News

Baylor Law School’s Family Law Clinic is thriving in its second year, expanding both its reach and community impact. Established to support self-represented litigants navigating complex family law matters in McLennan County, the Clinic served 162 clients this academic year, assisting more than three times as many clients as it did during its inaugural year. Notably, the Clinic also assisted its first Spanish-speaking clients, marking an important step toward broader access to legal support.

Counseller's Corner - Season 2, Episode 18:  What does it look like to find your place in law school when your path does not fit a template? Baylor Law School 2L and student ambassador Marley Rokas shares her journey from college basketball at Sul Ross State to Baylor Law and the lessons athletics taught her about pressure, preparation, and persistence.

Along the way, she brings the lighter moments too, from intramural basketball to Waco life with her grandmother and an online grocery order that did not go as planned. Come for the stories, stay for the reassurance that you can belong here.

Baylor Law School’s recent Business Law Boot Camp gave students an intensive introduction to the realities of modern transactional practice through hands-on exercises, practitioner-led instruction, and direct interaction with attorneys across multiple areas of business law. This valuable experience was made possible through the generous support of the Kim and Bill Shaddock Fund for Business and Entrepreneurial Initiatives, along with sponsorship from Spencer Fane and Haynes Boone.

Professor Chris Jaeger recently returned from the Harvard/Stanford/Yale Junior Faculty Forum, hosted this year at Yale Law School, where he presented his paper, “A Two-System Theory of Negligence.” 

The nationally recognized forum brings together emerging legal scholars from across the country for intensive discussion of their recent scholarship. Participants are selected through a competitive double-blind review process, with senior scholars from Harvard Law School, Stanford Law School, and Yale selecting papers and then serving as commentators and discussion leaders at the forum.

Media outlets are turning to Dyllan Taxman, Assistant Professor of Law at Baylor Law School, for insight on a complex and evolving legal question: When, if ever, should parents face criminal liability for their children’s actions?

Taxman’s recent scholarship, including an article in the William & Mary Law Review, examines how courts and prosecutors are addressing parental accountability in the wake of high-profile acts of violence. This work has gained traction as jurisdictions across the United States and abroad grapple with cases that test the boundaries of criminal law.

Counseller's Corner - Season 2, Episode 17: From ranch work and cutting horses to national Strongman competitions and the classroom at Baylor Law School, second-year law student Niko Nemanic is taking an uncommon path to the legal profession. In this episode of Counseller’s Corner, Niko shares how growing up on a ranch shaped his work ethic, why a conversation about eminent domain pushed him toward law school, and how he hopes to help farmers and ranchers protect their land and family legacy. Along the way, Dean Jeremy Counseller and Niko discuss balancing the demands of law school with elite-level fitness competition, including Niko’s recent appearance at the Red Bull Rancher Strong competition and his qualification for the United States Strongman National Championship. Equal parts thoughtful, funny, and flat-out impressive, this conversation gives listeners a look at a Baylor Law student who knows how to outwork a challenge, whether in the courtroom, the gym, or a field outside Brownwood, Texas.

Baylor Law School is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of Baylor Lawyers. 

This information highlights the professional and personal successes of our graduates, showcasing the impact they are making on the legal profession and in their communities. Please share your alumni notes here.

In Waco, dozens of children still wait for a place to call home. McLennan County Adoption Day hosted at Baylor Law School meets that need with something rare in the legal world, a courtroom filled with joy. For families like Marissa Smith’s, the day turns a legal milestone into a lasting memory for their children. Behind the decorations and celebration, students, faculty, and volunteers carry out work that changes lives, one adoption at a time.

In this episode of Counseller’s Corner, Dean Jeremy Counseller sits down with first-year law student Mari Sanchez, who began her journey at Baylor Law School as an undergraduate student worker in the Dean’s Office.

Mari shares how her early experiences shaped her understanding of the purpose and community that define Baylor Law School, influencing her decision to attend despite the program’s rigorous nature. Now well into her first year, she reflects on the fast-paced workload, first-quarter finals, the Socratic Method, and how she secured her summer internship.

She also shares her Waco roots and the significance of remaining in Waco for both her undergraduate studies and law school. This episode provides an encouraging look at the first-year experience at Baylor and offers thoughtful advice for those considering Baylor Law School.

