Faculty Scholarship
This listing of faculty scholarship reflects the recent work of the full-time faculty at the law school. This listing will be updated every quarter. For a complete listing of scholarship, please view each faculty member's Curriculum Vitae, which can be found on their profile page.
Joshua G. Borderud
Director of Clinical and Pro Bono Programs and Clinical Lecturer
Professional Activities
- Waco City Council
- Master of the Bench, Judge Abner V. McCall American Inn of Court
- Board of Trustees, Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network
- Board of Directors, Waco-McLennan County Bar Association
Matthew Cordon
Professor of Law
Publications
- Contributing author and editor, Gale Encyclopedia of American Law, Fourth Ed.
- Author, Legal Analysis, Research, and Communications (Tophatmonocle Corp.).
Professional Activities
- Chair, Baylor Faculty Senate, 2020-21.
Thomas M. Featherston, Jr.
Professor and The Mills Cox Professor of Law
Publications
- West's Texas Practice Guide-Probate 2021/2022 Edition, Three Volumes (Co-Authored).
Presentations
- "Martial Property Issues in Estate Planning & Administration," State Bar of Texas, Advanced Estate Planning & Probate Course, San Antonio, June 2022.
- "Marital Property Issues in Estate Planning & Administration," Tarrant County Probate Bar Association, Ft. Worth, June 2022.
- "Marital Property Issues in Estate Planning & Administration," Corpus Christi Estate Planning Council, May 2022.
- "Marital Property Issues in Estate Planning," State Bar of Texas Advanced Estate Planning Drafting Course, Dallas, October 2021.
Professional Activities
- Senior Editor, Probate & Property, published six times a year by the Real Property, Trust, and Estate Law Section of the American Bar Association.
- Member, Publications Committee of the ABA's Real Property, Trust, and Estate Law Section.
- Member, Legislative Review Committee, Real Estate, Probate and Trust Law Section, State Bar of Texas.
- Former ABA Advisor to the Uniform Law Commission's Drafting Committee to Revise the Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act.
Elizabeth M. Fraley
Gerald Reading Powell Chair in Advocacy and
Co-Director of the Executive LL.M. in Litigation Management
Publications
- "Texas Commercial Causes of Action: Claims, Defenses, and Remedies," Rev. 3, Fastcase Inc., Washington D.C., March 2021, co-authored with James E. Wren.
- Fundamentals of Lawyer Leadership, co-authored with Leah W. Teague and Stephen Rispoli, 2021.
- "Where the Rubber Hits the Road: How Do Law Schools Demonstrate a Commitment to Training Leaders?" co-authored with Leah W. Teague, 14 Tennessee Journal of Law & Policy. 369-434, 2020.
Presentations
- "Effective Jury Testing on a Budget." Presented with Assistant Dean Stephen Rispoli, Professor James E. Wren, and Laura Brown to the Waco and Bryan/College Station, Texas, chapters of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), December 6, 2022.
- “The Great Resignation and Managing a Multigenerational Workforce.” Presented with Assistant Dean Stephen Rispoli at the Texas City Attorneys’ Association Summer Conference, July 15, 2022.
- “On Being a Leader”" with Justice Lee Gabriel, Center for Judicial Education: Court Professionals Conference, San Marcos, TX, July 1, 2022.
- “The Litigation Perils of Social Media,” Baylor Scott & White/Texas A&M Medical School: Institutional Orientation, Dallas, TX, June 29, 2022.
- “The Great Resignation and Managing a Multigenerational Workforce” with Stephen Rispoli, Texas City Attorneys Association Annual Conference, Galveston, TX, June 16, 2022.
- "Zooming into Better Rulings: Digital Evidence," Center for Judicial Education: Spring Regional Judicial Conference, March 28 and April 8, 2022.
- "Managing Litigation with Effectiveness and Efficiency," International Association of Defense Counsel, Chicago, IL, April 7, 2022.
- “The Biggest Loser: Lessons I’ve Learned from Losing at Trial,” Dallas Bar Association (Litigation Skills Section), Dallas, TX, May 2, 2022.
