of the firm’s reputation for high quality, client-centered teamwork, and client-focused solutions that go above and beyond to outsmart and outmaneuver. The firm’s dedication to representing clients who are an intrinsic part of the community was also a contributing factor in their moves to the firm.
Dedicated to giving back to the legal profession, Ms. Coco-Ewing accepted an appointment by the Louisiana Supreme Court to serve on the Committee on Bar Admissions and as the Director of Character and Fitness Panel. She also serves on the Executive Committee and is Immediate Past President of the Board of Directors of Louisiana Appleseed. She is an adjunct professor at Tulane Law School for Evidence, Depositions, and Trial Advocacy. Ms. Coco-Ewing earned her Bachelor’s degree from Tulane University and her Juris Doctorate summa cum laude from Tulane Law School. She clerked at the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit for Judge James L. Dennis.

Ms. McClafferty volunteers her time as a mentor for younger lawyers. She also has handled pro bono matters through the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation. She is a longtime supporter of her local NPR stations as a sustaining member and past Junior Board member. Ms. McClafferty earned her Bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University and her Juris Doctorate from Boston College Law School. She is licensed to practice in Georgia, Alabama, and Massachusetts.