Michele Hale DeShazo

Michele Hale DeShazo is a seasoned attorney with experience managing high-profile litigation for Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 corporate clients. Michele has nearly two decades of experience in oil and gas, commercial matters, toxic tort, and other litigation, and is quick to grasp highly complicated legal issues and execute practical strategies to resolve disputes at the earliest stage with finesse. This includes areas of first impression, regulatory matters, and contractual issues. When resolution is not possible, she is well-equipped to tackle the rigors of the litigation process while protecting corporate interests every step of the way, including through trial and appeal.

With the benefit of her litigation experience and deep knowledge of Louisiana regulatory law, Michele is well-positioned to address renewable energy and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues in Louisiana, which is quickly becoming a national model for energy-related innovation.

While the bulk of Michele’s experience is in Louisiana state and federal court, she also has experience in several other jurisdictions. Additionally, she has frequently collaborated with exceptional attorneys across the country as part of integrated, multi-firm counsel teams.

Before joining Hinshaw, Michele was a founding employee at one of the largest female-owned law firms in the South, where she became the only new equity partner/owner elected in that firm's history.

• New Orleans Bar Association
  • Environmental and Toxic Torts Committee, Chair, 2018 – 2020
• The Defense Research Institute (DRI)
  • Federal Legislative Liaison Pilot Tracking Team, Former Lead Liaison
  • Technology Committee, Newsletter Co-Chair/Editor
  • Women in the Law Subcommittee
• Women’s Energy Network, South Louisiana Chapter (WEN-SLA)
  • President, 2018
  • Vice President, 2017
  • Sponsorship Director, 2017
• Federal Bar Association, New Orleans Chapter

• Holds the AV® Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, its highest rating for ethics and legal ability
• Recognized on the Rising Stars list by Louisiana Super Lawyers magazine, 2012 – 2020

Michele is a highly regarded presenter on a diverse range of topics, including the latest environmental, social, and governance (ESG) legislation and the complexities of Medicare regulations.

A selection of some of her recent presentations includes:

• Panelist, "Effective Use of Experts – Before and During Trial," Masters of the Courtroom CLE, New Orleans Bar Association, New Orleans, Louisiana, December 12, 2024
• Co-Presenter, "Wake Up America’ by Miley Cyrus – Carbon Capture and Sequestration in Louisiana," Hinshaw University, CLE Webinar, June 12, 2024
• Moderator, "Environmental Law & Practice 2020," New Orleans Bar Association’s Procrastinators’ Programs CLE, New Orleans, Louisiana, December 17, 2019
• Co-Presenter, "Litigation in the Coastal Zone," 29th Annual Tulane Environmental Law & Policy Summit, New Orleans, Louisiana, March 22, 2019
• Panelist, "Gulf Coast Litigation Impacting the Energy Industry," Seventh Annual Energy Forum, National Bar Association’s 93rd Annual Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana, August 1, 2018

Michele extensively covers contemporary government issues, including regulatory matters, environmental reform, and elections.

A selection of some of her publications includes:

• "Agency Decision Making and Secret Science," DRI For the Defense, June 2021
• "A Roundup of Technology Trends for Attorneys," DRI The Voice, March 6, 2013

Michele met her husband, Michael, in law school, and they have been married since graduation. They are the proud parents of two children, Claire and William, who keep them very busy! They also have two dogs: Lucy, a rescue greyhound, and Violet, a miniature schnauzer.

In her free time, Michele loves to spend time with her family, travel, read, and dabble in interior design and landscaping.