OUR FIRM

In 1999, Vincent A. Saffiotti and Karen D. Downs established Downs & Saffiotti, LLP. Ms. Downs & 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.

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 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. 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.

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.

Edythe L. Koonce

Edythe L. Koonce is a native of Eunice, Louisiana and attended LSU for her undergraduate degree before achieving her Juris Doctor degree from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University. Edy was admitted to the practice of law in Louisiana in October, 1994.  She worked for the law firms of Forrester, Jordan & Dick, LLC, Taylor Porter, Brooks & Phillips, LLP and the Law Office of R. Gray Sexton, practicing in the areas of family law and workers’ compensation defense,  before joining the firm of Downs & Saffiotti, LLP in the role “of counsel” in 2018.

In addition to practicing law, Edy is a past Chairman of the Young Lawyers Division of the Baton Rouge Bar Association.  She serves on the Board of the Baton Rouge Symphony League and is a Past President of the League. She is the 2019-2020 President of the Catholic High School Mother’s Club.  She has served as both a lawyer, committee member and committee chairman for the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board.