Baylor University School of Law Summer 2008

Professor Edwin P. Horner 1916-2008 Volume 116/ SUmmer 2008

Docket Call is published by the Baylor University School of Law for its alumni, faculty, staff, students, supporters and friends.

The Baylor School of Law, established in 1849, was the first law school in Texas and one of the first west of the Mississippi River. Today, the school has more than 6,400 living alumni. It is accredited by the American Bar Association and is a member of the Association of American Law Schools. table of contents

Faculty News Alumni News page 5 d 24 Articles Selected by 44 Paddling His Harold R. Cunningham Acting President, Baylor University Dean’s Message Baylor Law Professor a Own Canoe This issue of Docket Call Top Source for Estate Editor Planning Practitioners 48 Nelson Roach Julie Campbell Carlson pays tribute to Baylor Law icon page 7 Elected 2008 25 Law Professor’s Amicus President- Photographers A Message From Baylor Law Letter Holds Sway in Elect of Texas Robert Rogers, Matthew Minard Alumni Association President Texas Supreme Court Trial Lawyers Edwin P. Horner, Decision Association Design & Production ECCO Design & Communications, L.L.C. Dallas, Texas who passed away Feb. 1 26 Getting to Know Baylor’s 48 Baylor Lawyer Abelardo Valdez Receives page 8 Newest Faculty Baylor Distinguished Alumnus Award Contributing Writers Farewell to Fast Eddie Lea Burleson Buffington, Becky Beck-Chollett 30 Alumni Gather at Baylor Reception During 49 Law Alumna Priscilla Owen Honored for Julie Corley, Cortney Dale, Heather Creed at the age of 92 Annual Meeting of the State Bar of Texas Public Service with Price Daniel Award

BAYLOR LAW SCHOOL FACULTY and who taught thousands page 12 50 Baylor Law Alum Elected President-Elect of the State Bar of Texas Brad Toben, Dean One Memorable Journey Leah W. Jackson, Associate Dean of Baylor Law students Larry T. Bates • Ronald L. Beal page 14 Matthew C. Cordon • W. Jeremy Counseller over a course of seven decades. Thomas M. Featherston • Bridget Fuselier Faculty and Alumni Tributes Laura Hernández • Elizabeth S. Miller Michael D. Morrison • Mark W. Osler d Connie Powell • Gerald R. Powell Brandon D. Quarles • R. Michael Rogers page 17 Rory M. Ryan • Brian J. Serr 33 The Elder Statesmen David G. Swenson • James Underwood Those Were the Days... Patricia A. Wilson • Jim Wren 34 Faculty Scholarship

BAYLOR LAW ALUMNI ASSOCIATION page 18 Rodney Gilstrap, Marshall, President Student News Rick Brophy, Waco, Past President Sustaining Professor Horner’s 51 Working Together for Good JoAl Cannon-Sheridan, Austin, President-Elect Baylor Family 36 And the Winner Is... Leah W. Jackson, Secretary/Treasurer 51 Texas Trial Lawyers 38 Commencements Speakers Advise Association Honors Members of the Executive Committee Students to Become Servant-Leaders Baylor Law Alum/ page 20 Adjunct Professor 2009 39 Graduates Among Top Three Scorers Zollie Steakley Rob Ammons, Houston Sam Cummings Honored on Bar Exam JoAl Cannon-Sheridan, Austin Chris Elliot, Austin as 2007 Baylor Lawyer 40 Baylor Law School 52 Alumni Notes 2010 of the Year Awards Equal Justice Bryan Hughes, Mineola Scholarship To Pat Shackelford, Corpus Christi Rachel Sonstein 55 In Memoriam Mark Wilkins, McAllen

2011 Jerry Clements, Austin Vik Deivanayagam, Waco 41 Traci Kenner, Tyler NEXT STEP SUmmer 2008 Non-profit postage paid at Waco, TX. Please send address changes and correspondence to: 42 Going Hog Wild Docket Call, School of Law, Baylor University, P.O. Box 97288, Waco, TX 76798-7288 43 Phone: 254.710.1911 • Fax: 254.710.2316 the E-mail: [email protected]

©2008 Baylor University School of Law All rights reserved

Docket Call

Dean’s Message

The week in which our friend Ed Horner died was much like any other week.

Ed was at school all day Monday

and Tuesday. His presence at the

school each day, for the better part of the day, was a routine that

he had followed through years

of retirement, though Ed had

continued teaching a small sem-

inar course until a handful of

years ago. His days more recently

were spent reading in his office, visiting around the Law School,

having coffee with other retir-

ees across the University, and most importantly, spending time each day at Wesley Woods, an

Alzheimer’s care facility where

Arden, his wife of 65 years, had

been a resident the last few years. continued on page 6

 Docket Call Summer 2008 Summer 2008 Docket Call  continued from page 5 highest calling of a faculty member. He that Ed would do a “once over,” updating Ed developed his own photo collection keys” arose, part of the worries about enjoyed nothing more than studying and pertinent sections as necessary, making of all 254 courthouses—each photo taken Ed and his driving. Ed protested that the A Message from Only a mild cold kept him at home the discussing the law (especially oil and gas some editorial adjustments and the by him in his travels, including many only places he drove were Wesley Woods, “ latter part of the week. On Friday evening, law and contracts) with all who shared like—nothing too overly involved. How I that tracked additions and renovations. church and home. We would wonder, in Rick Brophy, Ed drove to Wesley Woods. He had dinner his interest and passion for learning. well remember that Ed went way beyond He was attracted by the architecture, quiet humor “so, Ed, there’s no traffic President of with Arden, but was not feeling well when what was likely expected. For several the courthouse as symbol of the strength between here and there?” Ahhh . . . he left for home. Ed’s granddaughter, For many years Ed (along with our months, Ed painstakingly re-read every of a community expressed through the the irrepressible Ed! the Baylor Law Amy, who is Baylor student living with Ed, colleagues Dean McSwain and David case cited in the footnotes of the Oil justice system, and the history of the Alumni found Ed when she came home around Guinn) had been sought out by those & Gas coverage (TexJur employs long community personified in its courthouse. Over the last few years, Ed had several Association midnight. EMTs were summoned, but Ed Law School friends and alumni who string cites for most propositions). Ed Ed enjoyed traveling by car with a law hospitalizations and needed special had passed away earlier in the evening stopped by on an almost daily basis. They would fret when a case was only obliquely alumni directory by his side, stopping assistance with transportation, meals, Law school was enough years ago upon arriving home. simply wanted to share greetings and a or marginally on point. He’d “make it in on Baylor lawyers as he passed doctor visits, shopping and the like. Special that many memories have faded. But moment with him in his office. Whether right” in the sections and in the endless through towns. love and care was given to Ed by our Law some memories will never fade. One We have lost a consummate gentleman encountering alumni in his office at the footnotes regardless of how long it took! School team members Laura Obenoskey of those was the example used by who had a loving heart for all. Apart law center, at a Baylor athletic event (Ed I saw him, day after day, “spread out” (who was a special friend of Ed), Becky Ed Horner to teach mutual mistake in the faculty library and was reminded Beck-Chollett, Meredith Meyer, Jerri in contracts. I can hear Ed saying, each time of what exacting excellence is. Cunningham and Leah Jackson. They like it was yesterday, “was it Barry or have, along with others, given genuine Parry?” One of my classmates even We have lost a consummate had a Barry or Parry T-shirt. Since I There was a time, after we moved into the expression to the meaning of family within work in Waco and teach part-time gentleman who had a loving new law center in the fall of 2001, when the Baylor Law School community. at the Law School, I would see Ed Ed decided to give up his vintage—well, at heart for all. Apart from fairly frequently. He loved the Law least quite old—Royal typewriter and take In his last years, Ed had two fervent Arden and his family, Ed School and was always there, even on a computer. It didn’t last long—in fact, desires. The first was to be able, by his after he retired from teaching. Many regarded his colleagues and only a handful of days. Ed was consistently and Arden’s generosity, to reach a very adjectives come to mind when I think his students as gifts who were frustrated by the peculiarities of the word ambitious funding level for an endowed about Ed Horner—kind, caring, gentle processing program. This gives me pause student scholarship that he and Arden spirit, dedicated, smart, funny, and given to him so he could serve to remember something that made Ed established years ago and that they on and on. Baylor Law School is a them in whatever way they different from most of humanity: he consistently augmented. Ed achieved better place due to the years needed help or guidance. never got visibly frustrated, never spoke this goal, with room to spare, and the Ed Horner devoted to her. an ill word about anyone, and had an scholarship fund will be even much He will be missed. enviable equanimity. When uneasy, or further enlarged through a remarkably from Arden and his family, Ed regarded was an inveterate Baylor athletics fan and when quizzical about anyone or anything, generous charitable remainder trust, as Rick Brophy is a founding partner of Beard his colleagues and his students as gifts served for years as the University Faculty Ed had a signature reaction, one without well as the many memorial gifts made by Kultgen Brophy Bostwick & Dickson, LLP, in who were given to him so he could serve Athletic representative to the Southwest words: a broad smile, perhaps a shake of his host of admirers. Waco. In addition to serving his clients on legal matters, Brophy is extensively involved in the local them in whatever way they needed help Conference and the NCAA), Ed delighted the head, perhaps puzzlement, but never Ed joined the faculty in 1948 and retired community, currently serving as Chairman of the or guidance. Ed would stop by my office our alumni by being able to not only an ill word. in 1986, with only an eight-year hiatus The second goal Ed had was, simply Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce, immediate past nearly every day to ask if there was any remember their names, but also by being in San Antonio so that one of Ed and put, a determination to outlive Arden. president of the Waco Rotary Club, and formerly as task with which he might help. He was able to tell them where they sat in his A few years ago, Ed wrote a letter of Arden’s daughters, Claudia, could be in Ed would often tear up just at the coach to eight-time Midway Little League Softball World Series Champions. He graduated from a presence at any event touching upon classroom, their hometowns and some apology to the editorial board of the Oil a school program for hearing-impaired mention of Arden as he chatted about Baylor Law School, with honors, in 1977. Baylor Law School, whether on campus interesting piece of information about & Gas Reporter, for which he wrote for children. I always maintained that Ed’s his day. How he loved her! Ed was deeply or across the state. their background and experiences—all over four decades, explaining that he felt relationship with Claudia was proof that committed to assuring that Arden found this decades after their graduation. he was letting the journal down because God has a sense of humor—giving a her way home before he did so he could He so loved Baylor Law School, his Our alumni revel in stories of Barry he could no longer in his late 80’s keep hearing impaired daughter, who early on tend to her day by day, as he did for so colleagues and his students. Since 1963, and Parry, “don’t put all your eggs in up with developments as he thought he became adept in lip reading, to a father long. Arden survived Ed, but only by just when the Baylor Lawyer of the Year what, what, what . . . one basket,” “don’t should. As I observed, Ed had forgotten known as Fast Eddie for his rapid fire shy of three months. What a glorious recognition was first conceived, Ed was write it down until you’ve heard it two, more Oil and Gas Law than the best of mumbling. Somehow, Ed and Claudia reunion that surely was! the only non-Baylor lawyer to receive two, three times (if you’ve sat in an Ed o&g lawyers and experts have known. developed their own means of connecting the honor, in 1990. He was, indeed, a Horner class, you’ll understand these What a completely humble, unassuming through Ed’s non-ASL brand of signing. Perhaps all the foregoing can most easily Baylor Lawyer through and through. To references).” man he was! be expressed by saying simply that Ed describe Ed as an icon in the Baylor Law There were many moments, some sad, loved all and all loved Ed. community is an understatement. Back in the 80s, the publisher of TexJur Another aspect of Ed I found so fascinating some happy, some a bit alarming, that engaged Ed to re-edit the legal treatise’s was his courthouse photography. While my colleagues shared with Ed over the Ed was devoted to the art and craft of coverage of Oil & Gas. I can’t help but there are published coffee table books past few years. There were even those Brad Toben teaching, which he regarded as the think that the publisher was anticipating that feature the courthouses of Texas, moments when the question of “the Dean, Baylor Law School

 Docket Call Summer 2008 Summer 2008 Docket Call  Farewell to Fast Eddie EDd Edwin P. Horner, emeritus professor of law and an icon at Baylor

Law School, died Feb. 1 at his home in Waco. He was 92. Serving

as a faculty member at Baylor Law School during five decades,

Horner taught courses at Baylor during seven decades. He served as

a co-editor of the Oil and Gas Reporter, and was an expert in Texas

property and oil and gas law. Although he retired from teaching in

1986, he continued to teach oil and gas law on a part time basis as

an adjunct law professor until 2004. Additionally, he continued to

write for the Oil and Gas Reporter, penning his final article in 2005.

He wrote more than 600 articles for the journal. Horner became

the first—and only—person to be honored as Baylor Lawyer of the

Year who was not a graduate of Baylor Law School. He is survived

by truly the love of his life, his wife Arden, who passed away three

months after Ed, and his children—Suzy, Roberts and Claudia.

The following is a story written by former Docket Call Editor Alan

Hunt. The article, titled “Fast Eddie and the Open Road,” appeared

in the Spring 1994 issue of Docket Call and captured the man who

“was a consummate gentleman who had a loving heart for all.”

Continued on page 10

 Docket Call Summer 2008 Summer 2008 Docket Call  continued from page 9 total is “perhaps about 4,000.” Others Circleback, Needmore, Utopia, and Agnes, served on the editorial board of Oil & Gas father’s bank for the chance to teach at “I say we made a record that may be tied would put the figure much higher. to name but a few, were among those that Reporter, published by the Southwestern Baylor School of Law. He stayed at Baylor but never broken. We didn’t win a single After four decades of teaching, Ed Horner appealed to him. Then there were expedi- Legal Foundation in Richardson. until 1960, when he and his wife, Arden, game that year.” can post some impressive numbers—4,000 Interestingly, not only does Ed Horner tions beyond the borders of Texas. and family moved to San Antonio to students, two horses, 254 county courthous- remember most of the students he had in Horner’s deep-rooted love of Baylor and enable their daughter, Claudia, to attend He adds, “There were 18 on the squad. I es, and thousands of miles on the highways his class, chances are he also remembers “I have been to every state in the union the Law School means he never misses a a school for deaf children. (The Horners, played several positions on the team. I was and backroads of the Lone Star State. just as clearly the highways and byways of and have photographed all but two of the Homecoming parade. He is usually the married 51 years, have three children.) a guard, an end, and I was a quarterback. the Texas towns from which they came. capitals,” he says. “I have been to every first to grab a prime viewing spot on the Horner worked as a trust officer in a The coach couldn’t decide. We all sort Ed Horner is a true “teacher’s teacher.” Invariably, he has visited their hometown Canadian province, except three.” The sidewalk outside the Law School building. bank, but in his spare time he taught at of drew straws to decide where we were He can point to eight of the 19 members as he pursued his unusual hobby of pho- Horner family travels have not been con- As an example of his enthusiasm, a couple St. Mary’s Law School night division, then going to play on the team. We had a lot of of the Baylor Law School teaching faculty tographing the courthouses of the sprawl- fined solely to the North American conti- of years ago he claimed his space on located in downtown San Antonio. fun, although it was no fun for the coach. and proudly claim, “They were all students ing Lone Star State. Horner says it was a nent. There have also been three trips to South Fifth Street just a short time after He was ready for the season to end.” of mine.” fascinating, but time-consuming project. Europe and one to China. And, of course, his release from the hospital following In 1968, Professor Angus McSwain, then In fact, it took him 23 years to complete he has the pictures to prove it. When heart surgery! Baylor Law School dean, offered Horner a Horner says one of his proudest moments In alphabetical order, the eight individu- the list, visiting all 254 counties in Texas to Horner officially “retired” from the faculty teaching job—and “the rest is history,” he during his long career at Baylor was als are Professors Marianne Auld, Melissa snap their courthouses. of the Law School in 1986, his faculty col- The Davis, Okla., native continues to says. Over the years he has taught about the decision by Baylor’s law alumni to Essary, Tom Featherston, Leah Jackson, leagues presented him with a new camera endear himself to countless Baylor law 10 different subjects, but for more than name him Baylor Lawyer of the Year in Beth Miller, Louis Muldrow, Gerald “I started photographing them in 1948, to replace the battered, 30-year-old Agfa he students through his kindness and warm 20 years he has specialized in teaching oil 1990. “It’s an honor normally reserved Powell, and Dean Brad Toben. (Auld and when my wife and I were returning from a had carried on his travels. He says he also personality. “I have never tried to intimi- and gas law and contracts. exclusively for Baylor graduates,” he says. Essary are no longer on the faculty. Auld visit to New Mexico,” he recalls. “I spotted wore out “a car or two” pursuing his hobby. date students,” he says. His approach “They, in effect, ‘adopted’ me as one of may explain the generation-spanning Horner also served as Baylor’s faculty their own in naming me Baylor Lawyer fondness that many law graduates feel for representative on the Southwest Athletic of the Year—and I was very humbled,” he d “Fast Eddie”—a nickname affectionately Conference and the National Collegiate says. “It’s quite an honor, believe me.” bestowed on him because of his speedy Athletic Association (NCAA) for 17 years, After more than four decades of way of talking. “My piano teacher said I retiring in 1986. He served as president Former student Melissa Essary says the played too slow and my debate teacher of the Southwest Conference from 1983- honor of having Ed Horner as a teacher, teaching, 78-year-old Horner has said I talked too fast, so I gave up trying 85. His successor as faculty representative mentor and friend is one that she and her to please them all,” Horner says with is David M. Guinn, who serves as Master faculty colleagues, students and alumni run out of fingers and toes trying a chuckle. Teacher and the Louise L. Morrison will always treasure. “He is simply one of Professor of Constitutional Law. life’s ‘nice people,’” she says. to count the hundreds and Typical of his close rapport with the stu- dents was an incident a few years ago when As a youngster, Horner played on a record- thousands of students he might they brought two live horses into the class- setting football team at Davis High School. room to help Horner illustrate a legal point. The record set, however, was unique.

