Phelps Dunbar LLP Logo
  • Services
  • Insights
  • Professionals
Phelps Dunbar LLP Logo
  • Services
  • Insights
  • Professionals
  • ABOUT US
  • LOCATIONS
  • SUSTAINABILITY
  • CAREERS
  • Practices
  • Industries

    Courtney T. Joiner

    Counsel

    Baton Rouge
    225-346-6818
    courtney.joiner@phelps.com
    Areas Of Focus
    Labor and EmploymentAppellateLitigation

    Driven by a commitment to make a meaningful difference in the lives of his clients, Courtney T. Joiner thrives on tackling complex and high-stakes legal challenges every day. A seasoned trial and appellate advocate, Courtney guides clients to successful outcomes through a strategic command of legal principals shaped by decades of handling matters from inception through trial and appeal.

    Courtney represents private corporations, school boards, municipalities and government entities in labor and employment matters, education law, workers’ compensation, and complex civil litigation. He also leverages his trial and appellate experience when advising clients on the preparation and revision of employee handbooks helping to proactively reduce risk and strengthen defensibility.

    In the labor and employment space, he provides strategic advice to clients on complying with federal employment statutes such as the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) and their state equivalents.

    Earlier in his career, Courtney served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice, where he served as the Chief of the Financial Litigation Unit and also represented the federal government in appellate and civil litigation matters.

    In his free time, Courtney is a photographer, who takes graduation and wedding photos and portraiture. He also coaches his daughter and son in track and football, sports he played as student-athlete in college.

    Experience

    • Defended employer and obtained summary judgement in Title VII race discrimination case, which was upheld on appeal.
    • Achieved early dismissal of a Section 1983 civil rights excessive force action as lead defense counsel.
    • Successfully represented employer as both trial and appellate counsel, securing Fifth Circuit affirmance of a favorable verdict in a COBRA lawsuit.
    • Successfully argued case before the Louisiana Supreme Court, which required the court to clarify the scope of the school immunity law in Louisiana.
    • Won an appellate judgment affirming the dismissal of a trial court lawsuit by a plaintiff alleging age and race discrimination by an employer.  
    • Successfully represented employer as both trial and appellate counsel in wrongful termination lawsuit.

    Recognition

    • President’s Award, Baton Rouge Bar Association (2020)
    • Distinguished Alumni, Southern University Law Center (2024)
    • President’s Award, Baton Rouge Bar Association (2020)
    • Distinguished Alumni, Southern University Law Center (2024)

    Education

    • Southern University Law Center, J.D., 2007
    • University of Louisiana at Monroe, M.A., Criminal Justice, 2004
    • University of Louisiana at Monroe, B.A., Criminal Justice, 2002
    • Southern University Law Center, J.D., 2007
    • University of Louisiana at Monroe, M.A., Criminal Justice, 2004
    • University of Louisiana at Monroe, B.A., Criminal Justice, 2002

    Credentials

    • Illinois
    • Louisiana
    • U.S. Court of Federal Claims
    • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
    • U.S. District Court, Central District of Illinois
    • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
    • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana
    • U.S. District Court, Middle District of Louisiana
    • U.S. District Court, Western District of Louisiana
    • Illinois
    • Louisiana
    • U.S. Court of Federal Claims
    • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
    • U.S. District Court, Central District of Illinois
    • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
    • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana
    • U.S. District Court, Middle District of Louisiana
    • U.S. District Court, Western District of Louisiana

    Memberships and Affiliations

    Professional

    • Louisiana State Bar Association
    • University of Louisiana Monroe – Instructor (2011-2025)  

    Civic

    • Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity - Member
    • Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Hammond Northshore Chapter – Co-Chair
    • University of Louisiana Monroe Athletic Foundation, Board of Trustees – Member

    Professional

    • Louisiana State Bar Association
    • University of Louisiana Monroe – Instructor (2011-2025)  

    Civic

    • Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity - Member
    • Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Hammond Northshore Chapter – Co-Chair
    • University of Louisiana Monroe Athletic Foundation, Board of Trustees – Member
    • Overview
    • Experience
    • Recognition
    • Education
    • Credentials
    • Memberships and Affiliations

    Related Services

    • Labor and Employment
    • Appellate
    • Litigation
    • Employment Litigation
    • Government Relations and Public Policy
    • Insurance
    • Wage and Hour
    • Labor Relations
    • Workplace Compliance and Investigations
    • Education
    Stay connectedReceive our latest thinking on topics you care about.SIGN UP NOW
    • ©2026 Phelps Dunbar LLP. All Rights Reserved
    • Lawyer Advertising
    • Privacy & Disclaimer
    • Contact Us
    © 2026 Phelps Dunbar LLP. All Rights Reserved