Thomas Mitchell passed away on Aug. 19, 2022. A veteran, Mitchell served in the Marines during WWII prior to enrolling at Texas Law. Mitchell began his legal career as a trial lawyer, later establishing his own firm of Mitchell and Doran.
David Whitten passed away on Sept. 9, 2022. A double longhorn, Whitten served on the staffs of two Texas Congressmen. He then entered private legal practice, specializing in environmental law as a shareholder with Guida, Slavich & Flores, P.C.
Harold Kleinman passed away on Sept. 2, 2022. Kleinman served as an attorney for more than five decades with Thompson & Knight and also served as a legal advisor to President George W. Bush. A double Longhorn, Kleinman also served in the U.S. Army.
Leonard Wayne Scott passed away on Sept. 14, 2022. Wayne served as a briefing attorney for the Criminal Court of Appeals and the Texas Supreme Court before becoming a law professor at St. Mary’s Law School.
Judge James A. Parker passed away on Sept. 16, 2022. Parker worked for an Albuquerque law firm for 25 years before being nominated to serve as a U.S. District Court judge in 1987. He filled that role for more than three decades, one of the longest tenures of any federal judge in New Mexico.
Susan Byrd Burr passed away on May 23, 2022. Burr graduated Texas Law with Order of the Coif, after serving as Associate Editor of the Texas Law Review. She worked as both of counsel and senior counsel for two California law firms until retiring in 2011.
Charles Harold Lloyd passed away on July 17, 2022. After graduating Texas Law, Lloyd opened Harold Lloyd, Inc., where he served as a Texas trial lawyer in family and personal injury. He was later admitted to the Texas Fifth Circuit court of Appeals as well as the Bar of the Supreme Court of the United States.
Raymond Clyde “R.C.” Thompson passed away on June 8, 2022. Thompson was formerly a corporate attorney at Temple-Inland Forest Products Corp.
Susan Richardson passed away recently. An expert in oil and gas litigation, Richardson worked many years with the Gulf Oil Corporation, before joining the firm Cotton, Bledsoe, Tighe and Dawson, P.C. She was named a Texas Super Lawyer and one of the top 15 Oil and Gas Female Lawyers in Texas.
John Younger passed away on August 18, 2022. Described as a “champion of the underdog,” Younger served in the U.S. Marine Corps, then became a trial attorney in San Antonio.
Robert P. “Bobby” Perel passed away on August 14, 2022. A double Longhorn, Perel was an avid worldwide traveler. He practiced law in West Texas for more than 50 years, specializing in criminal justice.
Paul Burka passed away on August 14, 2022, at the age of 80. After graduating from Texas Law, Burka worked as a political writer and editor for Texas Monthly from the magazine’s beginning in 1974 until 2015.
Sylvan Stephen “Steve” Lang passed away on August 3, 2022. Lang practiced trial law, working at the firm of Lang, Cross, Ladon, Oppenheimer, and Rosenberg. He served in the U.S. military reserves, earning the distinction of captain. He was a charter member of the Texas Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers and a member of the Texas State Bar and American Bar Association.
Joe Moss passed away on July 4, 2022. A double Longhorn and a Navy veteran, Moss received a business degree and a law degree from UT before serving in the Korean War. Moss had an accomplished legal and corporate career, working in a variety of firms as an oil and gas expert, and presenting to the US Supreme Court several times.
Paul Wiley passed away on May 20, 2022. A double Longhorn, Wiley received his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration before attending Texas Law. Wiley later opened his own private practice where he specialized in real estate and family law.
Jerry Lewis passed away on July 9, 2022. Following graduation from Texas Law, Lewis served in the U.S. Army, Judge Advocate General Corp. Lewis also worked as first assistant district attorney and head prosecutor during his time at the Collin County District Attorney’s Office.
The Hon. Francis “Frank” Maloney Jr. passed away on July 5, 2022. Maloney served in the U.S. Army, where he earned a Purple Heart, a Silver Star and two Bronze Stars. A long-time professor at Texas Law, he served as a prosecutor in the Travis County District Attorney’s Office, assistant attorney general of Texas, and worked in private practice before being elected to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals in 1990. Maloney also was a visiting trial and appellate judge from 1997 to 2017.
Ray Mitchell Moore passed away on June 24, 2022. Moore served as a corporate lawyer and in 1966, he joined with his father to establish the law firm that is now Moore Landry LLP. A major investor and consultant in multiple businesses, he owned the Idylwild Golf Course in Pinewood and held positions on the Board of Directors of several businesses and non-profits.
Carol Stoner Vance Jr. passed away on June 24, 2022. Vance was a double Longhorn, receiving both his bachelor’s and law degrees from UT. An Army veteran, Vance served as district attorney in Harris County for four terms after starting his career as an assistant DA. Later in his career, he become a partner with the law firm of Bracewell and Patterson, now Bracewell.
