Press Release
New Orleans Attorney, Litigation Counsel Sara Valentine Returns to Adams & Reese
Published: May 21, 2025
This is Valentine’s second stint with Adams & Reese as she was Special Counsel from 2017-2022, before serving as an attorney and corporate counsel for PBF Energy. Valentine was also formerly with Jones Walker and Kuchler Polk Schell Weiner & Richeson.
Throughout her legal career, Valentine has represented clients across a wide range of commercial litigation matters, including environmental, oil and gas, energy, insurance, employee benefits, and indemnity and contract disputes. Valentine will work with both the A&R Litigation Practice Group and the Appellate Litigation Team.
“We are thrilled to welcome Sara back to Adams & Reese. Sara’s familiarity with our firm, in-house counsel experience for a major energy company, and nearly 20 years of experience she has gained across a wide range of litigation areas, all further strengthens our group and complements our team,” said Liz Roussel, A&R Litigation Practice Group Leader and longtime New Orleans Partner.
Admitted to practice before several judicial jurisdictions, including the U.S. Supreme Court, Valentine holds bar admissions in both Louisiana and Missouri. She has extensive experience handling appellate matters in both state and federal courts, representing clients in front of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and all Louisiana appellate courts.
As the primary onsite attorney for PBF Energy’s Chalmette Refinery, Valentine advised the company on business issues, and legal risks associated with a broad range of health, safety and environmental, labor and employment, procurement, and litigation matters. Valentine is well-versed in Louisiana’s Act 312, which involves claims for environmental damage to property and land contamination claims. She also defends companies in legacy lawsuits.
In the insurance part of her practice, Valentine represents insurers in ERISA-related issues and advises these companies on life, health, disability, and accident insurance disputes. Additionally, she counsels clients on employment law matters including claims regarding discrimination and hostile work environment.
Valentine earned her J.D. from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law (2006) and received her B.A. from the University of Missouri-Kansas City (2002).
