Fall finds enthusiasm spreading on campus

Outstanding new classes begin law journeys.

Dear friends,

The energy on campus is unmistakable as we welcome another exceptional class to St. Mary's Law. On the first day of the Fall 2025 semester, 286 talented J.D. students began their legal journey alongside 26 newly enrolled international LL.M. students from 11 countries, and 72 students in the newly renamed Master of Legal Studies (M.L.S.) program. We've also welcomed eight outstanding new faculty members who bring fresh perspectives to our veteran team.

The summer flew by with classes, National Team bootcamp, summer institutes, pipeline programs, intensive bar preparation and our popular St. Mary’s Institute on World Legal Problems in Innsbruck, Austria.

There's an infectious enthusiasm in the air, and I encourage you to visit campus and experience it yourself.

As I begin my sixth year as dean, I'm continually amazed by St. Mary's Law's progress since 2020. We've enhanced our academic profile while staying true to our Catholic and Marianist values of serving a diverse student body with excellence. The law school has attracted larger, more qualified applicant pools while increasing grant funding to ensure accessibility for deserving students, and fundraising has resulted in new initiatives and programming.

The results are remarkable. Federal clerkships have increased 300%, more graduates are landing positions at prestigious large law firms, and bar passage rates have improved by 3.5 percentage points since 2020. I'm optimistic about July's results, given our recent graduates' exceptional preparation.

These achievements reflect our deeper mission: preparing ethical leaders who make meaningful differences in their communities. Every program enhancement and student support improvement serves that fundamental purpose of turning passion into purpose.

This upward trajectory is only possible because of our entire community, including innovative faculty, dedicated staff, motivated students and dedicated alumni who provide support through mentoring, speaking opportunities, employment and internships. Working together to train the next generation of legal professionals allows for even more impact.

When you find yourself near campus, stop by and see what's happening. The future of law is being shaped right here, and we'd love to share that energy with you.

With excitement and gratitude,

Patty Roberts, J.D.
Dean of the School of Law
Charles E. Cantú Distinguished Professor of Law

National study reveals Catholic legal education strengthens professional outcomes

Commissioned by the St. Mary’s University School of Law, a groundbreaking study revealed graduates of Catholic law schools are more likely to pursue law school to uphold the rule of law, lead lives of service and enjoy long-term legal engagement.

Conducted by YouGov, the study provides the first national data showing that Catholic legal education strengthens professional outcomes while also shaping personal values, ethical reasoning and civic leadership.

National Team awarded second place at international competition

Kendall Michaelis and Caroline Villarreal, both third-year J.D. students, brought home second place to St. Mary’s Law from the International Negotiation Competition for law students in London in July.

The St. Mary’s Law National Team qualified for the international competition by being named U.S. champions. This is the School of Law’s best performance thus far at the international level.

Each fall, the Law Alumni Association recognizes both an outstanding judicial and non-judicial graduate as Distinguished Law Graduates. These alumni are recognized for their service to their clients, the legal community and to the St. Mary’s University School of Law. The Law Alumni Association also recognizes a Distinguished Young Alumnus or Alumna who is excelling in his or her profession and contributing to the community, as well as the new Marianist Law Legacy Award.

Please join us on Oct. 25 at the Westin San Antonio North to celebrate the 2025 honorees:

Distinguished Law Graduates
The Hon. Kathleen Cardone (J.D. ’79), U.S. District Judge, Western District of Texas
Joe A. Gamez (J.D. ’73), Founder, Joe A. Gamez Law

Distinguished Young Alumna
Lara Brock (J.D. ’14), Senior Partner Attorney, Espinoza & Brock

Marianist Law Legacy Recipient
Sister Grace Walle, F.M.I., D.Min. (B.A. ’78), School of Law Chaplain

Annual gifts of any amount to the St. Mary's University School of Law show your support, confidence in the school's accomplishments and appreciation of the value of your education. A larger percentage of giving by law community members can influence philanthropic giving from corporations and foundations. Inspire others to give by making a gift now!

For additional information, contact Anthony Alcoser (J.D. ’24), Executive Director of Law Advancement, at aalcoser@stmarytx.edu or 210-431-4361.

St. Mary's University
The Catholic and Marianist University
www.stmarytx.edu

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Join us at the Distinguished Law Graduate Dinner on Oct. 25

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