John Charles Brooke passed away on June 19, 2022. Brooke worked at the Kleberg Law firm for nearly 40 years, specializing in real estate and related oil and gas issues before retiring as a managing partner. Brooke also was active in his church and community, and served as president of the Board of Realtors.
Carlos Javier “Jav” Salazar passed away on June 16, 2022. After graduating from Texas Law, Salazar served in the oil and gas industry for Anadarko Petroleum Corp until he retired in 2007.
Bob Slagle passed away on June 13, 2022. Slagle was a former Democratic National Committee member, delegate, and state party chairman who worked for the Lyndon B. Johnson administration in 1963. He was a general practice attorney in Sherman for more than 50 years.
Floyd H. Christian, Jr. passed away on June 14, 2022. After attending Texas Law, Christian served in the military as a Captain, then became a practicing lawyer for the next 50 years. Christian was a member of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association and the Angelton ISD School Board, and he served as president of the Brazoria County Bar Association.
The Hon. Jack Holland passed away on June 10, 2022. Following his graduation from Texas Law, Holland was appointed as the district judge of the 173rd court where he served for more than 35 years, becoming the second-longest sitting judge in the state of Texas. After retiring as a judge, Holland continued to serve his community as a city attorney, a city municipal judge, and a private lawyer.
James Gayle III passed away on May 18, 2022. Gayle was a double Longhorn, having also earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from UT. Upon graduation from Texas Law, he served as a trial attorney in private practice and as a county judge, then was elected as judge of the 239th District Court of Brazoria County. Gayle was a veteran, having served in the United States Navy and in the Navy Reserves.
Charles Scarborough passed way on April 30, 2022. After graduating from Texas Law, he worked as a criminal and civil attorney. Scarborough was a founding member of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and served as Director of the State Bar of Texas.
William D. White passed away on April 26, 2022. He was a double Longhorn who graduated from Texas Law in 1960. White practiced law in Dallas for more than 50 years, working both with his father and at Locke Lord LLP. He served as mayor of Highland Park from 2002-08 and was a strong supporter of the United Way.
Zachary D. Norris passed away on October 24, 2021. He graduated from Texas Law in 2002 and worked as a civil litigator and in the U.S. Federal District Court in Texas, before relocating to New Zealand. With his wife, he co-founded Norris Echetebu Law, a business, entertainment, and immigration firm.
Ronnie Stephens passed away on April 15, 2022. Stephens earned both his bachelor’s degree in business and his law degree from UT. He practiced family and property law and served as county attorney for Young County, before becoming lead counsel for a trucking, oil, and gas company. Stephens also was active in his community of Graham, serving on multiple boards.
Kenneth Miles passed away on April 12, 2022. Miles graduated from Texas Law in 1980 and served for 20 years in the United States Military. He also worked as an attorney, specializing in real estate and banking.
William “Bill” Deffebach passed away at the age of 91 on April 11, 2022. Deffebach was a double longhorn, graduated from both the University of Texas School of Business and School of Law. After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, he went on to be a partner in an El Paso law firm, general counsel to El Paso National Bank, and director and vice president of El Paso National Corporation.
Christian Navarro passed away on March 31, 2022. Navarro graduated from Texas Law in 1998 and started his own law practice in his hometown of Houston. Navarro was a marathon runner and was active in his community, including the Shoes for Kids program and remediating homes after Hurricane Harvey.
Jerry Gilmore passed away on March 30, 2022, in McKinney, Texas. Gilmore was a double Longhorn, earning his bachelor’s degree from UT as well as his J.D. Gilmore practiced law at various law firms and also served at various times as City Attorney for five different municipalities. He also provided adoption services for Buckner Baptist Children’s Home. Gilmore served two terms on the Dallas City Council and was heavily involved in civic organizations in the Dallas area, including service on several boards.
Henry Franklin Harren passed away March 31, 2022. A double Longhorn, Harren earned both his bachelor’s and J.D. degree from the University. After starting his law career in El Paso, Harren practiced in Austin for the rest of his career. He fought for affordable housing in Austin and authored “All the Dirt,” a newsletter about the intersection of real estate and politics in Austin. Harren was the co-founder of Evolve Austin Partners and served on the Board of Directors for multiple organizations.
Jack Steven Magids passed away on April 5, 2022, at the age of 74. In addition to graduating from the Texas Law School, he also attended UT as an undergraduate. Magids was recognized by his peers as one of Memphis’ top corporate lawyers, and honored several times as a Super Lawyer and by Best Lawyers in America.
Albert Maverick McNeel, Jr., died March 31, 2022, in San Antonio. McNeel practiced law in San Antonio for 60 years, retiring in 2012. He was active in the San Antonio Bar Association, serving as editor of the newsletter for two years and then as vice president. He also was on the local Texas State Bar Association Grievance Committee for six years, including three as chairman.
