Representative Walt Leger III

In Louisiana, where the intersections of law, business, and public service often shape the future of our communities, individuals with multifaceted expertise are invaluable. Walter "Walt" J. Leger III stands as a prominent figure, recognized not only for his distinguished legal career as an attorney but also for his significant contributions as a former Louisiana State Representative and his current leadership in key civic and economic development roles. For businesses and individuals across the state, particularly in New Orleans, Walt Leger III offers a unique blend of legal acumen, strategic insight, and a deep commitment to the welfare of Louisiana. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Walt Leger III's legal and public service background, highlighting why he is a trusted and highly suitable choice for locals seeking expert legal counsel and a strong advocate.

Walt Leger III has built a remarkable career spanning over two decades, beginning as an Assistant District Attorney in New Orleans where he prosecuted violent offenders and drug traffickers. His legal career progressed to the law firm of Leger & Shaw, where he has honed his litigation practice in significant areas such as maritime and admiralty law, serious personal injury, and complex civil litigation. Beyond his legal practice, Walt Leger III served three terms in the Louisiana House of Representatives from 2008 to 2020, including eight years as the Speaker Pro Tempore. In this role, he was instrumental in passing over 125 pieces of legislation, demonstrating his ability to forge consensus and deliver results in public policy areas crucial to Louisiana, including criminal justice reform, education, and economic development.

Currently, Mr. Leger also holds the vital position of President and CEO of New Orleans & Company, the official destination marketing and sales organization for New Orleans' tourism industry. This multifaceted background underscores his comprehensive understanding of the legal system, state governance, and the economic drivers of our region, making him a truly unique and powerful advocate for his clients.

Walter "Walt" J. Leger III, as an attorney with Leger & Shaw, maintains an office in the central business district of New Orleans, located at 935 Gravier St #2155, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA. This accessible downtown address places the firm within convenient reach for clients throughout New Orleans and the wider Louisiana region. Situated in a prominent commercial building on Gravier Street, the office offers good accessibility via various public transportation options, and there are often parking facilities available nearby. This central location aims to make the process of consulting with legal counsel as straightforward as possible for clients.

The firm's strategic positioning in New Orleans, a major legal and commercial hub, allows them to effectively serve clients not only within the metropolitan area but also from surrounding parishes and communities across Louisiana. This ensures they are well-connected to the state's legal community and possess a thorough understanding of Louisiana's unique legal precedents and procedures, which is vital for effective representation in diverse legal matters, particularly those involving state-specific regulations or local industries like maritime.

Walter "Walt" J. Leger III, as part of Leger & Shaw, focuses on a range of litigation-based practice areas, leveraging his extensive experience in both the courtroom and public policy to advocate for his clients. His primary legal services include:

• Maritime and Admiralty Law: Specializing in cases related to injuries and disputes occurring on navigable waters, including offshore oilfield accidents, shipping incidents, and claims under federal maritime laws like the Jones Act.

• Serious Personal Injury Litigation: Representing individuals who have suffered significant harm due to the negligence or wrongdoing of others, seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

• Commercial Litigation: Handling complex business disputes, contractual disagreements, and other legal challenges faced by companies and commercial entities.

• Class Actions and Complex Litigation: Managing large-scale legal actions involving multiple plaintiffs against a common defendant, such as those related to environmental disasters (e.g., BP Oil Spill), defective products, or widespread financial fraud.

• General Civil Litigation: Providing comprehensive legal representation in a wide array of non-criminal disputes, from initial complaint through trial and appeal.

• Insurance Law: Assisting clients with various insurance-related disputes, which can often intersect with personal injury and commercial cases.

• Toxic Tort Litigation: Representing individuals harmed by exposure to hazardous substances.

Mr. Leger's background as an Assistant District Attorney also provides him with a strong foundation in trial advocacy and a deep understanding of the legal system from various perspectives.

