News From Around The Bar February 2022
Genora K. Boykins becomes first woman, first African American to serve
as South Texas College of Law Houston Board of Directors chair
Genora K. Boykins was elected chair
of the South Texas College of Law Houston Board of Directors at a board
meeting on December 8. She is the first woman and first African American
to serve as board chair. Boykins succeeds J. Ken Johnson, who served as
board chair from 2014 to 2021. “I am excited to take on the leadership
role as chair of the STCL Houston board as we continue to excel in
providing an exceptional legal education to our diverse student body,”
Boykins said in a press release. “I look forward to working with the
board, Dean Michael Barry, faculty, staff, alumni, and students as we
provide an innovative and transformative legal education. South Texas
produces an inclusive community of future lawyers and leaders that
values, celebrates, and supports the diversity of our global community.”
Boykins served as regional assistant general counsel to NRG Energy,
Inc., and Reliant Energy for 31 years. She retired from her full-time
position at NRG in 2018 but continues to serve in a part-time role
supporting Reliant’s community relationship and sponsorship marketing
team. Boykins previously served as co-chair of the Texas Minority
Counsel Program. For more information about South Texas College of Law
Houston, go to stcl.edu.
State Commission on Judicial Conduct releases annual report
The State Commission on Judicial Conduct has released its fiscal year 2021 annual report covering activities from September 1, 2020, to August 31, 2021. It is available online at scjc.texas.gov/about/annual-reports/. The 2020-2021 annual reports of the State Bar of Texas and the Commission for Lawyer Discipline can be found at texasbar.com/annualreports.
Baylor Law School Honors Gavin Lane and Darren Obenoskey with
Advocate of the Year Awards
Baylor Law School’s Veterans Clinic honored attorneys Gavin Lane and Darren Obenoskey, both of Waco, with its Advocate of the Year Awards on November 5. The awards are annually given to volunteer attorneys who go above and beyond in pro bono legal service to Central Texas veterans and their spouses. Lane, of Zimmerman Law Firm, has been a pro bono volunteer with the legal advice clinics at the Heart of Texas One Stop Shop Hop for over six years, beginning when he was a law student at Baylor. “Gavin is a regular volunteer at the monthly clinics and has a heart for those who served,” clinic director Josh Borderud said in press release. “As a civil litigator, he provides good counsel and passionate service to those veterans who need guidance navigating lawsuits.” Obenoskey, a solo practitioner who specializes in criminal defense and family law, has overseen several pro bono family law cases for veterans in recent years through the Baylor Law Veterans Clinic. “Of all of our volunteer lawyers, Darren is one of the best at swiftly and effectively resolving disputes for our clients,” Borderud said. “His proven record of serving those who served in the family arena is inspirational.” Since its founding in 2012, the veterans clinic has served thousands of veterans and their spouses. For more information about Baylor Law School, go to baylor.edu/law.
St. Mary’s University School of Law Receives $1.8 Million
Gift
St. Mary’s University School of Law received a $1.8 million gift from an anonymous donor to benefit scholarships for students. Of the estate gift pledge, $800,000 will go toward an existing endowed scholarship for law students and $1 million to create a new endowed scholarship for female law students, according to a press release. “This generous gift from one of our law alumni will make a meaningful difference in the lives of our law students as they pursue one of the most rigorous courses of study in higher education,” St. Mary’s University School of Law President Thomas Mengler said. “One gift—like this donation—can have an impact beyond measure. Thank you to our donor for supporting our students as they strive toward their goals.” For more information about St. Mary’s University School of Law, go to law.stmarytx.edu.
University of Houston Law Center Launches Publication Aimed at
Undergrad Students
Interested in Law School
The University of Houston Law Center debuted Aspiring Lawyer, a publication dedicated to undergraduate students nationwide interested in attending law school. Aspiring Lawyer will feature insights, tips, success stories, and guidance for pre-law students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. “I am delighted that we have established the Aspiring Lawyer magazine which will provide helpful hints and advice for students who plan to be lawyers,” said Leonard M. Baynes, dean of the University of Houston Law Center, in a press release. “UH Law Center has always provided a pathway to the profession for law school students of all backgrounds. It’s only rational for us to produce this magazine so that as many people as possible know that a legal education is within their reach and to help them achieve their dreams.” Aspiring Lawyer is a complement to UH Law Center’s Pre-Law Pipeline Program. The program has four tracks and a history of excellence. To read Aspiring Lawyer, go to law.uh.edu/aspiringlawyer/. For more information about the University of Houston Law Center, go to law.uh.edu.TBJ
