Events
Gold & Blue Law Edition Magazine
Non-traditional J.D. student to receive law degree at December commencement
November 25, 2024Although her dream of attending law school was delayed, Lyda Creus Molanphy is earning her J.D. to better serve her clients after working for Gov. Ann Richards and with the Great Springs Project.
New St. Mary’s Law professor finds her passion in teaching
September 26, 2024After stints working in Big Law and having her own practice, Melissa Shultz, J.D., St. Mary’s University Assistant Dean for Legal Writing and Professor of Law, found her true calling in the classroom.
Recent J.D. graduate accepts prestigious federal clerkship
September 25, 2024Berenis Ibarra López (J.D. ’24) accepted a 2026-2027 clerkship with the Hon. Irma Carrillo Ramirez, J.D., of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. López is currently a law clerk for the Hon.
Legal vocations: St. Mary’s Law elevates career paths to new heights
September 18, 2024The St. Mary’s University School of Law offers J.D. and LL.M. students highly individualized support so they can find fulfilling vocations.
Legal vocations: Alumnus thrives in international trade compliance
September 18, 2024Robert Dunlap (B.A. ’06, M.A. ’11, J.D. ’11) is a St. Mary’s Law and International Relations alumnus who is thriving in an international trade compliance career.
Legal vocations: Alumna finds perfect fit in Big Law in Fort Worth
September 18, 2024Gracie Garcia, who received her J.D. in 2017, has earned success as a versatile trial attorney with an array of clients at Jackson Walker.
Legal vocations: Former prosecutor fulfills dream as judge
September 18, 2024The Hon. Lori Valenzuela (J.D. ’98) fulfills her childhood dream of becoming a judge after a career as a prosecutor.
Legal vocations: Diverse legal background prepares alum for Landry’s in-house role
September 18, 2024Stephen Hebert enjoys his role as corporate counsel with a nationwide litigation docket for Landry’s Inc. locations.
Law Professor Michael Smith shares unique study of originalism
September 16, 2024An unusually named law review article on originalism by Michael Smith, J.D., a St. Mary’s University School of Law faculty member, has raised some academic eyebrows, drawing interest from law scholars, media members and social media followers across the country.
Canary Island roots fuel alumnus’ passion for San Antonio
September 13, 2024Steve Chiscano (J.D. ’97) may know more about San Antonio’s history and its ties to Spain than anyone else. His love for the city runs deep: he served as president of the San Antonio Bar Association and as chairman of the board of the Historical Centre Foundation, formed to preserve San Fernando Cathedral in downtown San Antonio.
M.Jur. alumna uses platform to advocate for female veterans’ health
September 13, 2024First class competitor by Michelle Mondo Krendra Harralson (M.Jur. ’24) thought she would still be climbing the ranks in the U.S. Army, but an unexpected medical diagnosis sent her on a different path: earning a pageant competition …
School of Law helps build on alumna’s service-minded efforts
September 12, 2024Firm support by Suzi Morales, J.D. Serving others is central to who Anietie Akpan (J.D. ’13) is. You can see it in her work, how she talks about her family and why she chose the St. Mary’s …
St. Mary’s University School of Law faculty in the books
September 12, 2024by Nathaniel Miller Beyond the classroom, St. Mary’s University School of Law faculty conduct research and share their knowledge through various publications both online and in print. Here is a sampling of those books, articles and papers …
Afghan judge and family find new home at St. Mary’s
August 19, 2024Serving as a Visiting Scholar at St. Mary’s University School of Law, the Hon. Samea Hassas and her family have found a new home at the University after fleeing Afghanistan to escape the Taliban and their return to power.
Marianist ideals draw Bangladeshi priest to LL.M. Program
July 01, 2024In his religious quest to assist those most in need of peace and law ministry in his home country of Bangladesh, a missionary priest found himself at the perfect place to continue his education — St. Mary’s University School of Law.
Visiting Scholar from China shares observations on studying law in Texas
June 20, 2024Yun Weixiao, a law professor from China, offers insights from her year as a Visiting Scholar at the St. Mary’s University School of Law.
School of Law graduate from the RGV finds support during J.D. studies
May 20, 2024When it came to picking a major, Hannah Orendain (J.D. ’24) had to decide between following in her father’s footsteps by becoming an attorney, or going to medical school.
