Class Notes

Harold Raymond DeMoss, Jr. passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on April 29, 2020 in Houston, at the age of 89. DeMoss was stationed at the Pentagon with the Army’s Judge Advocate General’s Corps. After his discharge, DeMoss and his wife moved to Houston where he joined the Bracewell & Patterson law firm. DeMoss’s second career began in 1991 with his appointment to U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals by President George H.W. Bush. In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests that memorial contributions be directed to The Judge Harold R. DeMoss, Jr. Endowed Scholarship in Law for Constitutional Excellence, c/o The University of Texas Law School Foundation, 727 E. Dean Keeton Street, Austin, TX 78705.

Paul Herve Dionne died peacefully with his family by his side in Fort Stockton on Sept. 14, 2020. He received his J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law in 1959. Dionne served in the US Army Counterintelligence Corps during the Korean War. He practiced Law in Fort Stockton for over 60 years in both private and community capacities. Upon retirement from general practice, he adopted the Pecos County State Bank as his “work family.” In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the charity of your choice.

Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, P.C. hired three Houston Shareholders from the law firm of Baker Donelson, including Texas Law alumnus Daniel Z. Sternthal. This team of well-respected attorneys helps Munsch Hardt significantly broaden the capabilities of its health care practice, as well as further strengthens the Firm’s commercial litigation experience. Chambers USA-Texas (2020) ranked and Board Certified in Health Law, Daniel Sternthal is a recognized authority in advising on regulatory, business, and policy issues related to health care.

Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, P.C. hired three Houston Shareholders from the law firm of Baker Donelson, including Texas Law alumnus Stuart F. Miller. This team of well-respected attorneys helps Munsch Hardt significantly broaden the capabilities of its health care practice, as well as further strengthens the Firm’s commercial litigation experience. Chambers USA-Texas (2019-2020) ranked Stuart F. Miller helps health care providers and other health care entities manage their legal and business needs in an efficient and compliant manner.

Hon. Reagan Cartwright Helm died peacefully on Aug. 24, 2020, surrounded by his loving family and caregivers at their family cabin in Estes Park, Colorado. Helm was a double Longhorn. After graduating from Texas Law, he entered the FBI and served in Denver and New York City. Helm then owned and operated the first BMW dealership in Houston, where he won several BMW North America Dealer of the Year Awards. He went on to own Galleria Area Ford. In 1994, Helms was elected Judge of Harris County Criminal Court #1, where he served until is retirement in 2010. Those wishing to make a contribution in Helm’s memory may donate to St. John’s School or The Rocky Mountain Conservancy in Estes Park, CO.

Steven Paul Boney passed away surrounded by his family on May 25, 2020. He was a double Longhorn and a proud Austinite for more than 50 years. For 44 years, Boney served as a criminal defense attorney. He was a regular volunteer for Legal Aid in Austin, constantly committed to helping others in need. In lieu of flowers or other remembrances, donations may be made in Boney’s name to the ALS Association of Texas.

Thomas Baker Greene III passed away on March 10, 2020. Greene spent many years as a successful litigator. He was a partner at the firms of Crain, Winters, Deaton, James & Briggs (now Crain Caton & James); Ware, Snow, Fogel, Jackson & Greene; and Kajander & Greene. Greene spent his final years as a solo practitioner. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Rice University, Office of Development MS-81, P. O. Box 1892, Houston, TX 77251-1892 or Main Street Theater, 2540 Times Blvd., Houston, TX 77005.

John R. Locke, Jr. died on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, at age 96. Locke is a double Longhorn. After getting his undergraduate degree, he volunteered for pilot training in the U.S. Army Air Force. Upon graduation from Texas Law, Locke first practiced as an United States Attorney for the Western District of Texas. In 1950, he joined his father’s law firm Kelso, Locke & King, which later became Groce, Locke & Hebdon. Locke served on the Board of Directors of Cullen Frost and was a member of numerous civic and social organizations. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Texas Cavaliers Charitable Foundation, 1250 NE Loop 410, Suite 234, San Antonio, TX 78209.