In this episode, Dean Jeremy Counseller sits down with 2L Roderick Wilson, who spent eight years building a career before choosing law school. He shares what pulled him back to the classroom, how coaching high school hockey in Texas helped him find meaning, and why real-world experience changes how you see the law. Roderick also breaks down his winning brief in Baylor Law’s Ultimate Writer competition, including the mindset and habits that set his writing apart. The conversation turns to civil rights history after a powerful trip to the Fred D. Gray Institute for Human & Civil Rights National Symposium, sponsored by Baylor Missions, Service & Public Life, and what it means for lawyers today who feel called to serve. Sharp insights. Honest reflections. A reminder that the path is not always straight, but it can still lead exactly where you need to go.

Baylor Law School is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of Baylor Lawyers. 

This information highlights the professional and personal successes of our graduates, showcasing the impact they are making on the legal profession and in their communities. Please share your alumni notes here.

At Baylor Law School, we honor the legacy of our alumni who have passed, celebrating their contributions to the legal field and their communities. 

The alumni obituaries below are organized by class year and are based on information we received from our alumni and other sources in 2026. If you are aware of the passing of a Baylor Lawyer that we have omitted, please e-mail law_alumni@baylor.edu.

Christa Walton took an unconventional path to Baylor Law School. Before preparing for a career in the courtroom, she was busy developing her music career. But the most important part of the story isn’t the career pivot; it’s Christa’s commitment to public service. In this episode of the Counseller’s Corner, Christa shares how Baylor Law’s Career Development Fellowship made it possible for her to pursue a pivotal (and unpaid) internship with the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office; an experience that launched her future as a prosecutor. It’s a candid look at how one opportunity, backed by the right support, can change everything, and why investing in students who want to serve matters more than ever.

A long-lost guitar, a claim of fraud, and a contract between friends set the stage for Baylor Law School’s 2026 Faegre Drinker Spring Moot Court Competition. After navigating complex legal issues and multiple rounds of argument, the team of Lillian Hawkins and Mackenzie Gillette emerged as champions at the end of the rigorous, multi-week competition.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Women’s Legal Society hosted its annual Off the Record event in March. Several distinguished alumnae and legal professionals shared their inspiring stories and projects they are involved in with current Baylor Law School students. This year, the panel discussion emphasized the importance of giving back while building a successful legal career.

Counseller’s Corner – Season 2, Episode 13: What does it really take to make the most of law school? In this episode of Counseller’s Corner, Dean Jeremy Counseller has a candid, engaging conversation with Baylor Law student Sheldon Furqueron, navigating law school with perseverance and purpose. They unpack what it’s really like to live and study in Waco, reflect on time spent at Baylor Law School’s Academy of the Advocate in St Andrews, Scotland, and share the habits that quietly drive success. This episode will speak to anyone considering law school or currently navigating it, with honest insights and stories that show how to keep moving forward when opportunities feel just out of reach.
 

Baylor Law School’s Moot Court team has made waves at the 33rd Annual Judge R. Brown Admiralty Moot Court Competition, held March 19-21 at the Charleston School of Law. For the third time in six years, Baylor Law has claimed the top honor of Most Outstanding Law School. The award-winning team, coached by professors Lee Ann James (JD ’02) and Kayla Landeros (JD ’08), included Ben Amundson, Catherine LaTour, Rose Safranek, Erin Kitchenka, Dylan Evans, and Marshall Job.

Baylor Law School is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of Baylor Lawyers. 

This information highlights the professional and personal successes of our graduates, showcasing the impact they are making on the legal profession and in their communities.

Counseller’s Corner – Season 2, Episode 12: After 20 years in the U.S. Army, second-year Baylor Law student Casey Stege has transitioned from the armed forces to studying case law and establishing community ties. In this episode of Counselor’s Corner, Casey discusses how his service influences his journey—from working at a small-town newspaper to joining the Army, and now attending Baylor Law. He explains his desire to become a trusted community leader and shares insights on the unique perspective veterans bring to the classroom. He also shares his experience at Baylor Law School’s Academy of the Advocate in St Andrews, Scotland, advocating for fellow service members on Capitol Hill, and maintaining balance through sports and a good cup of coffee. This conversation offers candid insights into leadership, humility, and building a purposeful life after leaving military service.

Counseller’s Corner – Season 2, Episode 11: Elexis shares how, now as an involved student, she contributes to BPILS, including their work to completely transform the Law Center for Adoption Day, and how fostering a dog during finals served as an excellent stress reliever. Throughout her journey, she reflects on lessons from dance and living abroad and highlights her family’s connection to one of Dean Counseller’s favorite films.

