Bar Fellowship
in the Litigation Counsel of America, a trial lawyer honor society composed of less than one-half of one percent of American lawyers. He also is a member of the Defense Research Institute (DRI) and the Mississippi Defense Lawyers Association.
Walter has the reputation of vigorously defending his clients and has been successful in achieving many dismissals of cases, thus eliminating unnecessary expenditures by his clients. During the past 10 years, Walter has worked exclusively with major case units and catastrophic units of major insurers, handling the defense of only the worst of cases such as burns, quadriplegia, paraplegia, head injuries, multiple injuries and death. Many of those cases have been resolved through dispositive motion without the necessity of any settlement proceeds being paid.
In addition to his aggressive motion practice, Walter has tried many cases over the years, some of which are reported, but many of which are not, as they were not appealed. Such trials include litigation in Charleston, West Virginia; Austin, Texas; Dallas, Texas; and venues throughout the State of Mississippi.
Community and civic involvement are very important in Walter's life. His services have included the following:
University of Southern Mississippi Foundation, Board of Directors
University of Southern Mississippi Business Advisory Council, Board of Directors
Gulfport Police Athletic League, Board of Directors
Ethics Committee member of the Mississippi State Bar Association
And recently, Walter accepted an appointment to the Mississippi State Bar Pilot Project on mentoring young lawyers entering the practice of law.
Walter is married to the former Elaine Carolyn Wiggs of Butler, Alabama; and they have two children, Jessica and Bill, and two granddaughters. Walter and his family are members of Westminster Presbyterian Church, where Walter serves as an Elder on the Session.
Year Joined Firm
1983
Litigation Percentage
100% of Practice Devoted to Litigation
Representative Clients
Zurich North America, Panel Counsel
CNA, Panel Counsel
ACE-INA, Panel Counsel
ESIS, Panel Counsel
References
Business References Available Upon Request
Classes/Seminars
Ethics in Mass Tort Litigation, FDCC, 2008
Honors and Awards
Martindale-Hubbell, "AV" Rating
American Jurisprudence Award
Mid-South Super Lawyers, 2011
Mid-South Super Lawyers, 2007
Professional Associations and Memberships
Mississippi Bar Association
Harrison County Bar Association
American Bar Association
Federal Bar Association
Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel, Chair, Ethics Committee
Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel, Vice Chair, Projects and Objectives Committee
Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel, Chair, State Representatives
Defense Research Institute
Litigation Counsel of America
American Health Lawyers Association
Mississippi Defense Lawyers Association
Police Athletic League of Gulfport, Board of Directors
University of Southern Mississippi Foundation, Former Board of Directors
University of Southern Mississippi, Business Advisory Council
Past Employment Positions
Dukes, Carruba and Dukes, Partner, 1980 - 1985
Daniel, Coker, Horton, Bell and Dukes, Attorney, 1978 - 1980
Pro Bono Activities
Serve as Counsel For Police Athletic League of Gulfport Which Provides Assistance and Support To At-Risk Children and Teenagers, 2008 - Present
Fraternities/Sororities
Pi Kappa Alpha
