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Fall 2009 LawNotes, The t.S Mary's University School of Law Newsletter St. Mary's University School of Law

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INSIDE:

2009 Distinguished Graduates

New Deans

» Making their Mark Red Mass Alumni build prestige with success, giving back

» continued p. 1 » A NOTE FROM THE DEAN

Dear Fellow Graduates,

We are in the middle of an exciting fall semester at your law school. You will be happy to know the new first year class is the top of the recruiting crop – in fact, according to academic quality indicators, it is the highest quality and most talented class of students we have ever had.

One of the hallmarks of St. Mary’s University and the School of Law is small class sizes to provide for more personal attention and interaction between students and faculty. Beginning this fall, the School of Law has intentionally focused on reducing enrollment to concentrate on higher quality students and personal attention and overall success of every student. Although applications to the school have increased by more than eight percent this recruiting season, the focus on smaller classes allows us to maintain our admission selectivity which has resulted in this year’s outstanding incoming class.

Of course, we will not stop there in our quest to offer a first class legal education for our students. You will read in this issue about some of the administrative changes we’ve made – cementing our commitment to our clinical programs and career services by adding associate and assistant dean positions in those areas – as well as new faculty on the library and teaching staff.

I want to personally thank all my fellow graduates for your involvement in our alumni chapters. We have vigorous groups in Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, Houston, the Rio Grande Valley and Washington, D.C., and we are on our way to productive chapters in Corpus Christi, St. Louis and Denver. It is a pleasure for me to travel from chapter to chapter to visit with fellow graduates and stay abreast of the impact you are making on the legal community.

We have been keeping you up to date on the budding study and exchange program in China. We have now finalized a partnership with the Law School of Beihang University in Beijing, China. The program has gone through all the channels and the inaugural program is set for next summer. We are hoping to take a class of 24 students to China to be immersed in learning how to do business in China.

Please enjoy this issue of Law Notes, come back to St. Mary’s as often as possible, and keep up the good work in your lives and communities.

Sincerely, Charles E. Cantú Dean and South Professor of Law Making TheirMark school inorder to propel next the generation forward. than ever, inleadership positions profession intheir as well as giving back to the on individuals. Today, St. Mary’s alumni are impacting lives the of others more graduates, number of jobs,number of number cases, of dollars –but inimpact beyond. Success fieldcannot inthis be measured in sheer numbers – number of make mark their on profession legal the inSan Antonio, South Texas and For 75years, St. Mary’s law graduates have to determined persevering, been you from learn it; you whether to persevere.” choose –President Barack Obama you won’t. It’s you whether letit harden or shame you into inaction, or whether failure along way. the The testreal is notwhether you avoidthis failure, because But it’s not. It patience, takes it commitment, takes and it comes with plenty of “Making your mark on world the is hard. If it were easy, would doit. everybody » continued from cover