Timothy William Johnson, age 67, passed away on Sept. 9, 2020, at his home in Atlanta, Georgia, after a long illness. After graduating, Johnson joined the Atlanta law firm of Smith, Currie & Hancock, where he became a partner. He opened his own specialized labor and employment law firms: Crenshaw & Johnson and Johnson, Matte & Hobgood. Later, Johnson joined Coca-Cola Enterprises as Vice President of Labor Relations until his retirement in 2007. He returned to Smith Currie in an “of counsel” role until his illness forced him to fully retire in 2015. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Holy Spirit Catholic Church, The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, or the Farber Fund at University of South Dakota.

Ronald R. Calhoun passed away on Aug. 29, 2020, in Albuquerque, NM. Calhoun graduated from Texas Law in 1958. He never worked for anyone else, establishing his career as an attorney in El Paso until he retired in 2000. Calhoun loved to travel, visiting more than 80 countries in his lifetime. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, (donate3.cancer.org).

Jimmie B. Todd, 82, of Odessa died on Sept. 1, 2020 following a brief illness. Todd was the founding attorney and President of Todd, Barron, Thomason, Hudman & Bebout, P.C., where he continued to practice law and served as the managing partner. He was heavily involved in community service; Todd assisted in securing The University of Texas of the Permian Basin for Odessa. He helped establish the Village Place Charitable Trust and served as a Trustee of that Trust until its dissolution. Todd also served as a Director of the State and Western National Banks, and as President of E. L. Farmer & Company. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to First Baptist Church Building Fund. Visit frankwwilson.com to leave online condolences.

Donald L. Gaffney, age 68, died peacefully in his sleep on Sept. 3, 2020, at his home in Phoenix, Arizona after a multi-year battle with cancer. He joined Snell & Wilmer L.L.P. in 1989, where he was the leader of the firm’s Bankruptcy Group for over 25 years. His professional recognitions include The Best Lawyers in America, Lawyer of the Year, and many, many more. In 2018, Gaffney was presented the State Bar of Arizona Bankruptcy Section Pro Bono Superhero Award. He was also active in many associations, including the Federal Bar Association, Phoenix Chapter where he was President from 2015-2016 and the Texas Law Executive Council of Alumni Association. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to The Phoenix Symphony.

Hon. Joseph Bonner Dorsey died on Aug. 27, 2020, at home surrounded by loving family members. After Texas Law, he served as an ROTC officer, deployed to Vietnam during 1969. He was later loaned to the Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps of the United States Army. For his service, the U.S. Army awarded Dorsey with many medals and released him at the rank of Major. After serving in Vietnam, he returned home to Corpus Christi, where he continued to serve in the Army Reserves, working as a criminal defense attorney and raising his family. Following retirement, Dorsey travelled across South Texas serving as a “Visiting Judge”. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either: Mother Teresa’s Shelter or KEDT-Public Broadcasting System.

Noted trial lawyer Sam D. Sparks of San Angelo died Aug. 31, 2020, following a heroic battle with Pancreatic cancer. Sparks had been a partner in the law firm of Webb, Stokes & Sparks, LLP since 1972. He was a member of the State Bar of Texas, American Bar Association, American Board of Trial Advocates and the Texas Trial Lawyers Association where he served as a Director for many years. Sparks was considered to be a passionate advocate for his clients and active within his own community.

C. Fielding Early Jr. passed away Aug. 7, 2020. He was a double Longhorn, earning his undergraduate and law degrees from The University of Texas at Ausin. Fielding worked at Texaco in Houston and several state agencies in Austin. He loved to travel and spending time on the family ranch in Brownwood, TX. Those who wish to leave a remembrance of Fielding or express condolences are encouraged to do so at the link below.

James Merrill Neel passed away on July 1, 2020 in Houston, Texas, at the age of 82. Neel started his law career at Baker Botts in 1962 where he worked until he left to be the founding partner in Houston’s first boutique labor law firm in 1972. In 2007, he made the change to a solo practice at Neel Interests and continued to represent his clients for several years. Neel continued to contribute to the legal profession by teaching Title VII litigation at the University of Houston, wrote and lectured at many Continuing Legal Education seminars across the country, was a contributing co-author of the Texas Association of business Employment law Handbook, and served as chairman of the Section of Labor and Employment Law for the State Bar of Texas.

