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 V. 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
Houston, Sept. 23, 2025 - 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 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.