- “Effective Litigation Management,” Abner V. McCall Inn of Court, Waco, TX, April 5, 2022.
Professional Activities
- American Board of Trial Advocates, Past President, (Waco Chapter), National Board Representative; Member, Editorial Committee; Member, Judicial Independence Committee; Member. Diversity of Membership Committee.
- American Bar Association
- Master of the Bench, Abner V. McCall American Inn of Court.
Honors
- Member, Board of Directors, Waco Symphony.
- Vestry member, St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, Waco, TX
- Chair, Finishing the Work Capital Campaign, St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, Waco, TX
Bridget Fuselier
Professor of Law
Presentations
- "To Be or Not to Be?" Disposition of Reproductive Material at Death, Heart of TX Estate Planning Council, November 2021.
Professional Activities
- Baylor Teaching Fellow
- Executive Director, Baylor Veterans Clinic
- Editor (Easements & Covenants), REPTL Reporter
- Contributing Editor (Real Estate), General Practice Digest
Laura Hernández
Professor of Law
Professional Activities
- Named as a Latina Commissioner by Pedro J. Torres-Diaz, the President of the Hispanic National Bar Association ("HNBA"). She will be working on diversity pipeline issues in the legal profession. During Professor Hernandez's time as the coach for the Baylor Law moot court team, the HNBA has presented several Baylor Law students with over $30,000 in cash awards for their outstanding advocacy.
Presentations
- Mock law class presentation to undergraduates enrolled in the Law School Preparation Institute at the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX, July 27, 2023.
Chris Jaeger
Assistant Professor of Law
Presentations
- Chair and Presenter, Psychology & Law Symposium, Annual Meeting of the Southern Society of Philosophy and Psychology, Mobile, Alabama, April 2022.
Rachel Kincaid
Assistant Professor of Law
Presentations
- “Reasonableness and Deliberate Indifference in the Time of Misinformation: Carceral Responses to COVID-19,” University of St. Thomas Law Journal Prisoner Rights and Prison Conditions Symposium, April 2022, https://youtu.be/E4bmuN2fgV4?t=5260
Luke Meier
Professor of Law
Publications
- Simplifying Choice-of-Law Interest Analysis, 74 Oklahoma Law Review 337 (2022).
Elizabeth Miller
M. Stephen and Alyce A. Beard Chair in Business and Transactional Law
Publications
- TEXAS METHODS OF PRACTICE, TEXAS PRACTICE SERIES (Vol. 13), West, 2021-2022 (co-author).
- BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS, TEXAS PRACTICE SERIES (Vols. 19, 20 & 20A), West (3rd ed. 2011; 2021-2022 Annual Supplement) (co-author).
- Miscellaneous Recent (Non-Delaware) Partnership and LLC Cases," 2022 LLC Institute, Committee on LLCs, Partnerships, and Unincorporated Entities, American Bar Association, November 12, 2022.
- “Fiduciary Duties, Indemnification, and Exculpation in Texas Business Organizations,” 20th Annual Choice, Governance & Acquisition of Entities Course, State Bar of Texas, May 20, 2022.
- “Miscellaneous Recent (Non-Delaware) Partnership and LLC Cases,” Annual LLC Case Law Update, American Bar Association Business Law Section Spring Meeting 2022, April 1, 2022.
- “Miscellaneous (Non-Delaware) Partnership and LLC Cases,” 2021 LLC Institute, Committee on LLCs, Partnerships and Unincorporated Entities, American Bar Association, November 17, 2021.
- “The Walking Dead: Forfeitures and Involuntary Terminations of Filing Entities,” Texas Commission on Environmental Quality CLE, October 25, 2021.
- “The Limits of Limited Liability: Veil Piercing and Other Bases of Personal Liability of Owners, Governing Persons, and Agents of Texas Business Entities,” Texas Commission on Environmental Quality CLE, October 25, 2021.
Presentations
- "Current Developments in Texas Business Organizations Law," Austin Bar Association - Business, Corporate, and Tax Section, January 25, 2023.