Counseller’s Corner – Season 2, Episode 10: From the tennis courts of San Antonio to the courtroom in Practice Court, third-year student Charli Delmonico brings a competitor’s mindset to Baylor Law School. As the current Editor-in-Chief of the Baylor Law Review and having recently finished Big Trial, she reflects on discipline, resilience, late nights drafting motions, and the moment she realized she could do more than she ever thought possible. She also credits her Practice Court partner, Emily Lentzner, for pushing her limits and making the experience even more rewarding.

Dean Jeremy Counseller and Charli also explore what Law Review truly entails, why Baylor Law School’s rigorous Practice Court program is so transformative, and whether former student-athletes gain an advantage in law school. Their conversation offers an honest look at growth, perseverance, and the habits that equip Baylor Lawyers for success in their profession.

Baylor Law School has named Roderick Wilson the first-place winner of its annual Ultimate Writer Legal Writing Competition, which challenges students to produce a polished, persuasive legal argument under real-world time constraints.

Counseller’s Corner – Season 2, Episode 9: In this episode, first-year Baylor Law student Jonathan Winn joins Dean Jeremy Counseller to share the story of his path to law school. Jonathan reflects on his early years performing opera abroad, his work in journalism and marketing, and the experiences that eventually led him to pursue a legal education.

Now a father of three, Jonathan also speaks about balancing family life with the demands of law school and how his varied professional background shapes his approach to studying law.

Counseller’s Corner – Season 2, Episode 8: Jax Mahlstadt, a second-year law student, reflects on leadership, service, and the significance of saying yes at Baylor Law School. As the president of the 2L Student Bar Association and co-president of the Baylor Environmental and Natural Resource Law Society, Jax discusses embracing leadership opportunities, representing the student body, and how prioritizing involvement over a predetermined career path has influenced his law school experience.

Baylor Law School will host its annual People’s Law School on Saturday, Feb. 14, offering Central Texas residents a free, half‑day program designed to provide practical, accessible legal education. The event is open to the public and will be held at Baylor Law School from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
 

Baylor Law School is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of Baylor Lawyers. 

This information highlights the professional and personal successes of our graduates, showcasing the impact they are making on the legal profession and in their communities.

Adelaide Fitzgerald of the University of Oregon School of Law and Linda Yan from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law took top honors at the 10th anniversary of Baylor Law School’s The Closer, a competition designed to simulate the real-world challenges of transactional law.

In Central Texas, a unique collaboration is redefining what it means to build community. Shepherd’s Way, an innovative nonprofit dedicated to empowering young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, has partnered with the Baylor Law Entrepreneurship Clinic to ensure that its mission of independence is built on a strong legal foundation.

"The Transactional Law Program at Baylor Law School set me up for success in numerous ways, most notably by providing practical, hands-on experience through repetitive, real-world scenarios. As a mid-level associate at Winstead PC in the Emerging and Mid-Market Companies group within the Corporate, Securities, and M&A practice, my work primarily involves buy- and sell-side mergers and acquisitions, venture capital transactions from seed through exit, and general corporate governance for emerging growth clients."

Last spring, Midway High School and the Little League teams wrapped up their season with an impressive run, earning four state championships and 6A state titles in both softball and baseball. This achievement is part of the “Year of the Panther,” referring to the Midway mascot, which included the volunteer efforts of two Baylor Lawyers.

In a flagship opinion of the newly established Texas Business Court, Judge Bill Whitehill prominently cited several articles written by Baylor Law Professor Elizabeth Miller. In Primexx Energy Opportunity Fund, LP v. Primexx Energy Corporation (March 10, 2025), Judge Whitehill addressed important issues concerning fiduciary duties in Texas limited partnerships and the freedom to contract with respect to those duties

Baylor Law School is pleased to announce the winners of the 2025 Paper Chase Legal Writing Competition, a challenging, statewide legal writing competition designed by Baylor Law School’s legal writing team to highlight exceptional student advocacy across Texas.

Counseller’s Corner – Season 2, Episode 7: In this episode of Counseller’s Corner, Dean Jeremy Counseller sits down with third-year law student Jared Miller, a CPA who holds two master’s degrees, is a husband and a father, to talk about carving a strategic path to transactional practice. Jared shares why he left a successful accounting career with a Big Four accounting firm for law school, how Baylor Law School’s Professional Tracks, Special Distinctions, and transactional competitions prepared him for real-world dealmaking. He also emphasizes how prior professional experience can transform abstract legal concepts into concrete business realities.

And then there’s that story: Jared shares a memorable story about negotiating in an American Bar Association mergers and acquisitions competition mere hours after the birth of his daughter.

The conversation offers insight into preparation, perspective, and the realities of navigating high-stakes professional moments alongside major life events.

