John Cornyn: “I honor today Judge Ricardo H. Hinojosa for his lifelong commitment to the rule of law, particularly his 40 years of…”

“I honor today Judge Ricardo H. Hinojosa for his lifelong commitment to the rule of law, particularly his 40 years of extraordinary service in our Federal judiciary. Currently, Judge Hinojosa is the longest serving Federal judge remaining in active service. Born in Rio Grande City, TX, to Miguel and Josefina Hinojosa, Judge Hinojosa learned the value of hard work early on, graduating valedictorian from Rio Grande City High School. Judge Hinojosa then went to the University of Texas, where he graduated with honors in 1972. Judge Hinojosa continued his studies at Harvard Law School. After graduating from Harvard Law School in 1975, Judge Hinojosa clerked for a year on the Texas Supreme Court. Judge Hinojosa then entered private practice in McAllen at the law firm Ewers & Toothaker. Rising to the level of partner in 1979, Judge Hinojosa specialized in business litigation and employment law. In 1983, President Reagan nominated Judge Hinojosa to be a U.S. District Court Judge for the Southern District of Texas. On May 5, 1983, he received his formal commission. During Judge Hinojosa's 40 years on the bench, he has served with distinction, fairness, and impartiality. His peers, colleagues, and the Texas legal community have recognized his immense impact by awarding him the University of Texas Distinguished Alumnus Award, the Edward J. Devitt Distinguished Service to Justice Award, and the Border Texan of the Year.…”