Justice John Browning was appointed to the Fifth District Court of Appeals by Governor Greg Abbott on Aug. 24, 2020. Before joining the Court, he was a trial and appellate lawyer for 31 years as a partner with large national law firms and his own small law firm.

Gerald Shur ’57, trailblazing attorney and architect of the Witness Security Program (WITSEC), has passed away at 86. Shur served 34 years in the Justice Department and was instrumental in the creation and administration of the Witness Protection Program which has, “led to the conviction and incarceration of 10,000 very serious criminals.”

McAfee & Taft, Oklahoma’s largest law firm, has announced the addition of Thomas P. Goresen, Jr., a 2020 graduate from the University of Texas School of Law, as an associate in its Oklahoma City office. Goresen is an environmental lawyer with a broad practice involving environmental litigation and regulatory compliance with state and federal environmental health and safety regulations.

Larry Campagna, the managing shareholder for national law firm, Chamberlain Hrdlicka, has been recognized today among the recipients of Texas Lawyer’s 2020 Professional Excellence Awards in the Lifetime Achievement category.

Kay U. Brooks was included in Sacramento Magazine’s 2020 Top Lawyers List for her work in Estate Planning & Probate. She was also recognized in The Best Lawyers in America© 2021.

Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright announced Michael A. Swartzendruber as Partner-in-Charge of its Dallas office. Swartzendruber, who joined Norton Rose Fulbright in 1996, currently leads its litigation practice in Dallas. His litigation practice involves complex, high-stakes business disputes with a significant emphasis on securities, antitrust, and class action matters, including the successful representation of a number of the nation’s largest theater companies.

Kirby D. Hopkins, managing member of Drucker Hopkins, has founded a new law firm, Hopkins, Centrich, Winkelman & Drucker, with fellow Longhorns Joe Centrich (UT ’02, Texas Law ’06) and Lee Winkelman (UT ’99). Located in The Woodlands, the firm serves as business counsel in the Greater Houston Area and litigates across Texas.

Gregory Sapire ’94 has co-founded Soltero Sapire Murrell PLLC after roughly 20 years with K&L Gates LLP as a partner in the trial practice section. He continues to practice complex commercial litigation, with a focus on commercial and construction issues including breach of contract and fiduciary obligations, securities fraud, noncompetition obligations, warranty disputes, trade secret misappropriation, unfair competition, products liability, and professional negligence.

Devon Asphall received the 2020 Wittliff Cutter Fellowship, as the firm’s first Fellow. Wittliff Cutter started the Fellowship to demonstrate the firm’s commitment to the local legal community and to diversity as it provides training, development and work experience in a law firm environment to an outstanding Texas law school graduate.

David Nathan Gray, age 81, died on Aug. 25, 2020, as a result of old age. David was a sixth-generation Texan. Born and educated in Beaumont, David graduated from The University of Texas School of Law in 1963 and was a member of Phi Delta Phi. David was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army, where he served for three years with the Judge Advocate General Corp. In 1967, David started his law practice with Minter & Mahon, which later made him a named partner. In 1984, David became partners with Roy W. Moore, practicing under the name of Gray & Moore until he retired in 2007. He spent his spare time as a youth league and high school baseball umpire.

The nationally prestigious legal guide Best Lawyers in America has recognized four attorneys from the Rogge Dunn Group in its 2021 edition, including firm founder R. Rogge Dunn, JD ’83. Dunn has earned selection to the list since 2016. Dunn is being recognized for his commercial litigation and employment law management practice.

The nationally prestigious legal guide Best Lawyers in America has recognized four attorneys from the Rogge Dunn Group in its 2021 edition, including partner Bryan Collins, JD ’84. Collins had earned honors for the first time this year, for his work in labor and employment litigation.

The nationally prestigious legal guide Best Lawyers in America has recognized four attorneys from the Rogge Dunn Group in its 2021 edition, including attorney David Gross, JD ’88. Gross has earned honors for the first time this year, for his work in labor and employment litigation.

Angela Fair, a Ward, Smith, & Hill Partner, was selected for the inaugural listing of Best Lawyers’ “Ones to Watch,” honoring attorneys early in their careers who exemplify professional excellence.