have taught over the years. For years, he had used a pair of imagi- d nary horses called “Parry” and “Barry” to Ed Horner explain the difference between what is and his wife Arden Horner is a partner at Kelly Hart & Hallman LLP, the Lamb County courthouse at Littlefield, Although technically retired, Horner intended to be said and what is actually and Essary is Dean of the College of Law northwest of Lubbock, and something continues to teach one oil and gas course said (objective vs. subjective). But one at Campbell University.) persuaded me to stop and take a picture. until 1989, and today he still teaches one day in 1981, the students asked Horner After that, it really became something of a course in oil and gas drafting—a course to cover his eyes as he entered the class- “They are all excellent teachers,” he says. challenge. I had a big map of Texas on my he has taught since 1953. “I suppose, tech- room. Once inside, he peeked and found “It kind of makes me feel proud. I don’t office wall and I colored in each county nically, I am an adjunct professor these a real live “Parry” and “Barry” awaiting know if I had anything to do with it or not, after I took the courthouse picture. It was days,” he says. him! “The students had a good laugh but I like to think maybe I did.” a hobby that just grew.” over that,” he says. “It certainly broke the He maintains an office on the third floor monotony of study.” After more than four decades of teaching, When he had completed all the court- of the Law School, where he can usually 78-year-old Horner has run out of fingers house pictures, filling three photo albums be found, early in the morning or late at A graduate of the University of Oklahoma, and toes trying to count the hundreds in the process, Horner continued his night, working at the keyboard of his type- Horner served in the Air Force during and thousands of students he might have Texas travels, taking pictures of some of writer. An acknowledged expert in Oil and World War II and was among the first taught over the years. the more unusual town and city signs. Gas law, Horner is often contacted by for- post-war graduates of Southern Methodist Places with names like Okra, Raisin, mer students and other attorneys seeking University School of Law, graduating cum At a conservative estimate, he says the Oatmeal, Peacock, Twitty, Quail, Veribest, his opinion on a case. Since 1959, he has laude in 1948. Later, he quit a job in his

10 Docket Call Summer 2008 Summer 2008 Docket Call 11 Southwest Conference. McCall had spent Crazy, crazy, crazy, but all that was just ball prospects who had signed with A&M the 1956 SWC champion Aggies did not get several of his earlier years with the FBI. He prelude to 1955 and the conference faculty that they were free to sign with another to play in the Cotton Bowl). had tried to enlist in military service during meetings in Houston. As noted, A&M once school without penalty if they so desired. World War II and had been turned down. again was much in the news. Bryant and (Only a couple of them did so. Quarterback So when the trio of McCall, Horner and Your teeth are too bad, the military told some of his assistant coaches and key sup- Bobby Manning switched to Texas and line- this young scribe started on our return 1 Memorable him. McCall told those people he didn’t porters had been caught cheating—paying man Tom Sestak to Baylor. Sestak didn’t trip late that Saturday (we stopped in Fort think they would be wanting him to bite some top high school prospects to sign let- stick around Baylor long. But he did wind Smith and spent the night), we had plenty anybody. But rejected, he signed on with ters of intent to play for Texas A&M. up becoming an outstanding pro while play- to hash and rehash. And it was on that trip the FBI and spent quite a bit of his time ing for Buffalo in the old AFL.) that I really got to know Ed Horner, who chasing draft dodgers, mainly in California. McCall told us on that trip to Fayetteville officially became Baylor’s athletic faculty that when he arrived at the Rice Hotel for After A&M had been put on probation, and representative in 1969 and served with dis- Some of his stories about those years were the faculty deliberations, a University of the NCAA had followed suit, Bryant and his tinction in that capacity until 1986 before unforgettable, and one of them, as best I Texas representative quickly sought him people turned over a new leaf. Harold Ratliff, giving way to David Guinn. Journey can remember, concerned a time when he out. Bryant and his people have been regional sports editor of the Associated Press, Ed Horner served as Baylor’s faculty representative for athletics was part of a posse chasing a bank robber. caught cheating, caught redhanded, McCall wrote about it. They had become the nice, In my numerous dealings with him during for 17 years and as president of the Southwest Conference from The chase took the posse to the badlands said the UT man told him, “and we’re going caring, thoughtful guys of the SWC, he sug- those years, we hardly ever failed to bring of Utah and wound up with both the pur- to kick them out of the conference.” gested. And all that was part of our conversa- up that memorable trip to Fayetteville, and 1983-1985 and remained a fan of all things relating to Baylor suers and the pursued exchanging gunfire tion as we drove to Fayetteville on that spring I have to believe that experience helped on a Utah mountain while ducking back McCall’s response: “Now before you do day in May in 1956. make Ed Horner the excellent Baylor ath- athletics. Legendary sports writer Dave Campbell first got to know and forth behind big boulders. McCall that, you better think it through. A&M has letic faculty representative he turned out finally made his way up the mountain, try- some strong representation in the Texas The faculty meetings there, and the deci- to be. In that regard I can only echo the Horner in 1956 and remained friends with him for the next 50 plus ing to capture the man, and the bandit Legislature, and if you make their people sions that came out of them, became words of David Guinn, his long-time col- had McCall in his sights at point-blank mad enough, you could wind up seeing major conversation pieces all across Texas. league, who says: “Ed Horner was regarded years. Below, he recounts a memorable journey with Horner and range when another member of the posse the University of Texas have its appropria- A&M joined other league members in with great affection and respect by all former Baylor Law Dean and Baylor President Abner McCall. shot him. In McCall’s telling, to these tions slashed to the bone.” voting unanimously to make Texas Tech who knew him. He loved the Southwest young ears, it was like something straight the eighth member of the SWC, setting Conference and he became one of its lead- out of Hollywood. Fascinating stuff. That was the end of talk about kick- off wild celebrations all over West Texas. ers. He was always on top of his game. And

by DAVE CAMPBELL Anyway, Horner made the trip and sat ing Texas A&M out of the Southwest And the league fathers voted to revoke he was green and gold all the way.” in on the meetings. Maybe Ed Horner had heard McCall tell Conference. The faculty fathers opted A&M’s two-year probation sentence and In more than 60 years of covering sport- about those experiences before, but they instead to put Bryant’s program on proba- recommended that the NCAA do the same He remained green and gold until the day ing events and more specifically the Baylor What I remember about that trip is that were all new to me. tion for two years and they told those foot- (which the NCAA declined to do, and thus of his death. Bears, I believe I have traveled enough Horner drove, McCall talked and I lis- miles to circle the globe, maybe even circle tened. And what I heard would have made So was his reminiscing about the confer- the globe twice or three times. But in all any newspaperman grab a pencil and take ence faculty meeting in May of 1955 at the that traveling, I don’t think I ever made a notes. I didn’t take notes but I was fasci- old Rice Hotel in Houston. Football coach trip more interesting, more memorable, nated by what I heard. Paul (Bear) Bryant and the Texas Aggies than the one I made in mid-May of 1956 were much in the news at that time. Or with two members of the Baylor Law School Understand, as we put mile after mile even before that time. faculty, Abner McCall and Edwin Horner. behind us, Ed Horner did some talking, too. Ed was a first-rate traveling companion. In 1954 the Southwest Conference faculty The trip took us from Waco to Fayetteville, A good driver, too. And being a University meetings had been held in Waco, at the Ark., for the spring meetings of the of Oklahoma alumnus, he was no stranger old Roosevelt Hotel. There had been Southwest Conference. Those meetings to the world of college athletics. much talk before those meetings that included the conference’s annual track and Texas Tech would finally win an invita- field meet, the conference tennis tourna- But this essentially was a McCall trip, and tion to become a conference member, ment and golf tournament, but also—and Ed Horner’s death at his home in Waco on something Tech had been trying to this was especially important in 1956—the Feb. 1 at the age of 92 brought back vivid secure for 20 years. But it didn’t happen. deliberations and decisions of members of memories for me of that trip and the way Why not? We were informed that A&M, the conference’s faculty athletic committee. those two esteemed gentlemen touched my at Bryant’s behest, unexpectedly had own efforts to keep up with the comings, voted against Tech. When news reporters As Faculty representative for athletics, Ed Horner often took In addition to serving as dean of the Law goings and doings of the now-late and sought to question A&M’s faculty rep, C.H. part in press conferences like this School, Abner McCall was Baylor’s athletic lamented old Southwest Conference. Groneman, about the switch, they couldn’t one from 1968. Legendary sports faculty representative in those years and Of course, not all of the conversation find him. Some said he had evaded us by writer Dave Campbell can be seen writing in the background. I presume Horner was his understudy. on that trip concerned athletics and the going down the hotel fire escape.

12 Docket Call Summer 2008 Summer 2008 Docket Call 13 Remembering a Great Teacher and Colleague j increased in velocity with every word: “You sional mentalities that seem to pervade our I believe Professor Horner had a significant I saw him for the last time at the Baylor was due. He told me he hand-carried the got Barry a race horse and Parry a plough profession now. He was one of the sweet- positive impact on a number of Baylor alumni reception during the State Bar of chair from Morrison Constitutional Hall to Ed loved to study, analyze and apply the horse, Barry, Parry, race horse, plough est and most genuine professors I encoun- lawyers with his simple demeanor and car- Texas annual meeting. We had the nicest the new building. That is the true mark law. Ed loved to teach and challenge the horse, race horse , plough horse, Barry, tered during my tenure at Baylor Law ing attitude. As we all remember, the law visit. He certainly impacted my life more of a man to remember a joke and have minds of students. Put them together and Parry, what do you got there Kelly”? I have School. If a student did not like Professor school experience was intimidating, stress- than I ever expected. a decades-long friendship. What a great Ed was the consummate law professor! laughed about Barry and Parry for years, Horner, that student must have had some- ful, and competitive. However, I never got human being. His one “absolute” demand was that stu- but I haven’t forgotten mutual mistake or thing constitutionally wrong with him. the sense Professor Horner bought into all – Susan Palmer, dents, lawyers and judges MUST be precise. Professor Horner. of that. I cannot imagine Professor Horner Senior Vice President, Trust Officer, – J. Grady Randle, president Sloppiness or laziness would not be toler- I attended Baylor Law School from 1975 ever having said a mean word to anyone, Frost Bank Trust Department Randle Law Office LTD., L.L.P ated as to an analysis of the facts and/or Ed Horner was a great teacher. As I reflect through 1978 and was privileged to have much less any student. Professor Horner the law. The “correct” decision could turn on it, I think what made him great is that been a student in Professor Horner’s con- was simply a great guy, dedicated to the j j on one word in the contract, the deed or he was both Barry and Parry. He was a thor- tracts and oil and gas classes. Anyone who law and the subjects of contracts and oil the statute or the presence or absence of oughbred and a work horse. Because he so took Professor Horner’s classes will remember and gas, and determined to provide his Professor Ed Horner was a true gentleman The first time I sat in Ed Horner’s office one fact could make all of the difference. obviously loved what he was doing, we loved his enjoyable “Barry Parry” contract examples students the opportunity to receive his and a gentle man. was in December, 1985, during my Ed insisted upon and helped students learn him, even as we struggled to understand and his incredible ability to place geographi- knowledge on the subjects in a non-threat- interview for a faculty position at Baylor that strict discipline of one’s mind and what he was trying to teach us. cally almost every small Texas town. ening manner. We are all better off having Since I was a member of the Class of ’83, Law School. When I joined the faculty in thought processes was an absolute require- known Ed Horner. I was not part of the group that actually the fall of 1986, Ed was already 70 years ment to be an excellent lawyer. Ed believed There are many reasons why I feel blessed to I was not a particularly outstanding student brought in the live horse during his con- old, and though he was still teaching that most legal problems arose due to mis- have attended Baylor Law School, but being in either of Professor Horner’s courses; – Bill Kirkman, tract lecture on the now famous Barry vs. Oil and Gas, he seemed for all practical understanding or a misuse of words (you taught by Ed Horner is at the top of the list. neither was I a “suck-up,” so there was Bourland & Kirkman, LLP Parry issue. I took the Advanced Oil and purposes to be “retired” as a full- can tell he was “the” contracts teacher!). no real reason for him to remember me Gas class, at that time called Gas Problems time faculty member. I could not have Before he died, he gave me a plaque he – Ed Blizzard, Partner, Blizzard, out of the thousands of students who j (the title always cracked me up). Two other anticipated how much of a fixture he had kept in his office all of these years: McCarthy & Nabers, LLP took his courses over his many years at the friends took the course with me and we would continue to be at the law school “I know you believe you understand what Law School. Nevertheless, when I ran into Professor Horner worked as a trust officer sat in the back of the room thinking that over the next 22 years. But Ed remained an you think I said, but I am not sure you j Professor Horner a few years ago when I at Frost Bank in San Antonio for several Professor Horner was too old, eyesight enthusiastic classroom teacher for many realize that what you heard is not what was back at the Law School, he addressed years in the 1960s before he returned to too poor and hearing too bad to see us years to come, and the loud banging on I meant.” We will miss you Ed!! I had the privilege of teaching with Prof. me by name without having been prompt- teaching at the law school in 1968. I was cutting up. It was not one of my more his museum-quality Royal symbolized for Ed Horner for nearly 40 years. He was ed, remembered where I was from, knew a student of Professor Horner’s at the law mature moments. me Ed’s continuing impact as a scholar in – Ron Beal, Professor of Law without qualification one of the finest men where I was practicing and how I was school in 1979. One day, I mentioned to the area of Oil and Gas law. I especially and most outstanding teachers that I have doing, and even remembered the group him that I was interested in working as On the last day of class, Professor Horner could not have anticipated the influence he j ever had the privilege of being associated of people I ran around with while I was in a trust officer, and he called the head of approached us and said that the three of us would have on me as a new teacher, and with. He deeply loved this law school, was school. To my amazement, he had followed Frost Bank and told him about me. I attri- would never sit together again in any other later as a new husband, and still later as a Thirty two years ago, I was taught devoted to our mission, and cared deeply my legal career over the thirty years since bute Ed Horner to getting me my job at class in the law school. We were shocked; new father. Ed’s recent passing, of course, Contracts by Professor Ed Horner. Many about our law students. He was in every I had graduated, as I am sure he did with Frost, a job I have held for almost 29 years. he laughed. To make amends, we went demands that we take stock of our time of the concepts were arcane (remember sense of the word a scholar, a gentleman, his other former students. I was also very to the local Pier One Imports and bought with him. Doing so reveals vividly what the difference between the subjective and and a devoted Christian. In 42 years, I have taken by Baylor Law School’s respect and Because of my relationship with Professor a small wooden chair typical of one you those who knew Ed well always realized, objective tests for offer and acceptance), been privileged to teach with Frank Wilson, treatment of Professor Horner in his later Horner, I was given several of the trust would find in a pre-school class. We had a that Ed Horner was a one-of-a-kind, top- but Professor Horner’s enthusiasm for the Bill Boswell, Erwin Elias, Peeler Williams, years, affording him an office on the fac- accounts that he handled when he worked brass plaque engraved, claiming this was the of-the-line human being. subject matter and his down to earth sto- Loy Simpkins, Hulen Wendorf, and John ulty floor and allowing him to stay active. at Frost. When we would visit over the “Edwin P. Horner Endowed Chair of Oil and ries made the material come to life. I vividly Wilson, to speak only of the dead. We years, Professor Horner would ask me about Gas,” and presented it to him. We all had a I remember little today about that first con- recall the mutual mistake case involv- should all be so blessed. I was very moved when I received the those accounts. He was amazing in that great chuckle over his “Endowed Chair.” versation I had with Ed during my interview ing “Barry” the race horse, and “Parry” Fall 2006 Docket Call and on its cover he would remember little details about the so long ago. I remember he talked and I lis- the plough horse. The buyer thought he – David Guinn, Professor of Law was a picture of Professor Horner and accounts, even after all those years. He was Many years passed since that class in 1983 tened, perhaps somewhat unusual for me. was buying the race horse and the seller two of my other former law professors, so well-respected by the bank and contin- and when the new law school opened, I Yet, over the next two-plus decades, that’s believed he was selling the plough horse. j Dean McSwain and Matt Dawson, under ued to consult about oil and gas trusts until received a typewritten note from Professor pretty much how it went when I dropped the title “Defining the Baylor Law School recently. We still called him “Fast Eddie” Horner. In it he told me that he had moved in on him in his office. He mostly talked I can still hear Professor Horner posing Professor Ed Horner was a refreshing Experience.” How appropriate. Those three because of how fast he talked. to his new location but didn’t think the and I mostly listened. Ed was a story-teller, a Barry Parry question to my classmate exception to the “Rambo” litigation and gentlemen sure defined my law school and “savage baggage handlers” would give Mike Kelly. The question started slowly but “beat your chest/toot your horn” profes- law practice experiences. his “Endowed Chair” the respect that it continued on page 16

