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AL UMNI NEWS AL UMNI NEWS
Michael A. Olivas Andrews Kurth Kenyon
FACULTY DISTINCTION AWARD LAW GALA AWARD
In recognition of outstanding contribution and dedication In recognition of exemplary support of the Law Gala & Auction
to the UH Law Center
Decades ago, our founder Frank Andrews envisioned a firm where every
Michael A. Olivas is the William B. Bates individual practiced law in a manner “that the firm would have always the
Distinguished Chair in Law and director of the full confidence of clients and the trust of all people.”
Institute for Higher Education Law and Governance We are proud to say that the more than 60 talented graduates from the
at the Law Center. On Feb. 1, 2016, Olivas assumed University of Houston Law Center currently working at Andrews Kurth
the presidency of the University of Houston- Kenyon continue to live up to the firm’s founding goal. In addition to
Downtown on an interim basis until May, 2017. He seeking and hiring talented UHLC alumni, the firm has partnered with the
holds a B.A. (magna cum laude) from the Pontifical school in many endeavors, including the following highlights:
College Josephinum, an M.A. and Ph.D. from the
Ohio State University and a J.D. from Georgetown • Continued partnership with the Blakely Advocacy Institute in the
University Law Center. He is the author or co-author Advocating for Advocacy Program, including support for the Andrews
of 15 books; his most recent, “Suing Alma Mater,” Kurth Kenyon Moot Court National Championship
deals with higher education and the U.S. Supreme • Launched the Andrews Kurth Kenyon Energy Law Scholars program
Court. It was chosen as the 2014 winner of the Steven in 2012 to encourage scholarship and academic interest in energy law
S. Goldberg Award for Distinguished Scholarship
in Education Law, given annually by the Education • Launched a Professional Development Training Series, “Passport to
Law Association. “Perchance to DREAM, A Legal and Success,” a program designed to give law students an advantage in the
Political History of the DREAM Act” is forthcoming. marketplace by providing finishing touches to becoming a successful
attorney that other students may not learn until they enter practice
In 2011, he served as president of the Association
of American Law Schools. He is a member of the • Sponsored the spring lecture series hosted by the Law Center’s
American Law Institute and the National Academy Institute for Intellectual Property & Information Law
of Education, the only person to have been elected to Andrews Kurth Kenyon has offices in 11 locations around the world, and
both honor academies. From 1989-1993, he served is proud to be recognized as a firm that manages complex legal matters in
as a trustee of the College Board; from 1993-1997, all major industries and areas of business law and litigation.
he served as a trustee of The Access Group, Inc., the Our people are also deeply connected to their communities, and not only
major provider of loans for law and graduate students do we understand the value of partnering with the Law Center, we also
in the U.S. and Canada. Both the Mexican American participate in and contribute to all types of service projects. It is, therefore,
Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) particularly meaningful to Andrews Kurth Kenyon LLP to receive the
and the Hispanic Bar Association of Houston have University of Houston 2017 Law Gala Award.
honored him with lifetime achievement awards.
He has served as a director on the MALDEF board
since 2002. He has a substantial and varied legal
consulting practice, including representing faculty,
staff, institutional and state clients; serving as an
expert witness in federal and state courts; and
joining litigation teams in educational, finance and
immigration matters.
He also hosts a radio show, “The Law of Rock
and Roll,” on the Albuquerque, NM National
Public Radio station, KANW, and lectures on
entertainment law.
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