Counseller’s Corner – Season 2, Episode 6: From the neonatal intensive care unit to Baylor Law School, third-year student Kaitlyn Charles brings a rare perspective shaped by compassion, clarity, and the hard truths she learned as a NICU nurse. In this episode of Counseller’s Corner, Dean Jeremy Counseller talks with Kaitlyn about delivering difficult news, building emotional resilience, and how telling the truth with care is a skill every profession, especially the legal profession, demands.

Baylor Law School students spent December partnering with organizations across Waco to support children, families, and local nonprofits. Their efforts reflect the ongoing commitment to service within the Baylor Law mission.

Baylor Law School is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of Baylor Lawyers. 

This information highlights the professional and personal successes of our graduates, showcasing the impact they are making on the legal profession and in their communities.

At Baylor Law School, we honor the legacy of our alumni who have passed, celebrating their contributions to the legal field and their communities. 

The alumni obituaries below are organized by class year and are based on information we receive from our alumni and other sources in 2025. If you are aware of the passing of a Baylor Lawyer that we have omitted, please e-mail law_alumni@baylor.edu.

Counseller’s Corner – Season 2, Episode 5: From teaching high school Spanish to tackling the challenges of Baylor Law, Julia Incerpi brings insight and humor to her conversation with Dean Jeremy Counseller. Together, they explore Julia’s hour-long daily commute, her balancing act as a parent and law student, and her leadership of the Hispanic American Law Student Association (HALSA), all while reflecting on the growth that comes from overcoming challenges.

Counseller’s Corner – Season 2, Episode 4: This episode of Counseller’s Corner features a lively conversation between Dean Jeremy Counseller and third-year Baylor Law School student Caroline Bizarro. Caroline shares what drew her to advocacy, how her experience relaunching the Baylor Undergraduate Law Review shaped her approach to legal writing, and why grit may be the most underrated skill in the legal profession. From moot court strategy to the realities of law school resilience, this conversation is a thoughtful examination of what it takes to grow from an eager 1L to a confident future lawyer.

Baylor Law School is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of Baylor Lawyers. 

This information highlights the professional and personal successes of our graduates, showcasing the impact they are making on the legal profession and in their communities.

Baylor Law School hosted McLennan County’s Adoption Day for the 18th year on November 21 as a joyful alternative to the formal courthouse setting. The theme, “Adoptions Are Beary Special,” was inspired by the film, “Paddington in Peru,” which follows the famous bear’s journey to find his forever family. Judge Nikki Mundkowsky presided over ten adoptions, officially formalizing the formation of these forever families. 

Counseller’s Corner – Season 2, Episode 3: In this episode of Counseller’s Corner, Dean Jeremy Counseller talks with 2L Kenadie Wilde, a Baylor undergrad, Baylor2Baylor scholar, and student leader, about her journey from overcoming challenges to spearheading initiatives. Kenadie shares insights on launching Baylor Law’s Real Estate & Construction Organization, leading the Women’s Legal Society, and creating meaningful connections that strengthen both the law school and the Waco community.

The Baylor Law School Veterans Clinic honored attorneys Evan Simpson, JD ’07, and Tyler Sims with the 2025 Advocates of the Year Award during a ceremony at the Waco-McLennan County Bar Association luncheon, held at the Lee Lockwood Library & Museum on November 7, 2025.

Baylor Law School recently hosted the Tournament of Champions Mock Trial Competition, earning the hosting honors after the team of Greta Andersen, Gage Jones, Vivian Noyd, and Varun Reddy captured the national championship in 2023. Several Baylor Lawyers returned to campus, including two alumni from that championship team, to serve as judges throughout the competition.

Baylor Law School selected three cohorts of externs to participate in the Zambia Juvenile Justice Field Placement program during the summer. The externs spent 30 days in Zambia working with the Undikumbukire Project Zambia (UP Zambia), where they worked alongside local attorneys to interview minors, update them on their cases, transcribe hearings, and prepare documentation for court appearances.

Baylor Law School is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of Baylor Lawyers. 

This information highlights the professional and personal successes of our graduates, showcasing the impact they are making on the legal profession and in their communities.

Counseller’s Corner – Season 2, Episode 2: In this episode of Counseller’s Corner, Dean Jeremy Counseller sits down with Baylor Law School student Dylan Mayne, whose summer took him from the Gulf Coast to the heart of Africa. Dylan shares how his Baylor Law Externship in Zambia with the nonprofit Undikumbukire Project Zambia gave him firsthand insight into the country’s justice system and the challenges faced by juveniles without access to public defenders. From visiting prison and mobile courts to witnessing the power of compassion in action, Dylan reflects on how the experience deepened his passion for public service and law.

