Walt Leger Biography
Walter “Walt” Leger III was born on June 22, 1978, as the first of what would be three children of Walter, Jr. and Cathy.
Walt began his education at Trinity Episcopal School before moving to Holy Name of Jesus, where he was elected Student Council President in the 7th grade. He graduated from Jesuit High School Summa Cum Laude in 1996. While at Jesuit, Walt served in numerous leadership roles, and excelled in numerous extracurricular activities. He was honored as an Outstanding Catholic Youth by the Knights of Columbus, and received the Patriotism Award from the State Council of the Knights of Columbus.
Upon graduation, Walt received a scholarship to Louisiana State University, where he majored in Political Science, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2000. At LSU, Walt was a member and officer in the Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta (Fiji), was inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa (National Leadership Fraternity), served as President of Pi Sigma Alpha, Political Science Honor Society, and served on the College of Arts and Sciences, College Council. His leadership efforts led to his being named “Greek Who’s Who” by the Order of Omega. While in College, Walt served as a summer intern for Senator John Breaux in Washington, DC and learned first hand about the legislative process and addressing the concerns of constituents.
Walt attended Tulane University Law School from August 2000 through May 2003. He received his Juris Doctor in May of 2003 and also graduated with a certificate of specialization in Admiralty and Maritime Law. While in law school, Walt served as the 1st year class president, and Vice President of the Student Bar Association. He was also a member of the Civil Litigation Clinic, representing individuals who could not afford an attorney. He also served as the Business Editor of the Tulane Maritime Law Journal, and was the Editor-in-Chief of the Tulane Environmental Law Newsletter. Walt was also a member of the Dean’s Search Committee. He was selected to Who’s Who Among American Law Students, and was inducted into Kappa Delta Phi, the oldest leadership fraternity at Tulane University.
After law school, Walt went to work as an Assistant District Attorney in Orleans Parish where he worked until April of 2006. The majority of his time in the office was spent prosecuting major felony cases, including the charges of murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, aggravated burglary, burglary, distribution of narcotics, and others. While at the district attorneys office, Walt had over a 90% conviction rate.
Walt currently practices law at the firm of Leger & Shaw where he maintains a broad litigation practice, focusing on the representation of small businesses and individuals. His professional involvement includes serving as the Orleans Parish Representative to the Louisiana State Bar Association Young Lawyers’ Council, a Board member and Founding member of Desire NOLA, a Board Member of the St. Bernard Chapter of the American Red Cross, a Board member of the Young Lawyers’ Section of the New Orleans Bar Association, member of the Young Leadership Council, and member of the American, Louisiana State, New Orleans, and Federal Bar Associations.
Walt currently resides in the Irish Channel with his yellow Labrador puppy, Lily.
