Michelle W. Scelson, General Counsel, manages the day-to-day legal needs of the Port of New Orleans and the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad. Scelson also serves as the Director of Records and oversees the records management of both Port NOLA and the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad. Prior to joining Port NOLA, she worked for New Orleans law firms where her practice concentrated in casualty and commercial litigation, including diverse matters for Class I railroads and other clients, including contract disputes, workers’ compensation, construction disputes, personal injuries, and expropriation.

Scelson received her Juris Doctorate and Graduate Diploma in Civil Law from Louisiana State University, where she graduated magna cum lauda and Order of the Coif. She also served as a member of the Louisiana Law Review and Trial Advocacy Board.