Professor Thomas M. Featherston, Jr., was honored by the Baylor Law School Veterans Clinic with the inaugural Champion of Justice Award. The honor, presented at a surprise ceremony, acknowledges his dedicated and longstanding service to veterans and first responders.

Baylor Law’s Entrepreneurship Clinic has a new director: Tara Smith, JD ’21. Tara spent three years in the tax group of an AmLaw 200 firm in Dallas before starting her own firm, where she provides tax and corporate counsel, with a particular focus on tax controversy and dispute resolution. Recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America for her work in Tax Law, Tara is widely respected for her strategic approach to helping businesses and individuals navigate tax challenges.

In April 2025, law student Melanie Green drafted the wills for a first responder couple under the supervision of Professors Featherston and Borderud. The couple, both of whom serve as Waco PD detectives commented, "Excellent experience with Baylor Law School. Everything was thoroughly explained to us. Mr. Borderud and Ms. Green were delightful!” 

Students Ryan Glass, Wyatt Hicks, Whit Long, and Kenadie Wilde worked together to form the Baylor Law Real Estate and Construction Organization (BLRECO) with the primary goal of connecting students with alumni and resources in both real estate and construction law. The executive committee recognized a contingent of students interested in these practices, both for transactional and litigation work, and wanted to create an organization with these areas as a priority. 

Counseller’s Corner – Season 2, Episode 1: In this episode of Counseller’s Corner, Baylor Law School student Drew Calvert joins Dean Jeremy Counseller to talk about his road to law school and his unforgettable summer at Baylor Law School’s Academy of the Advocate at St Andrews, Scotland. Drew shares how this immersive international experience with world-class mentoring sharpened his advocacy skills and why it is one of the most rewarding opportunities available to law students nationwide.

The City of Waco has recognized two longtime Baylor Law School professors for their exceptional service, scholarship, and impact on both the community and the legal profession. During a ceremony at City Hall, Waco Mayor Jim Holmes proclaimed October 7, 2025, as Elizabeth Miller Day and Tom Featherston Day, honoring the professors for their distinguished careers and ongoing contributions. 

The Durham, Pittard & Spalding, L.L.P. Fall Moot Court Competition recently concluded with an impressive final round highlighting Baylor Law School students’ preparation, skill, and resilience. After multiple rounds of arguments over three weeks, the team of Jake Hatcher and Sam Hagen emerged as this year’s champions, representing the Respondent. The team of Katie Stepek and Savanna Walker earned runner-up honors after a strong performance in the final round.

Baylor Law School is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of Baylor Lawyers. 

This information highlights the professional and personal successes of our graduates, showcasing the impact they are making on the legal profession and in their communities.

On Thursday, September 11, Baylor Law School hosted U.S. Supreme Court Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh as part of the Judge Kenneth W. Starr Federalist Papers Lecture Series. This program, presented by John and Marie Chiles, was established to encourage reflection on the enduring importance of the Federalist Papers in understanding America’s constitutional order.

Counseller’s Corner – Episode 16: In this episode of Counseller’s Corner, Dean Jeremy Counseller speaks with first-year Baylor Law student Austin Lalomia about his path from Georgia to Baylor Law School, his passion for prosecution and public service, and how comic books inspired his commitment to justice. Austin also shares insights on leading the Student Wellness Organization and his experience studying abroad in Spain. The conversation ranges from fajitas-for-breakfast to the responsibilities of a lawyer—and even dips into lightning-round favorites like board games, road trips, and Italian food.

Baylor has once again attained elite Honor Roll status as one of the best colleges in the nation to work for, according to the Great Colleges to Work For® program - this year in all 10 categories.

Ten Baylor faculty members have been selected as 2025-2026 Baylor Fellows for their excellence in teaching and desire to advance the University’s commitment to transformational education.

Counseller’s Corner – Episode 15: In this episode of Counseller’s Corner, Dean Jeremy Counseller talks with 1L Hope Arrendondo, whose dream of becoming a lawyer began at age ten and never let go. Hope shares her passion for prosecution and public service, her vision of being a “friendly neighborhood Spider-Man” kind of lawyer, and how her journey led her to Baylor Law. Her story is focused, driven, and sure to inspire.

Baylor Law School is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of Baylor Lawyers. 

This information highlights the professional and personal successes of our graduates, showcasing the impact they are making on the legal profession and in their communities.

