Meet the Team: Richard T. Haik, Sr. of Counsel

Richard T. Haik, Sr. of Counsel joined Morrow, Morrow, Ryan, Bassett & Haik as of counsel in 2016. As a court-appointed special master, he is uniquely qualified to serve as a mediator and impartial arbiter in all matters throughout the state of Louisiana. Having served seven years on the state bench and nearly 25 years on the federal bench, Haik’s knowledge of law, his understanding of human nature, and his years of practice make him a very effective neutral. In his mediation/arbitration work, he employs his judicial expertise to help parties achieve settlements in complex cases requiring delicate negotiation or in matters where settlement seems unlikely.

Judge Haik attended the University of Louisiana at Lafayette on a football scholarship, graduating in 1972. He earned his Juris Doctorate in 1975 from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law. From 1971-1976, he served in the Louisiana National Guard, obtaining the rank of Captain and company commander of the New Iberia unit. He then joined the United States Army Reserves, retiring in 1979.

  • University of Louisiana at Lafayette, B.S. in Economics and Finance, 1972
  • Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, J.D. 1975
  • Judge, Louisiana 16th Judicial District Court, 1984-1991
  • Judge, United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, 1991-2016
  • Former Chief Judge, 16th Judicial District Court
  • Former Chief Judge, Western District of Louisiana
  • Louisiana State Bar Association
  • Lafayette Parish Bar Association
  • Louisiana Association of Justice
  • American Association for Justice
  • St. Landry Parish Bar Association
  • Louisiana State District Court Judge in 16th Judicial District for approximately seven years
  • United States District Judge, Western District of Louisiana for over 24 years
  • Former Chief Judge of WDLA from 2002-2009
  • Former Chief Judge of 16th Judicial District Court
  • Inclusion within Louisiana Super Lawyers® 2019
  • U.S. District Courts, Eastern, Western and Middle Districts of Louisiana
  • U.S. District Court of Hawaii