UH Law Center to Honor Judicial Pioneers, Dedicate New Judicial Wall

HOUSTON, Sept. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The University of Houston Law Center is recognizing trailblazing alumni judges, who have impacted many lives serving on both the Texas and U.S. courts, at a special event titled "Judicial Pioneers Heritage Celebration."

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

The event is at 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 26, in the Danny M. Sheena Courtroom of the John M. O'Quinn Law Building. Attendees have the option to join online.

The featured alumni are:

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

The event will start with a panel discussion, "A Conversation with UH Law Center Judicial Pioneers," moderated by Dean Baynes, where the honorees will share their personal journeys and insights.

Daniella Landers, president of the Houston Bar Association, will speak at 5:30 p.m.

A reception and the dedication of UH Law's Judicial Wall, a digital wall featuring the portraits of the honorees and other alumni judges, will follow.

Attendees are eligible to receive two hours of Texas continuing legal education credit. Complimentary parking is available.

WHAT: UH Law Judicial Pioneers Heritage Celebration

WHERE: The John M. O'Quinn Law Building, 4170 Martin Luther King Blvd., Houston, TX 77204 and online

WHEN: 4 p.m., Friday, Sept. 26, 2025

Click here for more information about the event.

Media contacts: 

Carrie Anna Criado, UH Law Center Assistant Dean of Communications and Marketing, 713-743-2184, [email protected]; Rashda Khan Director of Communications, 713-743-2184 [email protected]

About the University of Houston Law Center

The University of Houston Law Center (UHLC) is a dynamic, top-tier law school located in the nation's 4th largest city. UHLC's Health Law, Intellectual Property and Information Law, Legal Writing Program, and Part-time programs rank in the U.S. News Top 15. It awards Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) and Master of Laws (LL.M.) degrees, through its academic branch, the College of Law. The Law Center is more than just a law school. It is a powerful hub of intellectual activity with more than 12 centers and institutes that fuel its educational mission and national reputation. UHLC is fully accredited by the American Bar Association and is a member of the Association of American Law Schools.

About the University of Houston

The University of Houston is a Carnegie-designated Tier One public research university recognized with a Phi Beta Kappa chapter for excellence in undergraduate education. UH serves the globally competitive Houston and Gulf Coast Region by providing world-class faculty, experiential learning and strategic industry partnerships. Located in the nation's fourth-largest city and one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse regions in the country, UH is a federally designated Hispanic- and Asian American-Serving institution with an enrollment of more than 47,000 students.

SOURCE University of Houston Law Center