The melange of inhabitants that originally settled New Orleans is often credited with producing the world-class cuisine that is today the city's trademark.
A similar blend has taken place in the legal profession, where a variety of specialties has flourished in the local diversity For example, the same waterways early settlers traversed to reach the city have been involved in precedents within the maritime law field. New Orleans attorneys are regularly in the forefront of hallmark admiralty decisions.
Louisiana's system of law, rooted in the Napoleonic Code, distinguishes it and its practitioners -- from those in the other 49 states. When established in 1821, it was widely considered a forward-thinking doctrine. Although it has been melded into common law practiced elsewhere, Louisiana's civil law roots still distinguish those who practice and issue judgments based on its statutes.
In that spirit, CityBusiness has embarked upon its inaugural effort to distinguish the top 50 lawyers in New Orleans in its Leadership in Law issue.
The number of nominations made it a particular challenge to settle on the best of the best. Calling upon the resources of our Dolan Media Co. family of publications, editors with Lawyers Weekly pored over the finalists to help produce the 2005 Leadership in Law honorees.
Those selected have also demonstrated leadership in the community They have offered years of pro bono service and attached their status to countless philanthropic and charitable endeavors. They are advocates of the indigent and tireless volunteers for church and school fund-raisers.
Please join us in honoring their career achievements and impact on the world.
John W Houghtaling II
-Kathryn Jezer-Morton
Position: managing partner, Gauthier, Houghtaling, Williams and Sulzer
Family: Single
Education: bachelor of arts, Emory University Atlanta; juris doctorate, Loyola University School of Law
John Houghtaling's resume does not betray his age. He seems to have hit his stride as a personal injury lawyer at 33.
"Most lawyers in my position are in their 50s", he said.
Houghtaling attributes his quick ascent in the legal field to changes in the system imposed under Coy. Mike Foster meant to protect small businesses from frivolous lawsuits. The limitations enacted to prevent people from making fraudulent use of the legal system also limited people who had been injured or disadvantaged from taking legal action.
"When I first started, people said, 'Gosh,John, you really ought to do something else," Houghtaling said."! went ahead and did this because I'm really a big victims' rights person."
As a plaintiff lawyer in personal injury and wrongful death suits, Houghtaling has collected over $35 million for individual clients in the past three years. His major court victories include a settlement for $4.7 million for a drunk driver fatality in 2004 and a settlement for $12 million for a Louisiana business due to contamination of its land in 2003.
Houghtaling's charitable involvement includes the Ferrari French Quarter Classic, which he founded six years ago and from which all profits are donated to the Cancer Crusaders organization.
"The founder of the firm that I work for, Wendell Gauthier, passed three years ago of cancer. I had a grandfather who died of cancer. It's something that, unfortunately, seems to touch everyone ... I like Cancer Crusaders because it's run 100 percent by volunteers, so all of the funds go to local research organizations."
And the cars? "I've loved them since I was a little kid. I guess I just never grew up," Houghtaling said. "I have a collection of Italian sports cars. It's funny. All my cars are '85, '86 models - the ones I dreamt about as a kid."
The French Quarter Classic is held over several days in November and features amateur racing and car shows.
"I think of it more as an art show," he said.