Issue4 - September 8, 2025

Financial Aid Assistance

Tue., Sept. 9

Wed., Sept 10

12:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Law Library

Room 108

 

Christian Legal Society Meeting

Tue., Sept. 9

12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

RABA 207

 

American Constitution Society General Meeting

Wed., Sept. 10

12:15 p.m.

LC 101

 

25% tuition refund deadline

Fri., Sept. 12

 

First-Year Student Law Family Day

Sat., Sept. 13

9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Law Classrooms Bldg..

In a landmark achievement for St. Mary’s University School of Law, the Negotiations Team captured the National Championship this spring, earning the honor of representing the United States at the International Negotiation Competition in London this summer.

The St. Mary’s delegation — composed of 3L Captains Kendall Michaelis and Caroline Villarreal, alongside Coaches Allen Craddock and Sarah Bourland — traveled overseas to compete against the best student negotiators from across the globe. The international field included top law schools from more than 30 countries, making the competition one of the most prestigious stages for aspiring advocates.

Rising to the occasion, Michaelis and Villarreal impressed judges and peers alike with their poise, strategy, and teamwork. Their efforts culminated in an extraordinary Second Place finish in the world, marking one of the highest placements ever achieved by a St. Mary’s advocacy team on the global stage.

This historic run not only highlights the individual excellence of the competitors but also showcases the strength of St. Mary’s nationally recognized advocacy program. As champions at home and standouts abroad, the Negotiations Team has once again affirmed St. Mary’s reputation as a powerhouse in advocacy education.

This summer, eight St. Mary’s advocates traveled to historic St Andrews, Scotland, to take part in the renowned Academy of the Advocate, one of the world’s premier training grounds for trial lawyers.

The two-week program immerses students in trial and appellate advocacy, with instruction from some of the nation’s top civil trial attorneys, prosecutors, sitting judges, and advocacy professors. Organized into three tracks — the School of Appeal, the School of the Trial, and the Advanced School of the Trial — the Academy offers a uniquely intimate learning environment with a 3:1 student-faculty ratio.

Representing St. Mary’s were Elie Bravo, Lauren Cortez, Yasmine Kulesza, Aaron Lopez, Irene Martinez, Olivia LePage, Jayson Sowell, and Aidan Zerda, accompanied by Trial Coach Steven Lopez. Together, they gained invaluable courtroom experience in the birthplace of English Common Law, sharpening skills they will carry into their future careers.

The National Team (TNT) at St. Mary’s University School of Law was honored with an invitation to compete in the 2025 Texas Young Lawyers Association State Moot Court Competition, held June 16–20 in San Antonio, Texas.

Representing St. Mary’s were Hayley Entrop Ozment, Muss Rehman, and Carson Wienecke, guided by Coach Ricky Poole. Over several days of intense advocacy, the team advanced to the Semifinals and captured the coveted award for Best Brief, distinguishing themselves among the top advocates in the state.

The TYLA State Moot Court Competition is one of the premier showcases of advocacy skill in Texas, bringing together the strongest law school teams to argue cutting-edge legal issues before panels of practicing attorneys and judges. St. Mary’s impressive performance this year highlights the depth of talent and preparation within the National Team program.

Law Ministry cordially invites law students to volunteer for the 73rd Annual Red Mass. Please RSVP by scanning the QR code provided on the flyer. For inquiries or further information, please contact Ms. Emily Trollinger at etrollinger@mail.stmarytx.edu. Your support and participation in this distinguished tradition are deeply appreciated.

The next Walk and Talk Wednesday is October 1, 2025

Different situations call for different types of messages. When a situation begins to develop on or adjacent to campus, the University Police Department (UPD) response team immediately sends an initial StMU Alerts message alerting the campus community of a developing situation.

Your St. Mary’s email address is automatically enrolled in the University’s StMU Alerts (RAVE) system. However, you must still register your cell phone number with the StMU Alerts system to receive real-time emergency notifications via text message.

The Externship course is a pass/fail course where students can earn up to six (6) experiential learning credits a semester. The course allows law students to gain practical work experience at a nonprofit, government agency, or in-house counsel offices while completing a curriculum that builds key professional development skills. If you are interested, reach out to Director Rivas (arivas@stmarytx.edu) to begin the vetting process. 

Meet the Employer Monday brings legal employers directly to campus for informal networking with students. Simply show up, introduce yourself, and ask questions about their practice areas, career paths, and opportunities. It's a casual, low-pressure way to learn about different legal careers and make valuable connections. No preparation required - just your curiosity and a willingness to engage!

Jump-start your Fall OCI! Connect with employers during our preview events before applications open on September 29.  Join us via Zoom (September 24) and in person (September 25) to network with up to 25 different employers. Even if you have accepted a job, don't miss out on this incredible networking opportunity. This exclusive preview provides direct access to employers and insights into their hiring needs. Please register separately for each event you plan to attend to help us coordinate effectively.

