Clerc Cooper Selected for New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute Class of 2027
NEW ORLEANS – July 28, 2026 – The New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute (NORLI) selected Phelps associate Clerc Cooper for its 2027 leadership development program. NORLI brings industry and community leaders from across the Greater New Orleans region together to discuss innovative public policy, education, health care and economic development initiatives.
"I’ve always been driven to step in and help when I can,” Clerc said. “I’m honored to join the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute and learn alongside leaders from across Southeast Louisiana. I look forward to gaining a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges shaping our region and building relationships with others who are committed to its future."
Part of Phelps’ labor and employment team, Clerc guides public and private employers through employment disputes, agency investigations and appeals. She defends companies facing employee claims and investigations while helping them safeguard trade secrets, enforce agreements and stay ahead of compliance risks. She partners with organizations as they navigate complex business challenges, giving her a firsthand view of the issues shaping the region’s industries and workforce.
Clerc earned her law degree from Tulane University Law School. Early in her career, she clerked for the Hon. Susie Morgan of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana and the Hon. Jacques L. Wiener Jr. of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
Outside of her legal practice, Clerc is involved with Community Sailing New Orleans and previously served on the board of U.S. Sailing. She is active in the Federal Bar Association's New Orleans chapter and the New Orleans Bar Association. She has also been recognized with the Carnegie Hero Medal and Arthur B. Hanson Rescue Medal.
NORLI equips civic-minded leaders to strengthen the Greater New Orleans region through collaboration, education and community engagement. Its flagship Regional Leadership Program helps emerging and established leaders cultivate relationships and regional perspective to address the challenges and opportunities facing Southeast Louisiana.