Walter "Walt" J. Leger III stands out due to a unique combination of legal expertise, extensive public service, and civic leadership:

• Distinguished Legal Career: With over 20 years in law, including roles as an Assistant District Attorney and an attorney at Leger & Shaw, he has tried countless cases and earned a reputation for integrity and the highest caliber of legal excellence, evidenced by his AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell.

• Extensive Legislative Experience: Served three terms (2008-2020) in the Louisiana House of Representatives, including eight years as Speaker Pro Tempore. He successfully passed over 125 pieces of legislation, demonstrating exceptional problem-solving and consensus-building skills.

• Recognized Legal Professional: Selected as a Super Lawyer in Transportation and Maritime Law, and appeared on the List of Best Lawyers in New Orleans. His legal acumen is recognized by peers and legal directories.

• Leadership in Major Litigation: Has been involved in significant complex cases, including Nationwide Tobacco Litigation, the BP Oil Spill (as Special Counsel to the Plaintiff's Steering Committee), and other major class action suits, recovering substantial compensation for clients.

• Civic and Economic Development Leader: Currently serves as the President and CEO of New Orleans & Company, and holds positions on national boards such as the U.S. Travel Association's Executive Board, PCMA, and the U.S. Department of Commerce Travel & Tourism Advisory Board. He has held leadership roles in numerous other organizations, focusing on economic development, education, and criminal justice reform.

• Commitment to Public Safety and Justice: His background as a prosecutor and his legislative work on criminal justice reform highlight his dedication to making Louisiana a safer and fairer place.

• Adjunct Professor and Lecturer: Regularly lectures at Continuing Legal Education programs for lawyers and judges, and serves as an adjunct professor at Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, showcasing his deep knowledge and commitment to legal education.

Like many personal injury and complex litigation firms, Leger & Shaw, where Walter "Walt" J. Leger III practices, often operates on a contingency fee basis for personal injury, maritime, and class action claims. This means that clients typically do not pay any upfront legal fees. Instead, the firm's fees are contingent upon successfully winning the case or securing a settlement, with their payment being a percentage of the recovered compensation. This arrangement is a significant benefit for accident victims and those pursuing complex claims, as it removes financial barriers to accessing high-quality legal representation.

Leger & Shaw explicitly states they offer "Free Confidential Consultations" for personal injury claims. This allows prospective clients to discuss their case, understand their legal options, and learn about the firm's approach without any financial obligation. This commitment to initial no-cost discussions is a valuable offer for anyone in Louisiana needing to explore legal avenues after an injury or facing complex litigation.

For individuals and businesses in Louisiana seeking the experienced legal counsel of Walter "Walt" J. Leger III and Leger & Shaw, you can reach them directly:

• Address: 935 Gravier St #2155, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA

• Phone: (504) 556-9970

• Mobile Phone: +1 504-556-9970 (This is likely the same primary contact number, ensuring consistent access.)

Reaching out by phone is the most direct way to schedule your free confidential consultation and discuss your specific legal needs.

For residents and businesses across Louisiana, Walter "Walt" J. Leger III, through his work at Leger & Shaw, offers an exceptionally suitable and powerful choice for legal representation. His convenient downtown New Orleans location ensures easy accessibility for clients throughout the region.

What truly sets Mr. Leger apart is his unparalleled blend of legal expertise and extensive public service. His decades of experience as a litigator, particularly in maritime and complex civil cases, are complemented by his profound understanding of state governance, gained during his impactful tenure as a Louisiana State Representative and Speaker Pro Tempore. This dual perspective means he not only understands the intricacies of the law but also how public policy and broader economic factors can influence legal outcomes.

Whether you're an individual seeking justice after a serious personal injury, a business navigating complex commercial disputes, or part of a community affected by large-scale incidents, Mr. Leger's proven track record of advocacy and problem-solving makes him a formidable ally. His leadership in key state and national organizations further demonstrates his commitment to Louisiana's progress. For locals, choosing Walt Leger III means securing a lawyer who is not only a skilled legal professional but also a dedicated public servant deeply invested in the well-being and future of our state.