p.1 | LAW NOTES p.2 | LAW NOTES (J.D. ’77),Karen Herrmann andCantú Ronald Herrmann(J.D.’59),U.S.Sen.JohnCornyn of theUnitedStatesJohnRoberts Cantú, DiannBartek(J.D.’78)andChiefJustice Justice SamuelAlitoandCantú Charles Beckham(J.D.’79),U.S.Supreme Court on thestepsinfront ofthe Supreme Court Dean CharlesE.Cantú(J.D.’64)andthegroup Counter clockwisestartingabove Leaders impact the law and two St. Mary’s appointee is Amanda N. Torres (J.D. ’07), Justice graduates are doing just that. Cynthia Hujar Orr of the Peace in Nueces County. The (J.D. ’88) was installed in August as president of Bar Association is presided over by Robin the National Association of Criminal Defense Teague (J.D. ’79), while president-elect is Justice Lawyers and on the other side of the coin, United Phyllis Speedlin (J.D. ’83). Speedlin, of course, is States Magistrate Judge Thomas C. Mummert III a justice of the Fourth Court of Appeals, along (J.D. ’76) of the Eastern District of Missouri is with fellow St. Mary’s graduates Chief Justice currently the president of the Federal Magistrate Catherine Stone (J.D. ’82), Justice Sandee Bryan Judges Association (FMJA). Marion (J.D. ’80), Justice Karen Angelini (J.D. ’79) and Justice Marialyn Barnard (J.D. ’92). Orr’s career began with a clerkship for Fifth Corpus Christi’s Bar Association is under the Circuit Judge Emilio Garza when he sat on leadership of president L. Gayle Nelson (J.D. ’91). the U.S. District Court bench in San Antonio. During her first year in practice, she was counsel “The list of our leaders could go on and on,” said on the amicus brief in CNN vs. General Manuel Charles E. Cantú, St. Mary’s School of Law dean. Noriega before the United States Supreme Court “We couldn’t be prouder of our graduates who where she successfully defended the unpopular take the helm in their bar associations, courts, defendant’s attorney-client privilege. Other and the day-to-day business of the law.” notables in her career include obtaining the first confession of error by the State of Texas in a Cantú’s support of his fellow alumni and leaders death penalty case. She has served as president of was evident this spring as he took a group of 10 the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (the maximum number allowed at a time) to be and authored the Annual Report on the Criminal sworn in before the nation’s highest court. Diann Justice System for the ABA Defense Function Bartek (J.D. ’78), Charles Beckham Jr. (J.D. ’79), Committee entitled The State of Criminal Justice Ricardo Cedillo, Rex Easley Jr. (J.D. ’80), Jeffrey for the past two years. Embry (J.D. ’97), Renna Rhodes Embry (J.D. ’97), Ronald Herrmann (J.D. ’59), Clem Lyons Mummert is in his 14th year of serving as a (J.D. ’62), Karen Ellert Pena (J.D. ’02) and Nona magistrate judge and was previously on the Walker were admitted to the bar of the United St. Louis circuit court. He has been touted by States Supreme Court. Afterward, Cantú hosted prosecutors and defenders alike as a ‘favorite’ a reception for his guests including Chief Justice judge, by peers as a ‘standup judge’ and a ‘role of the United States John Roberts, Justice Alito, model’, and is known for his way of bringing Sen. (J.D. ’77) and Stuart Bowen opposing sides together and gaining consensus (J.D. ’91), Inspector General for Iraq. Cantú on issues. Mummert is also known for his