2025 10 Under 10 Honorees

This year’s luncheon will celebrate the following recipients for their outstanding achievements:

• Nadeen F. Abou-Hossa (J.D. ’20), Attorney, Gonzalez, Chiscano, Angulo, & Kasson PC

  

  Nadeen Abou-Hossa (J.D. ’20) is an appellate attorney and commercial litigator. She received her undergraduate degree in Middle Eastern Studies and Arabic from The University of Texas at Austin and her Juris Doctor degree from St. Mary’s School of Law, where she graduated Cum Laude and received the St. Mary’s Presidential Award.
  
  After graduation, Abou-Hossa worked as a Briefing Attorney and then a Staff Attorney at the Fourth Court of Appeals in San Antonio. In that role, she advised the justices regarding resolution of complex issues in appeals and original proceedings.

  
  Now, Abou-Hossa practices at Gonzalez Chiscano Angulo & Kasson, PC. She focuses her practice on commercial litigation and appellate law. She provides litigation support at all stages of trial court proceedings and representation in civil appeals and mandamus proceedings.

• Annie Bright (J.D. ’20), Attorney, Visiting Assistant Professor of Law, St. Mary’s University School of Law

  

  As a Visiting Assistant Professor, Annie Bright (J.D. ’20) teaches Constitutional Law and Constitutional Criminal Procedure. Bright graduated summa cum laude from St. Mary’s Law, where she served as a board member of the St. Mary’s Law Journal and was honored with multiple Faculty Awards for Academic Excellence. She received the Presidential Law Scholarship, the Chief Justice Catherine M. Stone Rock of Justice Award, and the Presidential Award.

  Following law school, Annie pursued her interest in migration and human rights at The Fletcher School of International Affairs at Tufts University, where she earned a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy. While at Fletcher, she conducted research on the financial journeys of migrants worldwide through the Leir Institute for Migration and Human Security.

  Annie remains committed to legal education and advocacy, both in her teaching and her scholarship which focuses on the intersection of immigration law and constitutional rights.

• John T. Brown (J.D. ’19), Partner, Turner, Allen & Brown, PLLC

  

  John T. Brown (J.D. ’19) considers himself one of the luckiest lawyers in the State of Texas. He has the good fortunate to have been born and raised in Graham, Texas, and to be able to practice law in Graham. After graduating from Graham High School, he earned a B.A. in History from The University of Texas at Austin and earned his Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree from St. Mary’s University School of Law.

  While at St. Mary’s, he was inducted into the Order of the Barristers, was a member of the National Trial Team, served as a research assistant to Professor Bob Summers and earned a certificate in advocacy. He also served as a law clerk to The Honorable Patricia Alvarez of Texas Fourth Court of Appeals.

  He is a partner in the law firm of Turner, Allen & Brown, PLLC in Graham. The firm has been in continuous existence for over 100 years and is one of the oldest law firms in the state of Texas. Brown proudly represents farmers, ranchers, independent oil and gas operators, families, individuals and small businesses across the North Texas area. He recently obtained a confidential settlement of $5 million for two individuals in an estate/fiduciary lawsuit.

• Jenna C. Castleman (J.D. ’15), General Counsel, Alterman

  

  Jenna Castleman (J.D. ’15) is a first-generation lawyer born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. As the daughter of parents who established their own construction company in their early 20’s, Castleman was inspired early on by the value of hard work, resilience, pride and entrepreneurship. These values shaped her journey into law, where she has become a dedicated advocate in her role as General Counsel for Alterman, Inc., an electrical contracting company that was established in San Antonio over 101 years ago.

  Castleman also serves as the San Antonio, District 18, Director for the Texas Young Lawyers Association.

  Her unique upbringing gave her a deep commitment to justice and community development, and she uses her legal expertise to empower others and help foster positive change. Whether it’s in the courtroom or in her community, she is determined to continue breaking barriers, honoring her roots, and paving the way for future generations of legal professionals.

• Natsumi J. Covey (J.D. ’20), Counsel, Valkenaar PLLC

  

  Natsumi J. Covey (J.D. ’20) is a litigator with experience representing trustees, executors, beneficiaries, individuals, governmental entities and business entities in all types of complex litigation matters including trust disputes, beneficiary claims, fraud, contract disputes and breach of fiduciary duty claims.

  She has continued to give back to the legal community by volunteering in various mentorship programs and working as an adjunct professor, primarily coaching the St. Mary’s Moot Court Team to compete in competitions across the nation.

