Darnesha Carter
Senior Associate – Hogan Lovells LLp
Description of field of expertise
Darnesha Carter has a variety of experience within commercial litigation. She has been instrumental in getting clients favorable results in matters involving products liability, trade secret misappropriation, construction, employment, healthcare, insurance, and securities law. She also has complex litigation experience, defending corporations in class actions, in multi district litigation suits (MDLs), and in multi-jurisdictional matters in both state and federal courts.
Prior to starting her practice, Darnesha served as a senior law clerk to the Honorable Mary S. Scriven of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. There, she conducted legal research, drafted orders, managed and monitored a portion of the case docket, and assisted the Eleventh Circuit Pattern Jury Instruction Committee. Darnesha was the valedictorian of her class at Stetson University College of Law, the first African American woman in the school’s history to achieve that honor. She was also awarded the Edward D. Foreman Most Distinguished Student Award, which recognizes one student each year for his or her passion for the legal profession, commitment to serve the family of humankind, and being the best all-around student.
Darnesha has also been recognized by local organizations for her commitment to pro bono service.
What advice would you offer to new attorneys interested in your field?
New attorneys should take advantage of all opportunities to learn the practical skills of being an attorney, including observing court hearings, participating in or attending conferrals with opposing counsel, attending client and prospective client interviews and strategy sessions, and being involved in internal strategy sessions with team members within their firm. Law school often provides more substance (i.e., black letter law) than practical skills, so it is imperative for new attorneys to exercise the soft skills, like creating interpersonal connections, developing communication skills, and learning how to resolve conflicts, that are necessary to becoming a good lawyer. To that end, finding a well-suited sponsor and mentor can help young attorneys solicit and find the opportunities to develop these skills.
Final thoughts…
It is incumbent among black attorneys to seek out and commit themselves to mentorship of young black attorneys. I credit a large part of my success thus far to the several mentors who, at the start of my career, provided professional advice on how to navigate my career and advocated for me in my pursuit of different career opportunities. I feel compelled to pay it forward.