plans to take another group next spring. impeccable ethics after serving for several years on the FMJA’s Code of Conduct Committee. The dean has also been working closely with alumni across the state and the country to Closer to home, St. Mary’s is overwhelmingly bolster scholarships for current and future represented in the leadership of the legal students. Through the generosity of alumni and community. Four alumni were appointed Bexar friends, Cantú has raised more than $6 million County Court judges this year: Monica Gonzalez for endowments and scholarships in his two (J.D. ’85), Ernest Acavedo Jr. (J.D. ’75), Michael years as dean. La Hood (J.D. ’67) and former Justice of the Peace Linda Penn (J.D. ’96). Another recent

» continue | LAW NOTES | LAW p.3 p.4 | LAW NOTES attorneys in2010as well. were afew employers looking for full-time employment, usually through internships. There where employers students interview for summer in OnCampus Interviewing, an annual event fall this law school'sOffice Services of Career mentor students. Many alumni joined with the outtime of busy their schedules to and meet 75 lawyers, judges and officialstook elected of tomorrow –today’s students. More than to come back to schoolto the leaders the meet receptionLeader’ inviting community leaders SchoolLaw the This fall, of hosted a to ‘Leader give back to next the class.” andgraduates an urge of with asense to service itself with awealth of and successful generous is its graduates,” said Cantú. “St. Mary’s finds most “The precious asset of anylaw school time totime mater,” alma their said Cantú. brings backafter time them forheart service community legal schoolinthe the and whose stewards of law, the raise prestige who the of graduates have who gone on successful to be undoubtedly not what be it is today without “All St. inall, Mary’s of School Law would employers, many of whom are alumni.” St. Mary’s of School Law students with best the place,takes is absolutely inplacing necessary learning,the mentoring, and networking that students have with graduates practicelaw, who Adjunct Professor of Law. connection “The our Bracey, assistant and dean of Career Services “Alumni participation is vital,” said Faye

❑ Antonio Martinez TheHon.Polly Jackson Spencer Marionand The Hon.SandeeBryan ofPatLaw Offices Maloney PC Margaret Maisel Linebarger, Goggan,Blair&Sampson LLP Professor Leopold Aloysius A. Langley andBanack Inc. andNicoLaHood The Hon.Michael T. La Hood Jackson Walker LLP Beiter Incorporated Hornberger SheehanFuller and Melissa Parker Hervey Richard Langlois ParkerThe Hon.Barbara and Hervey Haynes andBooneLLP Hartman Albert The Hon.Paul W. Green Goode CassebJonesRiklinChoate &Watson PC PC Gonzalez, Chiscano,Angulo&Kasson ofRosaLaw MariaGonzalez Offices The Gardner Law FirmPC Davis, Cedillo&MendozaInc. Davis Law Firm Cox Incorporated SmithMatthews Brock Person Reyna Guerra PC Austin Chapter Law AlumniAssociation Jon Christian PC Amberson OG Alvarez &Associates PC SPONSORS Valero Energy Corporation ofJack PaulLaw Offices Leon Clear Channel Beirne, Maynard &Parsons LLP UNDERWRITERS ofPaulLaw Office R.Vahldiek Jr. CHAMPIONS school scholarships andalumni-sponsored student services. allproceedsto willfundlaw thosewhoboughtatable; 2009 Distinguished Graduate Dinner. Specialthanks Thank you inthe to allwhoparticipated 2009 DistinguishedGraduateDinner

