On April 10–11, 2025, the William Wayne Justice Center for Public Interest Law at the University of Texas School of Law hosted Professor Samuel Bagenstos, the Frank G. Millard Professor of Law at the University of Michigan, as the G. Rollie White Public Interest Scholar in Residence. A nationally recognized expert in civil rights, employment law, health law, and governance, Professor Bagenstos brought rich insight and inspiration to the Texas Law community during his two-day visit.
A Timely Discussion
Throughout his residency, Professor Bagenstos engaged with students, faculty, staff, and alumni in a series of conversations and events. The centerpiece of his visit was a public talk on April 10 titled “Progressive Lawyering in Troubled Times.” In a dynamic lunchtime conversation with Professor Lia Sifuentes Davis, Bagenstos explored the evolving role of progressive lawyers in a time of political polarization, institutional instability, and growing threats to the rule of law.
Drawing on his extensive experience in civil rights litigation and public service—including roles in the U.S. Department of Justice and as General Counsel of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services—Professor Bagenstos emphasized the power of legal advocacy to defend democratic values and advance justice.
The conversation addressed several timely issues. Professors Bagenstos discussed how recent political and legal developments have tested the resilience of democratic institutions, emphasizing the lawyer’s duty to uphold constitutional principles and ensure accountability. Bagenstos emphasized how strategic litigation can serve not only to protect individual rights but also to uncover critical information and empower the public. Finally, Bagenstos offered practical advice to students pursuing public interest careers, acknowledging the real-world challenges—such as funding cuts and institutional shutdowns—while encouraging students to remain resilient, creative, and committed to justice.
Following the talk, Professor Bagenstos continued the conversation with students over lunch in the Jury Room, where students had the opportunity to connect personally with both him and Professor Sifuentes Davis.
Reflecting on the impact of Bagenstos’ visit, Professor Sifuentes Davis remarked, “Professor Bagenstos offered our students more than just analysis—he offered a framework for action. In a time when many young public interest lawyers are wondering how they can make an impact, his message was clear: even in difficult times, strategic, principled lawyering can drive meaningful change. It was such an honor to hear from such an insightful and forward-thinking legal scholar and we really appreciated his candor and sincerity.”
Support for Public Service
Professor Bagenstos’ visit was made possible by a generous gift from the G. Rollie White Trust, which supports the G. Rollie White Public Interest Scholar in Residence Program. Now in its fifteenth year, the Program brings distinguished legal scholars, practitioners, and advocates to Texas Law to foster dialogue on public interest law, elevate the visibility of public service careers, and inspire students to view public service as a vital and honorable part of the legal profession.
“Professor Bagenstos’ visit deepened our understanding of the challenges and responsibilities facing public interest lawyers today,” said Nicole Simmons, Director of the William Wayne Justice Center. “We sincerely thank the G. Rollie White Trust its support of the G. Rollie White Public Interest Scholar in Residence Program.”