- “Fiduciary Duties, Indemnification, and Exculpation,” 20th Annual Choice, Governance & Acquisition of Entities Course, State Bar of Texas, May 20, 2022.
- “LLC Case Law Update,” American Bar Association Business Law Section Spring Meeting 2022, April 1, 2022.
- “Current Developments in Texas Business Organizations Law,” Austin Bar Association–Business, Corporate and Tax Section, January 26, 2022.
- “LLCs and Partnerships: Recent Trends,” Business Law Summit, WealthCounsel, December 9, 2021.
- “Case Law Update (Non-Delaware),” 2021 LLC Institute, Committee on LLCs, Partnerships and Unincorporated Entities, American Bar Association, November 17, 2021.
- “Business Entities,” Texas Commission on Environmental Quality CLE, October 25, 2021.
Professional Activities
- Joint Editorial Board for Uniform Unincorporated Organizations Acts, Uniform Law Commission and American Bar Association.
- ABA Advisor, Drafting Committee for Revision of Uniform Unincorporated Organizations Acts, Uniform Law Commission.
- Chair, Editorial Board of Publications of the LLCs, Partnerships and Unincorporated Entities Committee of the Business Law Section of the American Bar Association.
- Founding Fellow and Board of Directors, American College of LLC and Partnership Attorneys.
- Member, Business Organizations Code Committee of the Business Law Section of the State Bar of Texas.
- Elected Member, American Law Institute.
- Fellow, American Bar Foundation.
- Life Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation.
Connie Powell Nichols
Professor of Law
Publications
- "Sex, Lies and Internet Shaming: New Media Considerations for Defamation and Privacy Moody-Ramirez," Nichols & Lewis (under consideration with NEW MEDIA AND SOCIETY JOURNAL).
Walt Shelton
Adjunct Professor of Law
Publications
- “Jesus and Friendship: A Model for All,” Austin American Statesman, July 9, 2023, at 7E
- “Positive ‘Self Talk’ Enhances Personal Wellbeing,” Austin American Statesman, May 14, 2023, at 4E
- "Transforming Christmas into Thanksgiving," Progressive Christianity, December 19, 2022. https://progressivechristianity.org/resources/transforming-christmas-into-thanksgiving/
- “Daily Practices to Address Anxiety,” Progressive Christianity, October 26, 2022. https://progressivechristianity.org/resources/daily-practices-to-address-anxiety/
- "Take Daily Living One Thing at a Time and End the Burden of Multitasking," Austin American Statesman, May 14, 2022, at 8E.
- Authentic Living in All Seasons: Focused, Fearless, and Balanced (CrossLink Publishing 2022).
- "Seek out Mentors and People to Mentor to Make our World More Filled with Light," Austin American Statesman, October 16, 2021, at 9D.
- “Finding Commitment, Not Just Intention, in Our Faith,” Austin American Statesman, September 18, 2021, at 5D.
- “Centuries-old Lessons: Make Good Choices, Avoid Tribal Fighting,” Austin American Statesman, August 21, 2021, at 9C.
Presentations
- “The Power of ‘With,’” Tarrytown United Methodist Church, Searching Together in Fellowship Group, Austin, Texas, September 24, 2023.
- “Raw and Honest Prayer,” Tarrytown United Methodist Church, Searching Together in Fellowship Group, Austin, Texas, September 17, 2023.
- “Wellness for Law Students,” Baylor Law School, May 17, 2023.
- “Wisdom and Learning From Experience,” The Church at Highland Park, Austin, Texas, April 30, 2023.
- “Wellness for Attorneys,” Haynes Boone law firm, Dallas, Texas, April 19, 2023.
- "Writing on the Air," KOOP Radio 91.7 FM, Author interview with Mindy Reed regarding two published books, April 12, 2023.
- "Living Mindfully in Beloved Community with Author Walt Shelton," Podcast, Pray with Our Feet Podcast, March 5, 2023,
https://www.praywithourfeet.org/podcast/bonus-episode-living-mindfully-in-beloved-community-with-author-walt-shelton - "Faith and Personal Wellness," United Methodist Women, Austin, Texas, January 24, 2023.