Austin native John W. Fainter passed away at 81 on August 29, 2020. Fainter was a double longhorn, receiving his B.A. in 1962 and graduated from Texas Law in 1963. His career of service to the State of Texas lasted over 50 years. Fainter has served the state as First Assistant Attorney General, Secretary of State, and Chief of Staff to Governor Ann Richards. He has been Chairman to numerous state committees and worked closely with the University of Texas through serving on various university boards and councils.
In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to the John W. Fainter, Jr. Plan II Scholarship, The University of Texas, 1 University Station, Mail Stop A3000, Austin, TX 78712.

Sullivan Hill Rez & Engel is pleased to announce that shareholder Chris Hawkins ’93 has been selected by his peers for inclusion in the 27th Edition of Best Lawyers in America® fields of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law. Hawkins is the former managing partner and member of the firm’s Executive Committee. He practices in the Insolvency and Commercial Bankruptcy, Business Transactions, and Commercial and Business Litigation practice groups.

Sullivan Hill Rez & Engel is pleased to announce that shareholder James “Jim” Hill, JD ’78 has been selected by his peers for inclusion in the 27th Edition of Best Lawyers in America® in the fields of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law as well as Commercial Litigation. Hill is a founding member of Sullivan Hill, member of its Executive Committee and chair of the firm’s Insolvency and Commercial Bankruptcy practice group.

A health problem led one Mexican-American family to get creative with the food on their table—and take an entire industry by storm. Texas Law alumnus Miguel Garza, JD ’12, co-founder and CEO of Siete Family Foods, is one of the seven Garza family members—all of whom attended UT Austin—behind the brand.

Robert Parker passed away at 82 on August 27, 2020, surrounded by his family. Parker is a double longhorn, receiving a BBA in 1961 and graduating from Texas Law in 1964. After law school, Parker started his illustrious career as a trial lawyer and judge, serving as Chief Judge the Eastern District of Texas and eventually being appointed by President Bill Clinton as Circuit Judge on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. He received numerous accolades in his lifetime, particularly meaningful among these were the Judge Robert M. Parker Endowed Presidential Scholarship and the Judge Robert M. Parker Endowed Chair in Law at the University of Texas Law School, and the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Texas School of Law Alumni Association.

James M. Bettis Jr. was recently named to the 27th edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

Angela Hunt was recently named to the 27th edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

Jay Zweig has joined Ballard Spahr LLP as a partner. He was previously a partner at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP, and has 25 years of experience practicing employment law and commercial litigation.

Mason P. Hester was recently named to the 27th edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

Chamberlain Hrdlicka’s Jaime Vasquez Recognized as Lawyer of the Year in Tax Litigation and Controversy by US News’ Best Lawyers in America. San Antonio-based Vasquez was one of three Chamberlain Hrdlicka attorneys nominated by their peers to be recognized for the award. Vasquez, a shareholder at Chamberlain Hrdlicka’s San Antonio firm, was recently named Lawyer of the Year for the 2021 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

D. Ronald Reneker was recently named to the 27th edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

Jacqueline Furlow was recently named to the inaugural edition of “Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch,” which recognizes attorneys earlier in their legal careers.

Jana M. Lambro was recently named to the inaugural edition of “Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch,” which recognizes attorneys earlier in their legal careers.

Marcus R. Tucker made the “Best Lawyer” list of the 2021 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

Marcus G. Matthews made the “Best Lawyer” list of the 2021 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

Frederick D. Junkin made the “Lawyer of the Year” list in the 2021 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

Joe W. Redden, Jr. was named in the 2021 Best Lawyers in America. He specializes in Personal Injury Litigation.

Geoff Gannaway was named in the 2021 Best Lawyers in America. He specializes in Commercial Litigation.

Alistair B. Dawson was named in the 2021 Best Lawyers in America. He specializes in Commercial Litigation.

David Beck was recognized in the 2021 Best Lawyers in America. He specializes in: Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants, Litigation – Antitrust, Litigation – Environmental, Litigation – Intellectual Property, Litigation – Patent, Natural Resources Law.