Revius Ortique, Jr. 

In 1999, at the age of 74, Revius O. Ortique, Jr. was appointed by President Clinton as an Alternate United States Delegate to the 54th session of the United Nations General Assembly. Ortique, a former Louisiana Supreme Court Justice, delivered five pivotal presentations during that session on behalf of the United States, addressing such critical issues as terrorism and hunger.

Justice Ortique, a respected diplomat and proven negotiator, was an ideal choice to address the General Assembly, on behalf of the United States of America. In fact, this honor marked the fifth time Justice Ortique had received a presidential appointment to serve on a federal Board or Commission. Also in 1999, Justice Ortique’s national reputation for fairness and integrity made him the logical choice to review the legal fees associated with the Louisiana Tobacco Litigation.

Born in 1924, Revius was determined to work through any obstacles he encountered on his path to success. There is little doubt that his early years fostered his steadfast conviction to discover truth and uphold justice. Understanding what it means to have the cards stacked against you made Justice Ortique more determined to excel… he recognized that any failure on his part would simply reinforce the same obstacles for those that might follow in his footsteps. The youth of today are fortunate that Justice Ortique’s refined appreciation for the law and ethics contributed so greatly to the economic, social and political emancipation of the poor and disadvantaged… in Louisiana as well as our nation. As an attorney and later as a judge in the Civil District Court, Ortique engaged in many landmark social action cases including decisions that supported equal pay for equal work… a fundamental freedom.

Justice Ortique epitomizes the concept of excellence through experience – the volume and significance of his contributions and achievements after age 65 surpass what most people are able to realize in a lifetime. Consider that after age 65, Justice Ortique led a trade delegation to Haiti to assist in the writing of a new national constitution… led a judicial assembly for a summit with the Supreme Court of Costa Rica… represented the United States in Japan’s World Opinion Makers Program… and that’s just a small sampling from a seemingly endless list.

For his compassion, his determination and his insatiable work to improve our society, we present Revius O. Ortique, Jr. as your Tenet Choices Champion.