Willam Lee Warren passed away unexpectedly in January 2022, in Herndon, Va. During his career, he practiced law at Baker Botts LLP and Latham & Watkins LLP, was executive vice president and general counsel of GeoEye, Inc., and was president of the consulting business Mageq, LLC. Warren was a United States Marine Corps veteran.
John Gilbert Niles passed away on March 9, 2022 in Santa Monica, California. After graduating from Stanford University and Texas Law, Niles served in the United States Navy Judge Advocate General Corps from 1968 to 1972. After completing his military duty, he moved to Los Angeles where he joined the law firm of O’Melveny and Myers, becoming a partner in 1978 and retiring in 2004.
Alan Jack Garey passed away on March 18, 2022. Garey, who was a double Longhorn, having earned both his undergraduate and law degrees from UT. Garey was a successful trial lawyer who specialized in personal injury and workers’ compensation law. He wrote Handling Workman’s Compensation Case for the Plaintiff, which was published by the State Bar of Texas. He served on and chaired the Texas Worker’s Compensation Commission. In addition to his legal profession, Garey founded Garey Construction Company and served as president of the Associated General Contractors of Texas.
Lawrence Beck passed away March 14, 2022. Beck graduated from Texas Law in 1976, and began practicing at the firm Beck and Beck PC. He was board certified in business and consumer bankruptcy law and recognized for his pro bono work.
Jo Betsy Lewallen Szebehely died on March 16, 2022. Szebehely was a double longhorn and graduated from Texas Law in 1966. She served as a partner of Hearn, Knolle, Lewallen, Livingston, and Holcombe for nine years, before working in private practice. Szebehely offered numerous pro bono professional services and community volunteer services during her time as a lawyer.
Meto Miteff passed away on March 5, 2022. Miteff was a double Longhorn, having also graduated from UT with his bachelor’s degree . After graduation, Miteff served in the United States Army Reserves for six years. After working for the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office, Miteff established his own law firm, then later started a construction company.
James Bass, Jr., passed away Feb. 19, 2022, at the age of 89. He not only graduated from Texas Law, but he earned his bachelor’s degree from UT Austin as well. Bass, an Army veteran, served as Assistant District Attorney in Lubbock before moving into corporate law at Diamond Shamrock, then Maxus Energy.
Keith Tucker passed away on Feb. 13, 2022, at the age of 77. Tucker was a “double Longhorn,” earning both his undergraduate degree from UT as well as his Juris Doctor. A specialist in tax law, during his career, he worked as a partner and national insurance director at KPMG, vice president of corporate finance at Stephens Inc., and CEO of Waddell & Reed Inc.
Marion “Sandy” Sanford passed away on Jan. 27, 2022. In addition to his law degree, Sanford also spent his undergraduate years on the Forty Acres and served as the student body president. In his career, he worked as both a lawyer and an influential lobbyist in the Texas government. Sanford’s work impacted many areas of business, government, and political activity.
Joe Tom Easley passed away on Feb. 13, 2022, in Miami. A legal lecturer and LGBT and human rights activist, Easley’s legal work spanned a wide variety of areas including civil rights, Pentagon policy, and drug company price fixing. He was the board co-chair of the national non-profit organization Lambda Legal Defense, and served in a leadership role with the Miami Design Preservation League.
Patrick Cunningham Oxford passed away on Feb. 13, 2022, at the age of 79. Wile at Texas Law, he served as the managing editor of the Texas Law Review and was a member of the Friar Society. After graduating, Oxford worked for Bracewell LLP and specialized in business transactional practice, becoming a managing partner and leading the opening of the firm’s New York City office. Oxford continued to serve the University of Texas, with positions on the Board of Regents and as Chairman of the Health Affairs Committee.
Joe Barnett Cannon passed away on Feb. 8, 2022. Cannon served in the state legislature as a representative for Limestone, Falls, and Freestone counties. Cannon also served as the Chair of the Board of Directors for the State Bar of Texas and was recognized as an Outstanding Fifty Year Lawyer by the State Bar of Texas in 2010. At Texas Law, he served as Mid-Law Class President, was a Texas Goodfellow, and was recognized by the Supreme Court of Texas as the Outstanding Advocate in the moot court finals.
Thomas Hanna passed away on Feb. 6, 2022. Hanna worked as Assistant District Attorney and District Attorney for Jefferson County. Hanna served as the Chairman for the Legislative Committee, the Executive Director of the State Bar of Texas in Austin, and on the Board of Texas Lawyers Insurance Exchange. He was recognized by the State Bar of Texas for Fifty Years of Outstanding Service in 2016, received the Blackstone Award, and was bestowed a lifetime achievement honor by the Jefferson County Bar Association.
Ellis J. Ortego passed away on Jan. 27, 2022 at the age of 79. Ortego practiced law for 52 years, specializing in municipal law, family law, probate law, real estate law, and and estate planning. He started his own law firm, which later became a family business once his wife and daughter joined. Ortega also served on the Grievance Committee for the State Bar of Texas.