About Waitz & Downer
Fighting for the Gulf Coast Since 1971
Founded in 1971 by the late Joseph L. Waitz, Waitz & Downer provides legal representation to individuals and families across the Gulf Coast region, helping injured people and devastated families who have suffered due to the negligent, reckless, and wrongful acts of others. In addition to our personal injury practice, we also counsel clients on Social Security disability claims, as well as various estate planning matters, such as wills and successions.
For more than five decades, our attorneys have represented clients facing some of life’s most challenging moments—serious injuries, workplace accidents, wrongful death, insurance disputes, end-of-life planning, and more. Through every era, one thing has remained constant: our belief that every client deserves strong advocacy and honest guidance from a team that treats them like family.
Our Team
Your Support System
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Ellen D. Doskey AttorneyEllen Daigle Doskey has over 25 years of experience in the practice of law in Louisiana. Her private practice specializes in wills, successions, trusts, estate planning, and elder law. She also has expertise in researching and writing of briefs, memos, and appeals.
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Hunt Downer Jr. AttorneyWith over 50 years of experience practicing law and over a decade serving in the Louisiana House of Representatives, Hunt Downer is a trial and litigation attorney who specializes in plaintiff work and representing individuals in the oil, gas, and seafood industries.
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Mary Waitz Riviere AttorneyMary Waitz Riviere possesses a 30-year career in a variety of complex serious personal injury cases. She has a special love for maritime and offshore cases, is an outspoken defender and advocate of victims’ rights, and specializes in helping people obtain disability benefits.
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Hon. Joseph Waitz Jr. Attorney - Of CounselA proud native of the Bayou Region and graduate of Nicholls State University, Joseph L. Waitz has served as the District Attorney of Terrebonne Parish since 1997. He is passionate about children’s advocacy and cases involving impaired driving and has established multiple probation programs for select offenders. He is of counsel with Waitz & Downer.
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Joseph L. Waitz III AttorneySince joining the firm in 2014, Joseph Waitz III has represented numerous injured clients, and has achieved millions in judgments or settlements. Joseph believes in stern and aggressive representation of his clients in order to ensure that the maximum amount of money is recovered.
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Gary Williams Jr. AttorneyGary Williams Jr. has practiced law in the state of Louisiana since 2015, boasting six years as an Assistant District Attorney. He has experience with personal injury cases, wills, successions, contracts, and business litigations and currently stands as incoming president of the Terrebonne Parish Bar Association.
Rooted in the Community We Serve
Our firm isn’t just located in Houma; it’s part of who we are. We were raised here, we work here, and we’ve spent our careers helping families and workers across South Louisiana rebuild their lives after hardship. From offshore workers and industrial employees to local business owners, fishermen, and retirees, we represent the people who keep this region strong.
That deep connection to our community shapes the way we practice law. We know the industries, the culture, and the values of this area because they’re our own. When someone comes to us for help, we understand the weight of what they’re going through, and we take that responsibility seriously.
A Team Built on Experience and Trust
Clients come to us during moments of crisis—after an accident, after a loss, or when facing a complicated legal issue. Our Houma personal injury attorneys approach every case with care, professionalism, and a commitment to doing what’s right. Over the years, we’ve built a reputation for thorough preparation, honest communication, and steady, practical guidance.
People choose Waitz & Downer because they want more than a law firm; they want advocates they can trust. When someone walks through our doors, they’re met with a team who listens, who takes their concerns seriously, and who explains every step in language that makes sense.
With Waitz & Downer, you can expect:
- Clear, upfront communication about your legal rights and options
- Personalized attention from attorneys who know your name and story
- A practical, grounded approach to resolving your legal issues
- A steadfast commitment to fighting for the best possible outcome
We believe the attorney-client relationship should feel comfortable, collaborative, and rooted in mutual respect. That philosophy has guided our practice for over 50 years.
Serving the Gulf Coast, Today & Tomorrow
As South Louisiana continues to grow and change, Waitz & Downer remains committed to being a steady source of help, guidance, and advocacy for the people who call this region home. Our family-driven values, deep local roots, and decades of experience allow us to serve our community with the same dedication that has defined our firm for generations.
We’re proud of the work we’ve done, and we’re ready to stand beside those who need us for many years to come.
For a free consultation regarding your case, contact us online or call (985) 331-7832 today.
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“Waitz and Downer has handled legal affairs for my family for years. My daughter was involved in a head on collision with a drunk driver. The insurance company did not want to pay for my daughter to purchase a new car, hers was totaled. Waitz and Downer handled the matter very professionally and things were settled very quickly.”- Lie Ann M.
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“Mary is sharp, professional, and friendly. She strives to meets the needs of her clients, and she truly invest in them and their cases. She is easily assessable, and she is exceptionally honest and trustworthy. She is an excellent attorney, and I highly recommend her!- Dana P.
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“Excellent law firm. Attorney Hunt Downer is a very down to earth guy who likes to keep it simple.”- Joseph G.
