Founder
Typical professional affiliations may include: The Mississippi Bar; local bar associations (e.g., Lee County, Lafayette County); Mississippi Association for Justice; Mississippi Defense Lawyers Association; National or state criminal defense organizations.
Nominated for membership in the Top American Lawyers and the National Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (2017).
William Wayne Housley is a Mississippi trial and appellate attorney and the founder of William Wayne Housley, Attorney at Law, a client-centered practice serving individuals and families throughout North Mississippi. Mr. Housley focuses his work on criminal defense, DUI and traffic matters, personal injury, and family law, bringing a practical, steady approach to cases that often carry significant personal stakes. He is known for thoughtful case analysis, clear communication, and a willingness to try cases when negotiation does not produce a fair outcome.
From the first consultation, Mr. Housley emphasizes preparation. He conducts early factual investigation, challenges unlawfully obtained evidence, and uses motion practice to narrow issues before trial. In criminal and DUI matters, he develops tailored strategies that balance risk, potential collateral consequences, and the client’s long-term goals. In injury cases, he coordinates with medical providers, documents damages, and negotiates assertively with insurers, always keeping clients informed about options and timelines. In family law, he handles divorce, custody, and support with an eye toward durable, child-focused solutions, using negotiation and mediation where appropriate and litigation when necessary.
Mr. Housley has represented clients in county, circuit, chancery, and municipal courts across North Mississippi and is familiar with local procedures and courtroom expectations. Clients appreciate his accessibility—calls are returned promptly, court dates are explained in plain language, and fee structures are transparent. He views his role as both advocate and counselor, ensuring clients understand the process, the law, and the practical implications of every decision.
Beyond casework, Mr. Housley contributes to the legal community through continuing legal education, know-your-rights presentations, and pro bono service. His practice is built on the belief that effective advocacy starts with listening, is guided by preparation, and succeeds through professionalism. Whether navigating a first-time misdemeanor, a serious felony, a contested custody matter, or a complex injury claim, Mr. Housley offers steady guidance and trial-tested advocacy to help clients move forward with confidence.
Representative background for a Mississippi practitioner includes:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.), Mississippi-based, ABA-accredited law school (e.g., Oxford/Jackson area) – year to be confirmed.
- Bachelor’s degree from a four-year accredited institution (major and year to be confirmed).
- Continuing Legal Education: criminal procedure, DUI defense, evidence, trial practice, negotiation/mediation (ongoing).
Admitted to the Bar of Mississippi on September 24, 1993
Mississippi Supreme Court; Mississippi Court of Appeals; all Mississippi state trial courts; U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi; U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi; and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
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