UH Law 2026 Gala Raises Over $1 Million to Support Student Scholarships and Programs

MAY 08, 2026—The University of Houston Law Center raised more than $1.6 million for student scholarships, advocacy programs, faculty research, and other initiatives at its 49TH annual Law Gala and Auction in May. This is the most amount raised in the Gala’s history.

This year’s event, “Bond, Barristers, and Black Tie,” brought a cinematic flair to the celebration while highlighting the enduring impact of the UH Law community.

UH Law Dean Leonard M. Baynes described it as “an evening of bonding and celebration,” praising the UHLC community for “achieving the impossible by working together.”

The event, hosted by UHLC and the UH Law Alumni Association, was held at the Post Oak Hotel in Uptown Houston. Mo (J.D. ’04) and Erin Aziz served as co-chairs of the gala, which was attended by more than 680 alumni, faculty, students, and community leaders.

In his opening remarks, Mo Aziz, a named partner at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner, reflected on the Law Center’s invaluable impact on his life, giving him opportunities to build his career, family and life in Houston.

“UH Law didn’t just give me a degree, it gave me so much more,” he said. “It gave me the opportunity to fulfill my dreams…to become a lawyer in the U.S. The opportunities the Law Center has provided me have been immense, and as stewards we need to pay it forward. Today I encourage you all to think of this as an investment. Think about how you can impact the hopes and dreams of other students.”

Guests embraced the glamour and intrigue of the James Bond theme while enjoying an evening of fellowship, spirited auction bidding, and a remarkable Paddles Up scholarship fundraiser.

Proceeds from the gala support scholarships, programs, and initiatives that advance the Law Center’s mission.

As part of the evening’s program, the UH Law Alumni Association recognized distinguished alumni and friends of the Law Center for their professional accomplishments, leadership, and service to the legal profession and the broader community.

Associate Dean for Alumni and Community Relations Sondra Tennessee added her thanks.

“We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors, alumni, and supporters—including those who couldn’t attend but contributed from afar,” Tennessee said. “What we have achieved at this year’s gala is only possible because of their generosity.”