For 1Ls: While Fall 2025 OCI is for 2Ls, 3Ls, and recent graduates, this is an excellent networking opportunity to help you prepare for Winter 2026 OCI. We highly encourage you to attend and start building relationships with potential employers.

For more information about these events or to RSVP, please check the Events section in CORE.

To provide a natural replication of real-world consequences of failing to comply with professional responsibilities, if a student fails to meet the 10- or 20-hour pro bono requirement benchmarks, a notice of non-compliance will be placed in the student’s character and fitness portfolio. If a student fails to meet the 30-hour requirement by graduation, the student’s graduation will not be certified.

More information can be found on the Pro Bono Program’s Canvas page and pages 9-10 of the Student Handbook. Events are posted on CORE. Below is a fillable PDF of the Tracking Form, which includes instructions for submission.

All School of Law students are invited to visit and utilize the Goodness Sake Food Pantry! The food pantry is located near the Office of Graduate Law Programs in the Law Library and is open during Law Library hours. Come visit and see what we have to offer! 

School of Law students may continue to access the Rattler Den food and hygiene pantry located in the Center for Life Directions.

Need help with financial aid-related matters? Leandra Garcia is your Financial Aid Law School Liaison. You can meet with Leandra or anyone on the Financial Aid team one of the following ways:

Zoom Appointments with Leandra: 

Tuesday and Wednesday morning, by appointment using her Calendly Link:  https://calendly.com/stmufinaid/stmarys-university-law-appointments

Law Library Room 108 w/Leandra:  Visit as a walk-in Tuesday and Wednesdays from 12:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Anyone on the Financial Aid Team

You can also communicate with anyone from the Financial Assistance office by phone, in person, or via email.

Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (closed 12-1 for lunch) and Fridays 12:00 – 5:00 p.m..

Call us at (210) 436-3141 or via email at FinAid@stmarytx.edu.

Please visit the Graduate Degree Programs for more information.

If you are a Jewish law student at St. Mary's and are looking for an opportunity to engage with the San Antonio Jewish community, simply looking to connect on campus, or are just missing a home cooked Shabbat dinner, please feel free to reach out to  Robert Eichelbaum, Faculty in Residence, via email to reichelbaum@stmarytx.edu. 

The St. Mary’s University community is invited to attend weekday and weekend Masses on campus and at Holy Rosary Catholic Church throughout the semester.

Monday, Wednesday and Friday - 12:15 p.m., Reinbolt Hall, Assumption Chapel

Tuesday and Thursday - 12:30 p.m., Reinbolt Hall, Assumption Chapel

Saturday (English) - 5 p.m. - Holy Rosary Catholic Church

Sunday (English) - Noon - Holy Rosary Catholic Church

Sunday (Spanish) - 9 a.m. - Holy Rosary Catholic Church

Sunday (Bilingual) - 7 p.m. - Treadaway Hall, Guadalupe Chapel (Note:the evening Mass time has changed from 8 p.m. to 7 p.m.)

Sunday (English) - 11 a.m. - Reinbolt Hall, Assumption Chapel

Interested in a straightforward teaching of the Bible from the original languages?

If so, you are invited to attend Professor Jeffrey Addicott's "Bible Class." Classes are non-denominational and are held in the conference room at the Warrior Defense Project (LF102B) in Raba.

Class times are 10:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. each Sunday. Also, on Tuesday and Thursday at 12:30 p.m.  Each class is 30 minutes long and covers individual books of the Bible under categorical, isagogical, and exegetical teaching methodology. Bring your Bible.

For more information, contact Alexandra Fagerberg afagerberg@mail.stmarytx.edu.

There are many opportunities for private law scholarships, writing competitions, and awards for which law students may apply.  Students may also check AccessLex, a non-profit dedicated to increasing access to legal education, to help law students find the right scholarships and writing competitions totaling almost $300 million in aid.  Be sure to return weekly for new updates.

Deadline to apply for the Ms. Fiesta Scholarship is September 26, 2025.

 

NEED ASSISTANCE? LAW STUDENT AFFAIRS CAN HELP

Do you have an issue or concern, but aren't sure where to go? The Office for Law Student Affairs can help. Students may schedule an appointment with a staff member.

Common topics include, but are not limited to, adjustment to law school, financial challenges, illnesses, and notification of emergencies.

Alyssa Leffall, Assistant Dean for Law Student Affairs

Schedule a meeting: https://calendly.com/aleffall

Email: aleffall@stmarytx.edu

Dr. Monesca Smith, Director of Law Student Affairs

Schedule a meeting: https://calendly.com/msmith71-stmarytx

Email: msmith71@stmarytx.edu  

Please click this link  to access the following important School of Law notices:

Disclosure of Character and Fitness Issues (Law School Application Amendments)

- Includes link to form for submitting law school application amendments

Title IX Academic Adjustments for Pregnancy

Law Students with Disabilities

Inviting Dignitaries to Campus

COVID-19 Policy

St. Mary's University School of Law
The Catholic and Marianist University
www.law.stmarytx.edu