Former TV journalist chooses career in law
May 03, 2024Max Massey was a man between two worlds — one foot in broadcasting and the other in law school. It wasn’t long before he had to make a choice, cementing his decision to jump feet first into a career in law.
St. Mary’s Law clinic students help keep our community housed
January 16, 2024Eviction prevention is the focus of the St. Mary’s University School of Law Consumer Protection Clinic and the Real Estate Clinic.
Associate Dean makes humanitarian causes her career mission
January 16, 2024St. Mary’s Law Associate Dean Ramona Lampley inspired much of her legal work on preventing forced labor in international supply chains.
Military veteran turns legal interest into second career
January 12, 2024Using his military mindset and 20 years experience as a combat medic in the United States Army, David Louis would excel in his studies as he made the leap to St. Mary’s School of Law.
Urban litigator brings small-town values to practice
January 12, 2024Julia Mann (J.D. ’94) has held just about every job one could have at a law firm. She is the managing partner of Jackson Walker LLP’s San Antonio office and as a high school student, worked at the law firm of her father’s office in Lake Jackson.
Law alumnus goes from academic struggles to top Dallas attorney
January 12, 2024After his first semester at St. Mary’s Law, C. Gregory Shamoun’s GPA was below what was required to continue. Undeterred, Shamoun not only raised his GPA, but graduated and became a sought-after attorney in Dallas.
Law alumnus founds environmental clean-up nonprofit
January 11, 2024Tyler J. Ryska (J.D. ’17), an Austin-based attorney, founded a new environmental clean-up nonprofit, The Clean Initiative Project.
Alumnus leads international legal transactions in Mexico, philanthropic efforts at home
January 10, 2024Many may see Alex Pérez (J.D. ’96) as an international attorney, a tax law expert or a leader in San Antonio’s philanthropic efforts as the San Antonio Area Foundation’s board chair. But he views himself, fundamentally, as an interpreter.
School of Law graduate aims to become a military attorney
December 16, 2023December School of Law graduate Meagan Folmar (J.D. ’23) plans to join the United States Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps.
Double alumna tackles Master of Jurisprudence program
December 12, 2023Bhakta is pursuing her Master of Jurisprudence with a Concentration in Compliance, Business Law and Risk: her third degree at St. Mary’s.
Lawyer turned Marianist Novice finds his ministry at St. Mary’s Law
November 16, 2023As a young criminal lawyer in his home state of Querétaro, Mexico, Guillermo “Memo” Peña Contreras had no interest in the priesthood. Peña Contreras imagined life as a priest would leave him stuck inside a parish in a sedentary life.
The nation’s first fully online J.D. students reflect on law school and life
August 01, 2023Scattered across Texas and the United States, 25 students have created the tight-knit inaugural cohort in the School of Law’s Online J.D. program, the first of its kind in the nation.
St. Mary’s Law supports students all the way to the bar exam
August 01, 2023Law school can feel like one hurdle after another. St. Mary’s University School of Law saw a need to extend support to students beyond graduation. In true Marianist charism form, this extra helping hand comes in the form of the Raise the Bar program.
Barrera family builds legacy from San Antonio to Supreme Court
August 01, 2023Both Roy Barrera Sr. and Roy Barrera Jr., along with nearly a dozen other family members, have obtained either an undergraduate degree, a law degree or both from St. Mary’s University. That education took Barrera Sr. all the way to role of Texas Secretary of State.
Three generations of women fulfill law dreams at St. Mary’s University
August 01, 2023With three generations having walked the halls of the St. Mary’s University’s School of Law, the Hon. Carter Casteel said she wouldn’t have entrusted their law education to just anywhere.
Puerto Rican alum finds extension of home at St. Mary’s Law
August 01, 2023Puerto Rico, known for its vibrant culture and history, decadent cuisine, and majestic beaches and mountains, is a tourist destination for some. But for Carlos Chévere-Lugo, J.D. (LL.M. ’17, LL.M. ’18), the U.S. territory is home.
Professor Chenglin Liu’s research serves public health
August 01, 2023You can trace Professor of Law Chenglin “Gary” Liu’s interest in public health back to his early days researching organic foods. Now, he dedicates his career to academic research and learning.
