JUDGE GENE THIBODEAUX

Chief Judge Thibodeaux, a distinguished figure in the judiciary and a former Chief Judge of the Third Circuit Court of Appeal, brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the firm. A Tulane Law Hall of Fame inductee, he has built a remarkable career advocating for civil rights, judicial integrity, and community-focused reform.  

With degrees from Dartmouth College and Tulane Law School, where he was an Earl Warren Scholar, Chief Judge Thibodeaux has held numerous prestigious roles, including President of the National Council of Chief Judges. He has earned multiple awards for his commitment to justice, including the Judge A. Leon Higginbotham Award for Judicial Excellence, the Louisiana State Bar Association’s President’s Award, and the Thurgood Marshall Award from the National Bar Association. His significant contributions include co-chairing the Louisiana Supreme Court Task Force on Racial and Ethnic Fairness and chairing the Task Force on Judicial Independence, both of which highlight his commitment to fairness and judicial integrity.  

In addition to his judicial work, Chief Judge Thibodeaux has demonstrated a deep commitment to serving the Lake Charles community. He co-founded the SWLA Center for Health Services, a community health center that serves over 25,000 patients across four parishes, and he was instrumental in establishing three charter schools in Lake Charles. These schools aim to expand educational opportunities for underserved communities, reflecting his dedication to equitable education and community empowerment.