Winstead PC Peter andMarguerite Vogel Scheihing &BurnsPC Adami, Shuffield, Taylor ofGeorge A. The Law Offices PCand Strasburger andPrice LLP andDeanCharlesE.Cantú UniversitySt. Mary’s School ofLaw UniversitySt. Mary’s Shuttle&Charter/Gray LineToursStar Wilson&Pennypacker LLP Bill andBeth Squires and Shivers &Shivers San Antonio Young Lawyers Foundation San Antonio BarFoundation San Antonio BarAssociation ofClemLyons TheLaw Office Tom RhodesLaw FirmPCand AlumniAssociation ValleyRio Grande Chapter Law ofDonato D.Ramos Law Office RAB Law Firm Providus andAlfonso Kennard Jr. Polunsky &Beitel LLP Tony Pletcher/Watts, LLP Craft Guerra, Manuel Pelaez-Prada Noll andRick Noll TheHon.Larry Tanner, TheHon.Martha TheHon.GloriaSaldana, Nellermoe,The Hon.Barbara David andAngelaMoore Thank You! Thank

p.5 | LAW NOTES » CAMPUS BRIEFS

2009 Distinguished Law degree from the University of North Texas Deputy Attorney General under Graduates Hervey and Carolina at Greensboro and her juris current U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (J.D. McCaul Celebrated doctorate from St. Mary’s in 1979. ’77), and served as a federal prosecutor She worked in private practice with in the Department of Justice’s Public St. Mary’s University School of Law the Law Office of M.M. Peña Jr. in Integrity Section in Washington, D.C. honored Texas Court of Criminal San Antonio before moving to the Appeals Judge Barbara Parker Hervey the Bexar County District Attorney’s St. Mary’s Law Alumni Association (J.D. ’79) and Congressman Michael Office, where she spent 16 years as an President Jeff Davis (J.D. ’91) and McCaul (J.D. ’87), who represents assistant criminal district attorney in Charles E. Cantú, dean of the law Texas’ 10th district, as the 2009 the appellate section. school, hosted the evening to a St. Mary’s Distinguished Law capacity crowd of 500. Graduates at an awards dinner Friday, Judge Hervey is an adjunct professor Oct. 23 in San Antonio. The award is at St. Mary’s University School of Law, Fort Worth Chapter Names given each year to two individuals with past president of the St. Mary’s Law Inaugural Outstanding Alumni both outstanding achievements in the Alumni Association and a member of Award Winner legal profession and dedicated service the State Bar of Texas, Bexar County to St. Mary’s School of Law. Women’s Bar Association and the The St. Mary’s Law Alumni Bexar County Republican Women. Association’s Fort Worth Chapter Judge Hervey was elected to the named Mark G. Daniel as the 2009 Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Michael McCaul is currently serving Outstanding Alumnus at a ceremony in November 2000. The New Jersey his third term representing Texas’ 10th on Sept. 22 at The Fort Worth Club. native earned a bachelor of arts District, which stretches across eight counties from Austin to the Houston Daniel, who earned his juris doctorate suburbs. He is the ranking member of from St. Mary’s in 1980, is a criminal the Homeland Security Committee’s attorney in private practice and is a Intelligence Subcommittee and also frequent author and speaker at State serves on the Committee on Foreign Bar of Texas, Texas Criminal Defense Affairs, and as an Assistant Whip for Lawyers Association, Texas Criminal the 111th Congress. Defense Lawyers Project and Center for American and International Before being elected to Congress, Law CLE programs. He is the 2009 recipient of the Percy Foreman Lawyer McCaul served as Chief of Counter Terrorism and National Security in of the Year award, presented to the Dean Cantú, U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Texas, as outstanding criminal defense lawyer Judge Barbara Hervey, President Cotrell and Jeff in Texas. Davis at the 2009 Distinguished Graduate Dinner. | LAW NOTES | LAW p.6 “Mark was an excellent choice for and the Hon. Elma Salinas Ender, and South Texas is truly outstanding,” the chapter’s inaugural award,” said 341st Judicial District, Laredo, offering said Charles E. Cantú, dean of Charles E. Cantú, St. Mary’s School reflections on the importance of this St. Mary’s School of Law. of Law dean. “He has excelled in so occasion to the legal profession. many areas and is recognized for his St. Mary’s Center for Legal and Social involvement in civic affairs as well Red Mass dates back to 1245. The Justice provides a supportive learning as being held in high esteem by all name is derived from the scarlet robes environment for law students who, of his peers.” worn by judges and red vestments under the supervision of a faculty worn by priests in honor of the member, are the attorney of record Cantú hopes the chapter award will Holy Spirit. Red Mass is celebrated for indigent clients not adequately catch on with other chapters. “We have throughout the country for the served by other providers. The faculty so many strong alumni making their purpose of requesting God’s blessings balances a rigorous teaching agenda mark across the state and the country; and guidance on the administration while working with law student I would like to see more of them of justice. The Bexar County yearly volunteers to service the needs of recognized on the chapter level.” tradition is organized by St. Mary’s clients in three practice areas – civil, University School of Law with the criminal, and immigration and 57th Annual Red Mass Catholic Lawyers Guild of San human rights. In addition to the Antonio and representatives from clinic’s work, law students plan and The San Antonio legal community San Antonio legal organizations, the participate in many other pro bono joined together on Oct. 29 to celebrate judiciary and the State Legislature and community service projects the 57th annual Red Mass, inviting for the entire legal community. throughout the year. blessings on the judicial year at San Fernando Cathedral. St. Mary’s Receives The Texas Access to Justice Access to Justice Award Commission was created by The Archbishop José H. Gomez was to coordinate the principal presider with the Rev. The Texas Access to Justice services for people who seek legal Rudy Vela, S.M., D.Min., St. Mary’s Commission has selected St. Mary’s representation but may not be able to University vice president for Mission University School of Law as the afford it. The Commission works to and Identity, delivering the homily 2009 Law School Commitment to Service Award recipient. This award reduce barriers to the justice system recognizes the law school that has for low-income Texans. most distinguished itself by actively educating its students about access to Mock Trial Team Wins justice issues, thereby carrying forward Second at Nationals one the finest traditions of the legal The St. Mary’s Black Law Student profession in Texas. The Commission Association Mock Trial Team recently identified St. Mary’s University School won second place in the Thurgood of Law’s commitment to the provision Marshall Mock Trial National of legal services to the poor as “truly Championship in Irvine, Calif. exceptional.” The competition is hosted yearly “The Center for Legal and Social by the National Black Law Students Justice faculty, staff and students are Association and was sponsored by truly deserving of this accolade as the Navy JAG and DLA Piper, an their service and commitment to international law firm. The winners