The multi-tiered Baylor Alert emergency notification system is in place to ensure members of the Baylor community have multiple ways to access up-to-date information about any campus emergency. 

Baylor Law School is proud to announce Tara Avants, JD ’17, as the recipient of the 2025 Young Baylor Lawyer of the Year award. A determined prosecutor, dedicated mentor, and relentless advocate for the most vulnerable members of our community, Avants embodies the excellence, integrity, and service that define what it means to be a Baylor Lawyer.

How do you determine whether or not a person acted “reasonably”? If you accept that many people will have different definitions of what constitutes reasonableness, you can recognize the sorts of challenges that lawyers face when addressing a jury.

Baylor Law professor Christopher Jaeger conducts his work at the intersection of psychology and the law, applying his research to uncover new insights surrounding such questions. Dr. Jaeger is the rare law professor who pairs his J.D. with both undergraduate and doctoral degrees in psychology — and his interdisciplinary research is drawing notice.

Baylor Law School is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of Baylor Lawyers. 

This information highlights the professional and personal successes of our graduates, showcasing the impact they are making on the legal profession and in their communities.

Loren Berryhill, Director of Career Development Programs at Baylor Law School, recently participated in the U.S. Air Force’s Career Services Officer Course at The Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) School at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama. The two-day program brought together career development professionals from 11 law schools nationwide to learn more about opportunities for law school students within the Air Force’s JAG Corps.

Olivia Womack, JD '25, a recent August graduate of Baylor Law School, has been named a 2025 recipient of the prestigious State Bar of Texas Tax Section Scholarship. She earned the award during her third year at Baylor Law School in recognition of her academic excellence and strong commitment to the field of tax law.

Robert Little, JD '05, Director of Advocacy Programs and Senior Lecturer at Baylor Law School, has been awarded the Cornerstone Award at the recent Educating Advocacy Teachers (EATS) Conference, hosted by Stetson University College of Law. 

Counseller’s Corner – Episode 14: In this episode of Counseller’s Corner, Dean Jeremy Counseller sits down with 1L Justin Paley, a former tech recruiter with advanced degrees in religious studies, and the host of the Thinking Biblically and Beyond podcast. Justin opens up about his unconventional path to Baylor Law School and the unexpected parallels between theology, podcasting, and legal reasoning.

They cover everything from the historical roots of law to the future of AI in legal practice… with a lightning round that reveals Justin’s ice cream allegiance and dream travel destination.

Justin’s journey to law school demonstrates that no experience is wasted. Even the most unexpected backgrounds can lay the groundwork for a meaningful legal career.

Baylor Law School is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of Baylor Lawyers. 

This information highlights the professional and personal successes of our graduates, showcasing the impact they are making on the legal profession and in their communities.

Counseller’s Corner – Episode 13: In this episode of Counseller’s Corner, Dean Jeremy Counseller speaks with third-year Baylor Law School student Elsa Tovar Morin about her journey to law school as a paralegal and single mother. The discussion emphasizes the importance of community support and the mindset that has helped her thrive both academically and personally. Elsa shares her reasons for choosing Baylor, the lessons she has learned along the way, and the value she places on presence, gratitude, and service. 

Baylor Law School has named The Honorable Ignacio Torteya, III, United States Magistrate Judge for the Southern District of Texas, as the 2025 Baylor Lawyer of the Year. Judge Torteya received the award during a ceremony held on Friday, June 13, 2025, in Brownsville, Texas.

Earlier this year, the Baylor Law Entrepreneurship Clinic had the opportunity to work with 2:20 Vision, LLC, a Christian sportswear brand founded by a Baylor student dedicated to inspiring athletes to perform with purpose through faith in Jesus. With the Clinic’s support, 2:20 Vision was officially formed as a Limited Liability Company, enabling the brand to expand its reach and impact. Focused on merging faith and athletics, the company plans to grow beyond apparel into devotionals, camps, and digital platforms that disciple athletes of all ages.

Counseller’s Corner – Episode 12: Before he was briefing cases, Jerry Attaway was breaking down the Bill of Rights for eighth graders. In this episode of Counseller’s Corner, Dean Jeremy Counseller talks with Jerry—now in his second year at Baylor Law School—about his bold pivot from public school teaching to legal training and the surprising ways his past experiences continue to shape his law school journey and beyond.

The conversation ranges from the deeply personal to the laugh-out-loud funny. Jerry shares what it’s like to be a first-generation college graduate wrestling with imposter syndrome, how summer starters at Baylor form tight-knit bonds, and why construction law (yes, construction law) unexpectedly sparked his passion. Along the way, he and Dean Counseller swap thoughts on helping pre-law students find their voice, nerdy study snacks, llama ownership, and the myth of the dome light felony.

