The last time Texas Law alumni graduating in a year ending in a “1” or a “6” had the chance to celebrate their Reunion, it was in April 2021, and, due to the pandemic, they had to gather in Zoom rooms instead of classrooms. Reunion 2026 finally brought them back together in person, and more than 800 alumni and friends attended a weekend of reconnection, reminiscence, and celebration.
The festivities officially began Friday evening at the Four Seasons Hotel Austin, featuring live music and beautiful views of Lady Bird Lake.
“I was excited to reconnect with my classmates,” said Carlotta Garza-Kilcullen ’21, an associate attorney at Hughes Vanderburg Williams PLLC in Austin. “It was really special to see everyone in person and hear about their achievements.”
Walking the Halls
On Saturday, alumni returned to Townes Hall for daytime activities with their friends and families. In the morning, alumni picked up hot-off-the-press copies of the latest edition of Texas Law Magazine before grabbing coffee and flocking to faculty-led panels on pressing topics in the legal field. Interest ran high, with each panel drawing crowds so large that overflow seating was needed at each session.
The first panel, titled Perspectives on SCOTUS: Theory & Practice, brought together Texas Law professors Erin Busby, Lisa Eskow, Tara Grove, and Aaron Nielson for a discussion on the most consequential cases that had come before the U.S. Supreme Court this term. Shortly after, Prof. Mechele Dickerson—who currently serves as the Faculty Athletics Representative for The University of Texas—moderated a lively conversation on college athletics and NIL. She was joined by Prof. Bobby Bramhall of The University of Tennessee’s Winston College of Law and Mike Perrin ’71, the university’s former athletic director and a former Texas Longhorn football player.
Following the panels, alumni gathered in the atrium for Dean Bobby Chesney’s State of the Law School Address, which spotlighted the school’s first-ever residence hall dedicated for law students. With over 300 beds, a café, a gym, a library-style reading room, two roof decks, and close proximity to campus, the residence hall—which is slated to open in August 2028—is designed to cultivate and uphold the strong community that Texas Law prides itself on.
“The residence hall looks great. I am having some jealousy about the long commute I made during my law school years!” said Carlotta Garza-Kilcullen ’21, who spent 30 minutes commuting each way to campus from Northeast Austin. “I would have loved to be able to not lug all of my books, lunch, and giant water bottle around with me.”
Daytime programming also included guided school tours led by current students who showed off what’s changed–and what hasn’t–over the years. To close out their time in Townes Hall, alumni enjoyed an array of fajitas from Maudie’s Tex-Mex while kids delighted in face painting, balloon art, a coloring station, and a Texas Law-themed claw machine.
Class Parties
Honored classes resumed celebrating Saturday evening at their very own class parties across the city, from the historic Headliners Club to the iconic pit room at Franklin Barbecue.
“I really enjoyed getting together with classmates on Saturday night at Hillside Farmacy,” said Eric Leventhal ’11, Permanent Class President for the Class of 2011. “I was able to reconnect with some classmates I hadn’t seen in many years.”
Near and Far
Reunion 2026 brought together alumni from all walks of life, from private attorneys to entrepreneurs to public defenders. “I love how many different kinds of lawyers and non-lawyers are part of the community,” said Leventhal.
As important as attendance was, many alumni were quick to point out how proud they were of the fundraising success of their class committees. The $1.3 million raised this Reunion will go towards student scholarships, academic programs, and the Summer Public Service Program, giving future generations of Texas Law students the same opportunities that brought this weekend’s celebrants together in the first place.
“It was such a privilege to see alumni reconnect and celebrate their past experiences at Texas Law,” said Lindsay SanFilippo, director of alumni relations and reunions. “I love seeing our Texas Law community come together to share their professional and personal journeys.”
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