Orla is a seasoned litigator concentrating her practice on product liability, mass torts, and commercial litigation disputes. She works closely with clients across a broad spectrum of industries in various jurisdictions to assess potential risks, develop comprehensive defense strategies, and minimize exposure to liability. Her approach to litigation is client-centric, focusing on the client’s needs not only during but also prior to and after litigation.
She defends food manufacturers, suppliers, and franchisors in product liability cases, including class actions and single- and other multi-plaintiff claims involving product withdrawals, recalls, and false advertisement. She is also a thought leader on various issues related to the food industry, including recall litigation trends, the FDA’s measures to eliminate petroleum-based food dyes, ultra-processed foods (UPFs), and the FDA’s enforcement discretion.
Orla has also represented manufacturers of developing and emerging technologies — including immersive and/or gaming devices, laptops, and tablets — in cases involving alleged failures of products with lithium ion batteries, alleged overheating of the products, and alleged injury caused by prolonged product use. In addition, she has handled cases related to sporting equipment, medical scooters, kitchen equipment, and blades/knives.
Beyond her product liability practice, Orla defends corporations and officers in commercial contractual disputes related to breach of contract and/or fraud, handles copyright claims under the U.S. Copyright Act and Digital Millennium Copyright Act (“DMCA”), and has represented clients in publicized, high-valued mass tort cases involving “acts of God.”
In vigorously defending her clients, Orla has worked with a multitude of experts and consultants across many disciplines, including government regulatory specialists (FDA and CDC), engineers, medical doctors, metallurgists, fire investigators, meteorologists, OSHA experts, accountants, and economists. Known for being diplomatic, sharp, and thorough, Orla has a notable record of achieving favorable results for her clients through dispositive motion practice, at mediations, and on appeal. She is also adept at negotiating voluntary dismissals, discontinuances, and favorable settlements.
Deeply committed to enhancing the profession through culture and diversity measures, community service, and pro bono efforts, Orla is a strong proponent of giving back. She mentors high school students from lower-income communities, preparing them for college, law school, and legal careers. She also mentors college and law students. Orla also sits on the Advisory Board for Legal Outreach, a nonprofit educational program serving low-income, urban youth from underserved neighborhoods in New York City, serves as the Vice President of the Defense Association of New York (DANY), and co-chairs its Products Liability Committee. She also maintains an active pro bono practice.
Orla has been recognized as a Super Lawyers New York Metro Rising Star, a Best Lawyer’s Ones to Watch, and is a member of the National Black Lawyers Top 100 and Top 40 Under 40 for New York.