William J. Guste III, Litigation Attorney in New Orleans, Louisiana
Over 53 years of legal practice · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratGuste, Barnett, Schlesinger & Alpaugh, L.L.P.
New Orleans, LA
Practicing litigation in New Orleans since 1973.
- 53+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 5
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you William J. Guste III?
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Quick answer
William J. Guste III is a partner based in New Orleans, LA. The practice focuses on Litigation. William has over 53 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Guste, Barnett, Schlesinger & Alpaugh, L.L.P.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- New Orleans, LA
- Experience
- over 53 years
- Known for
- Litigation
- Handles Litigation matters from New Orleans, LA.
- Over 53 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About William J. Guste III: William J. Guste III is a partner based in New Orleans, LA. The practice focuses on Litigation. William has over 53 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Guste, Barnett, Schlesinger & Alpaugh, L.L.P.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by William J. Guste III
William concentrates on litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case William handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Litigation cases in New Orleans, Louisiana
William takes litigation matters in New Orleans, Louisiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.
Biography
About William J. Guste III — Over 53 years of Louisiana litigation experience
William J. Guste III is a partner based in New Orleans, LA. The practice focuses on Litigation. William has over 53 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Guste, Barnett, Schlesinger & Alpaugh, L.L.P.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Former Judge Ad Hoc, Traffic Court, New Orleans. Board of Trustees, Loyola University, 2000-2006, and Chairman, Legal Affairs Committee, 2005-2006. Governing Board, Unity of Greater New Orleans, 2004—, and Chair, Development Committee, 2006—. Board Chairman, Antoine's Restaurant, LLC, 2005-2007.
William's approach to litigation cases
Former Judge Ad Hoc, Traffic Court, New Orleans. Board of Trustees, Loyola University, 2000-2006, and Chairman, Legal Affairs Committee, 2005-2006. Governing Board, Unity of Greater New Orleans, 2004—, and Chair, Development Committee, 2006—. Board Chairman, Antoine's Restaurant, LLC, 2005-2007.
Clients William works with
William reviews new inquiries case-by-case for litigation matters in New Orleans and the surrounding Louisiana area.
Credentials
William J. Guste III's legal education and bar admissions
Loyola University
J.D. · 1973
Loyola University
B.A. · 1970
Jurisdictions
William's state bar admissions
U.S. Supreme Court
1978 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1976 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1975 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1975 · ACTIVE
Louisiana
1973 · ACTIVE
William studied at J.D. in Loyola University and B.A. in Loyola University.
Law school and academic background
William completed J.D. in Loyola University and B.A. in Loyola University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice William runs in Louisiana is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of William J. Guste III
William has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
William's professional memberships and bar associations
Jefferson, New Orleans and Louisiana State Bar Associations Louisiana Association for Justice St
membership
Thomas More Catholic Lawyers Association Louisiana Lawyers for Life
membership
Louisiana Bar Foundation
bar_fellowship
Locations
William J. Guste III's office in New Orleans
William's primary office is at 639 Loyola Avenue, Suite 2130, New Orleans, LA, 70113. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Guste, Barnett, Schlesinger & Alpaugh, L.L.P.
639 Loyola Avenue, Suite 2130
New Orleans, LA 70113
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of William J. Guste III — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of William. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing litigation attorneys in New Orleans.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once William J. Guste III claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire William J. Guste III — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new litigation attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with William usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
William charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain William's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; William will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a litigation attorney in New Orleans, Louisiana
A short list to run through before you commit: How many litigation matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for William
William discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in litigation practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every litigation matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. William confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
William's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many litigation practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about William J. Guste III
How much does it cost to hire William for a litigation case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. William walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does William offer a free consultation?
William charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain William's office. Some litigation attorneys offer free consults — check William's current terms during booking.
How long do litigation cases in Louisiana typically take?
Simple litigation matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. William gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can William take my case if I'm outside New Orleans?
William is licensed in Louisiana. Matters governed by Louisiana law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — William will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with William?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. William will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is William accepting new litigation clients right now?
William's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Litigation attorneys serving New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Metairie in Louisiana
William handles litigation matters throughout Louisiana. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified litigation attorneys in that community.
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If William's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these litigation attorneys in New Orleans handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





