🤘Student Spotlight: Holly Gray ’26

For this installment of Texas Law’s 2025-26 Student Spotlight series, meet 3L Holly Gray!

Hometown: Tyler, Texas
Degree: B.S. in Psychology with minor in Music, Southern Methodist University

How has your leadership role with the Society Program enhanced your law school experience?

Serving as the head society coordinator has given me the opportunity to foster a sense of community among my peers and contribute to a culture of support and collaboration. Through organizing events, mentoring 1Ls, and working closely with faculty and fellow leaders, I feel deeply connected to the law school beyond academics and have been able to give back and shape the kind of inclusive environment I value as a student. It has also been a great way to have fun and meet more people at the law school!

You were a featured speaker during Welcome Week. What was your main message to incoming 1Ls?

During Welcome Week, I wanted the 1Ls to know that they are in charge of shaping their law school experience. Although law school can be very stressful, there are so many opportunities to find community and make the next three years full of joy and great memories. I told the 1Ls to remember why they came to law school in the first place and to hold onto that because having a sense of purpose will make all the hard work ahead of them worth it.

What made you choose Texas Law?

I chose Texas Law because it offered the perfect balance of academic excellence, a welcoming community, and an unmatched location. From the moment I stepped on campus, I was struck by how genuinely supportive and driven everyone was. I knew the environment would challenge me to grow and, of course, being in Austin sealed the deal.

Holly Gray ’26 speaks onstage at the 2025 Alumni Awards and is applauded by Dean Bobby Chesney. — Holly Gray ’26 speaks at the 2025 Alumni Awards ceremony during her time as “Dean for a Day.” Gray won the opportunity to shadow Texas Law Dean Bobby Chesney on Friday, Sept. 19, accompanying him for meetings with school leaders, students, and alumni. The opportunity to serve as a co-dean was thanks to her successful live bid at the Texas Law Fellowships fall auction, which raises money for public interest internship summer stipends.

What’s the most interesting class you’ve taken in Law School?

The most interesting class I’ve taken was the Legislative Externship at the Texas Capitol. I worked in the Texas Senate as a legal analyst during the 89th Session while taking a class at the law school about legislative lawyering taught by Professor Brady. I got to take the skills I have learned at Texas Law and use them in the real world which was very exciting.

What’s your personal motto?

My personal motto is “fake it until you make it.” I grew up doing musical theatre, and when you are on stage, you must keep the show going even when things go wrong. Being able to think on your feet is a skill that has helped me through law school whether it was answering a cold call or practicing a trial skill in an advocacy class.

How do you envision your life after Texas Law?

I envision my life after Texas Law as a litigator. I spent the last two summers as a summer associate at Vinson and Elkins in Dallas and I am so excited to begin my legal career there. I hope to be an attorney with the opportunity to work on complex cases while sharpening my advocacy skills.