Term Ends: 2026
Party: R
Walter “Walt” Caldwell is a judge of the 4th Judicial District, Elec. Sec. 2, Division E. He was elected 2020 and was sworn in for a term beginning on January 1, 2020 and expiring on December 31, 2026.
Walt is the son of Barbara Trapp Caldwell and the late, Walter M. “Pete” Caldwell, III. He is a graduate of West Monroe High School, LSU and LSU Law School. He was admitted to the Louisiana State Bar in October 1993 and is presently practicing General, Civil, and Criminal Law in Ouachita Parish, City, State and Federal District Courts. Walt is an experienced and active attorney who has practiced a wide variety of legal disciplines in more than 26 years as an attorney. He is a member of the Western and Eastern District of Louisiana Federal Courts and has served as a contract attorney for the Fourth Judicial District Public Defender’s Office. Walt is also a member of the Federal Public Defender’s Office Criminal Justice Act Panel.
Walt’s strengths are taking a hands-on, team-based approach to problem solving and achieving good outcomes. As a public servant, Walt has substantial leadership experience and working knowledge of the administrative functions of our parish, which includes the court system, by serving on the Ouachita Parish Police Jury for 16 years.
His service includes serving as Police Jury President for three years, Vice President for five years, Chairman of Public Works, Finance Chairman, and Member of Ouachita Counsel on Governments. During his tenure as President of the Police Jury, he steered the body away from its rancorous past and helped transform it into one of the more respected governmental bodies in the area. Under his stewardship, rampant corruption was stamped out and budgets were brought back from insolvency. Ouachita Parish Property taxes are currently lower now than before Caldwell entered the office.
In addition to his public service, Walt’s community service includes being a founding member of the Ouachita Business Alliance that has sought to improve the quality of life, housing, education, job creation and other issues in Ouachita Parish.