Criminal Justice Clinic students provide support for those in need
August 01, 2023As part of the Criminal Justice Clinic, eight students with the School of Law worked with the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office Conviction Integrity Unit.
St. Mary’s University School of Law faculty in the books
July 18, 2023The St. Mary’s University School of Law’s faculty do more than teach — they also share their expertise in specific fields in publications.
Law grad turned injustice into career purpose
June 14, 2023If you’ve been on campus at the St. Mary’s University School of Law in the last three years, you’ve likely heard the name or been in the gravitational pull of Cody Huffman (J.D. ’23).
St. Mary’s Law student helps marginalized communities
May 31, 2023During her Spring 2023 semester, from the St. Mary’s University campus, J.D. student Leslie Espiricueta was helping fight for a Georgia Innocence Project client who has served 25 years in prison.
Leading Ladies: Patricia Roberts nurtures leaders as the School of Law Dean
May 08, 2023When Patricia Roberts, J.D., first came to understand injustices, she was 12 years old. After finding out that some innocent people go to jail, she resolved to become a lawyer and help right some of those wrongs.
School of Law professor elucidates ethics in the legal field
January 31, 2023Legal ethics expert and professor Michael S. Ariens continuously strives to be the type of author he wants to read. He hopes to be that author who writes the book on the niche topic his readers need most.
St. Mary’s Law graduates nine alumni from one family
January 31, 2023The St. Mary’s University School of Law graduates alumni from all over the world, but the Dowd family from St. Louis produces School of Law graduates en masse.
Nationally ranked Advocacy Program prepares court-ready lawyers
January 31, 2023Walking into the St. Mary’s University School of Law’s Raba Building, it’s easy to get distracted by the numerous trophies. But those awards, earned by the School of Law’s Advocacy Program, represent tournament placements and are points of pride for a program that has produced national champions.
Alumna uses her experience to create judicial clerkships
January 31, 2023The Hon. Marina Garcia Marmolejo is using her experience to create judicial clerkship opportunities for School of Law students. She is a Laredo-based federal district judge for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas.
Pipeline program makes law school a reality for high school students
January 31, 2023The Office of Pipeline Initiatives finds ways to demystify law school for high school students to make their law school dreams a reality.
School of Law celebrates faculty, staff who have served decades
January 31, 2023This year marks a milestone for several faculty members, celebrating decades of dedicated service to the St. Mary’s University School of Law.
Clerkships add employment security and prestige to law graduate’s repertoires
December 16, 2022St. Mary’s School of Law graduates secure judicial clerkship opportunities through a new clerkship program.
M.Jur. alumnus combines forensic psychology with law studies
December 06, 2022The question that drives forensic psychologist John Delatorre is why an individual commits a crime. He applies psychology to consult on criminal, civil and family law cases in his work. He’ll soon apply his Master of Jurisprudence education to his work as well.
MBA/J.D. student finds nontraditional path to success
November 30, 2022A single teen mom. A successful business owner. And now a dual-degree student at St. Mary’s University attaining her MBA and J.D. Vanessa Ortega has paved her own path to success and helps others find theirs.
Law student founds nonprofit group for young runners
November 16, 2022For his nonprofit Running Down a Dream, Shawn Barnett led a group of 14 school-aged children and their parents through warm-up stretches. Before starting their run, Barnett, a second-year J.D. student at the St. Mary’s University School of Law, tells everyone to set a reasonable, achievable goal for themselves.
Tamales, cafecito and blessings bring the Rio Grande Valley family spirit to St. Mary’s Law students
September 26, 2022The smell of warm tamales and hot coffee bring to mind the warmth and aroma of home for some St. Mary’s University School of Law students.
Graduating J.D. student finds her “why” at St. Mary’s Law
May 19, 2022Rosa Peterson, scheduled to graduate from the St. Mary’s University School of Law on May 21, has donated her time to various organizations during her studies.
The Defining Moment Comprehensive Campaign funds the future of St. Mary’s Law
March 25, 2022Donors to the St. Mary’s Law campaign endowed transformational scholarships and professorships, funded cutting-edge facilities, enabled first-generation student programming and propelled law success efforts.