- "Walt Shelton's New Book: Authentic Living in All Seasons," Podcast, Inspired Stewardship, Saturday Night Special with Scott Maderer, February 18, 2022, https://inspiredstewardship.com/podcast/sns-185-saturday-night-special-interview-with-walt-shelton-about-his-book-authentic-living-in-all-seasons/
- “Choosing and Cultivating a Gratitude Attitude,” Tarrytown United Methodist Church, Searching in Fellowship Together Group, Austin, Texas, December 11, 2022.
- “Life as Choices – Dealing with Emotion and Response Action,” Tarrytown United Methodist Church, Searching in Fellowship Together Group, Austin, Texas, December 4, 2022.
- “Wellness for Law Students: The Art of Daily Focus and Balanced Priorities,” Baylor Law School, November 16, 2022.
- “Wellness Keys for Busy Professionals: Living Sequentially with Focus, Dealing with Fear, and Keeping Priorities in Balance,” Baylor Law School, November 15, 2022.
- Environmental Justice,” part of ABA initiative to address racism, bias, and cultural issues, recorded on September 28, 2022.
- “Social Justice and Daily Spiritual Practices,” two days/four presentations, Valaterra Retreat, Beargrass Christian Church, Louisville, KY, September 23-24, 2022.
- "Wellness for Attorneys: Achieving Excellence in Practice and Meaning in Life Via Good Habits Toward Focus, Fearlessness, and Balancing Priorities" (legal ethics), 2022 Texas Environmental Superconference, Austin, Texas, Aug. 4, 2022
- "Wellness for Law Students: Commitment to Staying Focused and Balanced," Baylor Law Student Wellness Organization Professional Development Program, May 10, 2022.
- “Following the Narrow Path: Prioritizing Self-Reflection and Pursuing Justice,” Sapp Lecture Series and Retreat (5 sessions), The Church at Highland Park, Austin, Texas, January 21 – 23, 2022.
- "Daily and Periodic Practices to Enhance Your Life Quality: Staying Focused and Keeping Balanced," Baylor Law Student Wellness Organization Professional Development Program, January 12, 2022.
- “The Book of Walt: The Intersectionality of Law and Religion,” Podcast, SHIFTING THE LAW with Johnny Merritt, johnny merritt.com, October 6, 2021. https://johnnymerritt.com/shifting-the-law-walt-shelton/
- Interview, Boulder (CO) Bookstore, YouTube page, regarding "The Daily Practice of Life: Practical Reflections Toward Meaningful Living" (CrossLink Publishing 2020), September 3, 2021, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iV5Fx19YxE
Professional Activities
- Liaison of the Environmental and Natural Resources Law Section of the State Bar of Texas with the Section of the Environment, Energy, and Resources of the American Bar Association.
- Contributing Editor, General Practice Digest, State Bar of Texas, Environmental Law and Water Law.
- Co-Chair of the Law School Committee of the Environmental and Natural Resources Law Section of the State Bar of Texas.
Honors
- Selected through the peer review process for inclusion in the 2023 annual edition of The Best Lawyers in America in the practice areas of Environmental Law and Water Law. Professor Shelton has been recognized in Best Lawyers for 25 consecutive years.
- Recognized as one of America's Most Honored Lawyers and a Top Texas Attorney for 2021 for the second consecutive year (2020 was the inaugural year) via the American Registry.
- Nautilus Book Awards, Silver Award Winner (announced April 2021), Religion/Spirituality of Western Thought, The Daily Practice of Life (CrossLink 2020)
- The Daily Practice of Life (CrossLink 2020), Listed as a Progressive Christianity Resource Book, https://progressivechristianity.org/resources/the-daily-practice-of-life-practical-reflections-toward-meaningful-living/
Stephanie Tang
Associate Professor of Law
Publications
- Fighting Over Cryptocurrency in Divorce Amid the Chill of "Crypto Winter", Duke University Financial Regulations Blog (2022).