14 Docket Call Summer 2008 Summer 2008 Docket Call 15 continued from page 15 ried to Ed’s brother. Ed’s brother? Passed him. How blessed he was to marry her. away some 20 years earlier. The marriage Ironically, the very day before Ed died, sometimes a long story-teller: stories about between the woman and Ed’s brother? during a conversation with some other teaching; stories about Texas; stories about Ended in divorce another 20 years prior to colleagues about Ed’s health, I remem- contract law or oil and gas law; stories the death of Ed’s brother. I tried to think bered that visit to Ed’s office and that about life back in the day—how much of anyone for whom I would go to those story. I remarked that Ed wasn’t going things used to cost, how much teachers lengths under such circumstances. Indeed, to die as long as Arden was alive and still used to make, how much things and times I tried to think of anyone who would, in needed him. I turned out to be wrong have changed; stories about family—how their 80’s, fly cross-country to an unfamil- about that. I guess the Lord knew that he Ask students of Ed Horner what they remember he met his wife, Arden; how Ed and Arden iar city, and spend several days charitably was the one who couldn’t live without responded to the discovery that one of assisting a person who had for over four her. (Just a few months later, Arden joined most about his contracts class, and most would their daughters was profoundly deaf; how decades not been married to one’s long- him.) But even though I had it wrong reply “Barry and Parry”. Barry and Parry were two his children and grandchildren were doing deceased sibling. But that’s Ed. When Ed about the timing of Ed’s death, I know in their lives; and stories about nearly every was good he was exceptionally good—a that I was right about Ed’s commitment imaginary horses—one a racehorse and one a plough photograph, painting, gift, award, and slip standard of goodness not only unattain- to Arden, and about his strong desire not horse. Prof. Horner used his horse example to illustrate of paper that he had saved as a result of able by most but virtually unimaginable. to leave this life behind before she did. his somewhat “packrat” approach to good Because that’s Ed. A strong finisher. A life the difference between what is intended to be said and memories. Ed had a lot of good memories. On another occasion, after Arden’s failing that had continuing tremendous impact what is actually said (the objective vs. the subjective). And I knew I would hear about one (or sight and increasing frailty necessitated well beyond—22 years beyond—his more) on every visit. her moving to a nursing home, Ed told “retirement.” I was only one of many me again the story of how they met. How grateful beneficiaries of that strong finish. Imagine Prof. Horner’s surprise, when in 1981, At some point I realized that my visits to she was the most beautiful woman he he was led blindfolded into his class. Upon taking Ed’s office were having an effect on the had ever seen. How surprised he was that Good-bye, Ed. way I looked at certain things—not only she agreed to go out with him. How lucky off the blindfold, he found “Barry” and “Parry” on how I viewed Ed, but also on the way he felt when he realized that she liked – Brian Serr, Professor of Law waiting for him, along with a cake decorated with I viewed my future as a teacher, on the kind of teacher I wanted to be, on the a running horse and a rainbow. way I wanted to live my personal life, on the way I looked at growing old, and on the way I someday want to be remem- The photos from that day were framed and hung in bered. Though there are too many stories a prominent place in his office at the Law School. to tell, there are two visits to Ed’s office that stand out in my mind, two stories that I think come as close as I can to summing up his basic goodness. Those Were the Days... On one occasion, Ed told me about an upcoming trip to Los Angeles. Ed must have been about 80, and I couldn’t see him much interested in L.A. even when he was 30. Traveling to Hudson Bay to see polar bears or to China to walk on the Great Wall was more Ed’s style. No, he explained, he wasn’t going as a tour- ist. There was an elderly woman in L.A., a family friend, who needed help with her legal affairs. She didn’t have the means to hire a lawyer and had no close family members around to help her. So Ed flew to L.A., a city that he was not familiar with, rented a car, and spent several days driving around the city getting the wom- an’s business and legal affairs in order. The woman? She had once been mar-

16 Docket Call Summer 2008 Summer 2008 Docket Call 17 “When I met him, I was—well, not By Courtney Dale intimidated—but I wanted to do well,” Director, Development Communications & Strategy recalled Sherena Shawrieh (’00), legal “I think he probably viewed his gift for Sustaining the memory of a loved one isn’t counsel at Valero Energy Corporation in San law and teaching as one passed on to him hard when he leaves a family legacy—and Antonio. “I wanted to make him proud.” SUSTAINING PROFESSOR Ed Horner left several. Of course, there’s by grace. So he was a steward of that gift his immediate family—kids, grandkids and Though Shawrieh, like many of Horner’s and he passed it on to generation after so forth. But then there’s also his Baylor scholarship recipients, never got to experi- generation.” family. After devoting so many years to ence “Fast Eddie” in the classroom, she Shawn Golden, Golden & Barrera LLP Baylor Law School, Horner built countless and others could recognize his footprint in bonds with his students. He was known for cultivating the Baylor family atmosphere. remembering them, for keeping up with “Baylor is small enough that your firms, companies and clients. And following their careers and quizzing them on class “I think his dedication to Baylor Law professors are mentors as well as in Horner’s footsteps, they give back. material years after they graduated. School is a reflection of his desire to instructors,” said Robin Russell (’86), serve,” said Shawn Golden (’03), a a partner with Andrews Kurth LLP in “I think it’s all of our responsibility to But the memory of Ed Horner will always founding partner of Golden & Barrera Houston and recently elected member make sure Baylor law students are best- be particularly special to a certain group: LLP in San Antonio. “I think he probably of the American Law Institute. “Professor prepared when they graduate and that Ed Horner’s endowed scholarship ensures his (and students’) the students who benefit from the Edwin viewed his gift for law and teaching as one Horner felt that Baylor lawyers were the best students are able to go to law P. and Arden Horner Endowed Law passed on to him by grace. So he was a special. If you met another Baylor lawyer, school. Scholarships promote both those place in the Baylor Law School family School Scholarship. steward of that gift and he passed it on to that meant something. They had been objectives,” said Lotte Bostick (’88) assistant generation after generation.” trained with the same principles, and so general counsel at FirstCity Financial you should take care of each other.” Corporation in Waco. “I appreciate the “Was the student—focused environment people who gave so I was able to have a As beneficiaries of the Edwin P. and Arden Horner Endowed Law School at Baylor Law School a result of people With the accomplished Professor Horner scholarship and hope that through the like Professor Horner giving back as a role model, his scholarship recipients years, I will be able to return that gift- Scholarship, a number of Baylor Law School alumni will be forever grateful to the students, or do people like enjoy successful careers. During law and I have started on that.” to the late Ed Horner. Professor Horner give back because they school, having financial aid gave them the realize they’re in a student—focused freedom to be involved with activities such Year by year, more deserving Baylor law environment? The two probably both work as Baylor Law Review and moot court and students will join Ed Horner’s family legacy together,” mused Kendall Gray (’94), a mock trial competitions—and to study, as they receive the Edwin P. and Arden partner at Andrews Kurth LLP in Houston. of course. That well-rounded experience Horner Endowed Law School Scholarship. shaped them into accomplished lawyers. Though Professor Horner no longer For those who did take Professor Horner’s They publish, win accolades from various walks the halls, his memory forever will be courses, earning the scholarship bearing publications and professional organizations sustained at Baylor Law School. his name was particularly meaningful. and make significant contributions to their j Remembering an Icon Despite (and probably because of) his sky-high expectations for his students, Professor Horner was

much-beloved. Perhaps this is best illustrated by the more than 250 households and businesses that have

supported his scholarship fund since its inception in 1980. j

You can help. If you’re interested in supporting the Edwin P. and Arden Horner Endowed

Law School Scholarship, please contact

Julie Corley at 254.710.8799 or [email protected], or Dean Toben.

18 Docket Call Summer 2008 Summer 2008 Docket Call 19 “How do we measure success? Is it with the designations after our names, the list of awards on our resumes, the number of zeros in our bank accounts, or is it something else? I believe my father is a success because he has chosen to live simply and uncluttered, anchored in his faith and surrounded by his family and friends. What a better measure of success than being a steward of the gifts that God has given us in service to fellow mankind, and striving to live out God’s plan for our life, one day at a time. Now that is truly a life worth living and one that he has lived well.”

D r . D av id C u m m ing s Honored as the 2007 c o n t in u e d o n pa g e 2 2 20 Docket Call Spring 2008 Baylor Lawyer of the Year

Sam Cummings

continued from page 21 of his 20th anniversary on the bench. and respect. That is something that I entered private practice with the firm The Lawyer of Former Baylor Regent Bill Brian, who have tried to abide by over the years. of Culton, Morgan, Britain & White in the Year award is That is quite a tribute, but the also was a former law partner of the Amarillo and was made a partner after Honorable Sam Cummings is quite a Judge, read the Baylor Lawyer of Year “I am so thankful for this award. As a only four years of practice. He remained given annually to man. His son, Dr. David Cummings, proclamation to a stunned Cummings result of this honor my batteries have with the firm until his appointment to an outstanding spoke those eloquent words when during a dinner that the Judge regularly been recharged, and I am ready to go the federal judiciary. alumnus who has introducing his father as the recipient holds for his clerks and former clerks. for another 20 years. Judge Wilson, if you of the 2007 Baylor Lawyer of the Year. are hearing me from heaven, folks here As U.S. District Judge, Cummings presides brought honor and Cummings received the award during “I was in a state of shock,” Cummings in this room, because of this recognition, over the Lubbock, Abilene and San Angelo distinction to Baylor a luncheon at the Lubbock Club in said. “When Bill was reading the procla- I rededicate to you my efforts to be a bet- divisions of the Northern District of Texas, Law School and the November in front of current and for- mation, I could visualize Judge Wilson ter person, a better lawyer and a better which is the single largest land area district legal profession and is mer Baylor Regents, Baylor Law faculty, (who served as director of the Practice judge so that sometime down the road, over which a single judge presides. current and former clerks, former law Court program when Cummings was maybe, just maybe, I might merit a small the highest honor the partners, family and friends. in law school). I spoke to Judge Wilson fraction of this recognition.” “Sam Cummings is truly one of West law school bestows. in my mind and said, ‘Judge Wilson, Texas’ best legal and judicial minds Past recipients include “Judge, we are so proud of you,” said can you believe this?’ and Judge Wilson Cummings, who was appointed to ever,” said Doug Welch, a former briefing Baylor Law Dean Brad Toben, when answered, ‘Mr. Cummings I can not.’ the bench in 1987 by then—President attorney for Cummings and now assistant Watergate Special The Honorable Sam Cummings with presenting the award to Cummings. “We Ronald Reagan, received his bachelor’s general counsel at Baylor. “I observed not Prosecutor Leon Baylor Law Dean Brad Toben. hold each of our Baylor Lawyers of the “I have great memories of Baylor Law degree from Texas Tech University only his sharp legal mind and quick grasp Jaworski, former Texas Year up as models that our students can School. It is a special place,” he continued. and graduated cum laude from Baylor of the most complex issues, but the true Committee. He also served as chair- Lt. Gov. Bob Bullock, look to. I can’t think of anything more “At Baylor Law School, the professors are Law School in 1970. While at Baylor, he meaning of judicial temperament. I was man of the Jury Utilization Committee fitting that adding Judge Cummings’ intent on seeing that students become received the American Jurisprudence always impressed by the manner in which for the Court. He has been a member former F.B.I. director name to that list.” achievers, that they must be prepared as Award and the Judge Hunter D. Barrow he treated the criminal defendants and of the faculty at the National Advocacy William Sessions and they go out to perform service for their Memorial Scholarship Award. learned from him that no matter what a Center in Columbia, S.C. In January 2008, former U.S. Rep. Jack Cummings learned he would be the 2007 communities. Another philosophy is that person had done, the right and Christian Cummings became a member of the award recipient during a celebration students must treat everyone with courtesy Following law school, Judge Cummings thing to do was to respect each person’s Fifth Circuit Judicial Council. Hightower, among humanity and dignity.” others. The award An active community volunteer, he has been presented Current Texas Tech University regent and also served as vice president of the by Baylor Law School former Lubbock Mayor Windy Sitton also South Amarillo Kiwanis Club and as a holds Cummings in high esteem. member of the board of trustees for since 1963, but 2007 the Presbyterian Children’s Home and marked the first “I have witnessed Judge Cummings Howard Payne University. An Eagle time the award was presiding over some very contentious Scout, Cummings remains active in litigation. He was remarkable with how the Boy Scouts of America, serving as presented in the he maintained his composure, his profes- a member of the Board of the South hometown of the sionalism and his integrity throughout Plains Council and as committee chair- recipient instead of these very difficult cases. I have never man of Troop 86. Additionally, he and in Waco. known a man with a more admirable set his wife, Sally, have served on the Baylor of values, character above reproach and Development Council, and he is former one with such an impeccable reputa- Judge Sam Cummings, president of the West Texas chapter of “Changing the Sally Cummings, tion,” she wrote in her letter to nominate the Baylor Parents’ League. location allows the Julie Cummings Whitmarsh, Cummings as Lawyer of the Year. Heather Cummings, For many years, Cummings was a deacon Lawyer of the Year to Dr. David Cummings. Cummings is a former member of the at First Baptist Church, Amarillo. He invite friends, family First Row: International Association of Defense currently is a member of First Baptist Caroline Whitmarsh. and colleagues to the Counsel and a member of the American Church of Lubbock. Bar Association. He is a Fellow of the banquet to share the Texas Bar Foundation and former The Cummings have two children— honor and, hopefully, chairman of the District 13 Grievance David of Lubbock and Julie Cummings makes the award more Committee for the State Bar of Texas. Whitmarsh of Austin—and one grand- meaningful for them,” As a U.S. District Judge, Cummings has child, Caroline Elizabeth Whitmarsh. served as a member of the Local Rules Both children also received degrees Said Baylor Law Dean Committee and the Court Operations from Baylor. Brad Toben.