According to Reuters’ analysis of data released recently by the American Bar Association, Baylor Law School has achieved one of the highest employment rates in the nation for its 2024 graduating class. With an impressive 95.45% of Baylor Law’s juris doctor graduates securing full-time, bar-passage-required positions within ten months of graduation, the school ranks third nationally among the 195 ABA-accredited law schools. 

Counseller’s Corner – Episode 11: In this episode of Counseller’s Corner, Dean Jeremy Counseller talks with second-year law student Lauren Monroe, whose path to Baylor Law School was shaped by unwavering faith, resilience, and a delayed admission that became a blessing in disguise. Lauren shares how she discovered her passion for advocacy, took on leadership through the Student Bar Association, and followed a God-given calling to serve survivors of human trafficking. From the heartbreak of waitlists to the courtroom thrill of moot court, Lauren’s story is one of purpose, perseverance, and the power of saying “yes” to the unexpected.

The nation’s top law student advocates gathered at Baylor Law School this weekend for the 2025 Top Gun National Mock Trial Competition, the country’s most demanding mock trial event. After a grueling three-day show of exceptional advocacy and courtroom skill, Sarah Paul of Ohio State University Moritz College of Law emerged as champion, besting a field of 16 elite advocates from law schools across the country.

Counseller’s Corner – Episode 10: From writing code to briefing legal cases, 2L Austin Lau made a bold pivot from software engineering to studying law at Baylor Law School—and he hasn’t looked back. In this episode, he shares what pulled him away from tech, how his Baylor Lawyer dad helped ease the transition, and why he’s so inspired by intellectual property law’s blend of creativity, independence, and constant innovation. Austin also talks about his go-to coffee order in Waco, the artists he’d book for Baylor’s new concert venues, and what it’s really like trading corporate life for the pressure of law school cold calls.

Baylor Law School is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of Baylor Lawyers. 

This information highlights the professional and personal successes of our graduates, showcasing the impact they are making on the legal profession and in their communities.

Counseller’s Corner – Episode 9: In this episode, Dean Jeremy Counseller sits down with standout Baylor Law School 3L Claire Zurovec as she reflects on her journey through law school — from conquering Practice Court with confidence to thriving in the world of corporate and securities law. They cover everything: which electives helped shape her career path, why transactional competitions matter, and how friendships and the Baylor Law School community leave a lasting mark. Plus, lightning-round fun reveals Claire’s go-to Waco hangouts, comfort food fixes, and which Jane Austen heroine she’d trade places with for a day. Whether you’re a prospective law student, a curious alum, or just someone who loves hearing how passion and preparation meet opportunity, this episode delivers insights and inspiration with heart.

Rachel Kincaid, Associate Professor of Law, has received the Tulane Law Review’s John Minor Wisdom Award for Academic Excellence in Legal Scholarship, given annually to the author whose article, following nomination and a vote of the Senior Editorial Board, is deemed to have made the most significant contribution to legal scholarship in the current volume, for her article, “Excited Delirium” Training Encourages Law Enforcement Violence.

As part of its Sexual Assault Awareness Month programming, Baylor Law School’s student-led organization Baylor Law HEAL (Help, Educate, Advocate, and Learn) transformed a night of trivia into a powerful act of advocacy and community support. More than 100 Baylor Law students and 17 faculty members—including Dean Jeremy Counseller—gathered for HEAL’s Annual Trivia Night. The result? A sold-out venue, $2,000 raised, and a powerful show of solidarity among students, professors, and the broader Waco community.

Counseller’s Corner – Episode 8: In this episode, Dean Jeremy Counseller sits down with Garrett Welch, a 3L with a love for contract clauses and competitive flag football. Garrett shares how his background in finance and business led him to the transactional side of the law, why tax law is (surprisingly) fun, and how Baylor’s competition teams helped him bridge theory and practice. They also talk studying strategies, intramural sports, and Garrett’s post-grad plans in Houston. It’s a conversation about finding your lane—and running it like it’s 4th and goal.

Sixteen of the nation’s most formidable student trial lawyers will converge on Baylor Law School from May 28 to June 1 for the sixteenth annual Top Gun National Mock Trial Competition—one of the most prestigious and demanding events in the country for student advocates.

Baylor Law School recently concluded its annual Business Law Boot Camp. This intensive, practice-oriented program brings leading transactional attorneys from across the country to campus to give students real-world insights into the practice of business law.