- Cryptocurrency, NFTs, and the “Metaverse”: Addressing the Expanding World of Virtual Assets in Divorce Proceedings, 127 PENN STATE L. REV. (2022, forthcoming).
- Family Law Toolkit, Illinois State Bar Association Family Law Section Council, 2022.2019-2021 Survey of Illinois Law: Family Law, S. ILL. UNIV. L. J. (Summer 2022, forthcoming).
- Calculating “Income” for Domestic Support Obligations in the Wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic (co-authored with Kimberly S. Krieg, Ph.D., CPA), 74(4) OKLA. L. REV. (Summer 2022, forthcoming).
- I Do Solemnly Sponsor (with Russell D. Knight), 109(9) Ill. Bar J. (Sept. 2021), available at https://www.isba.org/ibj/2021/09/idosolemnlysponsor
Professional Activities
- Reporter, Texas Children's Commission Standards of Representation Committee.
Leah Witcher Jackson Teague
Professor of Law
Publications
- "Growing Number of Leadership Programs and Courses Supports Professional Identity Formation" (forthcoming in the Santa Clara Law Review, 2021 Leadership Symposium Issue).
- "The Study of Leadership Theories: Great Leaders Are Made, Not Born" ABA Law Practice Magazine, co-authored with Stephen Rispoli (Nov./Dec. 2021).
Professional Activities
- Chair-Elect, AALS Section on Leadership.
- Chair, Strategic Initiative Committee, American Council on Education’s Women’s Network Executive Council.
- Secretary and Treasurer, Baylor Law Alumni Association.
- Executive Committee, Board of Directors, Texas Federal Tax Institution.
Bradley J. B. Toben
Dean Emeritus and M.C. & Mattie Caston Chair of Law
Professional Activities
- Panelist, "The Crisis in Legal Education Today: Structural Impediments to Change," highlighting the challenges facing legal education at the Fifth Circuit Conference and at the Eastern District of Texas Bench Bar Conference.
- Panelist, "How to Be the Best Lawyer: Religion, Morality, and Justice," the presentation on the relationship of the legal profession and faith and moral perspectives at the State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting.
- Panelist, “Implications of T.C. Heartland in Setting Venue in Intellectual Property Litigation.”
- The Texas Trial Lawyers Association sponsored an Austin reception in Dean Toben's honor at which he received a TTLA recognition for "exemplary service and commitment as a guiding light in legal scholarship and the pursuit of justice.
Honors
- Elected Member, American Law Institute.
- Board Member of Juliette Fowler Homes, Inc. Fowler, affiliated with the Disciples of Christ.
- Chaired and Member for more than 25 years of the American Bar Association (ABA) and the Association of American Law Schools (AALS), membership on-site re-inspection functions and accreditation.
- Master of the Bench of the Abner V. McCall American Inn of Court.
- Member, Board of Directors of the Waco Chamber of Commerce.
Patricia Wilson
Interim Dean and the William Boswell Chair of Law
Honors
- Governing Board Member, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, and Chair of Legal Committee.
- Vice-President, Waco-McLennan County Bar Association.
- Board Member, Dispute Resolution Center (McLennan County).
- Chair, ABA Law Student Division, Client Counseling Subcommittee.
- Contributor, General Practice Digest (Family Law).
James Wren
Leon Jaworski Chair of Practice & Procedure
and Co-Director of the Executive LL.M. in Litigation Management
Publications
- “Avoiding Ethical Pitfalls in Third-Party Litigation Financing: How Lawyers Can Maintain Independence and Avoid Conflicts of Interest”, co-author with James E. Wren and Hannah Hoke, The Advocate, State Bar of Texas Litigation Section, October 2021
Presentations
- "Effective Jury Testing on a Budget". Presented with Assistant Dean Stephen Rispoli, Professor Elizabeth M. Fraley, and Laura Brown to the Waco and Bryan/College Station, Texas, chapters of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), December 6, 2022.