22 Docket Call Summer 2008 Summer 2008 Docket Call 23 Survey Shows Articles Selected by Baylor Law Professor a Top Source for Estate Planning Practitioners

For almost 10 years, Baylor Law Professor estate practice articles,” Featherston said. property, fiduciary administration, and has, over the many years, through his sion. Tom’s work intersects with the needs Tom Featherston has served as the trust and “Our competition is dedicated only to trust other related topics, the subjects that he scholarship and teaching, made a remark- of trusts and estates specialists in a man- estate articles editor for the American Bar and estate articles.” teaches at Baylor Law School. able impact on his practice area. Scholarly ner that brings honor to the Law School Association’s Probate & Property magazine. work that benefits those who practice in and dovetails with our mission in a mean- Since 1999, he has been responsible for Featherston holds the Mills Cox Chair of “I’m so proud of Prof. Featherston and his a discipline is of special significance and ingful way.” ensuring that each magazine issue has four Law. He earned his J.D. with highest honors work as editor of this professional journal,” importance to us because it addresses most quality articles on estate planning—articles from Baylor Law School in 1972 after receiv- said Baylor Law Dean Brad Toben. “He directly our mission in a serving profes- he hopes will be of value to trusts and ing his B.B.A. from Baylor University in 1971. estates practitioners. He obviously has been After graduation, he entered private prac- getting it right. tice in Houston from 1972 through 1982. He Law Professor’s Amicus Letter joined Baylor Law School in 1982 and was In its 2007 Industry Trends Survey, appointed the Mills Cox Chair in 1990. Holds Sway in Texas Supreme Court’s Decision WealthCounsel found that Probate & Property is cited as being second only to State Bar Board Certified in Estate Planning and “This is what makes us “What they (HHSC) was doing was numerous law review articles that have been publications as a leading source of current Probate Law by the Texas Board of Legal as a school so distinctive unlawful,” Beal said. “I pointed this out in cited as authoritative by the Texas judiciary, estate planning topics. Specialization, Featherston was elected and so successful—we are my letter—that the agency had improperly taught training courses for administrative as an Academic Fellow of the American engaged in the world about amended a rule. The court agreed that law judges and lectured in advanced According to WealthCounsel, 500 estate College of Trust and Estate Counsel in us in the truest sense in what the agency had been doing was courses for practicing lawyers. In 1991, planning practitioners from around the 1991 and as a Fellow of the American Bar making a difference in our invalid and they nullified the rule.” he was honored by the State Bar of Texas country participated in the survey, which Foundation in 1993. He is active in both profession and in the lives Administrative and Public Law Council for looked at industry trends attorneys antici- the State Bar of Texas and the American of those served through Beal said in his letter that he “has no writing the Outstanding Administrative pate, demographics of clients, specific areas Bar Association, having served as the chair our work in the profession.” interest, financial or otherwise, in this Law Review Article and in 1994, Baylor of expertise and sources practitioners turn of the Real Estate, Probate and Trust Law – Dean Brad Toben – litigation. I write solely to preserve the University conferred upon him the award to for professional development and con- Section of the State Bar and currently serv- k integrity of the administrative process.” of Outstanding Research Professor. In 1997, tinuing legal education. The survey found ing on the governing council of the Real he completed a treatise, Texas Administrative that 18 percent of respondents used Estate, Probate and Trust Law Section of Baylor Law Professor Ron Beal routinely “This demonstrates the remarkable, Practice and Procedure, that is considered the Probate & Property to stay abreast the American Bar Association. reads decisions handed down by the Texas high-profile impact that Professor “bible” of Texas administrative law. of current estate planning Supreme Court. So when a recent decision Beal has had on the development topics (state bar publications In addition to serving as the Trusts that was inconsistent with administrative of the law in his discipline,” Beal earned a J.D. from William were first with 40 percent). and Estates Articles Editor for law principles caught his eye, he knew he said Baylor Law Dean Brad Mitchell College of Law in The statistics show 17 percent Probate & Property, he has co- had to act. Toben. “This is what makes us 1979 after receiving a B.A. in of respondents use Trusts authored West’s Texas Practice as a school so distinctive and so 1975 from St. Olaf College. & Estates magazine while 13 Guide—Probate and Drafting for Tax Beal, an expert in administrative law, successful—we are engaged in After graduation, he was a percent use Estate Planning and Administration Issues, ABA pub- wrote an amicus letter in the case of El Paso the world about us in the truest civil trial lawyer for three years magazine. lications. Professor Featherston Hospital District, et al. v. Texas Health and sense in making a difference in St. Paul, Minn., at Murnane, authored the first edi- Human Services Commission, et al., a case that in our profession and in Conlin, White, Brandt and “We are particu- tion of Questions dealt with the Texas Health and Human the lives of those Hoffman. Beal then larly proud of and Answers: Wills, Services Commission’s (HHSC) collection served through earned a LL.M. at the recogni- Trusts & Estates, of data used to calculate hospitals’ our work in the Temple University tion because published by Medicaid reimbursement rates. profession.” School of Law only half of LexisNexis, and in Philadelphia, the articles co-authored the According to Texas Lawyer magazine, which Beal has Penn. In 1983, in Probate & second edition. had an article on the opinion in its March developed he joined the Property are He is a frequent 3 issue, the court’s justices agreed with the an expertise faculty at dedicated to author and professor’s assessment of the case—that in Texas Baylor trust and estate lecturer in the the agency cannot amend a rule through administrative Law School. issues. The other areas of trusts, interpretation without going through the law. He has half contains real estates, marital rulemaking requirements. authored

24 Docket Call Summer 2008 | Faculty News Faculty News | Summer 2008 Docket Call 25

Laura A. Hernández graduated from Stanford University with degrees Q Why did you decide to pursue in Economics and Communications, then obtained her J.D. from Southern a career in academics Methodist University. While at SMU, she was the Sarah T. Hughes Law Scholar for the Class of 1996, an Articles Editor for the SMU Law Review, A I decided to pursue an academic a member of the winning team in the 1994 Jackson & Walker SMU Moot career after about five years in practice. Court Competition and a member of Phi Delta Phi, an academic honors It was during this time that I started fraternity. She also served as the President of the Hispanic American to become a mentor to more junior Law Student Association from 1994 to 1995. litigators. I found myself enjoying this part of my job as much, if not more, Following her graduation from law school, Hernández joined the litigation than defending lawsuits or arguing section of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP in Los Angeles, Calif. at hearings. Mentorship turned into In 2000, she returned to her hometown of San Antonio and continued her leading training classes for first year litigators that were broadcast firm- legal career as Counsel with Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, LLP. In 2007, wide (or across the nation) by video. I she joined Bickel & Brewer in Dallas as a Senior Associate. remember thinking to myself, “Nothing can be more fabulous than this!” Her litigation experience includes the representation of a global entertainment company in a profit participation dispute, and numerous Why did you choose Baylor? insurance defense actions involving allegations of breach of contract, Q fiduciary violations and jurisdictional issues. Other representative matters A I was very impressed by the faculty at handled by Hernández include patent infringement, securities class actions, Baylor Law. Not only were they seasoned telecommunications and probate matters. practitioners of law (most came to

Professor Hernández taught Remedies during the Spring Quarter of 2008. continued on page 28

Baylor Law School welcomed two new faces to its faculty earlier this year. Docket Call caught up with Laura Hernández and Connie Powell to learn more about their backgrounds and why they chose to join the Baylor Law family. Laura Hernández 26 Docket Call Summer 2008 | Faculty News Faculty News | Summer 2008 Docket Call 27 continued from page 27 backgrounds. But, recruitment is just Q What have been your Q What has surprised you Q Tell me about your family. radio station. My air name was “The the first step. Then, we must retain the impressions of the school in the most? Refugee.” I played alternative music, academia after years of practice), they these students and help them achieve the time you have been here? which at that time was punk, new wave were collegial and witty! I am not sure A I am happily single with no children. the end goal: graduation and a license I was surprised by the deep, personal and dirge. I really embraced and tried anyone could pass up an opportunity A But my extended family includes a big to practice law. To promote solidarity I believe we at Baylor Law have superior investment by the students in Baylor to embody the attitude of the punk to join this group. A sister and a big brother, as well as six and camaraderie, in what is admittedly a facilities, an engaged faculty and Law. Our students do not see the three rambunctious nieces and nephews. Our movement and to this day, I prefer stressful environment, I have sponsored students who are passionate about their years that they spend here as a way wearing black, Doc Martens and am Have you taken part in any father holds court over all of us from his Q lunches for these students to come education. It is true–the best DO belong to mark time on their way to a legal apt to be humming “(Working for the) special activities since you throne in San Antonio. together, talk and exchange tips on at Baylor. license. They care about the school. Clampdown” by the Clash. Sample lyric: arrived here? surviving law school. I hope to join They care about the faculty who teach Q What is one thing about you “Kick over the wall; cause governments Baylor’s excellent admissions staff, Becky them. And they care whether they get to fall. How can you refuse it?” One of my personal passions is that people would be surprised A Beck-Chollett and Angela Cruseturner, on the best legal education possible. I do recruitment of students who are either to learn? recruitment trips through the Texas Rio not think that our students have any minorities or come from lower economic Grande Valley and El Paso later this year. familiarity with the word “apathy.” A I have to admit that I was a disc jockey at KZSU FM, Stanford University’s college

Connie Powell earned her J.D. cum laude from Indiana University School of Law, Bloomington, in 2000 after receiving her bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1997. Following graduation, she entered private practice with the Chicago law firm of Winston & Strawn, LLP, where she practiced for four years in the firm’s Intellectual Property group, representing Fortune 500 companies and major advertising agencies. Powell served as corporate counsel for Blockbuster, Inc., and most recently as corporate counsel for Global Hyatt Corporation where she managed the company’s global intellectual property portfolio and provided support to the company on all intellectual property matters, including technology, global privacy, advertising and marketing, and e-commerce. She will be teaching in the areas of contracts and intellectual property, including a course in e-commerce.

Q Why did you decide to pursue Q Have you taken part in any Q What has surprised a career in academics? special activities since you you the most? arrived here? i.e. recruiting trips, A I love the law and intellectual property, lunches with students, etc. A I love Waco. I thought I would miss and felt what better way to contribute Chicago, but I truly have coined Waco to the legal profession than preparing A I have participated as a judge in Moot as the best kept secret in the U.S. lawyers entering the legal profession. Court as well as attending the lunches for 1st year students and women in Q Tell me about your family. Q Why did you choose Baylor? the law. I also participate with the Children? Spouse? diversity and the law students. (Powell A Because I love the law and the practice also hosted a backyard barbecue for A I have a four-year old son, Caden of law I wanted a law school that the Law School’s faculty, staff and their Benjamin, who is simply a joy!!! valued the practice of law and prepared families and attended the Baylor alumni its students for practice when entering reception at the State Bar of Texas’ Q What is one thing about you the legal profession. But most of all, I annual meeting). that people would be surprised was overly impressed with the faculty, to learn? staff and students and the Baylor family. Q What have been your impressions of the school in A I was a roller skating car hop for Sonic the time you have been here? during high school and still hold the record for never dropping a tray! A It truly feels like a family. I like the fact that the faculty have a genuine interest in the development of the students as lawyers. Connie Powell 28 Docket Call Summer 2008 | Faculty News Faculty News | Summer 2008 Docket Call 29

Professor Pat Wilson Dean Brad Toben with and Dom Ayotte Baylor Law Alumni Association President JoAl Cannon-Sheridan

New Faculty member Connie Powell Chats with Marita and Don Duesler Dee Estes, State Bar President-Elect Jaclanel McFarland Roland Johnson and Cindy Johnson, and Bart Westmoreland State Bar President Harper Estes

Scott and Karen Ritcheson Alumni Gather at Baylor Reception During Annual Meeting of the State Bar of Texas

Professor David Guinn, David Dickson and John Hatchel

Charlene Sanders and Linda Hatchel, John Hatchel and Lewis McReynolds Professor Connie Powell Jennifer Lindsey

John Meredith and Dean Brad Toben

Associate Dean Leah Jackson and John Meredith, Associate Dean Leah Jackson, Rebecca Vela Dean Brad Toben, Karen Smith and JoAl Cannon-Sheridan

30 Docket Call Summer 2008 | Faculty News Faculty News | Summer 2008 Docket Call 31 Julie Corley and Heather Creed greet Dee Estes and State Bar President Harper Estes

State Rep. Bryan Hughes and Amos Mazzant speak with John Sloan of Longview

Kevin Delaney and Baylor Law faculty and staff held a luncheon to Dean Brad Toben mark two milestones in the lives of the Law School’s elder statesmen—former Dean Angus McSwain and Matt “Mad Dog” Dawson. Dean McSwain was announcing that he was really and truly retiring from teaching after 60 years, and Dawson was celebrating his 92nd birthday. Dean Brad Toben presented Dean McSwain with a Swarovski crystal bear to commemorate the day. Also in attendance were Dean McSwain’s son, Andy, who also is a Baylor lawyer, and daughter-in-law, Chris.

Professor David Guinn with Steve Novotny of Houston Dean Matt Angus “Mad Dog” McSwain Dawson

David Weaver and David Weaver are both Baylor Lawyers but not related to each other

Welcome to the Baylor Law Alumni

Dean Brad Toben and Larry Funderburk Michael Smith and Amos Mazzant Reception

32 Docket Call Summer 2008 | Faculty News

Faculty Scholarship Ron Beal Elizabeth Miller Professor of Law Professor of Law Presentations Publications “Best Practices: Rulemaking” at the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy national convention in Austin on March 3. “Cases Involving Limited Liability Companies and Registered Limited Liability Partnerships,” PUBOGRAM, Vol. XXV, No. 2, p. 19. (The PUBOGRAM is the newsletter of the LLCs, Partnerships and Unincorporated Entities Committee of the Business Law Section of the American Bar Association.)

Presentations Jeremy Counseller Recent Limited Liability Company and Limited Liability Partnership Case Law Developments at the “Partnerships and LLCs— Important Case Law Developments 2008” program at the Spring Meeting of the ABA Business Law Section held in Dallas on April 11. Associate Professor of Law

Publications Owner Liability Protection and Veil Piercing at the State Bar of Texas Choice of Entity course on May 23 in San Antonio. “Rooting for the Restyled Rules (Even Though I Opposed Them)” accepted for publication in The Mississippi Law Journal. Recent Limited Liability Company and Limited Liability Partnership Case Law Developments at the ALI-ABA Limited Liability Entities program held on March 19 in Philadelphia.

Tom Featherston Mills Cox Professor of Law Gerald Powell Publications Director, Practice Court Program / Abner V. McCall Professor of Evidence Law Co-author of Questions & Answers: Wills, Trusts & Estates, second edition, published by LexisNexis, 2008. Co-author is Professor Presentations Michael Hatfield, Texas Tech Law School. Continues as the Trust and Estate articles editor of Probate & Property. “Supreme Court’s No Evidence Standard for the 21st Century — Something New or Something Old,” Page Keeton Civil Litigation Conference, University of Texas School of Law, Austin, October 26, 2007. Presentations Panel participant on the topic “Ethical Issues in Representing a Fiduciary” at the 2008 ABA’s Real Property Trust & Estate Law Section’s Spring Symposium in Washington, DC, on May 2. Rory Ryan Paper “Texas Family Property: Integrating Trusts and Estates and Marital Property Laws” to the State Bar of Texas’ Advanced Estate Planning and Probate Course on June 13 in Dallas. Associate Professor of Law Publications Professional Work “The Restyling of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure: A Solution in Search of a Problem,” co-authored with Baylor law associate Selected by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization to serve a three-year term on the Estate Planning and Probate Law professor Jeremy Counseller, in Slip Opinions, an online supplement to Washington University Law Review. Advisory Commission. “It’s Just Not Worth Searching for Welcome Mats with a Kaleidoscope and a Broken Compass” (publication forthcoming in volume Continues to co-chair the Real Estate, Probate and Trust Law Section’s efforts in the re-codification of the Texas Probate Code, 75 of the Tennessee Law Review) including co-presiding over a committee meeting of Texas lawyers in New Orleans on April 25.