Defining Moment: Law alumnus expresses gratitude for Catholic Intellectual Tradition
March 25, 2022The emphasis on the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, according to Martin D. Beirne (J.D. ’69), means that St. Mary’s University focuses on developing the whole person, not just handing students a degree.
Defining Moment: Thanks to donor, program prepares first-generation students for law school
March 25, 2022Prior to starting at the St. Mary’s University School of Law, first-year J.D. student Majestad Barragan did not know who or what to expect in her classes.
Defining Moment: Law alumnus donates to nurture next generation of lawyers
March 25, 2022Steven Michael Peña Sr. (J.D. ’94), a partner at Davidson Troilo Ream & Garza, PC in San Antonio, feels law students who underperform are easily overlooked.
Defining Moment: Alumnus practices what he preaches through gifts
March 25, 2022John R. Courtney Sr. (B.A. ’61, J.D. ’67) encourages any student looking for a great leadership and educational opportunity to join the Army ROTC at St. Mary’s University.
Defining Moment: D.C. attorney promotes advocacy program
March 25, 2022For Erich Ferrari (J.D. ’06), founder and principal attorney of Ferrari & Associates, the St. Mary’s University School of Law was the starting point for developing his practice as a sanctions lawyer.
Defining Moment: Couple donates to support law student success
March 25, 2022Coll Bramblett (J.D. ’80) applied to many law schools, but only the St. Mary’s University School of Law gave him a chance to become a lawyer, so he took it.
Award-winning Texas winemaker remembers his St. Mary’s Law roots
March 21, 2022Ron Yates (J.D. ’05) owns Spicewood Vineyards in the Texas Hill Country. After being in the wine-making business for 15 years, he’s learned to roll with the bunches.
New St. Mary’s Law professor shares love of puffy tacos, bullfighting and classroom fun
March 18, 2022Even after graduating in 2017 as a new lawyer, Emilio Longoria, J.D., quickly realized that he was drawn to legal issues with no easy answer.
St. Mary’s Law launches the one and only fully online J.D. program accredited by the ABA
March 15, 2022This academic year, St. Mary’s Law became the first law school in the nation to have a fully online J.D. program accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA).
Law journal symposium hosts Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and national immigration experts
March 04, 2022If there’s one thing Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Sonia Nazario wanted attendees of the 2022 Immigration Symposium to understand, it’s that immigrant children who come to the U.S. alone face an arduous journey.
Annual symposium emphasizes importance of ethics in the legal profession
February 10, 2022During the 21st Annual Symposium on Legal Malpractice and Ethics held in late January at the Bexar County Courthouse, attendees heard topics ranging from future policies the legal profession could implement to lawyers’ perceptions of themselves.
St. Mary’s Law graduates look to the future
December 17, 2021This week, the St. Mary’s University School of Law celebrated the accomplishments of 50 students. The ceremony honored 22 Master of Jurisprudence (M.Jur.) graduates, 22 Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) graduates and six Master of Laws (LL.M.) graduates.
Students, faculty offer advice for overcoming imposter syndrome
November 23, 2021When first-year J.D. student Julia Awad received her first semester’s grades at the St. Mary’s University School of Law in Fall 2020, she thought they were a fluke.
World Kindness Day is year-round at St. Mary’s
November 13, 2021At St. Mary’s Law, many registered student organizations (RSOs) promote treating others with kindness , including the St. Mary’s 1L Edification Program (SM1LE), an RSO that helps first-year J.D. students adjust to law school life by connecting them with second- and third-year J.D. student mentors.
Five tips for first-year J.D. students
August 20, 2021In your first year of law school, it’s easy to feel like you’re drowning. Everything feels so different from your undergraduate experience. The assigned readings never seem to end. Here are five tips I learned as a J.D. student in the Class of 2023 that may help incoming law students find success from the very start.
J.D. students with military backgrounds click with St. Mary’s values
July 28, 2021Despite having no family or connections in San Antonio, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Rachel Barr found comfort in one of the core values of the St. Mary’s University School of Law — service.
J.D. students juggle law school challenges while raising their families
July 28, 2021Law school isn’t easy, but in addition to all of the usual challenges, some students at the St. Mary’s University School of Law must also balance school life with raising a family.
