Carpenter received her Juris Doctorate from Loyola University Law School where she was an active member of the Loyola Public Interest Law Group and St. As an undergraduate, she studied French Language and Literature graduating from L’Université d'orleans, France with a Diplôme d'études en langue française and from Wichita State University with a Bachelors of Arts Magna Cum Laude in French and a mi
nor is Psychology. Carpenter later completed graduate studies in Clinical Psychology Summa Cum Laude at the University of California at Los Angeles. Preceding her legal career, she worked in the fields of social work and mental health where she gained skills that have proven to be invaluable in her present role as a criminal defense attorney. She is a well recognized and respected attorney who often speaks and gives presentations at bar conventions, legal seminars, universities and on television and the radio. Carpenter started her legal career practicing civil litigation until she found her passion in criminal defense work. In the past, she worked for the Orleans Parish Public Defender Conflict Panel assisting indigent defenders with overflow and conflict cases. Apart from her dedication to practicing law, Ms. Carpenter is committed to her community. She has volunteered for Juvenile Justice Project of Louisiana, Pro Bono Project and NAMI (New Orleans (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill). She has also served as a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) in juvenile court. Carpenter is a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association, Louisiana Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers, National Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers, Federal Bar Association and Louisiana Association for Justice. She and her husband live in New Orleans with their dog and cat.
