Celebrating 200 Years

E. Howard McCaleb (1897-1978)

Associate Justice, Supreme Court of Louisiana, January 1, 1947, to December 31, 1970

Chief Justice, January 1, 1971, to December 22, 1972

Born December 25, 1897, in New Orleans into a family prominent in the legal profession • Attended New Orleans public schools, Ferrell's School for Boys, and Staunton Military Academy in Virginia • Attended Tulane University for one year followed by studies at Washington and Lee in Lexington, Virginia, 1915 to 1917 • Served as a private in World War I, returning to Washington and Lee to graduate in 1919 with an LL.B. degree • Studied Louisiana civil law in father's New Orleans office • Admitted to the bar 1920 • Married Louise Wright 1920 and had two children • Practiced in father's firm 1920 until 1924, when appointed Assistant United States Attorney • Returned to private practice in 1925, and in 1936 was appointed to Court of Appeal for Orleans Parish • Appointed associate justice 1941 to fill unexpired term • Returned to Court of Appeal 1943 • Elected to fourteen-year term as associate justice of the Supreme Court beginning January 1, 1947, and re-elected 1961 • Became chief justice in 1971 upon retirement of Joe B. Hamiter • Served as chief for two years until mandatory retirement age at end of 1972 • As chief dramatically reduced delay in criminal appeals docket • Opinions were regarded highly for scholarship and clarity • Died in New Orleans October 30, 1978•