St. Mary’s Law celebrates five-year anniversary of Master of Jurisprudence Program
July 06, 2021This year marks the five-year anniversary of the St. Mary’s University School of Law Master of Jurisprudence Program.
San Antonio’s City Clerk uses Master of Jurisprudence degree to advance her career
July 01, 2021At age 12, desperate for healthy home life, Tina Flores (M.Jur. ’17) fought to be in foster care. Her mother was battling drug addiction, unable to care for Flores and her siblings. Her father was in prison. They had no food, electricity or hope. Even as a child, Flores knew she had to escape the toxic environment and sought emancipation from her parents to begin her life anew.
St. Mary’s lawyer heads new civil rights division in Bexar County
June 30, 2021One of alumnus Daryl Harris’ favorite quotes comes from Charles Hamilton Houston, an attorney who played a role in dismantling the Jim Crow laws: “A lawyer is either a social engineer or a parasite on society.”
Mentor Circles Program connects J.D. students with the legal community
June 30, 2021Last fall, St. Mary’s University School of Law Dean Patricia Roberts, J.D., led the law school in a new effort to partner with its alumni and the San Antonio Bar Association and connect second- and third-year J.D. students with experienced lawyer mentors.
Legal tech CEO invents new approach to common legal service
June 30, 2021Even before becoming an expert on expunctions as CEO of San Antonio-based Easy Expunctions, Yousef Kassim (J.D. ’13) was familiar with the process of removing information pertaining to an arrest, charge or conviction from a person’s record.
After a lengthy pursuit, St. Mary’s alum earns two master’s degrees
June 24, 2021Roberto Ruiz dreamed of earning his master’s degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology (IO) from St. Mary’s University. He made many attempts to get into the program, but after 13 years, he felt the possibility slipping away.
Law student powers through COVID-19, February winter storm, to finish strong
June 07, 2021Rising second-year J.D. student Michael Tucker, from San Antonio, was halfway through his 47-page brief in the Spring 2021 semester at the St. Mary’s University School of Law when he caught COVID-19 and was out of commission for nearly two weeks.
Recent graduate honed legal writing skills at St. Mary’s Law
May 26, 2021For most of her undergraduate career, Rebecca Fuller (J.D. ’21) thought she wanted to go into the medical field. It wasn’t until one of her professors called her into his office and asked her to consider pursuing at least a minor in writing that she realized she had a talent for it.
Graduating J.D. student works toward expanding rights of sexual violence survivors
April 28, 2021In March 2020, Senate Bill 146 was signed into law in Indiana. The legislation expanded the rights of sexual violence survivors to receive trauma-informed care.
Health care professional overcomes personal obstacles to graduate law degree
February 25, 2021In 2016, Becky Keller’s (M.Jur. ’19) husband was diagnosed with cancer.
A mother of two, Keller was about to begin her graduate studies when this news hit. Though she was unsure how to balance everything occurring in her personal life, she knew what she needed to do next.
Military veteran continues to serve community through pro bono work
January 25, 2021Third-year J.D. student and decorated U.S. Army veteran Tanya Burke zipped through the pro bono hour requirement for graduation in her first semester at the St. Mary’s University School of Law.
New dean to build on spirit of service at St. Mary’s Law
January 12, 2021The mark of a great law school to Patricia Roberts, J.D., is weaving values of service into the educational mission, while training skilled, competent lawyers — both ethical and formed in faith.
Pivoting with excellence: St. Mary’s Law adapts in response to pandemic
January 12, 2021This year, the St. Mary’s University School of Law community joined together as never before to meet the needs of its student body and the San Antonio region.
Pivoting with excellence: Law students and alumni unite to provide remote services to health care workers
January 12, 2021Several St. Mary’s Law students and alumni joined an effort by the San Antonio Legal Services Association (SALSA) to draft wills for health care workers battling COVID-19 on the frontlines in San Antonio this summer.
Pivoting with excellence: Law associate dean hones sense of gratitude through online transition
January 06, 2021This fall, Ramona L. Lampley, J.D., Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor of Law, kept students engaged through a hybrid of synchronous and asynchronous components, coupled with multiple assessments and a flipped classroom model.