providing legal services to the poor of the six regional contests met at Red Mass and disenfranchised of San Antonio the national championship held in | LAW NOTES | LAW p.7 The panel consists of Judges Patrick E. St. Mary’s University School of Law Higginbotham, Emilio M. Garza and has bolstered its career services Edward C. Prado. Holding the oral department adding Faye M. Bracey as arguments on the St. Mary’s campus assistant dean for Career Services and provided a unique opportunity for the Suzanne Patrick as director. law school community to witness first- hand advocacy on important cases A St. Mary’s School of Law alumna, pending before the court. Bracey has been dedicated to the students and alumni of St. Mary’s July Bar Exam School of Law throughout her career Front row from left to right: Christian Johnson, Results Released and is more than prepared to take the Bridgett Clay, Nicole Hines-Glover, and Lysette Rios. Office of Career Services to a higher Back row left to right: Coaches Ken Bell Results from the most recent Texas and Daryl Harris level of service for both students and Bar Examination were released in alumni, according to Charles E. Cantú, early November with 83 percent of dean of St. Mary’s School of Law. conjunction with the group’s 41st St. Mary’s University School of Law Annual National Convention. graduates passing. Of the 157 Bracey St. Mary’s graduates who took the earned her St. Mary’s team members were bar exam for the first time in July,130 Lysette Rios and Bridgett Clay for the bachelor's passed.“While we are not where we degree from defense and Nicole Hines-Glover and aim to be in regard to the bar passage Christian Johnson for the prosecution. Vanderbilt rate, we are proud of our students and University They are coached by Daryl Harris and confident they have received a quality Ken Bell. and her educational foundation and will be juris successful in their legal careers,” said doctorate To advance to the national finals, Charles E. Cantú, dean of St. Mary's the team won the Rocky Mountain degree School of Law. “We remain committed in 1981. Regional Tournament several weeks to graduating students that will one Faye M. Bracey ago in Colorado. St. Mary’s made it While at day become legal professionals with St. Mary’s, into the national championship round a dedication to excellence, a passion after beating Jones-Faulkner School of she was the editor-in-chief of the for service and a commitment to the St. Mary’s Law Journal and was Law, St. John’s School of Law, Harvard ethical practice of law.” Law School and the University of inducted into the Harlan Society, the Virginia Law School. Virginia and honor society for the top 10 percent of While this isn’t in keeping with the each graduating class. St. Mary’s met again in the finals and momentum the School of Law has Virginia was named the winner by a gained more recently, a passage rate split panel of judges. Active in the San Antonio legal above 80 percent is in line with the last community and well known in four years of higher results. Before the legal circles across the state, Bracey Fifth Circuit Held Court July results were released, St. Mary’s at St. Mary’s practiced at several area firms, had climbed in the three previous specializing in commercial real estate, A panel of three U.S. Court of Appeals testing cycles. In February, 87.5 and has taught for a number of years for the Fifth Circuit judges heard oral percent of St. Mary’s graduates passed as an adjunct professor. She has served arguments in the St. Mary’s School the exam and exceeded the state as president of St. Mary’s Law Alumni of Law Courtroom last semester. The average of 81.5 percent. Association and as a member of the sessions were open to the public. The St. Mary’s University Board of court is seated at the John Minor Bracey, Patrick Guide Trustees. Bracey is a member of the Career Services Wisdom U.S. Courthouse in New Supreme Court of Texas Grievance Orleans and has jurisdiction over With a goal of providing the students Oversight Committee, the National Texas, Mississippi and Louisiana. the best career counseling available, Arbitration Forum, Bexar County | LAW NOTES | LAW p.8 Women’s Bar Association, Texas Bar St. Mary’s Hosted Kinder was awarded his juris doctorate Foundation, State Bar of Texas, and the Lone Star Classic from St. Mary’s in 1979. Before San Antonio Bar Association. She has becoming an elected public servant in been admitted to the Supreme Court From Oct. 15-17, St. Mary’s hosted 1992, Kinder worked as an attorney, a of Texas and the U.S. District Court, the 2009 Lone Star Classic, an annual real estate representative and associate Western District of Texas. invitational mock trial tournament publisher of the Southeast Missourian. open to ABA-accredited law schools Kinder served 12 years in the Missouri Patrick nationwide. Senate, where he was elected President earned Pro Tem. He was elected Missouri’s degrees The field consisted of 16 teams from 46th lieutenant governor in 2004. from the following schools: American Throughout his career he has been a the State University Washington College of champion for seniors and veterans, University Law; Baylor University Law School; helping create and pass the Missouri of New Brooklyn Law School; Cumberland Rx Plan, the 2006 Assisted Living York, her School of Law; Emory University Bill and the Missouri Military Family bachelor's School of Law; Florida State University Relief Fund. from the College of Law; University of Houston Law Center; Louisiana State University University Suzanne Patrick At the commencement ceremony, at Albany Law Center; Michigan State University 203 new juris doctorate degrees were and her juris College of Law; Pace University awarded as well as five Master of doctorate at the University at Buffalo Law School; Southern Methodist Law degrees. Blake Wilson Stribling Law School. She is licensed to practice University Dedman School of Law; finished first in the class as the Class of in Maryland and worked at the South Texas College of Law; Texas 2009 Valedictorian. international law firm of Reed Smith Wesleyan University School of Law; LLP before joining St. Mary’s. She has Tulane University School of Law; St. Mary’s honored local