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Celebrating Judicial Pioneers at the UH Law Center

The University of Houston Law Center (UHLC) will host a special event on September 26, 2025, to honor the achievements of outstanding alumni judges who have left a remarkable impact on the legal landscape. This event, titled the "Judicial Pioneers Heritage Celebration," seeks to shine a light on the contributions of these individuals to both the Texas and U.S. courts, showcasing their accomplishments and inspiring future generations of legal professionals.

Dean Leonard M. Baynes expressed the significance of this celebration, saying, "This celebration is a powerful reminder of the impact our alumni have had as part of the judiciary at every level. Their achievements reflect the excellence of the UH Law Center and inspire future generations of legal leaders."

Event Details

The celebration will take place at 4 p.m. in the Danny M. Sheena Courtroom of the John M. O'Quinn Law Building, and attendees will have the option to join virtually. The program will feature a panel discussion titled "A Conversation with UH Law Center Judicial Pioneers," moderated by Dean Baynes, where the honorees will discuss their personal journeys, experiences, and insights into the legal field.

The distinguished alumni being honored include:

• - The Honorable Frances Bourliot (J.D. '07): Served on the Fourteenth Court of Appeals from 2019-2024.
• - The Honorable Vanessa D. Gilmore (J.D. '81): Former judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas from 1994-2022.
• - The Honorable Raul A. Gonzalez (J.D. '66): Served on the Supreme Court of Texas from 1984-1998.
• - The Honorable Evelyn Keyes (J.D. '87): Served on the First Court of Appeals from 2002-2020.
• - The Honorable James F. Kovach (J.D. '91): Currently serving on the Harris County Civil Court at Law No. 2 since 2018.
• - The Honorable Juan F. Vasquez (J.D. '77): Senior Judge of the United States Tax Court since 1995.

Highlights of the Celebration

After the panel discussion, attendees will hear from Daniella Landers, the president of the Houston Bar Association, who will speak at 5:30 p.m. Following her address, a reception will allow participants to engage with the honorees and other guests. A significant highlight of the evening will be the dedication of the UH Law Center's Judicial Wall, which features digital portraits of the honored judges as well as other alumni.

Participants will be eligible to receive two hours of Texas continuing legal education (CLE) credit for attending the event. Additionally, complimentary parking will be provided for attendees arriving in person.

Venue Information

What: UH Law Judicial Pioneers Heritage Celebration
Where: John M. O'Quinn Law Building, 4170 Martin Luther King Blvd., Houston, TX 77204 (and online)
When: 4 p.m., Friday, September 26, 2025

For more information about this event or to register, interested individuals can reach out to Carrie Anna Criado, Assistant Dean of Communications and Marketing at UH Law Center, or Rashda Khan, Director of Communications. Both can be contacted at 713-743-2184.

About UH Law Center

The University of Houston Law Center is recognized as a top-tier law school located in Houston, the nation’s fourth-largest city. With its exceptional programs in Health Law, Intellectual Property, and Legal Writing among the best in the U.S. News rankings, it serves as a vibrant hub of legal education. The center continuously strives to empower students to become leaders in the legal profession, backed by strong academic resources, faculty expertise, and a commitment to community outreach.

As a proud member of the Houston community and a leader in legal education, UHLC embraces its legacy while looking forward to its future, celebrating those who have paved the way for aspiring legal professionals.