Seeking unparalleled excellence together

Paying it forward: Join us in supporting today's law students.

Dear friends,

It is a privilege being the dean at the St. Mary’s University School of Law, and as I conclude my sixth year in this role, I find myself filled with gratitude.

Reflecting on six years that have included COVID-19, multiple bar exam changes, shifting accreditation standards, and the chaos and opportunity that AI brings, I am most grateful to God. And I am incredibly grateful to my husband, Frank.

Several years into our marriage, Frank told me, "God spoke to me. He says that you are going to do something very important, and my job is to support you." We laughed, wondering what that important thing could possibly be. Six years into this deanship, we understand. This is where I was meant to be, at this place, at this time, helping our students, faculty and staff turn their passion into purpose. What a ride it has been, and what a blessing.

There is still much work to do. As we focus on academic excellence, employment and bar passage for our students, amid more restrictive financial aid, a changing bar exam and new accreditation standards in Texas, we must continue reaching new heights. Enrollment, student outcomes, alumni engagement and giving have all improved. We’ve launched new programs and partnerships and achieved national prominence in areas that include our recently No. 1-ranked National Team.

We must continue to build on this success. To do so, we need the support of the entire St. Mary’s University and San Antonio communities; the time, talent and treasure of our alumni; and unparalleled excellence in teaching and student services from our faculty and staff.

If you haven’t yet engaged with the law school, I hope you’ll consider joining us, especially for our Law Alumni Weekend. I’d love to share what we have planned for the future of our Catholic and Marianist law school, and to introduce you to some of the most remarkable law students I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing.

With a grateful heart,

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

Law faculty and students collaborate with Mexican counterparts on migration book

School of Law faculty members continue to contribute to groundbreaking scholarship that impacts lives beyond the campus. Congratulations to Clinical Professor of Law Erica Schommer, J.D., and faculty and student co-authors on the publication of their international book examining migration and human rights.

This timely book, which was discussed at a March 2 Rosenfield Brothers’ Lecture Series panel discussion on campus, crosses borders and reinforces the law school’s commitment to addressing critical social justice issues through rigorous legal analysis  and compassionate advocacy. Migration: A Binational Perspective: Mexico and the United States was a collaboration of more than 50 co-authors, including St. Mary’s Law faculty and students, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México law students, and attorneys from the U.S. and Mexico.

Two legal legends earn law school awards

Each year, St. Mary’s Law recognizes outstanding individuals by awarding the Rosewood Gavel Award and the St. Thomas More Award.

The Hon. James Harvie Wilkinson III, J.D., a federal judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit since 1984, is the 2026 recipient of the Rosewood Gavel Award. Since 1958, this award has recognized an outstanding judge or justice for his or her contribution to the system of constitutional democracy. His 42-year tenure on the Fourth Circuit is the longest in the history of that court.

Vincent Johnson, J.D., LL.D., St. Mary’s Professor Emeritus of Law, is the recipient of the 2026 St. Thomas More Award. Since 1957, this award has been presented to an outstanding judge, lawyer, law professor or layman who has made exceptional contributions to legal education, the profession or government. Johnson retired in 2025 with 43 years of service to St. Mary’s.

The Hon. James Harvie Wilkinson III, J.D.

Vincent Johnson, J.D., LL.D.

Everyone is welcome to join the School of Law for Law Weekend and Reunion. The annual festivities reconnect classmates who share special memories and bring the law community together for fellowship. Please see the Upcoming Events section below for more details.

Your generosity plays a vital role in supporting our students and the success of St. Mary’s Law. While a gift of any amount means you are a valued donor to the law school, a gift of $1,000 or more makes you a member of the Dean’s Circle.

Use the Give Now button to dedicate your gift to any area of the School of Law you wish to support, such as the Law School Annual Scholarship Fund or the Dean’s Fund.