• Eric Michael Garza (M.B.A. ’15, J.D. ’16), Claims Litigation Counsel – Trial Attorney, State Farm

  

  Eric Michael Garza (M.B.A. ’15, J.D. ’16) serves as Claims Litigation Counsel and Trial Attorney for State Farm Insurance Company. His practice includes representation of the company and its insureds in Bexar County and the surrounding area. His experience includes defending individual and commercial clients in disputes filed on the basis of negligence, gross negligence and product defect. Garza’s most recent trial occurred in 2024 and resulted in a finding of no negligence in favor of his client.

  In addition to his practice, within the company, he serves on committees focused on process improvement; diversity, equity and inclusion; and volunteerism. Garza serves as the State Farm Legal Department’s liaison with the National Hispanic Bar Association and was recognized in 2023 with the legal department’s Pro Bono Award.

  Garza has shown his commitment to the law school by serving on the St. Mary’s Law School Alumni Board of Directors and the GOLD Council, volunteering to judge internal competitions and assist with 1L managing attorney presentations, and serving as a mentor in the law school’s Mentor Circles Program.

• John S. Gilmore III (J.D. ’18), Attorney, Goldstein & Orr

  

  John S. Gilmore III (J.D. ’18) started his criminal defense career working as a clerk in his father’s law office at the age of 15. Nearly a decade later in 2016, he began his clerkship with Cynthia E. Orr and Gerald H. Goldstein. Gilmore has worked extensively on complex criminal matters including capital murder, healthcare fraud, bribery, money laundering, sexual assault, drug conspiracies, state and federal criminal appellate matters, writs of habeas corpus and large asset forfeitures.

  His professional legal career began mid-trial in the successful defense against federal allegations of bribery and money laundering. During this trial, and once passing the Texas Bar Exam, Gilmore was sworn into the practice of law by the Hon. David Alan Ezra, the sitting trial judge.

  His practice focuses on state and federal criminal litigation, state and federal grand jury practice, criminal appeals, asset forfeiture matters and post-conviction writs of habeas corpus. Gilmore is trusted by professionals, including fellow lawyers, medical doctors, veterinarians, financial advisors, and other licensed experts to provide guidance when facing criminal allegations.

• Nadine G. Rodriguez (J.D. ’16), Associate, Rodriguez Trial Law

  

  Nadine Rodriguez (J.D. ’16) is an experienced attorney in civil litigation with a focus in personal injury. She has taken a multitude of cases before a Jury and to verdict. Currently, she is a Partner at Rodriguez Trial Law in San Antonio, Texas.

  Outside the practice of law, Rodriguez is dedicated to growing professionally and within her community. She has served as a Board of Director with the Texas Trial Law Association (TTLA) Advocates and with the San Antonio Trial Lawyer Association (SATLA).  Moreover, she has continuously partnered with Communities in Schools of San Antonio and H-E-B in their Stuff the Bus drive raising back-to-school funds for students in need.

  Rodriguez earned her Doctor of Jurisprudence from St. Mary’s University School of Law, where she served on The St. Mary’s Law Journal as a Staff Writer, Comment Editor and published author. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from The University of Texas at Austin.

• Tyler J. Ryska (J.D. ’17), Associate, Rigby│Slack

  

  Tyler J. Ryska (J.D. ’17) is a skilled attorney with experience in environmental and commercial litigation. He currently serves as an Associate at Rigby Slack Lawrence Pepper + Comerford, PLLC in Austin, Texas, where he represents clients in complex commercial and environmental disputes.

  In addition to his legal practice, Ryska is an Adjunct Instructor at St. Mary’s University School of Law, where he teaches environmental law. He is also the Founder and Executive Director of The Clean Initiative Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to facilitating the remediation of contaminated properties through financial assistance.

  Ryska is actively engaged in public service as a Commissioner for the Planning and Zoning Commission for the City of Bee Cave, contributing to the city’s land use planning and development efforts.

• Bethbiriah G. Sanchez (J.D. ’15), Attorney, Sanchez Law

  

  Bethbiriah G. Sanchez (J.D. ’15) has always been deeply committed to community service, viewing volunteering, collaboration and giving back as essential parts of her identity. As the daughter of an immigrant, she witnessed firsthand the challenges of building a new life but also the profound impact of kindness and support from others.

  During her rigorous years at St. Mary’s University School of Law, she prioritized pro bono work, volunteering at legal clinics and community food drives. Her dedication was recognized at graduation when she became the inaugural recipient of the Pro Bono & Public Service Award, honoring her commitment to justice and service.

  Now back in her hometown of Austin as an attorney and business owner, she continues to lead with purpose. Her team at Sanchez Law actively participates in community initiatives, including volunteering at the Central Texas Food Bank and CRN Law’s Pro Bono Estate Planning Clinic.