Corrie Gallien
Education and Early Achievements
Corrie Gallien, a native of Opelousas, Louisiana, earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and an Honor’s Baccalaureate Degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2007. During her undergraduate studies, she authored a thesis titled “Perceptions Versus Realities of Plea Bargaining.”
Corrie held the role of Business Manager at The Vermilion and was an active participant in several programs, including the Ronald E. McNair Scholar Program, the Upward Bound Program, and the Criminal Justice Society. She also interned with the Nicholls State University-Louisiana Center for Women and Government, where she focused on women’s policies and laws.
In 2011, Corrie earned her Juris Doctor and Diploma in Civil Law from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University. She received a PILS Fellowship and the LSU Law Scholarship and was involved in the Legal Association of Women, Black Law Students Association, and Public Interest Law Society. While at LSU Law, Corrie interned with Mental Health Advocacy Services and gained valuable experience in the Juvenile Representation Clinic.
Professional Experience
With more than a decade of experience in litigation and appeals, Corrie Gallien brings an appellate-trained perspective to personal injury advocacy, trial collaboration, and strategic case development. Her work is grounded in disciplined storytelling, careful issue preservation, and a deep understanding of how cases are built, reviewed, and resolved.
Before founding Gallien Law, Corrie served as senior counsel at large personal injury firms, where she handled complex matters, supported trial teams, and developed a strong command of litigation strategy, motion practice, and appellate preservation. Earlier in her career, she also provided contract legal research, writing, and appellate support to attorneys in Louisiana and across the country. That work—often behind the scenes—required precision, efficiency, and adaptability across jurisdictions, and it continues to inform her collaborative, appellate-informed approach today.
Corrie’s appellate experience includes serving as appointed counsel through the Louisiana Appeals & Writ Service, where she provides appellate representation to indigent criminal defendants. This role demands rigorous legal analysis, precise writing, and comprehensive record review—skills that directly inform her approach to civil litigation, trial strategy, and appellate risk management.
In addition to her appellate work, Corrie has experience as a felony public defender at the trial level, representing individuals accused of serious offenses. That experience sharpened her ability to evaluate cases early, identify constitutional and procedural issues, and advocate effectively under high stakes—further strengthening her trial collaboration and preservation-focused perspective.
Corrie also serves as a Juvenile Public Defender for the 15th Judicial District Public Defender’s Office, representing youth navigating the justice system. This role reflects her commitment to careful, client-centered advocacy and to ensuring that vulnerable voices are heard and protected within the legal process.
A graduate of the Gerry Spence Method Program, Corrie has refined her ability to develop clear, compelling narratives that resonate with decision-makers while remaining grounded in structure and credibility. Her trial training, combined with extensive appellate experience, allows her to support cases with both persuasive storytelling and strategic precision.
In addition to her law practice, Corrie is a published author of Personal Injury: The Economic Impact of Abusive Relationships and The Cost of Silence: How the Legal Profession Fails Survivors Within Its Ranks. Her works explore the intersection of law, justice, and lived experience — further underscoring her commitment to advocacy and education.
Leadership & Professional Service
- Louisiana State Bar Association – Member, including recent selection to participate in the LSBA Leadership program.
- Lafayette Bar Association – Active member, supporting professional development and advocacy within the local bar.
- The Promulgator Magazine (LBA’s magazine) – Contributing writer providing thought leadership and legal insights for Louisiana practitioners.
- Lafayette Volunteer Lawyer (LBA’s Pro Bono Program) –Volunteer Attorney representing indigent individuals in family law cases, ensuring access to justice for the most vulnerable.
- Inn of Court – Team Leader, mentoring attorneys, leading continuing legal education (CLE) creation and presentations for the Lafayette legal community.
- Leadership Lafayette – Class 38 member; developing skills in civic engagement and leadership within the Acadiana community.
- She Has a Dream Foundation – First cohort participant in the Black, female business owner mentorship program, advancing equity and entrepreneurship.
- the705 – Committed to mentoring and supporting emerging leaders in Acadiana.
- Chambers of Commerce – Member of the GSWLA Black Chamber of Commerce and the Youngsville Chamber of Commerce, strengthening business and community ties.
- Women of Wisdom – Active Member.
- The Confidence Campaign – Board Member.
- Miracle of Innocence – Board Member.
Community Involvement and Commitment
Corrie is deeply committed to community service, with active involvement in organizations focused on youth mentorship, education, and enrichment. Expanding on this dedication, she founded the Corrie Gallien Collective—a platform for advocacy, education, and community engagement. Through this initiative, Corrie leads workshops and speaks on issues such as domestic violence, disability, and entrepreneurship, while continuing to collaborate with local organizations to uplift and support individuals in need. Her work reflects a consistent focus on compassion, accessibility, and personalized care.
Recognition & Distinctions
Personal Injury Focus
Corrie provides thoughtful, client-focused representation in serious personal injury matters. Her approach combines clear guidance, careful strategy, and steady advocacy—supporting clients through difficult circumstances while building cases that are sound, cohesive, and prepared from the outset.
Appellate Advocacy with a Strategic Approach
Corrie Gallien brings an appellate-trained, strategic perspective to advocacy at every stage of litigation. With extensive experience in legal research, brief writing, and oral argument, she works with clients and fellow attorneys to navigate the appellate process with clarity and precision. Her appellate practice emphasizes careful issue identification, disciplined analysis, and record preservation—protecting rights and strengthening outcomes on review.
Collaborative Solutions for Attorneys
Recognizing the demands of modern legal practice, Corrie Gallien partners with attorneys as a strategic collaborator—not simply a support resource. Through trial and co-counsel collaboration, litigation support, and appellate-informed research and writing, she helps colleagues refine case narratives, sharpen legal arguments, and protect the record. This collaborative model is designed to strengthen advocacy while allowing attorneys to focus on leadership, client relationships, and sustainable practice.
Professional Development & Legal Education
Corrie Gallien is actively pursuing accreditation to offer Continuing Legal Education (CLE) programming focused on litigation strategy, appellate insight, and legal writing. This work reflects her commitment to professional excellence, thoughtful advocacy, and the ongoing development of the legal community.