Continues in the governing council of the ABA’s RETEL section and attended its spring leadership meeting on May 3. Brad Toben Dean and the M.C. Mattie Caston Professor of Law Presentations Bridget Fuselier With James Underwood, associate professor of law, on Judges’ Perceptions of Jury Verdicts to the T. John Ward American Inn Assistant Professor of Law of Court in East Texas on April 16. Professional Work Participated in the National Bar Examiner’s Real Property Drafting Committee at its meeting in Santa Fe, NM. She helped edit and draft questions in the area of real property for upcoming bar exams. James Underwood Associate Professor of Law Publications David Guinn Fundamental Pretrial Advocacy: A Strategic Guide to Effective Litigation, co-authored with Charles H. Rose III, published by West Group 2007 Lyndon L. Olson and William A. Olson Chair of Local Government and Constitutional Law Honors Presentation Elected to membership to the Fellows of the Texas Bar Foundation. Fellows are selected for their outstanding professional “What’s Happened to Vicarious and Joint and Several Liability: Chapter 33 Questions You Need to Know” at the Page Keeton Civil achievements and their demonstrated commitment to the improvement of the justice system throughout the state of Texas. Litigation Conference at the University of Texas School of Law on Oct. 25.

34 Docket Call Summer 2008 | Faculty News Faculty News | Summer 2008 Docket Call 35 s w

MAatt Cole now ndknows what actors feel and Gavinthe Smith were declared the win- Winner receivedIs… the top advocate award. like when they receive their gold Oscars ners. The competition, which also honors Prof. Gerald Another Baylor team of Rob George e at the Academy Award ceremony. The Dawson, lasts almost three weeks and Powell presented and Lane Haygood was defeated in the Matt Cole with recent law graduate was the first winner featured 44 two-person teams. Baylor Law the “Mad Dog” semi-finals. Joel Bailey, who competed of the Wortham Top Gun mini-trial com- School holds a second intramural moot for winning the on a third Baylor team, received the petition to receive the actual “Mad Dog,” Wortham “Top court competition during the spring. Gun” mini-trial runner-up top advocate award. Adjunct n an 18-inch bronze statuette of Matt “Mad competition. Professor Kathy Serr and Professor Ron Dog” Dawson, the legendary Baylor law A number of Baylor Law students also Beal served as coaches. professor who started the tradition of were successful in interscholastic tourna- mini-trial competitions during his tenure ments that took competitors hither and Other students who had successful com- as director of the Practice Court Program. yon. This year, students participated in a petitions included Rory Brewton, who Cole won the intrascholastic competition broad array of competitions in mock trial, ranked in the top 10 speakers at the in December 2007 and received $3,000 moot court and client counseling. National Criminal Procedure Moot Court in addition to the Mad Dog. He was Competition; Daniel Keesee and Ryan presented with the statuette by Professor The Baylor National Trial Competition Gregerson, who won second place in the Gerald Powell. mock trial team, coached by Powell, won George Washington University School of the regional tournament of the NTC. The Law National Security Law Moot Court The Wortham Top Gun contest wasn’t team of Cameron Weldon and Top Gun Competition; and Tom Jacob, who won the only competition in which Baylor winner Cole moved on to compete in the the second-place award for individual Law students took part during the last national tournament and finished in the speakers at that same tournament. quarter of 2007 and the first half of 2008. top 12. Additionally, at the regional tour- In another intrascholastic contest, the nament, the team of Joe Rivera and Casie “Our students do well in advocacy com- annual Dawson & Sodd P.C. Moot Court Rivas finished third. Amanda Jenkins and petitions because of the strength of our

t Competition, the team of Angela Hackett Aaron Mutnick served as evidence coaches. advocacy and skills programs,” said Prof. Gerald Powell, director of the program Meanwhile, at the ABA Moot Court and Master Teacher. “From the first day Regional Tournament, which was held national tournament. At the national in the finals. The teams were coached of law school our students are taught not in Dallas, the Baylor team of Melanie Fry, tournament, the team went to the round by Waco attorney and adjunct professor only legal theory and doctrine, but also n Gavin Smith and Christopher Kirker and Kayla Michalka of 16. Additionally, Fry was named one of Vik Deivanayagam. Student coaches were the practical lawyering skills necessary to Angela Hackett went undefeated and advanced to the the Top 5 Oral Advocates. The team was Brandy Harman and Amber Steiss. represent clients. Whether it be drafting were declared winners of the coached by Professor Brian Serr. Another of briefs or memoranda, client counseling, Dawson & Sodd e Baylor team of Joel Bailey, Sophia The four-person team of Richard estate planning, transactional drafting or P.C. Moot Court Competition. Lauricella and Timothy Williams also Rouse, Kaye Johnson, Christina Smith trying lawsuits, our students are immersed competed in the regional tournament and Rachel Sonstein placed third at in learning client advocacy. This emphasis and helped prepare their teammates for the National Ethics Trial Competition. sets Baylor Law School apart.” d the national tournament. Students coaches were Gordon Davenport, Ed Cloutman and Tom Baylor Law’s Trial Advocacy program In another regional competition, Baylor Jacob. Baylor Professor Mark Osler was ranked eighth best in the country students Sarah Lacour and Anastasia served as coach. in the law specialty rankings in the 2009 u Villescas won first place in the ABA’s edition of “America’s Best Graduate Client Counseling Competition and fin- At the state level, the team of Devin Schools,” which was released Friday, ished in fifth place at the national tourna- Huggins and Alex Bell were unde- March 28, by U.S.News & World Report. ment. In the regional competition, the feated in the double-elimination Last year, the Trial Advocacy Program t winning team had to battle fellow Baylor Texas Administrative Law Moot Court was ranked at 11th best. ✯ students Jolie McCuistion and Scott Fisher Competition. Additionally, Huggins

S 36 Docket Call Summer 2008 | Student News student News | Summer 2008 Docket Call 37

peaceful state. Remember that Jesus was a rabbi, teacher and master with the power to confer a kingdom, yet he washed feet. You Graduates Among will wield enormous power in society, but always remember the term ‘servant-leader.’ Top Three Scorers Stay humble,” she said. on Bar Exam Finally, Associate Professor Jeremy Counseller, who is infamous for his Two recent Baylor Law graduates were among the top three scorers on the February demanding Civil Procedure class, delivered 2008 Texas Bar Exam. Thomas Keane of Dallas received the second highest score the keynote speech at the May 2008 on the exam, while Ashley DeForest of Houston received the third highest score. graduation and often had the audience Stephen Shackelford Jr., who received his law degree from Harvard, was the top in tears of laughter. scorer. “I find it particularly impressive that while Baylor students represented only

“My daughter asked me why I was wearing 13 percent of the participants who took the exam, two of the exam’s top three scor- this robe,” Counseller said. “I told her that ers were from Baylor,” said Baylor Law Dean Brad Toben. “This is yet again a testa- Daddy is special…Daddy is a Jedi.” ment to our longstanding and proven approach to the education of our students for service within a profession. Thanks go to each person on our team, both within and On a more serious note, Counseller outside our school, who by their hard work, support and encouragement make the reminded the students that they did not ever-continuing remarkable successes in our program possible.” The top three scor- achieve their degrees on their own. ers were announced at the Induction Ceremony for New Members of the State Bar

“The truth is none of us make something of Texas that was held Monday, May 12, at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin. Wallace of ourselves by ourselves,” he said. “You Jefferson, chief justice of the Texas Supreme Court, administered the Lawyer’s Oath. owe. And it’s never even crossed the minds For the sixth straight exam and the 10th time overall since 2002, Baylor law students of your creditors that you owe them, and, claimed the top pass rate on the Texas State Bar Exam with 95.83 percent success even if it did, they would never think of rate, the highest pass rate for students from the nine Texas law schools. Of the 48 demanding repayment. So you have to Baylor students who took the three-day exam in February, 46 passed on their first pay your debt to others. There are lawsuits Commencements you need to win, but there are children try. The overall state pass rate was 85.01 percent, with 312 successful candidates Speakers Advise Students to Become Servant-Leaders you need to teach to read. Go build out of 367 who took the exam for the first time. Texas Tech University was second your dream home, but don’t forget that behind Baylor with a 92.86 percent pass rate, while SMU was third with a 92.31 per- A renowned federal judge, a law dean who graduates, Owen spoke of the demanding Melissa Essary, former Baylor Law profes- there are people who just need a home. cent pass rate. Baylor Law School has an unsurpassed record of success on the State previously served as a popular professor nature of a Baylor Law education and the sor and currently dean of the Norman Represent the Fortune 500 company, but Bar Exam, which is given twice a year and qualifies a candidate to practice law in at Baylor, and a current professor who challenges that the graduates would face in Adrian Wiggins School of Law at Campbell represent the widow who can’t afford to Texas. Baylor Law School had a 97.85 percent success rate on the July 2007 exam, has been compared by some students their professional lives. University, spoke to the 31 students who pay. Work hard at the office, but work even a 100 percent pass rate on the February 2007 exam and also the highest pass rate to Severus Snape, the demanding (and made up the February 2008 class. She harder at home.” sometimes evil) professor in the Harry “I suspect that there are some challenges echoed Judge Owen’s thoughts on reclaim- for the exams given in 2006. “Friends, no matter the time period—three years, five Potter books, delivered keynote addresses that remain constant, both professionally ing the law as a noble profession. He ended his speech by quoting a passage years, 10 years, 15 or 20 years—no one touches Baylor Law on our students’ overall at the most recent Baylor Law School and personally,” she said. “I think the over- from John Wesley’s Covenant Prayer. performance on the Texas bar exam,” Toben said. “The 2007 Carnegie Foundation commencement exercises. arching challenge is what kind of lawyer “It’s been said that lawyers build no bridg- report on legal education comments on the need for reform in legal education, and what kind of citizen you plan to be. es. We raise no towers. We construct no “We are no longer our own, but Yours. Put specifically that ‘many law students graduate with little experience working with At the November 2007 and February and We all know that lawyers as a group are the engines. We paint no pictures. There is lit- us to what you will, rank us with whom you real clients and an inadequate grounding in ethical and social issues’ and that law May 2008 ceremonies, degrees were con- subject of a lot of criticism. I think you have tle of all that we do which the eye of man will; put us to doing, put us to suffering; ferred on 119 students. And as in years the responsibility to make contributions to can see. But we smooth out the difficulties; let us be employed for You or laid aside schools must take seriously the reality that we are a serving profession and have past, the graduating class selected who your profession and your community in a we relieve stress; we correct mistakes; we for You, exalted for You or brought low an obligation as professionals to prepare our students for effective and ethical would deliver the invocation, participate in variety of ways. Never forget that the prac- take up other men’s burdens and by our for You; let us be full, let us be empty; let practice. That observation is especially pertinent as we consider our own on-going the ceremonial hooding and inspire them tice of law is a profession, not a business. efforts we make possible the peaceful life us have all things, let us have nothing. We and remarkable success in preparing our students for practice in a service capac- with keynote speeches. You will be held to a higher standard by of men in a peaceful state. freely and heartily yield all things to Your ity. Just as we were ahead of the curve on the McCrate report of the 90’s, we are your community, and you should be. The pleasure and disposal. likewise ahead of the curve in regard to the Carnegie Foundation’s prescription The Honorable Priscilla Richman Owen, image versus the reality of what our profes- “Reclaiming the nobility of the legal profes- on where legal education needs to go. We must serve the ends that count—those judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the sion is all about is up to us. You are going sion will require you to be servant leaders, “I have prayed that prayer many times, but Fifth Circuit, served as keynote speaker at to be living examples of the law and how it invested in your communities, taking on now my goal in life is to one day pray that of the future clientele of our students as they move out into the profession to the November 2007 commencement. To the works in people’s lives every day.” the burdens of others as we work toward a prayer and to fully mean it,” he said. ✯ serve and to set an example as to what true professionalism should be about.”

38 Docket Call Summer 2008 | Student News student News | Summer 2008 Docket Call 39 Baylor School of Law has awarded an Legal Aid in Austin, the Consumer Equal Justice Scholarship to current law Protection Division in the Office of the student Rachel Sonstein, who will receive Attorney General of Texas and in the Baylor her juris doctor in summer 2008. Sonstein U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District is the second recipient of the scholarship, of Texas in Beaumont. Law which is given to students who commit to practice law for at least three years with T The most rewarding aspect of working NE STEP X BY HEATHER CREED, ASSISTANT DEAN OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND STUDENT RELATIONS a recognized legal aid provider. Laurie in legal aid is providing quality legal CAREER SERVICES UPDATE School Burns, who graduated last summer and work that people otherwise would not is practicing law at a legal aid provider in be able to access, she said. Many of the The Career Services Office experienced many changes in Awards South Texas, received Baylor’s first Equal clients who touched her the most were Justice Scholarship in 2006. challenged not only financially, but also the 2007-2008 academic year—physically, in staff, and in by a lack of means of communication, programming. Last fall we were surrounded by tarps and Equal The Equal Justice Scholarship, which was transportation and family obligations. developed in partnership with the Texas She was particularly inspired by a young dust as we started the process of turning our office Justice Access to Justice Commission and the woman who she and a supervising into a suite. By the time spring interviews rolled around, University of Texas at Austin law school, attorney met at a women’s shelter outside Scholarship we were finally established in our ‘new digs.’ The suite “I know a law degree will provide me now encompasses the newly constructed Assistant Dean’s to Rachel with the opportunity to advocate the office and shelving for additional resources, as well as views of those in need and to serve an open seating area for students. Sonstein them to the best of my ability.”

provided Sonstein with full tuition for of San Marcos, Texas. The young woman As we were gaining new office space, four quarters. UT’s law school has a was in an abusive marriage, spoke very we were losing one of our colleagues. similar program for its students. little English, and did not have a car, Katherine Logue ’87, who had been the yet she had contacted Texas Rio Grande Career Services Director for eight years, A native of Austin, Sonstein received her Legal Aid and was doing all that she left the Law School to start her own bachelor’s degree in communication could to get out of a very bad situation. headhunting firm, Logue Legal Search. studies and Spanish from UT. While Sonstein is particularly eager to help Since that time, Monica Wright, our there, she was on the Dean’s List young women in similar circumstances Office Manager, and I have been holding four times, served on the Council and other young people with family or down the fort while we search for the for International Education and criminal legal issues. perfect fit in the Director position. We Exchange, chaired the bilingual hope to introduce the newest member mentoring program for the UT “I am passionate about serving others,” of our team in the next few months. Student Volunteer Board and Sonstein said. “Whether my family was obtained a certificate of training adopting another family during the Throughout the changes, we have in conflict resolution from holidays, planting trees with my temple, continued to add to the services and the University of Texas Peace working for Habitat for Humanity, or programming available to students and Conflict Studies program. tutoring a child, I was always reaching and graduates. The launch of the Bear Additionally, she served as a out. Service is engrained in me, and I Essentials professional development We also were glad to have some more Plans also are in the works to take our Spanish/English translator on can’t imagine my life without it. I know program was a tremendous success. recent graduates return to campus to graduates to you. Over the next few medical missions to several a law degree will provide me with the Several Baylor lawyers came back to speak on the Judicial Clerkship panel: months, be on the lookout for Off- underdeveloped Indian opportunity to advocate the views of campus this spring to share from their Amanda (Garrett) Taylor ’04, currently campus Interviewing days in cities around villages along the coast of those in need and to serve them to the experience, including Malinda Gaul ’82, at Hohmann Taube & Summers in Texas. We will facilitate the application Panama. best of my ability.” as part of the State Bar of Texas Law Austin; Josh Hedrick ’07, currently process, and on one set date, the Student Division Section Mentoring clerking for Judge Kinkeade ’74 in graduates will come to you for interviews. While she has been in law After graduation, Sonstein hopes to lunch; Sharla Frost ’87, for the Powers Dallas; Beth Klusmann ’02, currently a We hope it will be a convenient way school, Sonstein held an return to the Austin area to work, either & Frost LLP Women in the Law lunch; briefing attorney for Judge Prado in San for you to fill the hiring needs in your externship at the Veterans for the Travis County Juvenile Public David Henry ’85, speaking on the ins Antonio; Eric Porterfield 04’ , currently office…with a Baylor lawyer, of course. Affairs Regional Counsel Defender, the Travis County Attorney’s and outs of Patent Law; and Brian at Carrington Coleman in Dallas; and and summer internships Office or Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid. ✯ Kilpatrick ’92, for the Jackson Walker LLP Jeremy Counseller ’00, currently an at Texas Rio Grande Interviewing Skills Workshop. associate professor at the Law School.

