Dr. A.J. dela Houssaye | SEECA
December 12, 2018
Geri Lynn | Geri Lynn Nissan
December 12, 2018
Waitz and Downer was founded in the 1970s by Joseph L. Waitz and Hunt Downer. The firm provides experienced legal representation in the areas of personal injury and offshore accidents, to name a few. Joseph L. Waitz III began clerking for the firm in 2012 before joining as an attorney in 2014. As a third generation lawyer, Joseph aims to continue the legacy of service to his community that his family has set in place. Joseph is currently the President Elect of the Terrebonne Bar Association, taking the role of president in July 2019.
What led you to the decision to become a lawyer?
“It has been the family business for years. My grandfather founded the firm back in the 70’s with Mr. Hunt Downer. I grew up around law with my father, aunts and uncles all being attorneys. I was able to see the positive impact this firm has made on people’s lives and wanted to be a part of it.”
What is the biggest challenge you have faced over the years and how did you meet it?
“My biggest challenge is meeting the expectations I have for myself. I don’t know if I will ever meet those expectations. They are pretty high, but I am always going to keep striving.”
What piece of advice do you share with your employees/coworkers regularly?
“Entering the practice of law a few years back, I was rather nervous as I really didn’t know what I was in for. Mr. Hunt gave me a piece of advice that really hit home and I try to live by each day: “Do the right thing even when no one is looking and you will be just fine.” It may not always be the easiest thing to do, but it certainly gives me the peace of mind at the end of the day. To me that is very important.”
What has been your greatest accomplishment?
“Without question it is be becoming a husband and a father. The good lord has blessed me with the most wonderful wife and baby boy. They are my absolute world! I don’t know what I did to be so lucky, but the good lord blessed me beyond belief.”
Who are your greatest influencers? How do you feel knowing that others list you as theirs?
“I have so many influencers I would be here all day but certainly my father has had the greatest influence on me. A lawyer himself, he became the district attorney in Terrebonne Parish in 1997. As a young boy, I began watching him interact with the public. It’s his passion for helping others that made such a huge impact on me. He has taught me so much! It feels good to know that I have made an impact on others. Being in a profession where I react with the public on a daily basis comes with great responsibility. Knowing that I have impacted others is a great feeling.” •
