OUR FIRM

In 1999, Vincent A. Saffiotti and Karen D. Downs established Downs & Saffiotti, LLP. Ms. Downs and Mr. Saffiotti previously practiced with the firm of Fishbein & Downs, APLC led by Alan S. Fishbein. Upon Mr. Fishbein's retirement, Ms. Downs and Mr. Saffiotti continued and expanded the firm’s family law practice. Under their leadership, the firm has grown to include Lisa L. Boudreaux and Natalie C. Neale who joined in 2002 and 2014 respectively.

The philosophy of our firm is to be the most knowledgeable, the most prepared, with the most current information in the arena of domestic law. We are experts in family law and are committed to achieving the best results possible for each client. Ms. Downs, Mr. Saffiotti and Ms. Boudreaux are Board Certified Family Law Specialists by the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization.

OUR AREAS OF PRACTICE

  • Family Law
  • Divorce
  • Spousal Support
  • Child Custody
  • Child Support
  • Marital Property Settlements

OUR ATTORNEYS

Karen D. Downs

Karen D. Downs is a native of Shreveport, Louisiana, and attended LSU for her undergraduate degree before studying at LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center. Karen was admitted to the practice of law in Louisiana in October, 1985. She clerked for one year at the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeal in Shreveport then served as an Assistant District Attorney for one year in East Baton Rouge Parish. In 1987, she entered into private practice with Alan Fishbein. Following Mr. Fishbein's retirement in 1999, she and Vincent Saffiotti formed Downs & Saffiotti, LLP. She is now a partner in Downs, Saffiotti & Boudreaux, LLP. Karen is a family law specialist and has been since the inception of family law specialization in Louisiana.

Karen is active in her area of expertise, serving on and chairing committees related to the area of family law. Karen serves on the Law Institute Marriage & Persons Committee, the Grandparents' Visitation Committee of which, she serves as the reporter, the Family Law Section Chairperson for the Louisiana Trial Lawyers Association, the planning committee for the annual LSU Family Law Seminar, and the Louisiana Supreme Court District Court Rules Committee.

Since 1987, Karen has focused on family law including divorce, custody, support, and the division of property. Karen has achieved an AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell.

Vincent A. Saffiotti

Vincent A. Saffiotti is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He attended Catholic High and Louisiana State University where he studied History and Political Science. After obtaining his undergraduate degrees, Vincent attended LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center and received his Juris Doctor degree. He was admitted to the practice of law in 1993.

Upon admission to the bar, Vincent became an associate with Fishbein & Downs, APLC. In 1998, Mr. Vincent became a board certified family law specialist, certified by the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization. He worked for Mr. Fishbein and Karen D. Downs until Mr. Fishbein’s retirement.

In 1999 Vincent and Karen Downs established Downs & Saffiotti, LLP. In 2007 the firm expanded and became Downs, Saffiotti & Boudreaux, LLP where Vincent practices as a partner in the firm.

Vincent is a member of the Baton Rouge Bar Association and the Louisiana State Bar Association. He has served as Chair of the Family Law Section of the Baton Rouge Bar Association and as Chair of the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization.

Vincent is an active member of the Louisiana Law Institute. He serves on the Marriage and Persons Committee, the Child Support Committee, the Disabled Adult Children Committee, and the Surrogacy Committee, as well as several other committees.

Since 1993, Vincent’s focus has been family law including divorce, domestic violence, custody, support, and division of marital property.

Lisa L Boudreaux

Lisa Leslie Boudreaux earned a Bachelor of Science from Louisiana State University in 1992 where she graduated with a double major in Psychology and Political Science. Lisa was an active member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity while at LSU. After graduation, Lisa attended LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center and earned her Juris Doctor degree in 1995. She was admitted to the practice of law in Louisiana in October of 1995. Lisa has devoted her entire practice to family law focusing on divorce, custody, support, and property partitions. In July 2002, Lisa joined Downs & Saffiotti, LLP as an associate and in 2007 became a partner in Downs, Saffiotti & Boudreaux LLP.

In addition to practicing law, Lisa is an active member of the Baton Rouge Bar Association in which she previously held the post of the President of the Family Law Section and served on various committees. She served on the board of Capital Area Legal Services and the Family Law Advisory Commission with the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization.