| A Note from the Office of Dean Leonard M. Baynes |
As we look back at 2023, we herald and celebrate the University of Houston Law Center’s continued success with increased entering class credentials, increased bar passage rates, and the continued use and enhancement of the ultramodern John M. O’Quinn Law Building. First, we welcomed the 1L incoming class with the highest credentials in the Law Center’s history with a 3.72 median GPA and a median LSAT of 161. The 1L class also was comprised of students from a wide variety of backgrounds. About 53% are women, and about 44% are members of groups underrepresented in the legal profession- Asian American, African American, and Hispanic. A majority of this year’s class were first-generation law school students, almost 18% are first-generation college students, and almost 15% identified as LGBTQ+. Second, we continue to explore ways to reach law students from low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented backgrounds. In 2015, we launched our award-winning Pre-Law Pipeline Program. College students who participate in those programs have seen a median LSAT score increase from 6-14 points, depending on the year. The Pre-Law Pipeline Program is complemented with the Aspiring Lawyer online magazine. The second issue was published in September, offering insights and advice for anyone wishing to pursue a legal career. Resources like these create new pathways for all students. Third, on the July 2023 bar exam, almost 90% of UH Law first-time test takers passed. This was the highest UH Law first-time bar passage percentage rate in over ten years. Fourth, 2023 marked a calendar year where we fully realized the potential of the ultramodern John M. O’Quinn Law Building. We celebrated the Building’s first anniversary by holding a conference highlighting the transformative impact of art, law, and social justice. At that event, we unveiled three beautiful displays recognizing the significant contributions of the Law Center’s African American and Hispanic law graduates and faculty. On the fifth floor, we unveiled a portrait of our much-beloved faculty member, the late Professor Michael A. Olivas and his wife, UH College of Education Professor Emerita Dr. Augustina Reyes. Award-winning artist Luis Alvarez Roure painted the portrait of the couple. On the second floor, we unveiled the African American Law Heritage Wall of Honor thanks to the generosity of State Senator Royce West (J.D. ’79) and his wife Carol West. The third installation was the Hispanic Law Heritage Wall of Honor thanks to the support of Ezequiel Reyna Jr. (J.D. ’80) and his wife Livia Reyna (M.Ed. ’79). The Olivas/Reyes portrait and walls of honor are empowering symbols honoring the contributions of those pioneers who have enriched our legal community. These alumni and faculty have paved the way for others, creating a legal system more accessible to everyone. The John M. O’Quinn Law Building remains a place of inspiration. The Law Center provides our students with a solid legal foundation through our excellent faculty and a new learning space, which will bear fruit for many decades to come. I am filled with pride in what we have achieved in our first year in the John M. O’Quinn Law Building. With your support, we can continue to do remarkable things together in 2024 and uplift students in achieving their dreams of creating a better world through the power of the law. The Law Center attracts the best and brightest students and faculty because of our incredible alumni. Learn how you can directly impact a student’s future by visiting our website. Thank you for all your support. I want to wish you and your loved ones a peaceful and happy holiday season. Leonard M. Baynes Share Your Thoughts with the Dean |