COUNSELLER’S CORNER - EPISODE 7: 1L Tochi Okoli joins Dean Jeremy Counseller to share her unconventional journey from London to Baylor Law School, including the emotional weight of working on a death penalty case, and why criminal law still calls to her despite everything she’s seen. From analyzing bodycam footage to breaking out of boarding school, Tochi shares a vibrant, deeply human story about resilience, purpose, and a little bit of suya. Whether you're in law school, thinking about it, or just love a good origin story, this episode will leave you inspired — and maybe craving some jollof rice.

This spring, Baylor Law School students once again demonstrated their commitment to service and access to justice through their volunteer work with three of our legal clinics—Veterans, Estate Planning, and Trial Advocacy. Under the guidance of dedicated faculty, staff, and volunteer local attorneys, these students provided critical legal services to some of the most vulnerable members of our Central Texas community.

Baylor Law School is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of Baylor Lawyers. 

This information highlights the professional and personal successes of our graduates, showcasing the impact they are making on the legal profession and in their communities.

Two Baylor Law School students have been recognized by the Dallas Hispanic Law Foundation (DHLF) for their academic achievements, service to the Hispanic community, and steadfast commitment to increasing access to justice. 2L Julia Incerpi Diaz and 1L Cristy Lopez Aguilar were each selected as 2025 recipients of DHLF awards, given annually to promising Hispanic law students across Texas.

The 2025 Baylor Alumni Awards honor individuals who embody the distinctive mission of the University and their remarkable achievements.

From April 10–11, Baylor Law School proudly hosted the 2025 Lone Star Regional Legal Writing Conference, bringing together legal writing educators, scholars, and practitioners across Texas and beyond for two days of transformative discussion, idea-sharing, and practical inspiration.

COUNSELLER’S CORNER - EPISODE 6: Dean Jeremy Counseller sits down with aspiring JAG officer and dedicated volunteer at the Baylor Law School Veterans Clinic, 2L Tom Malaspina. Together, they dive into the heart of legal practice—service—and walk through Baylor Law School students’ incredible work helping Central Texas veterans facing legal challenges—from estate planning to consumer protection. Plus, they spotlight Baylor’s renowned mock trial and advocacy program and what it takes to make the team. 

This Spring, the Baylor Law Entrepreneurship Clinic partnered with Rex Ryan and Lambert Rugani to form R&R Industry Solutions, LLC, a company committed to tackling common electric motor challenges with cost-effective solutions. Co-founded by Baylor undergraduate students, R&R leverages a patented Baylor-developed grease to enhance motor performance and longevity. With guidance from the Clinic, R&R successfully navigated the legal complexities of forming their business, setting a strong foundation for future growth.

COUNSELLER’S CORNER - EPISODE 4: How does a seasoned emergency room physician end up in law school—and not just any law school, but one with the most rigorous program designed to produce practice-ready lawyers? In this episode, Dean Jeremy Counseller sits down with Dr. Robby Holland, a doctor-turned-law student, who shares his journey from saving lives in the ER to seeking justice in the courtroom. He discusses the striking similarities between medicine and law, the challenges of his first year, and his passion for plaintiffs’ work. Plus, learn about his role in founding Baylor Law’s plaintiff’s organization, winning a national mock trial championship, and his transformative experience at Baylor Law School’s Academy of the Advocate in St Andrews, Scotland.

Baylor Law School graduate Christian Parker shares his bold decision to pursue a music career in Nashville while keeping his legal connections strong. He discusses his upcoming third album, Scales and Strings, which explores the balance between law and passion. Christian also talks about the value of a law degree, his future plans, and the support he's received from Baylor Law School and legal professionals. Plus, a fun lightning round reveals his favorite Waco restaurant, dream pet, and more. Don't miss this inspiring conversation about chasing dreams and keeping doors open!

Baylor Law School is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of Baylor Lawyers. 

This information highlights the professional and personal successes of our graduates, showcasing the impact they are making on the legal profession and in their communities.

Late-night study sessions and the demanding challenges of Practice Court are central to every Baylor Lawyer's experience in Waco. For Tori Rhodes, JD '21, she notes that it was the mentorship and professional opportunities—supported in part by the Baylor Law Career Development Fellowship Program—that had a significant impact on her life and career. 

Baylor Law School’s annual Faegre Drinker Spring Moot Court Competition once again demonstrated the strength of Baylor Law’s advocacy program, bringing together 170 competitors across 85 teams from the Spring Legal Analysis, Research & Communication 3, Persuasive Communications class to argue a complex appellate case.