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Distinguished Alumni Award | Louis Yarrut Fishman ’59
Each year, Newman’s Alumni Association proudly presents an award to an alumnus or alumna who not only embodies the spirit of Isidore Newman School, but also serves as a leader in the community and professional field. The Distinguished Alumnus Award is the highest honor the School bestows upon its alumni. A distinguished alumnus must have graduated at least 20 years prior to the current nominating year. With just under four thousand eligible alumni, -there is a remarkable pool of candidates for this prestigious award each year. To be eligible, a nominee must have made significant contributions to a field of endeavor, have exhibited loyalty to the School, and have contributed meaningfully to the greater community.
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With the recent global pandemic, the School took a brief hiatus for the award and are glad to be able to return to this important tradition yet again. Since the inception of the Distinguished Alumni Award in 1991, 31 individuals have been honored. With many strong nominees, the decision is never an easy one. However, this year, the decision was unanimous – a testament to the remarkable achievements and character of our honoree, Louis Yarrut Fishman ’59.
During a special reception on Monday, October 14, 2024, Louis joined a select group of individuals – artists, authors, athletes, judges, doctors, and more – who have been recognized as Distinguished Alumni of Isidore Newman School. Even with his tremendous achievements, Louis remains grounded and humble – trademark qualities for him. His accomplishments in the field of law, as well as his contributions to his alma mater, are truly extraordinary. The award was presented by Alumni Association Board President Ramsey Marcello ’00 and Head of School Dale M. Smith.
A founding partner of Fishman Haygood LLP, Mr. Fishman has left an incredible mark in the legal landscape, particularly in corporate law, securities, and mergers and acquisitions. Louis's expertise has been consistently recognized, earning him accolades and inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America since its inception in 1983. In 2009, he was named as the publication’s first New Orleans Corporate Lawyer of the Year and then as its first New Orleans Mergers & Acquisitions Lawyer of the Year in 2010. Lawdragon named Louis to its “500 Leading Lawyers in America” guide in 2011 and called him, “without question one of the very best corporate transactional attorneys in the South.” Most recently, in 2024 he was inducted into Tulane’s Law School Hall of Fame.
Louis's leadership extends beyond his professional achievements. He shaped Tulane Law prominence and corporate law as a founder of Tulane’s Corporate Law Institute and as an adjunct professor at Tulane Law School. Beyond law his loyalty to Newman is unparalleled, serving on the Board of Governors for almost 15 years, as well as serving on the Board of Trustees and the School Foundation Board.
“A strong representative of this institution and its Jewish foundation, Louis has served Newman in numerous capacities and has generously given his time and talents to make Newman a better place for all. Serving on the Board of Governors, co-chairing many class reunions, and continuing to offer his services to the School, Louis's selfless actions and commitment embody Newman's Core Values of honesty, kindness, respect and responsibility,” Louis’s daughter and Newman Assistant Director of Admission Arden Barnett said.
1903 Jefferson Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70115
Phone: 504.899.5641
Fax: 504.896.8597
Open 7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Monday through Friday
New Orleans, LA 70115
Phone: 504.899.5641
Fax: 504.896.8597
Open 7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Monday through Friday
An independent,
co-educational,
non-denominational day
school in New Orleans for
early childhood through 12th grade
co-educational,
non-denominational day
school in New Orleans for
early childhood through 12th grade