attorney counseled students and alumni at The Villanova University School of Law; Roy R. Barrera Sr. with the Lifetime George Washington University Law and Washington University School Achievement Award. Barrera School and the University of Buffalo of Law. graduated from the law school in 1951 Law School. Before moving in the and founded the law firm Nicholas & direction of career development, she The rounds were held at the Bexar Barrera with his partner. His legendary practiced law at an international trade County Courthouse and St. Mary’s career has spanned half a century. association enforcing copyright laws in courtroom. The law school’s Board Barrera served as Texas’ Secretary of software piracy cases in the U.S. of Advocates assisted with many of State from 1968 to 1969. He has been and Canada. the logistical challenges of the event, named by Texas Monthly Magazine as such as finding 90 lawyers to judge the one of the Top 10 Criminal Lawyers Bracey and Patrick are diligently preliminary and semi-final rounds in in Texas and as a Texas Super Lawyer working with a renewed emphasis on the competition and 50 students to many times. Barrera was St. Mary’s placing students in more internships serve as either bailiffs or marshals for 1975 Distinguished Law Graduate. and jobs, providing more interactive each round. services earlier in students’ law The law school also presents two school careers and engaging alumni St. Mary’s School of Law awards to those who have made in the career placement process. Holds 75th Graduation exceptional contributions to the Additionally, the Office of Career legal profession and education. U.S. The School of Law held its 75th Services is working with alumni Supreme Court Justice Antonin commencement ceremony on May 16, who are interested in a job change, Scalia was awarded the Rosewood with St. Mary’s alumnus and Missouri’s providing résumé review and Gavel Award; he was not present at Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder delivering the career counseling. the ceremony and will receive the keynote address. award at a later date. The St. Thomas | LAW NOTES | LAW p.9 More Award was presented to Phil Americans Held Hostage in her impressive work in the area of Hardberger, former San Antonio Columbia Told Their Story immigration litigation,” said Ana M. Mayor and retired Chief Justice for the Novoa, St. Mary’s associate dean for Fourth Court of Appeals. In 2003, three American civilians Clinical Education and Public Interest crash-landed in the mountainous and professor of Law. “For many years, Novoa Named Dean Colombian jungle and were held Professor Terán has been a champion of Clinical Programs hostage for the next five and a half of the poor and marginalized and years by one of the world’s most a leader in the defense of basic St. Mary’s School of Law Dean notorious terrorist organizations. human rights. She continues to be Charles E. Cantú, after consulting This past spring semester, Marc an inspiration to her students and with St. Mary’s Interim Vice President Gonsalves and Keith Stansell colleagues. St Mary’s is very lucky to for Academic Affairs Andre Hampton, recounted their harrowing tale of have her as part of our faculty.” named Ana M. Novoa to the new survival, brotherhood and rescue at position of associate dean for the School of Law as part of the Center Founded in 1968, MALDEF has Clinical Education and Public Interest. for Terrorism Law’s Distinguished celebrated 40 years of advancing Speaker Series. Latino civil rights at the organization’s “Professor Novoa’s commitment to birthplace in San Antonio. MALDEF excellence in legal education and The men were prisoners of the hosts four annual regional awards to the poor, underprivileged and Revolutionary Armed Forces of galas in Los Angeles, Washington, disenfranchised, along with her devout Colombia, also known as FARC, a D.C., Chicago and San Antonio. Catholic faith make her a natural for Colombian terrorist and Marxist this position,” said Charles E. Cantú, rebel organization, and have written Supreme Court of Texas dean of St. Mary’s School of Law. a book about their plight, Out of Cases Available on iTunes U Captivity: Surviving 1,967 Days in According to Cantú, the appointment the Colombian Jungle. Since 2006, St. Mary’s University of an associate dean for Clinical School of Law and the Supreme Court Education and Public Interest – one of The event was held in the Sarita of Texas have partnered to provide only a handful of such positions in the Kenedy East Law Library Law Alumni the Court’s oral arguments to the nation’s law schools – unequivocally Room in front of a standing-room- public through access to live and demonstrates the School of Law’s only crowd of both law students and archived webcasts. Now, the archived commitment to Catholic and community members. Founded in arguments are available on iTunes U. Marianist principles and to clinical 2003, St. Mary’s Center for Terrorism In all, nearly 400 video, audio and legal education. Law is a nonpartisan, nonprofit transcripts tracks are available for academic institution dedicated to the public consumption. This service is Novoa, Professor of Law and Director study of current and potential legal provided by St. Mary’s School of Law of Clinical Programs, was the first issues related to terrorism. and the Supreme Court of Texas for Mexican American woman to receive students, the legal community and tenure at St. Mary’s University. She Terán Honored by MALDEF general public. graduated with honors from the The 2009 Excellence in Legal Service University of Texas School of Law and Award was given to St. Mary’s Before the arguments are posted was in private practice in San Antonio Clinical Professor Lee Terán by the on iTunes U, the live webcasts are prior to joining the faculty. Mexican American Legal Defense and available on St. Mary’s School of Law Educational Fund (MALDEF) at their website, www.stmarytx.edu/law, Under her leadership, both the Clinical 25th Annual San Antonio Awards and recordings are usually posted Program and the Public Interest Gala on Sept. 18 at the Westin within a few hours of the oral Program have grown substantially, Riverwalk Hotel. argument. St. Mary’s iTunes U is found