Pivoting with excellence: Law assistant dean forges new digital connections
January 06, 2021In some ways, going virtual has made it easier for the Office for Law Student Affairs to meet with students, said Alan K. Haynes, J.D., Assistant Dean for Law Student Affairs. Setting up meetings with students before could be difficult, especially if they lived outside
San Antonio. Even if it’s just a conversation, Haynes will use Zoom instead of the phone to talk to the student.-
Pivoting with excellence: Law externship director helps prep students for virtual practice
January 06, 2021Hustling to move the law school’s Externship Program online by summer, Amanda Rivas (J.D. ’09), Director of Externships, said her main focus was on supporting externship supervisors and externs as they switched to remote working environments, ensuring that students would continue to receive challenging work and feedback.
Pivoting with excellence: Law associate dean brings legal topics into focus through online instruction
January 06, 2021Even before COVID-19 hit, Colin P. Marks, J.D., Associate Dean for Graduate and Summer Programs and Ernest W. Clemens Professor of Law, was certified to teach classes online. So, when he pivoted his approach mid-semester last spring, his students continued to learn through short video lectures with quizzes and a once-a-week Zoom session to discuss learning objectives and questions.
Pivoting with excellence: All-star professor leads the way for national virtual advocacy competitions
January 06, 2021The day that A.J. Bellido de Luna, J.D., Hardy Director of Advocacy and Service Professor, was supposed to cancel the St. Mary’s University School of Law’s Lone Star Classic for the fall, three other advocacy competitions had been canceled.
Law alumna creates paths for the overlooked and underserved
January 05, 2021Law alumna creates paths for the overlooked and underserved. After a 20-year law career, Raquel Tamez (J.D. ’98) set on a new course as CEO of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE).
Big Solve: Housing as a Human Right
July 02, 2020Before the COVID-19 pandemic, on any given day in the Bexar County court system, you could find a long line of unrepresented tenants and homeowners about to lose their homes. The outcome was almost certain. Tenants would be evicted. Homeowners would be foreclosed.
School of Law project aids the wrongfully convicted
June 17, 2020It took 15 years in prison to understand who she was, but Gricelda Moreno knows — she is strong, she has found her faith and she understands what domestic abuse is.
Colorado lawyer fights to bring high-speed internet to rural America
June 17, 2020In some parts of rural Colorado, access to high-speed internet could look like a trip to the local Walmart parking lot or the public library, a barrier which can affect access to justice.
Assistant Dean of Law Admissions experiences a defining moment with new J.D. students every fall
April 22, 2020As the School of Law’s Assistant Dean of Admissions, Cathy Casiano says her favorite time of year is seeing the new faces of each fall’s incoming J.D. class.
Donations help put School of Law vision within grasp
November 19, 2019The St. Mary’s University School of Law challenges each of its students to become knowledgeable and skilled leaders in the law, working to improve their community through justice.
Gifts to the Law Success Program help boost legal education
November 19, 2019The mission of the Law Success Program is to help prepare students for success in school, on the bar exam and in practice. To accomplish this mission, the program takes an innovative, data-driven approach to student growth by using assessments and data gathering to plan legal skills development, bar exam initiatives and individual academic counseling.
Multitalented law alum rises to the top of his field
November 13, 2019Claude Ducloux (J.D. ’76) of Austin is all these things but, most of all, he is the “Dear Abby” for lawyers who need advice on handling sensitive situations. He educates more than 900 attorneys each month through a legal education webcast.
Law professor champions civil rights, education issues
November 13, 2019The public school education finance case, Edgewood ISD v. Kirby, had previously been won at the district court level, but was overturned by the Court of Appeals for the Fifth District of Texas. Now, it was before the Supreme Court of Texas in 1989.
Distinguished alumna has volunteered with St. Mary’s for more than 20 years
June 26, 2019As a board-certified commercial real estate lawyer, Sara E. Dysart (B.A. ’74, J.D. ’81) is as comfortable making deals as she is baking up shellfish at Fiesta Oyster Bake year after year.
Law student who gives back surprised with custom suit in return
June 21, 2019When third-year St. Mary’s University School of Law student Tanisha Taylor walked into the Patel Gaines San Antonio law office for a small reception last week, the last thing she expected was that she’d be fitted for a custom-tailored suit.
