Virginia Roddy is a native of El Paso, Texas and a graduate of Newcomb College (1960) and Tulane University Law School (1979). She has concentrated her law practice in two disparate areas: copyright litigation and defense litigation concerning employee benefits (life, health and disability insurance claims) and, in particular, claims for benefits under employee benefit plans governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA").  She is a former President of the Federal Bar Association in New Orleans, a former member of the House of Delegates to the Louisiana State Bar Association and an emeritus member of the Board of Administrators of Tulane University and the Board of Trustees of Hampden-Sydney College.

Why did you decide to go to law school almost twenty years after you had graduated from college?

After I was married in 1960, my husband and I lived in New York where I worked as an investment consultant for a bank and an investment firm. We moved back to New Orleans, had two sons and I really loved being involved in activities with them and their friends. However, once my sons were in school full time, I decided it might be "fun" for me to go to law school. It was definitely not "fun"- much, much harder for me than undergraduate school - but a great experience.

Did you find it challenging to practice at a time when many law firms were predominately male?

I did not, but I was fortunate in being hired by Phelps Dunbar where I made many lifelong friends. They were supportive and encouraging, and I loved being there. As you may -or may not- know I was the first woman partner at Phelps Dunbar - a fact memorialized in a card game sold in New Orleans in which the question asked was, "Who was the first woman partner at Phelps Dunbar?" My children loved it!

Are there any "law related activities" you have participated in outside the office and/or the courtroom?

Yes. I have given speeches over the years, including one at the LSBA Seminar on Insurance Law in 2001. Through the LSBA and the DRI (Defense Research Institute), I have authored chapters for Louisiana and the Fifth Circuit in several publications, including "The Law of Life Insurance," the ERISA Survey of Federal Circuits, and "Misrepresentation in the Life, Health and Disability Insurance Application Process: A National Survey.”

Which changes, if any, in the practice of law, do you miss most from the early years of your practice?

I miss the personal contact we had with other lawyers and judges. When I started practicing, lawyers appeared in court in person to argue (and try cases) before judges who were also in court in person. It was educational and a great way to meet other lawyers - much more satisfying than a "Zoom" Meeting.

What are your plans for the future?

I plan to continue to be "Of Counsel" to Elkins Plc in the immediate future but will probably retire before the end of the year. I have literally enjoyed every minute of practicing law but would like to spend more time with my grandson and doing volunteer work - maybe in a library!