providing a greater number of law at www.stmarytx.edu/itunesu. students the opportunity to engage in “We are delighted that Professor Terán legal representation of indigent clients has been recognized by MALDEF for and service the needs of the poor. | LAW NOTES | LAW p.10 » IN MEMORIAM

Solomon Casseb Jr.

Friend and champion of St. Mary’s University and the School of Law, Judge Solomon Casseb Jr. of San Antonio and Laredo died on Oct. 16, 2009 at the age of 94. Born and raised in San Antonio, he attended Central Catholic High School, St. Mary’s University and the University of Texas School of Law. At the outbreak of World War II, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served overseas earning the rank of major. He returned to private practice until being appointed – then elected – to the 57th District Court. Judge Casseb also served as presiding judge of both Bexar County District Courts and the Fourth Administrative District before acting as a Senior District Judge of Texas. He returned to private practice until 1985.

In his prominent career, Judge Casseb was a member of the Advisory Committee to the Supreme Court of Texas and of the Joint Task Force and honored with many accolades such as Texas Trial Lawyers Association’s 1965 Outstanding Judge, the Texas Bar Foundation’s 1987 Outstanding Jurist Award, and a citation for his contributions to the legal profession from the American Trial Lawyers Association. He earned Lifetime Achievement awards from the San Antonio Bar Association, San Antonio Bar Foundation and the Laredo/Webb County Bar Association.

At St. Mary’s, Judge Casseb was the University’s Distinguished Graduate in 1961 and was later presented with the St. Thomas More Award by the School of Law. Among his many civic and community commitments, he served as co-trustee of the Lamar Bruni Vergara Trust. Through Judge Casseb’s leadership, the Lamar Bruni Vergara Trust has endowed two scholarships of $1 million each to the School of Law.

1940s 1980s Mary Louise Villaret, L.L.B. ’41, Richard Ream Storm, L.L.B. ’64, Mercedes J. Kutcher, J.D. ’80, San Angelo, died Feb. 16, 2009. San Antonio, died April 2, 2009. San Antonio, died July 23, 2009.

1950s 1970s Richard H. Klitch Jr., J.D. ’81, Barbara Mansell, L.L.B. ’50, Benjamin Norris Samples, J.D. ’70, San Antonio, died Aug. 9, 2009. San Antonio, died July 7, 2009. San Antonio, died March 5, 2009. Willa Gaspard, J.D. ’85, Anthony J. Pons, J.D. ’50, John J. Ezzell, J.D. ’71, San Antonio, died Sept. 9, 2009. San Antonio, died May 26, 2009. Dallas, died March 21, 2009. 1990s G. Bert Smith, J.D. ’50, Alberto R. Huerta, J.D. ’72, Patrick Waters, J.D. ’97, Odessa, died May 4, 2009. Corpus Christi, died July 15, 2009. Beeville, died Jan. 5, 2009.

Ramiro Martinez, J.D. ’53, William H. Ervine Jr., J.D. ’73, 2000s McAllen, died May 2, 2009. Houston, died Oct. 6, 2008. Pedro Marrero Serrano, J.D. ’07, David O. Arendt, L.L.B. ’58, Leo Alvarado Jr., J.D. ’74, Odessa, died July 19, 2009. Little Rock, Ark., died March 2, 2009. San Antonio, died June 5, 2009. Alfonso Martinez Jr., J.D. ’08, San Antonio, died April 28, 2009. 1960s William McDonnell, J.D. ’76,

Robert Shelley Bambace, L.L.B. ’61, East Brunswick, N.J., died June 28, 2008. Houston, died Aug. 17, 2009. Kathleen Dee Teal, J.D. ’77, Arnoldo Garcia, L.L.B. ’64, San Antonio, died Aug. 16, 2008.

Corpus Christi, died May 26, 2009. NOTES | LAW p.11 p.12 | LAW NOTES general counsel. Strauss Hauer &Feld LLPas deputy Communications, has Gump joined Akin general counsel for Channel Clear former president vice and associate BrennanMary Stich, J.D. planning and estate administration. areasin the of life care planning, estate Foundation, and concentrates her practice Bar and by National the Law Elder LawElder in the Floridaby certified published by Law &Politics. She is board by forLawyer third the consecutive year Myers, was Fla., named a2009 Super Norma Hand Brill,J.D. ’81 straight year. in named tobeen Texas the Super list Lawyer ofBoard Director of 2008. He has also Association and named its Outstanding treasurerwas elected of Austin the Bar J.D. E.Chamberlain, David transactions and family law. municipal and zoning law, commercial practicing area inthe of business law, ofFirm Clayman, Tapper &Baram, HeLaw Bloomfield inthe is apartner Capitol of Region Council Governments. Bloomfield and a former chairman the of Windsor, He Conn. is former the mayor of Assembly15th for District Bloomfleld and Statewas elected Representative for the A.Baram, J.D.David ’78 Attorney General. ofGeneral Texas after 29 years as Assistant retired from Office the the of Attorney J.Michael Ryan, J.D. Juvenile/Probate Judge. as Miamiwas elected County (Ohio) W. McGregor Dixon Jr., J.D. ’75 Counties. over Lamar, Fannin and River Red of State the of Texas, currently presiding judgedistrict for Judicial 6th the District S.Clifford,Eric J.D. ’73 » Texas Monthly Florida Super Lawyers Magazine