40 Docket Call Summer 2008 | Student News student News | Summer 2008 Docket Call 41 THE THE

A d m i s s i o n N e w s by Becky Beck-Chollett, Assistant Dean of Admissions

It’s hard to believe that the 2008 admission season is coming to an end. oing g ild Our spring and summer 2008 students G It was a classic H of versus W are attending classes, and our Fall showdown man beast. Carson Runge and Stuart White, 2008 entering class has been seated. both in their second year at Baylor Law School, In many ways, this admission season has been a rewarding and exciting one for the admissions team. We enrolled outstanding students in our spring and summer classes and we took on a fearsome and feral hog emerged the anticipate that our fall class, once again, will be comprised of students who are academically The pair traveled to tiny prepared to excel in our program. Additionally, our minority enrollment for the spring and victors. Sabinal, summer entering classes increased from 12 percent to 22 percent. Texas, near Uvalde to compete in the World Hog While we have been successful with enrolling highly credentialed and diversified classes, the Wrestling competition. Not only did they compete, recruitment and admissions process over the years has become extremely competitive. Law they the whole darn thing and came close schools throughout the nation are seeking to attract the same type student as Baylor. To meet won this challenge, we are always initiating new programs to recruit students. to beating the world’s record. This past year, we created a new section our website (law.baylor.edu/ProspectiveStudents) In winning the championship, the pair “Hog wrestling is a lot like any rodeo ing competition. Kelsey finished in seventh For their win, the guys received large belt buck- where prospective applicants, applicants and admitted applicants could learn a little about had to chase down a corralled 70-plus- event—half is probably what type of pig place, and Jessica and Erin finished in les that would make any rodeo rider proud. our Student Ambassadors, who are currently enrolled students who assist us with various pound feral hog with their bare hands, you draw and the other half is how you fourth place. Blaire and Camille entered Runge wears his almost every day and doesn’t recruitment projects. put the hog into a sack and drag the sack do,” White said. “You have to make sure in the afternoon competition and also fin- mind the teasing from his friends and family. across a line. Runge and White accom- you and your partner go for the hog at the ished in fourth place. For me, one of the fun things that we initiated this year was our online chat program. plished the feat in 7.41 seconds—the world same time and spread out so he can’t get “My mother isn’t sure whether she should be Throughout this year, we hosted several online chats where applicants and/or admitted record is 6.7 seconds. outside of you because if that happens you Runge admitted that he was nervous proud or embarrassed,” he said. White agreed. applicants could visit with various members of the admissions team, faculty and students. could be chasing him for minutes. Many of after he had watched other contestants, “Our classmates and the faculty thought it was At first we were nervous to see how this program would be received, but everyone involved White, who is from Uvalde, had entered the other competitors had to do that. Once especially the team in the preceding heat. the most ridiculous thing they had ever heard,” enjoyed the program. More importantly, the applicants appreciated having the opportunity the competition before. It was his idea to you get close (to the hog) you have to “They drew about a 100-pound hog and he said. “I guess they thought we were pretty to chat with members of the law school community. enter this year and he recruited Runge strike quickly and decisively because these when one of the team grabbed it, he some country and that is fine by me.” ✯ as his partner. hogs are really quick and can change on how got his arm and hand caught in the As we move forward with preparing for the upcoming admission season that is quickly You can watch Runge and White win the championship a dime. Then you have to have rolled the hog’s mouth. Those hogs are mean and it approaching, we would like to solicit you to assist with some of recruiting efforts. by visiting http://youtube.com/watch?v=Oi9qhRgvo2Y “If there was anyone at the law school who sack down (big secret in the hog wrestling just ripped his hand up. He was dripping The ways you can help include, but are not limited to, the following: would want to do it, it would be Carson community), to give the sack some form blood,” he said. Runge,” he said. or else the hog will bite the sack and it will Represent Baylor Law School by attending a college fair in your community. take longer to get him in.” However White and Runge’s strategy paid

City-slicker Runge, from Grand Prairie, off. They quickly surrounded the hog and “My mother Phone or email applicants who have been admitted to our program. knew nothing about hog wrestling and had A large group of Baylor Law students, Runge literally scooped it up and placed isn’t sure whether never worked with livestock but he regu- including Ed Cloutman, Shannon Steel, the squirming swine in the sack that If you are interested in helping us hunt for quality students, you can go to the following larly hunts wild pig and was game to enter. Blaire Knox, Camille Varner, Jessica Walters White held. It took both of them to drag she should be proud website law.baylor.edu/alumni/alumni_recruiting.htm to let us know of your interest or you The two prepared for the competition by and Erin Wiegand, joined White and it over the finish line. Afterward, the two can contact me at 254.710.4842 or at [email protected]. watching videos of previous competitions Runge and caravanned to Sabinal. Kelsey, whooped and hollered like they had just or embarrassed” I encourage you to be a part of this exciting hunt. on YouTube. Jessica, and Erin competed in the morn- won an NCAA championship.

42 Docket Call Summer 2008 | Student News student News | Summer 2008 Docket Call 43 S * W

Paddling His Own CanoeE N

*This article is published in Few can share a story with the blunt bravado anticipation of the semi-retirement of 1961 Baylor University School of Law of Bob Burleson. Whether he’s addressing 12 graduate Robert C. Burleson, Jr., after

47 years of a diverse civil litigation perfect strangers—as in so many times in his

practice (and even more diverse life). 47 years spent arguing cases to jurors—or one His wife and daughters, who have contributed at our request, would note imperfect daughter—as he is doing right now— for the record that they have completely

forgiven him for the tent collapse he is never intentionally at a loss for words.

in Mariscal Canyon—but that is, by Lea Burleson Buffington apparently, a whole other story. Baylor University School of Law 1995, Partner, Burns Anderson Jury & Brenner, LLP, Austin, Texas

44 Docket Call Summer 2008 | alumni News alumni News | Summer 2008 Docket Call 45 ALUMNI when I grew up, I’d say ‘I’m going to be a ate recall of the law. From others, I learned thoughts of Bob’s legal career at the Not one to toot her own horn or his, she “People say that you should ‘learn to pad- Baylor lawyer!’ In 1942, I had a place guar- how to take charge of a courtroom and dawning of his retirement. The answers simply says: “He is my Renaissance man dle your own canoe.’ Dad and Mom have anteed for me—provided (with a wink) I to make a case that was entertaining to revealed not only his mastery of the law and walking encyclopedia.” But in truth, always done just that, and they taught us to lasted that long.” the jury and judge. I was also exposed to and skills in the courtroom, but his con- she was always an integral part of his suc- do so—to our great advantage in both our some very hard and competent special tinuing life as a humanitarian, environ- cess. My sister recalled that Mickey once personal lives and our careers.” And lasted that long he did. After an prosecutors and district attorneys—R.C. mentalist, musician, sportsman, family strolled under the massive power lines undergraduate “sampling” of several Texas Musslewhite, Frank Briscoe, Henry Wade man and adventurer. crossing a corner of their farm while hold- I have received more than a dozen quotes, schools (school names “to be withheld out and Les Proctor, to name a few.” ing a long fluorescent bulb that flickered stories and comments from colleagues, of respect for the schools,” he chuckles), Lifelong friend, the Honorable James on and off as she moved under the lines. friends, and family, and I wish I could he tested his way into Baylor University But it was Bowmer—a former president of “Jimmy” Carroll, former Chief Justice Bob took pictures for use in an upcoming share them all in this article. School of Law, studying at the revered the Texas Bar Association who practiced of the Third Court of Appeals and cur- trial as my sister and I watched from the podiums of those he describes as “the best until he passed away in 2006—who taught rent General Counsel of Scott & White safety of our truck. I would be remiss if I did not mention the law professors that existed at that time…as him “in about ten minutes” the power Memorial Hospital in Temple—Bob’s publication of his book Backcountry Mexico, good or better than any at any law school of cross examination and of making longtime client—shares the following: a travelers’ guide and phrase book, pub- in the U.S.” These Baylor legends included your opponent’s seemingly impermeable lished by the University of Texas Press that Dean Boswell, Ed Horner, Angus McSwain, witness your own. This skill was honed “Most people know Bob Burleson as one was painstakingly written with steadfast Abner McCall and Judge Frank Wilson. by Bob and passed on by him to many of the state’s premier court room lawyers, partner in adventure, David Riskind, cur- I am sitting with Bob—“Daddy” to “They knew the law and knew how to associates and new partners, including and he is; but he is so much more than rently the Director of Natural Resources namesake sister Clair and myself—in the teach it, and they turned out, collectively, Baylor Law graduates Nancy Morrison, just a great trial lawyer: He is an historian, for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Division. library of his Bell County, Texas, home: a some of the best lawyers to grace Texas Lisa Havens, and Vicky Trompler, M.D., a conservationist, a folk singer and a teller When asked how their good friends in comfortable, white stone farm house with courtrooms,” he said. University of Texas School of Law gradu- of tales. He is a farmer, a hunter, a dog Mexico would describe Bob, Riskind Saltillo tile floors and expansive views of ate Enid Wade and also to many Baylor trainer and an expert in almost any sub- quickly answers, “Simpatico….One cannot the Blackland Prairie, built lovingly with Evidently, the excellence in teaching School of Law students. ject you would care to name. More than ask for a better characterization. It also his bride of over 49 years, Mickey. We are paid off. In 1961, Bob took the Texas anything else, he is a devoted Christian, a connotes that he is one of us. Few of us surrounded by the possessions he truly Bar Examination and passed, earning Bob settled in Temple, joining Bowmer’s loving husband and father and a faithful measure up in our own culture, let alone values: compilations by Kipling, Twain and the number two spot, second only to his firm of Skelton Bowmer & Courtney; sub- friend. Any endeavor, from a canoe trip to another. Bob, Roberto, does.” Shakespeare, field guides on Texas plants best friend and law school study partner, sequently Bowmer Courtney Burleson & a law suit to a dove hunt generally turned and birds, journals on archeology, science Robert Lee. Pemberton, which after additional name out better, and at least was more fun, if Writing for a Baylor publication, it pleases and medicine, Gibson guitars and many, changes now constitutes the Temple Bob Burleson was part of it, ideally (at me to have a final word from a Baylor icon, many bluegrass albums. As usual, he’s wear- With that milestone passed, he explains, office of Naman Howell Smith & Lee least in his mind!) as the leader.” Professor Gerald Powell. Professor Powell, ing his uniform—long tolerated by the a new legal mentor emerged. Jim DeWitt where Bob remains a partner. In Temple, The young litigator awaiting from whom I learned so much in the local legal community: cowboy boots, jeans Bowmer, the aforementioned uncle, Baylor Bob forged a career-long representative His brother, the Honorable Joe “Jody” spring of 1994, was kind enough to not only and an embroidered white guayabera with lawyer, father-figure and future partner, who relationship with the medical community, Carroll, Jr. of Bell County’s 27th District a jury verdict. Judge James K. request this article but to provide me with just a corner of a pocketed red bandana was practicing in Temple in 1961, revealed which included Scott & White Memorial Court, is equally exuberant, telling of Evetts signed the photograph his first experience with Bob. exposed. Giving an approving nod to my to nephew Bob the virtues of trial by fire Hospital, Kings Daughters and Metroplex the time he was presented by Bob with legal-sized yellow pad and black Sharpie through a series of apprenticeships. Hospital in Killeen. an accurate, hand-drawn diagram of the with “Burleson on the Alert.” “I remember taking a trial practice course and locking blue eyes with mine, he clears inner workings of a combine for purposes from him when I was in law school. I his throat, and begins. “The philosophy behind the way I was He remembers successfully defending of immediately educating him regarding always marveled at his advocacy skill, and trained by Jim was this: Jim felt that he’d the first medical malpractice case “that the use of the device to harvest seeds. Lisa Havens, his former associate who now I wanted to be just like him. Since joining “Now you see, Baby,” he projects, never benefitted greatly from watching his dad anyone I know can remember” shortly (According to Bob, young Jody was up serves as Director of Risk Management the Baylor faculty, I have had the pleasure minding that I’m less than three feet away, (DeWitt Bowmer) and other top notch law- after he began his civil litigation practice. to the task.) He also shared his favorite and Associate General Counsel at Scott of having Bob work with our mock trial “few know this, but I was actually admitted yers of his day try cases. He wanted me to Thereafter, he defended hundreds of of Bob’s sometimes cryptic instructions: and White Memorial Hospital, was also teams. He was, as always, masterful and to Baylor Law School when I was not quite have the same experience. He arranged for clients in the medical field—placing his “Jody, you don’t ever want to back up on kind enough to provide her perspective gracious in giving his time and talent.” six years old. My daddy had gone off to me to try criminal (usually murder) cases success rate at 98 percent. Throughout his a slick hill.” of a unique practice. “Bob has a special war, and I was living with my grandmother, with Percy Foreman, Fred Erisman, Charles practice, he valued and respected his part- knack for combining business with plea- Upon being read this quote by his daugh- ‘Honey,’ Uncle Jim, and Aunt Martha. Tessmer, Warren Burnett and Luther E. ners, associates and staff, including William My mother, Mickey, herself a Baylor under- sure, and some of my fondest memories ter (who was herself so graciously passed Jim was still in Baylor Law and Martha was Jones, Jr. Those cases and experiences I Courtney, Tom Normand, Jack Moore, graduate who followed in her husband’s are of him playing his guitar and singing in Taxation by Dean Leah Jackson), at Baylor, too; so the four of us rented a owe to Jim Bowmer, and I also learned a lot John Cunningham, Eleanor Bosl—his long footsteps as a Texas Parks and Wildlife in my office or in my car on our way back Bob grinned broadly, and responded house—a two story just off campus. Jim from those lawyers and their methodology.” time assistant—and many others. Commissioner, recalls the fun they have home from a deposition or mediation.” “Punkin’…. Baylor’s glory days are ahead was grading papers at the law school, and had together for almost 50 years enjoying of it. Because of Powell, [Noley] Bice, I would go by myself to campus every day Regarding early career lessons, in par- Having watched Daddy—Bob—several canoeing, kayaking, amateur archeology, Speaking for both of us, my sister Clair, Muldrow, Jackson, Toben and the likes, it to visit him, getting to know the students, ticular, he continues, “From Luther, more times in court and heard a lifetime of exploration of the southwest United States, who has spent 10 years working long hours keeps getting better and better every year.” professors and deans along the way. When than anyone, I learned the importance of stories, I decided to ask a few jurists, and frequent trips to Mexico for pleasure to raise money for others, provided com- This Baylor lawyer would have to agree. ✯ anyone asked me what I was going to be detailed factual preparation and immedi- colleagues, friends and family of their and social work. ments that inspired this article’s title.

