Judge Joel Davis has confirmed that this will be his last term in office and that he will not be seeking re-election later this year when his term expires. He stated he still enjoys being a judge, but that he looks forward to a less demanding and less structured period in his life. In all likelihood, Judge Davis will serve the Court as a substitute judge whenever that need arises.
Judge Davis was an early graduate of Oakdale High School, having graduated in 1978, after his junior year. He attended LSU-A for one year, and he graduated from the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now University of Louisiana at Lafayette) in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science. After working for four years, he attended Tulane University Law School in New Orleans, and graduated in 1990 with his Juris Doctorate degree.
Upon graduation from Tulane, Judge Davis accepted a clerkship with United States District Judge Earl Veron. Thereafter, Judge Davis completed clerkships with United States District Judges John Shaw and Richard Haik.
Following the clerkships, Judge Davis began practicing law with Preis & Kraft, a Lafayette, Louisiana, insurance and admiralty defense firm. Judge Davis later shifted to Keaty & Keaty, a plaintiff-based firm.
Judge Davis returned home to Oakdale to assist his father, T. J. Davis, with Mr. Davis’ law practice, because Mr. Davis was committing most of his time to care for his ailing wife. Judge Davis and his father became law partners in 1994, and the firm, Davis & Davis, continued until Judge Davis’ election to the bench in 1996.
Judge Davis was elected as District Judge of the 33rd Judicial District Court in late 1996, and took office January 1, 1997. He replaced the then-retiring Judge John P. Navarre.
Judge Davis expressed that he enjoyed campaigning for office, especially going door-to-door and meeting people at their homes, where they were most comfortable. He said that he has always remembered their courteous welcomes and their kind acceptance, and that he was especially humbled by his receiving 67% of the vote in the election.
At the time of his election, the 33rd Judicial District Court was a single-judge district. In 2001, the Court was granted a second judgeship for the Court, because of the Court’s caseload.
Judge Davis was also instrumental in beginning the process of the Courthouse restoration and expansion through the initial collaboration with the project’s architect. In that regard, Judge Davis noted the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana, through its compact with the State of Louisiana, contributed greatly to the project and their aid should forever be recognized.
Judge Davis is in his twenty-fourth year as District Judge, making him the longest serving judge in the Court’s history. Judge Davis has enjoyed being a judge, even though the emotional rollercoaster of the court system does take its toll on all persons involved. “Being a judge is a noble calling, and it allows a judge the opportunity to see that justice is done. Justice, however, is not always a pleasant thing. Certainly, there are happy times, fun times, and even comical times, but the large majority of the District Court’s cases involve broken families, emotional upheaval, victimization, and permanent injuries. The Court tries to minimize the effects of the harm, but can never undo that harm. Because of the Court’s inability to “fix” the problems, people leave court unhappy, which is something a judge never wants. I suppose that it is an inevitable by-product of seeing to it that justice is served.”
“I certainly want to thank my staff, both present and past, for their committed, courteous, and tireless dedication to serving our citizens. Without them, the court system would become so very inefficient and unresponsive to the needs of the people. I want to thank all of the sheriffs, district attorneys, and clerks of court, and their respective employees for their untiring dedication to their duties as they relate to the court system. I want to thank my entire family, together with my wife’s family, for their steadfast love, support, and encouragement through the years. Lastly, the greatest measure of gratitude is owed to my wife, Jenny, and our four children, Frances Anne, Stephen, Daniel, and Audrey. Their love, acceptance, and forbearance has allowed me to continue to serve as a dutiful judge. The sacrifices they have made because of my being a judge are greatly appreciated.”
Judge Davis concluded his remarks by saying, “It has been my honor and privilege to serve the citizens of Allen Parish for all these years! I sincerely appreciate their continuous support for the court system and for me. During these years, we have moved our court system forward, in public perception, confidence, and efficiency. I can assure our citizens that Judge David Deshotels is a fantastic judge, and that as the new Chief Judge, he will continue to move the Court forward in its unending pursuit of justice for all!”
“More than anything, I give thanks to our Almighty Father for His gentle leadership, kind comfort, and great assistance throughout my years of service as District Judge!”