KUDOS&CLASSNOTES magazine for fourth the , Paris, was elected , Corpus Christi, , Corpus Christi, , Bloomfield,Conn., , North Fort , San Antonio, , Austin, , Troy, Ohio, , Foundation. is aFounding Fellow of Austin the Bar Fellow Texas inthe BarFoundation and as published in Rising Star, Super Estate Lawyers inReal and corporate law and was named a with group. the He practices real estate PCsinceAlbers merging his law firm now ashareholder inKuperman & Orr Thomas C. Washmon, J.D. ’98 for First the Judicial of District Tennessee. Tenn., is assistant public district defender William Francisco, J.D. Eldorado. four mothers from YFZcompound the in recognition of her work inrepresenting Webb County BarAssociation in named Law Day Chair by Laredo- the Kelly Fitzgerald, J.D. of Law. They were classmates at St. Mary’sSchool J.D. ’97,and Richard J. Kasson, J.D. ’97. with two other Steve partners, Chiscano, Chiscano, Angulo &Kasson PC,along law inthe a partner Gonzalez, firm of S.Angulo,David J.D. ’97 PC. Firm of counsel Brown with Bob the Law Karen Schroeder, J.D. ’93 Pentagon. of Judge the Advocate inthe General Administrative Law Directorate, Office she work performs reserve with the colonel Air inthe Force Reserves, Department of Navy. the As alieutenant lawhealth attorney and policy for U.S. the Dina Bernstein, J.D. ’92 for athree-year term. of to Texas trustees the BarFoundation was appointed as amember of board the Jennifer Rymell, J.D. Setser ’91 mediator and arbitrator inDenton. now working as avisiting judge and as a retired from bench and district the is Issacks,Vickie J.D. Barbee ’82

Texas Monthly , Burke, Va., is the , Laredo, was , San Antonio, is , Arlington, is , Johnson City, , Austin, is , Carrollton, , Fort Worth, . He is a Art Martinez de Vara, de Martinez Art J.D. ’07 Lebanon, N.H. Hitchcock Medical Center inHanover/ atin general surgery Dartmouth- the 2009. He is currently doing his residency of Michigan the Medical inMay School Antonio, graduated from University the Patrick E.Mayo, J.D. Rising Stars Edition. and forselected inclusion inthe atpartner Crouch LLPand &Ramey was Jason W. Fatheree, J.D. ’00 Law Office ofA.J. Schulz PC. Houston, is president and attorney for the Amanda J. Tenpenny J.D. Schulz, Women’s Hall of Fame. was inducted into San the Antonio J.D. M.Rodriguez, Sonia attorney for and Kleberg Kenedy counties. John T. Hubert, J.D. ’99 by MinorityExtraordinary Lawyers inTexas de Vara, named has one been of 25 the ofLaw Firm Marrou Ramirez, &Martinez mayor of Von Ormy and with the partner Roland Abel Hernandez, J.D. ’05 and Winspear Bill House. Opera Center forDallas Performing Margot Arts resident company ballet at fall this the Theater,which made its debutthe as director of development for Texas Ballet Thames Ashlee Woods, J.D. ’04 Attorney’s Office. Departmentthe of Justice United States assistant United States Attorney with BenitesEric J.D. Giese, ’02 Babington Mynatt PC. N.M., is ashareholder with Holt Damian J.D. L.Martinez, ’01 promoted to captain U.S. inthe Navy. Texas Lawyer

Law &Politics Magazine. Texas Super – Lawyer , Kingsville, is district , San Antonio, was , Dallas, is a , Dallas, , Del Rio,, Del is an , San Antonio, , Las Cruces, Cruces, , Las , San Antonio, Texas Monthly , Dallas, is , Dallas, , San ,

» CALENDARFall 2009

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February 19 DOTTEDCUT ALONG LINE

St. Mary’s Law Journal 9th Annual Symposium " Legal Malpractice & Professional Responsibility ------February 27 9th Annual Minority Pre-Law Symposium ------March 27 St. Mary's University Homecoming ------April 16-17 Fiesta Oyster Bake ------

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