46 Docket Call Summer 2008 | alumni News alumni News | Summer 2008 Docket Call 47 Nelson Roach Elected 2008 President-Elect of Texas Trial Lawyers Association

At its Annual Board and Membership Roach was born in Syracuse, New York, is admitted to practice before the U.S. Meeting in Austin, the Texas Trial on March 10, 1959. He received his Supreme Court; the U.S. Court of Lawyers Association elected Baylor Law bachelor’s degree from Baylor University Appeals for the Fifth and Tenth Circuits; alumnus and Daingerfield lawyer Nelson in 1981 and graduated, cum laude, from and the U.S. District Court for the Roach as 2008 President-Elect. Roach, Baylor Law School in 1984. Roach was a Eastern District of Texas. partner with Nix, Patterson & Roach, member of Phi Delta Phi and the Baylor practices in the areas of Commercial Law Review, where he was Notes and He is a member of Morris County, Litigation, Products Liability Law, Comments Editor in 1983 and Research Northeast Texas and American Bar Personal Injury Law, and Toxic Torts. and Topics Editor in 1984. He also was the Associations, as well as the Texas Trial author of “The Rule Against Perpetuities; Lawyers Association, the American The Validity of Oil and Gas Top Leases, Association for Justice, and the American and Top Deeds in Texas After Peveto vs. Board of Trial Advocates. Starkey,” 35 Baylor Law Review 399, 1983. The Texas Trial Lawyers Association was After law school, Roach was a Briefing founded in 1949 and is a professional asso- Attorney to Justice Robert M. Campbell, ciation comprised exclusively of attorneys Supreme Court of Texas. He was admit- whose primary area of practice is represent- ted to the Texas bar in 1984 and also ing plaintiffs in the civil justice system. ✯ Baylor Lawyer Abelardo Valdez Law Alumna Priscilla Owen Receives Baylor Honored for Public Service Distinguished Alumnus Award with Price Daniel Award Abelardo Valdez, who received his in international trade and investment. The Honorable Priscilla Richman Owen, to the Texas Supreme Court in 1993 and His career in both state and national poli- juris doctor from Baylor Law School in Valdez was one of the original proponents judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for re-election in 2000. She served until 2001, tics spanned four decades and included 1970, has been named a Distinguished of NAFTA, the 1994 free trade agreement. the Fifth Circuit, received the Price when she was nominated by President all three branches of government, includ- Alumnus by the Baylor Alumni Daniel Distinguished Public Service George W. Bush to the federal appellate ing service as speaker of the Texas House Association. Valdez was recognized at a The son of migrant farmers, Valdez grew Award during Baylor University’s com- court. Following her eventual confirma- of Representatives, state attorney general, reception and black-tie dinner Friday, up mostly in South Texas. When he was a mencement ceremonies in May. The tion in 2005, she now serves as judge of U.S. senator, the 39th governor of Texas Jan. 11, in the Cashion Academic Center 19-year-old sophomore at Texas A&M, his Baylor Alumni Association presents the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth and Texas Supreme Court Justice. During on the Baylor campus. Before giving father died suddenly of a cerebral hemor- of U.S. ambassador) under President the award to individuals closely tied to Circuit, hearing appeals from federal his tenure as governor, he worked to his remarks, Valdez was introduced rhage, making him head of the family, Jimmy Carter from 1979 to 1981. Baylor, in honor of their work as elected district courts in Texas, Louisiana and improve highways, fund better care for by Baylor Law Professor David Guinn, with siblings ranging in age from 16 to six. or appointed public officials at the Mississippi, and habeas corpus petitions the mentally ill, raise teacher salaries and Master Teacher and the Lyndon L. Olson He worked construction, as an orderly in Presented annually since 1965, the presti- local, state, or national level. The award, from both federal and state courts. enact water conservation regulations. and William A. Olson Chair of Local a hospital, and helped at a grocery store, gious Baylor Distinguished Alumni Award named for the late Texas Governor Government and Constitutional Law. managing to help support his family while has honored governors and scientists, art- Price Daniel, celebrates commitment to Owen’s previous honors from Baylor Past award recipients have embodied the completing his undergraduate studies. ists and denominational leaders, and edu- the second half of Baylor’s motto, “Pro include Young Lawyer of the Year and same kind of dedication to public affairs, Other Baylor alumni receiving the associ- cators and entrepreneurs. Past recipients Ecclesia, Pro Texana.” Outstanding Young Alumna, and she making their mark on political arenas ation’s highest honor this year included In 1965, he earned a civil engineer- of the award include Baylor Law alumni was named one of Baylor’s Distinguished across the state and nation. Previous Steven Browning, Virginia Cannaday ing degree from Texas A&M University Price Daniel and Mark White, both for- Owen, a Waco native and 1976 Baylor grad- Alumni in 2006. She is a member of St. recipients include former Texas gov- DuPuy, Mark Hurd and Dr. James before attending Baylor. He also earned mer Texas governors; Leon Jaworski, uate, earned the JD in 1977 from Baylor Barnabas Episcopal Mission in Austin, ernors Mark White and Ann Richards, Shelhamer. an international law degree from who served as special prosecutor during Law School, where she served as editor where she teaches Sunday school and former Baylor presidents Abner McCall Harvard University in 1974 after studying Watergate; longtime Texas Congressman of the Baylor Law Review and earned the serves as the head of the altar guild. and Herbert Reynolds, former FBI Valdez is a former U.S. ambassador and at The Hague Academy of International W.R. Poage; Former F.B.I. Director highest score in the state on the December director William Sessions, former U.S. chief of protocol for the White House. Law in The Netherlands. A military aide William Sessions; former Texas Lt. 1977 Texas bar examination. A 1932 graduate of Baylor Law School, Ambassador Lyndon Olson, and former Today, he practices law out of two to President Lyndon Johnson from 1965 Governor Bob Bullock; and Judge Priscilla Daniel is recognized as holding more Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme offices—one in Washington, D.C., and to 1967, Valdez was chief of protocol for Owen of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the A partner at the law firm of Andrews & prominent offices of public trust than Court Thomas R. Phillips. ✯ the other in San Antonio—specializing the White House (which carries the rank Fifth Circuit, among others. ✯ Kurth for 17 years, Owen won election any other individual in Texas history.

48 Docket Call Summer 2008 | alumni News alumni News | Summer 2008 Docket Call 49 baylor law alum elected Working together for good… by J uli e C orl e y and 1992. He was a state and nationally ’61, Waco), Donna Bowen (Austin), president-Elect of the state bar of texas What happens when 14 ranked tennis player who completed his Debbie Branson (Dallas), Forrest “Duke” attorneys, one judge and career in tennis by playing for Baylor Brazelton (JD ’62, Nacogdoches), Arlen Reich Chandler Baylor Law alumnus Roland Johnson of the U.S. District Court for the Northern, weather watcher for KXAS-TV. He and one former governor, on a full scholarship, receiving the most “Spider” Bynum (JD ’63, Dallas), Collen Fort Worth has been elected President- Eastern, Western and Southern Districts his wife of 30 years, Cindy, are mem- all of who graduated from six different valuable player award and winning the Clark (JD ’90, Tyler), Wayne Fisher (JD ’61, Elect of the State Bar of Texas. Johnson of Texas; U.S. Court of Appeals for bers of Broadway Baptist Church. They law schools, come together to combine Southwest Conference doubles champi- Houston), David Guinn (JD ’63, Waco), will serve as president in 2009-2010; he the Fifth Circuit; and U.S. Supreme have two sons: Ben, who holds a B.A. in their time and talents with their respect onship his senior year. Jay Harvey (Austin), Jack McGehee will follow another Baylor lawyer, Harper Court. He is a member of the College Environmental Studies and Spanish from and admiration for a colleague’s family? (Houston), Bill Nesbitt (JD ’70, Waco), Estes, who began his term as president of the State Bar of Texas; State Bar of Southwestern University and Wes, a can- An endowed scholarship fund that will Practicing law briefly in Houston and Jeff Paradowski (JD ’92, College Station), in June. Texas Board of Directors (2003-2006); didate for a joint M.B.A/M.A. degree in help immortalize one of Baylor Law’s Dallas, he returned to his hometown Broadus Spivey (Austin), and Don Tittle Texas Legal Protection Plan Board of International Relations at Yale University. finest young lawyers whose life was tragi- of Lufkin, Texas, to join his father at (Dallas). Their goal is to raise a minimum “A turtle does not get on top of a fence Directors (2006-2007); The American cally cut short. the Chandler Law Offices from 1995 to of $500,000 so a full tuition scholarship post without 100 percent help and that Law Institute; American Board of Trial 2006. He had a love for justice and a pas- can be given each year to a student who Through the leadership of Judge Joe sionate desire to help and inspire those excels academically at Baylor Law School, Clayton of Tyler and Mark White of less fortunate. He was on the Executive but more importantly, exhibits the charac- “Baylor lawyers have always risen to the Houston over $350,000 has been raised Committee of the Texas Trial Lawyers ter, faith and professionalism of Reich. for the Reich O’Hara Chandler Endowed Association and a long-time member of call of leadership—in the profession, Memorial Scholarship in Law. its Board of Directors, Past President No one made more phone calls to in their communities, in their churches, of the East Texas Trial Lawyers, and encourage gifts or was more enthusiastic “Reich’s all too brief life and career are Past President of the Young Advocates about the scholarship project than Master and in all other venues,” going to leave in indelible impression of Texas and had been recognized as a Teacher David Guinn, who, after 42 years Dean Brad Toben upon all whom were touched by his life, Super Lawyer in Texas Monthly Magazine. in the classroom, has taught countless which was marked by his delight in his Baylor Lawyers including Reich. is what just happened in this election,” Advocates; Texas Association of Defense family, a host of friends, a career devoted Reich passed away on October 21, 2006, Johnson said. “I am grateful for Baylor Counsel; Texas Bar Foundation (Life to service, and a deep and abiding faith,” after a courageous 15-month battle with “Reich was a superb student…just like lawyers who voted across the state. Baylor Fellow); Tarrant County Bar Association Johnson will follow in the footsteps of a said Baylor Law Dean Brad Toben. “I cancer. He was 39 years old and survived his Dad 30 years before. He will be lawyers give their best to the profession (President, 2001-02); Tarrant County number of Baylor Law alumni who have believe that these attributes are what will by his wife, Nancy, and daughter, Sydney. remembered in perpetuity at the Baylor in so many ways and I believe Baylor Law Bar Foundation (Board of Directors, held the post of president of the state bar. be very fittingly remembered through Law School as a result of the creation of School prepares you for leadership in the Charter Fellow, Sustaining Life Fellow); Baylor Law predecessors in this position this scholarship that will help those fol- The endowed scholarship began with gen- this scholarship.” Guinn said. community as well as the courtroom.” Texas Center for Legal Ethics and of leadership include A.J. Folley, Leon lowing in Reich’s footsteps into the pro- erous gifts from Walter Umphrey (JD ’65, Professionalism (Member); and Texas Jaworski, Gib Gayle, Jim Bowmer, Cullen fession and into a life of service.” Beaumont) and John Eddie Williams (JD If you, too, would like to show your sup- Johnson is the managing shareholder Association of Mediators (Member); Smith, Wayne Fisher and Frank Newton. ’78, Houston). Committee members work- port of the Chandler family, mail your of Harris, Finley & Bogle, P.C., the law Reich Chandler received his B.A. and J.D. ing to grow the fund include: Jeff Badders gift to Baylor Law School, One Bear firm where he has worked since 1982. He He was named a Texas Monthly Super “Baylor lawyers have always risen to the degrees from Baylor University in 1989 (JD ’81, Nacogdoches), Noley Bice (JD Place #97288, Waco, TX, 76798. ✯ received his bachelor’s degree, magna Lawyer in 2003, 2004, and 2005 and is call of leadership—in the profession, in cum laude, from Baylor University in 1976 Eldon B. Mahon Inn of Court President. their communities, in their churches, and his juris doctor degree, cum laude, Additionally, he serves as an Adjunct and in all other venues,” said Baylor Law Texas Trial Lawyers Association Honors Baylor Law in 1979. While at Baylor Law School, he Professor at Texas Wesleyan University Dean Brad Toben. “Given this tradition Alum/Adjunct Professor Zollie Steakley was associate editor of Baylor Law Review. School of Law and received the and history, we are especially gratified Zollie Steakley, adjunct professor at Baylor Law School and shareholder in the Waco firm of Harrison Davis Steakley, He is board certified in civil litigation, Distinguished Adjunct Faculty Award that we will have Harper and Roland— P.C., received the Reich Chandler Outstanding Advocate Award at the Texas Trial Lawyers Association annual meet- and has over 27 years experience in civil in 2005. He also received the Tarrant two Baylor lawyers—serving back-to- ing in late November. ✯ The award honors the late Reich Chandler, who graduated from Baylor Law School in litigation. His practice includes extensive County Bar Association Professionalism back as the President of the State Bar of 1992 and passed away Oct. 21, 2006. The award is presented to a TTLA Advocates member who embodies the qualities which were hallmarks of Chandler’s life: balance, faith, tradition and professionalism. ✯ Steakley received litigation in commercial litigation, legal Award in 2004. Texas, the second largest bar organiza- his bachelor’s degree in 1998 from Baylor University and graduated top of his class from Baylor Law School in 2000. malpractice defense, and arbitration tion in the nation.” He was a member of the Tournament of Champions Mock Trial Team which placed second in the nation and served related issues. His community involvement includes as Managing Editor, Notes and Comments Editor and Assistant Managing Editor for the Baylor Law Review. He was serving as commissioner on the Ft. The State Bar of Texas is an administra- elected Freshman Class President and Executive Vice President of the Student Bar Association and was awarded Outstanding Law Student. He currently helps in Baylor’s Advocacy Program and serves as an Adjunct Professor, After law school, he began his career Worth Civil Service Commission, board tive agency of the Supreme Court of Texas teaching Consumer Protection. ✯ Steakley joined Harrison Davis Steakley in 2000 as an associate attorney practic- with Shannon, Gracey, Ratliff & Miller. member of the Day Resource Center (for that provides educational programs for the ing in the area of products liability, personal injury, toxic and mass torts. He earned the distinction of shareholder He moved to his current firm in 1982. He the homeless), board member of the legal profession and the public, adminis- in 2007. ✯ He is a member of both The State Bar of Texas and The Mississippi Bar. He is a member of the Texas Trial became Managing Shareholder in 1989. Baylor Alumni Association, swine barn ters the minimum continuing legal educa- Lawyers Association, Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Abner V. McCall American Inn of Court (Associate), the Waco-McLennan County Bar Association, the Waco-McLennan County Young Lawyers Association, the Christian Trial superintendent for the Southwestern tion program for attorneys, and manages Lawyers Association and First Methodist Church. He also serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Texas Johnson holds professional licenses with Exposition and Livestock Show, and the attorney discipline system. ✯ Trial Lawyers Association Advocates, a Trustee for the TTLA PAC and has served on the TTLA Nomination Committee.

50 Docket Call Summer 2008 | alumni News alumni News | Summer 2008 Docket Call 51 Department of Justice trial attorney. Becky McGee, Vice President- Zoning Commission, The United Way member of DOWNTOWNDALLAS. He Additionally, Col. Jackson and his wife, General Counsel of Hunt Petroleum of Abilene, the YMCA of Abilene and will serve a three-year term.

S Gloria, celebrated their 50th wedding Corporation, served as Co-Chair of the Abilene Center for Nonprofit 1958 anniversary on Dec. 22, 2007. He and the Institute for Energy Law’s 59th Management. William S. Sessions, former federal judge and director of the FBI and Gloria practice law in Lindale. Annual Oil & Gas Law Conference

E currently partner at Holland & Feb. 21-22, 2008 in Houston, Texas. A Knight LLP, was recently honored by division of the Center for American 1994 both the Constitution Project and and International 1983 Marissa Balius has been named part- Law (formerly The M. Keith Branyon, partner in the ner at Albin, Harrison & Roach, PLLC. T Holland & Knight. The Constitution 1970 Project, an independent think tank Larry Prescott, the co-owner of Southwestern Legal Tax section of Jackson Walker, has Balius focuses her practice in the fields known for the work of its bipartisan Prescott Legal Search with his wife, Foundation), the been selected as one of Fort Worth, of family law and collaborative law, committees on controversial legal Lauren, has sold the company to MPS Institute for Energy Texas magazine’s “Top Attorneys.” particularly issues involving divorce, issues, honored Judge Sessions with its Group, a NYSE company. Larry left Law is one of the The magazine annually features child custody, post-divorce modifica- O inaugural Constitutional Champion his job as Vice President & General earliest pioneers the “Top Attorneys” in Tarrant tions, paternity, grandparents’ rights, Becky McGee Award during its 10th Anniversary Counsel of a NYSE company in 1981 and in post-graduate County. The attorneys are chosen and child-support issues. She is a mem- gala dinner at the Mayflower Hotel in founded Prescott Legal Search, which continuing legal education. The Oil as the best in their field by their ber of the Collin County and Denton Washington, D.C. on March 5. Judge became the largest legal recruiting and Gas Law Conference, initiated in peers. Branyon practices primarily in County Bar Associations and served for

