Alumni Awards

William E. Wright '67

2015-16 Martin de Tours Recipient

Mr. William E. Wright, Jr. of the Class of  1967 was the recipient of the 2015-2016 Martin de Tours Award.  Mr. Wright is a partner in the New Orleans firm of Deutsch, Kerrigan & Stiles, L.L.P. He has been recognized in "The Best Lawyers in America" List (Commercial Litigation, Professional Liability) and "Louisiana Super Lawyers" List (Business Litigation, Professional Liability) since 2007.  He was identified in the New Orleans CityBusiness "Leadership in Law" List as one of the Top 50 Lawyers in New Orleans in 2011. In addition to these accolades Mr. Wright has been a speaker on numerous national and local programs addressing professional liability and ethical issues.  Mr. Wright is the author of several published articles, including “Attorneys as Defendants,” The Practical Lawyer; “Public Accountant Review Panels in Louisiana: Lessons Learned from the First Ten Years,” Lagniappe Magazine; and “Ethical Considerations in Representing Multiple Parties in Litigation,” Tulane Law Review.  He also authored the Professional Liability Chapter in West’s Treatise on Insurance Coverage Litigation. 

In addition to his outstanding professional accomplishments, Mr. Wright also is a leader in the community. He has been extremely active in the non-profit organization Habitat for Humanity. Bill was a member of the New Orleans Area Board of Habitat for Humanity from 2006 to 2012 and was president of the Board from 2009 to 2011. He remained actively involved in Habitat’s strategic planning process from 2012 to 2014 and returned to the Board in 2014 and is currently serving on the Executive Committee.  Mr. Wright was instrumental in initiating the Musicians’ Village and in completing the Ellis Marsalis Music Center. Musicians’ Village is a special.  In addition to his extensive work with Habitat, Mr. Wright has served on the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, chaired the Annual Leukemia Fundraising Cup Regatta several times and was the top fundraiser twice. He served as Commodore of the Southern Yacht Club and as a member of the SYC Board for 12 years.  Mr. Wright exemplifies the St. Martin’s value of Faith as well.  He has served on the Vestry of Trinity Episcopal Church where he also serves as a lector and usher and has chaired the Stewardship Committee.