• Nominated for 10 Best Attorneys for Client Satisfaction in Mississippi for 2019 by American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
  • Nominated American Society of Legal Advocates Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers in the State of Mississippi for 2019
  • Nominated National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers in the State of Mississippi
  • Nominated National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorneys in the State of Mississippi for 2018
  • Nominated American Society of Legal Advocates Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers in the State of Mississippi for 2018
  • Nominated for 10 Best DUI Attorneys for Client Satisfaction in Mississippi for 2018 by American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys
  • Nominated for 10 Best Attorneys for Client Satisfaction in Mississippi for 2018 by American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
  • Nominated for 10 Best DUI/DWI Attorneys by American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys for 2017 
  • Nominated for 10 Best Criminal Law Attorneys by American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys for 2017
  • Nominated for 10 Best Attorneys by American Institute of Family Law Attorneys for 2017
  • Nominated for Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers by American Society of Legal Advocates for 2017
  • Nominated for Top 100 Criminal Defense Trial Lawyers by the The National Trial Lawyers for 2017
  • Nominated for 10 Best Criminal Law Attorneys by National Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys for 2017
  • Nominated for membership to Top American Lawyers in 2017
  • Nominated for membership of National Association of Personal Injury Lawyers in2017
  • Nominated for 10 Best DUI Attorneys for Client Satisfaction in Mississippi for 2016 by American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys
  • Awarded Superb "10" Rating by AVVO
  • Nominated for Top 10 Attorney Award by National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys for 2016
  • Top Attorney DUI on AVVO in 2016
  • Top Contributor DUI on AVVO in 2016
  • Nominated for Top 50 DUI Attorneys by National Advocacy for DUI Defense for 2016
  • Nominated for Top 100 Trial Lawyers by The National Trial Lawyers for 2016
  • Nominated for 10 Best Attorneys in Mississippi for Client Satisfaction for 2016 by American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys
  • Nominated for 10 Best Criminal Law Attorney for Mississippi for 2016 by American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
  • Nominatedfor10 Best Family Law Attorneys by American Institute of Family Law Attorneys for 2016
  • Nominated for Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers in America by The National Trial Lawyers
  • Nominated for Top 10 Attorney Award for 2015 in Mississippi by National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys
  • Nominated for 10 Best Client Satisfaction Award in 2014 by American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys
  • Nominated for Top 50 DUI Attorneys for 2014 in Mississippi by the National Advocacy for DUI Defense
  • Nominated for Top 10 Attorney Award for 2014 in Mississippi by National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys
  • Top Contributor DUI on AVVO in 2014
  • Top Contributor Criminal Defense on AVVO in 2014
  • Top Attorney DUI on AVVO in 2014
  • Top Attorney Criminal Defense on AVVO in 2014

Meet The Founder

William Wayne Housley

William Wayne Housley

Founder

Professional Memberships

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).

Professional Bio

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.

Education & Credentials

Education

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).

Bar Admissions

Admitted to the Bar of Mississippi on September 24, 1993

Court Admissions

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.

Legal Services