N Sessions was recognized for his support company in Texas, with offices in 1949, is now the country’s oldest CLE the areas of estate 10 years as Assistant Attorney General of the rule of law and for his efforts Houston, Dallas and Austin. Larry and program in any field. planning, probate, with the Child Support Division of the to counter injustices in our legal his wife have retired and will move to guardianship and Texas Attorney General’s Office pri- system. In addition, Holland & Knight Santa Fe later this year. Cindy Franklin has joined The Growth tax, with particular marily practicing in Dallas, Collin and honored Judge Sessions with the 2008 Co. in Anchorage, Alaska, as senior emphasis on Denton County Courts. Chesterfield Smith Partner Award, the associate. She is licensed to practice law the taxation of highest individual honor given by the in Alaska, Colorado and Texas. Franklin individuals, estates M. Keith Branyon firm. The award was presented to Judge 1972 earned a Bachelor of Arts from the and trusts and Sessions on March 14 at a celebration Felipe Reyna, Justice with the 10th University of Oklahoma in 1986. all types of transfer taxes (estate, gift 1996 dinner during the firm’s annual Court of Appeals of the State of Texas, and generation skipping taxes). He is Brad A. Allen has been licensed by conference in Orlando. has been elected to membership to the Board Certified in Estate Planning and the Oklahoma Bar Association. He is a Fellows of the Texas Bar Foundation. Probate Law and also Board Certified partner at Martin, Disiere, Jefferson & Fellows are selected for their outstanding 1982 in Tax Law. He is a Fellow of the Wisdom LLP and is part of the Insurance professional achievements and their Paul L. Cannon has been elected American College of Trust and Estate Team and heads the firm’sH ealth Law 1961 demonstrated commitment to the advisory director of First Financial Counsel. He is a member of the Tax Team. He also was reappointed as the Co- Gary Dean Jackson of Lindale was improvement of the justice system Trust & Asset Management Company Section and the Real Estate, Probate Chairmen of the ConocoPhillips Sporting inducted into the U.S. Army Infantry throughout the state of Texas. N.A. Cannon is replacing retiring and Trust Section of the State Bar Clays Tournament Benefiting Special School Class of 2008 Officer Candidate director, Michael C. Waters, senior of Texas. He served as Chair of the Olympics Texas, which is the largest School Hall of consultant to Hendrick Health Advisory Commission for the Estate fundraiser for Special Olympics Texas, Fame. Infantry Systems, who has served on the Planning and Probate speciality, Texas and one of the largest sporting clays School officials 1978 board since 2004. Cannon, who also Board of Legal Specialization, for five tournaments in the USA. Additionally, consider induction Carmen Elaine Eiker has been received his undergraduate degree at years. He now serves as a member of he was reappointed as Editor-in-Chief in the Hall of promoted to partner at the boutique Baylor University, is a corporate and the Advisory Commission for the Tax of eNEWS, the online magazine for the Fame the highest Family Law firm McCurley Orsinger banking attorney and a shareholder Law speciality. He is also a Certified Texas Young Lawyers Association. honor that can be McCurley Nelson & Downing, L.L.P. She with McMahon Surovik Suttle P.C. Public Accountant. Gary Dean Jackson bestowed upon is Board Certified He is a life member of the Texas Bar Todd Liles has joined Cantey Hanger a former graduate. To be eligible, in both Family Foundation, served on the board of the LLP in Dallas as an associate in the a graduate must attain the rank of Law and Civil Trial Texas Young Lawyers Association from Litigation Section. Liles most recently colonel, receive a Medal of Honor/and Law by the Texas 1989 to 1991 and is a past president of 1986 was employed with Downs-Stanford, or distinguish himself in his civilian Board of Legal the Abilene Young Lawyers Association Ted M. Benn, focusing on litigation, insurance occupation. Col. Jackson graduated Specialization. Prior by which he was named a co-recipient Partner with defense and workers’ compensation from OSC in 1956. He retired as a to joining McCurley of the Outstanding Young Lawyer Thompson & defense. He also has worked with colonel, U.S. Airforce Reserve, in Carmen Elaine Eiker Orsinger in 2005, Award in 1990. Cannon chairs the Knight LLP and a Prager, Metzger & Kroemer, and was July 1987. He has served as attorney Ms. Eiker spent nearly 18 years as a sole Community Foundation of Abilene member of the Real in-house counsel for Colonial Casualty for the City of Lindale and Lindale practitioner in Midland, Texas. board, is a past board chairman of Estate and Banking Insurance Company. Independent School District, as City the Abilene Industrial Foundation, practice, has been Judge of Arlington, Texas, and as a U.S. the city of Abilene Planning and Ted M. Benn appointed a board continued on page 54 ALU MN I 52 Docket Call Summer 2008 | alumni notes alumni notes | Summer 2008 Docket Call 53 Connie Peña has joined the law firm He will practice in the Intellectual of Albin, Harrison & Roach, PLLC, Property section in the San Antonio 1998 as an employment law litigator. She office of Jackson Walker. His practice R. Anthony Young has been named focuses her practice on employment involves all aspects of intellectual partner at Sheppard, Mullin, Richter law, corporate law, and civil litigation property, including patents, trademarks, Arthur Eugene “Bo” Bowen (LL.B. 1949) died on wife of 60 years, LaVerne; daughter, Carolyn He also served as an attorney for the National Labor & Hampton LLP. A member of the with extensive expertise in employer copyrights and licensing. He is a Jan. 2, 2008, at his home in Grapevine. He was 88. A Fowler; and brother, Charles Leo Clifford. He is sur- Relations Board. Bill was admitted to practice before firm’s Entertainment, Media and counseling and litigation involving Registered Patent highly decorated veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps vived by two children: Patricia Sielte, and husband the U.S. Supreme Court, and was a member of the Communications practice group discrimination, retaliation, and sexual Agent authorized during World War II, he practiced law in Alvin for Rimas of San Antonio, and William A. Clifford, Jr., State Bar of Texas. He was a 32nd-degree Mason for in the Century City office, Young harassment claims, as well as other to practice before many years and was the owner and publisher of sev- and wife Judy of Lubbock, nine grandchildren and 50 years, a member of the Stockyard Masonic Lodge specializes in complex business employment related matters such the United eral Houston-area newspapers. Survivors include his 11 great-grandchildren. 1244 and a Shriner. He was also a member of the wife of 59 years, Marie Bowen; one son; one daugh- Fort Worth Model A Ford Club. litigation, particularly institutional as non-compete agreements and States Patent and ter; one brother; one sister; four grandchildren; and Michael William George (JD 1973) of Denton, entertainment litigation, sports- wage/contract claims. She is an active Trademark Office. two step-grandchildren. passed away Saturday, April 26, 2008, at his residence. He is survived by his wife, Janet Snow; sons, Joe related matters and other large member of the Plano Bar Association Crandall received He was 64. He was born July 25, 1943 in Lexington, Ray Snow and wife, Karen; Gary Snow and wife, commercial disputes. Young has and currently serves on the Board Sean Crandall his B.S. degree Andy Chance (JD 1990), 43, of Dallas, passed away Neb., to William A. and Julia Hayek George. He Linda; daughters, Vicki Cole and husband, Edwin; experience handling matters for as CLE-Director. In addition to her in Electrical Engineering from the Friday, May 30, 2008, at his home. He was 43. Mr. served in the U.S. Marine Corps during Vietnam and Shelley Robinson and husband, Jody; grandchildren, Chance was born Oct. 5, 1964, in Orange, to Sam practiced law in Denton for a number of years. Chandler Snow and wife, Michele; Brady Snow and motion picture studios, media involvement in the legal community, University of Texas at San Antonio. Alfred and Carole Ann Parker Chance. He was the wife, Stephanie; Janna Willingham and husband, conglomerates, broadcasting Peña is an active member of The At Baylor Law School, he served as valedictorian of his 1983 graduating class at Brady He is survived by sons, Robert George, Michael Paul; Wes Snow and wife, Pam; Sharon Foust and companies and other businesses Junior League of Plano. Senior Executive Editor for the Baylor High School, where he was also a National Merit Gerhard, and Christopher B. George; sister, Sandy K. husband, Paul; Aaron Cole and wife, Ali; Eric Cole regarding various types of claims, Law Review (2006 - 2007) and Associate Scholar. Andy received his bachelor’s degree from George; niece Tina-Marie Peralta; parents, William and wife, Chrystal; Ashley Reynolds and husband, including those involving motion Editor for the Baylor Law Review (2006). Baylor. He was an attorney for Center ISD and and Julie George; and former spouses, Vicki George Clint; Kolton Krottinger, Amanda Robinson, Kourtlyn picture and television distribution Shelbyville ISD. Andy was preceded in death by and Berta George. Krottinger and Joshua Robinson; sister, Lucy West paternal grandparents, Houston and Vera Chance; and husband, Carl. rights, securities laws and regulations, Lauren Melhart is working as 2006 and great-grandparents, Ercy and Ora Beasley. Charles Tim Levins (JP 1994) passed away May 1 profit participation and other Kim Anderson has been promoted to an assistant district attorney for Survivors include parents, Al and Carole Ann Chance after a long illness. Mr. Levins was a retired attorney James Sparks Jr. (LL.B. 1965) passed away March 8, accounting issues, contractual staff attorney for David Wellington Henderson County, Texas. of Center; brothers, Brent Chance of Midland, and in the Fort Worth area. He is survived by his mother, 2008, at Christus Hospital-St. Elizabeth in Beaumont. disputes, and complex due diligence Chew, chief justice of the 8th Court of Chris Chance and wife, Leslie of Woodway; niece, Jean Levins; brothers, John Patrick Levins and He was 66. A longtime resident of Beaumont, where analyses relating to large mergers and Appeals in El Paso. James R. Phelan has joined the law Madelyn Chance of Woodway; maternal grand- Michael Cole; uncle, Charles Sherwood; and aunt, he practiced law for 40 years, Mr. Sparks had recently mother, Dr. Carroll Parker Guevara and husband, Al Helen Smith. lived in Fredericksburg for 5 years. acquisitions. His practice has included firm of Maki, Ledin, Bick & Olson, of Austin; uncles, Cecil Chance and wife, Ora Lee representation of clients in cases Frank “Ron” Wright IV is working at S.C., in Superior, Wisc. He graduated Chance of Broaddus, and Clifton Chance and wife, Billy Ray Snow (LL.B. 1951), a retired attorney and He is survived by his wife, Martha Dougharty involving allegations of fraud, breach the Dallas District Attorney’s Office as with honors from the University of Brenda Chance of Nederland; aunts, Ruby Force and World War II veteran, passed away Sunday, May 11, Sparks of Beaumont; two sons, Mark Sparks of of contract, breach of fiduciary duty an Assistant D.A. He also received his Wisconsin-Green Bay with a business husband, Charles Force of Pineland, and Brenda 2008, in Haltom City. He was 82. Bill was born Dec. Beaumont, James Sparks III and his wife, Nancy of and a wide range of labor disputes. bachelor’s degree from Baylor in 2003. degree. Phelan is involved in the Posten and husband, Ken Posten of Vidor. 1, 1925, in Breckenridge to Velma and Charlie Snow. Fredericksburg; one niece, Dana Work and husband, general practice of law including civil He served in the U.S. Marine Corps in the South Scott of Houston; and two great-nephews, David William Andrew Clifford (LL.B. 1950), retired Pacific during World War II. He was awarded two and Ethan Work of Houston. He was preceded in litigation, criminal, family law and Lubbock attorney and judge, died Nov. 9, 2007, Purple Hearts. Following law school, he served as a death by his parents and one sister, Diana Mills. ✯ corporate law. He lives in Superior at the age of 85. He was born Jan. 25, 1922, in county attorney in Big Lake. He later entered the pri- 2000 2007 with his wife, Katie. ✯ Jackson, Miss. He was preceded in death by his vate practice of law in Houston and Anahuac. Marta Montenegro Martin has Sean Crandall has been named an been named Director of Alumni associate at Jackson Walker law firm. and Parent Relations at LeTourneau Former Baylor Law Professor John William Stanford, 81, of Chapel Hill lost University in Longview. She was a his short battle with cancer on March 12, 2008. He was born September 2, practicing attorney from 2001 to 2005 1926, in Meadville, Penn. After graduating from Fort Lauderdale High School, in the Houston area. In August 2005, he attended the University of Florida. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps she took a position as development Don’t miss Homecoming 2008 before returning to the University of Florida to complete his bachelor’s degree and where he also received his Law degree in 1954. John practiced law in Fort director and interim president of the Be sure to attend this year’s Homecoming November 1st. Lauderdale, Fla., for 22 years and retired in 1976. From there, he started a Talento Bilingue de Houston where 30-year career of teaching law at Baylor University, Oral Roberts University she developed funding sources and Tent reception begins at 8:30am in front of Morrison Hall and then Regent University. He taught at Baylor Law School from 1976 to 1984. provided financial, programming (the old Law School Building) and administrative leadership. In “John was a superb Christian gentleman who impacted so many lives,” said Baylor Law Dean Brad Toben. “A wonderful, committed and caring teacher December 2006, she became the Later that day, Baylor plays the University of Missouri at and educator—apart from his many other roles—has been lost.” assistant director of grants and Floyd Casey Stadium services for the Houston Arts Alliance Mr. Stanford is survived by his wife of 56 years, Frances Bixler Stanford; son where she wrote grants and contracts, John W. Stanford Jr.; daughter-in-law Pamela; and grandsons John III, Lowell, Contact the Law School at 254 710 1911 for more information gave presentations and administered and Thomas of Southlake, Texas; son David W. Stanford; daughter-in-law Mary about the reception Beth; and grandson, Michael, of Chapel Hill, N.C.; and son, James D. Stanford; services for local arts organizations daughter-in-law, Debbie; grandson, John Thomas; and granddaughter, Staci, and individual artists. of Colleyville, Texas.

54 Docket Call Summer 2008 | alumni notes Summer 2008 Docket Call 55 Baylor Law School calendar Mission Statement Summer Commencement August 2

As a member of the Baylor University community, the School of Law shares in Texas in Washington August 8 the University’s mission to educate men and Recruitment Program women by integrating academic excellence Fall Orientation August 20 – 21 and Christian commitment within a caring community. Sunbelt Minority Job Fair September 5

sBaylor University is dedicated to the tradi- Alumni reception tional responsibilities of higher education: Tyler September 9 dissemination of knowledge, transmission of Longview October 7 culture, search for new knowledge, and appli- cation of knowledge. Moreover, within the Daingerfield & Texarkana TBA context of a culturally diverse community, Baylor University strives to develop respon- Fall On-Campus Interviews September 15-26 sible citizens, educated leaders, dedicated scholars, and skilled professionals who are sensitive to the needs of a pluralistic society. Baylor Judges Breakfast September 15 (tentative)

As a professional school, the School of Law SWAPLA Law Fairs (Recruiting Events) has a particular obligation to develop stu- Texas Tech October 27 dents who have the character, maturity, skills, and values needed to assume leader- Texas A&M October 28 ship positions in a profession charged with U.T. Austin October 29 responsibility for maintaining and improv- U.T. San Antonio October 30 ing our nation’s system of justice. Given that the legal profession is dedicated to provid- LSAC Law Forums (Recruiting Events) ing service to clients, this obligation man- dates first that the School of Law provide Atlanta September 12-13 a program of education that endeavors to Miami September 20 prepare students to provide legal services New York City September 26-27 competently upon graduation. Boston September 29

The School of Law therefore seeks to expose Chicago October 11 students to those basic legal principles that serve as the foundation for our system of Preview Days September 19 justice; to develop in students the core law- (for prospective applicants) October 20 yering skills of clear thinking, writing, and speaking; and to provide students experience November 17 using this knowledge and skill to perform a reasonable range of lawyering tasks. Homecoming November 1 Tent Reception during Parade 8:30 a.m. The obligation to develop students prepared Morrison Hall for professional leadership also mandates that the School of Law expose students to the history, traditions, and values of the Fall Commencement November 8 legal profession. Among these values is a commitment to public service and leadership Class Reunions November 15 within one’s community and profession, a commitment to ensuring meaningful public for classes ending in 7&8 access to our system of justice, and respect for and adherence to the ethical standards of the profession.

Perhaps the most fundamental value in a profession dedicated to service of clients, however, is the value of attaining and main- taining competence in one’s field of practice. of events Meeting the obligation of preparing stu- dents to assume their responsibilities within an honorable profession therefore is the principal mission of the School of Law. Baylor University School of Law P.O. Box 97288 • Waco, Texas 76798-7288

As part of the University’s mission, the search Address Service Requested for new knowledge is necessarily a part of the mission of the School of Law as well. The search for knowledge through scholarship, by faculty and students alike, is accordingly encouraged within the context of the prin- cipal mission of teaching and the School of Law, but this pursuit is secondary to and in service of the principal mission of preparing students for the practice of law. Docket Call s