Honoring the ‘Best of the Best’

The Texas Law community came together on September 19, 2025, to celebrate the achievements of five remarkable legal professionals at the annual Alumni Awards gala.

Hosted by the Texas Law Alumni Association, the evening honored graduates whose careers and service exemplify the values of excellence, leadership, and commitment to justice: the 2025 Alumni Award Winners and the Mentor of the Year.

“This tradition takes us back through more than a century of our school’s history and features our most legendary alumni,” the Honorable Chari Kelly ’02, Alumni Association president, said as she welcomed the crowd of more than 230 alumni, family, and friends.

“Tonight’s winners are joining a remarkable honor roll,” Kelly added. “You now are all part of this history.”

Dean Bobby Chesney also shared his thoughts as the evening of recognition began. “This event, it’s one of my favorite occasions every year. It’s a testament to the power and the scope and the impact of the Texas Law alumni community, and it’s a community unlike any other,” he said.

“No one has the scale—and the excellence at scale—that is represented by the pinnacle and the best of the best of that community that’s here tonight,” Chesney said. “It makes me very, very proud to be your dean.”

Lifetime Achievement: Judge Hilda Tagle Knebel ’77

Judge Hilda Tagle Knebel, a retired United States district judge for the Southern District of Texas, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. She made history as the first Hispanic woman to serve as a federal district judge in Texas, following years of service as a county court of law judge and state district judge. Prior to her judicial career, she worked as a librarian and earned a master’s degree in library science before pursuing law. Her trailblazing service has been recognized nationally and has inspired generations of lawyers.

Outstanding Alumnus: Talmage Boston ’78

Talmage Boston, a partner at Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley & Norton LLP in Dallas, received the Outstanding Alumnus Award. Boston is a nationally recognized trial attorney, historian, and author. His professional and civic contributions include co-founding a $100,000 endowed scholarship at Texas Law with classmate Marvin Blum ’78. Boston has been honored by historical and legal organizations for his scholarship and leadership and was inducted into the Texas Baseball Hall of Fame in 1997.

Distinguished Alumnus for Community Service: Elliott Fontenette ’09

Elliott Fontenette, managing attorney and special projects lead at Texas Legal Services Center in Austin, was recognized with the Distinguished Alumnus for Community Service Award. Since joining the center in 2010, he has led innovative projects to expand access to justice for low-income Texans, including the use of legal technology to provide free information and tools. His leadership has strengthened legal aid across the state and removed barriers to justice for thousands of people.

Outstanding Young Alumna: Paige Duggins-Clay ’17

Paige Duggins-Clay, chief legal analyst at the Intercultural Development Research Association in San Antonio, received the Outstanding Young Alumna Award. Duggins-Clay is a dedicated advocate for educational equity and civil rights, bringing experience in litigation, policy, and advocacy to her work. She previously served as a judicial law clerk and has built a career that reflects her deep commitment to systemic change through both practice and policy.

Mentor of the Year: Janice Pierce ’93

Janice Pierce, an associate attorney at Scofield & Scofield PC in Austin, was named Mentor of the Year for 2025. Pierce has been active in Texas Law’s mentoring program since 2018, guiding students with empathy and practical wisdom. Her mentee Cassidy Winters ’27 praised Pierce as someone who consistently asks: “What do you need from me?” — a reflection of her commitment to supporting students’ academic, professional, and personal growth. Pierce credits her own law school experience as inspiration for the support she now provides.

View Photos from the Event