Page 9 - Briefcase Volume 37 Number 1

“You may have shined during your classes, papers, exams, and mock
trials, but now it’s time to get serious,” Jones said. “It’s the time to not
just shine for you, but also influence the lives of others using the law
as both a sword and shield. It’s time for you to transition from brilliant
scholars to outstanding and remarkable lawyers, leaders and warriors
for justice.”
Jones began her legal career as a prosecutor in the Brooklyn District
Attorney’s Office before becoming a senior district attorney for New
York City. She gained recognition as a legal commentator for the cable
network “Court TV” in the early 1990s. She then worked as a legal
analyst and correspondent for NBC’s Today and NBC Nightly News.
She later was a co-host of the ABC talk show “The View” from 1997-
2006.
“I’ve enjoyed the blessings of success, but I’m very clear that it all started
with a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Houston Law
Center,” Jones said.
Dean Leonard M. Baynes offered his praise to the graduates, and noted
it was the first class admitted during his deanship.
“On behalf of the entire Law Center community, I want to let you know
how much we have enjoyed teaching you,” Baynes said. “You have now you will make a difference in the world.”
been empowered with a well-earned degree from one of the top law Christina Marie Beeler served as the J.D. class speaker and urged her
schools in the country. This fact will never be lost on employers, and it classmates to use their legal education to make a positive impact.
should never be lost on you. “My fellow graduates, your legal education has given you power,” Beeler
Peter Taaffe ’97, vice chairman of the UH System Board of Regents and said. “The kind of power that can change lives. It’s up to us to choose
an attorney at The Buzbee Law Firm, said he considered it a privilege how we use that power, but I have a hope and an ask for our class. The
to be able to congratulate a new class of law degree candidates from his great civil rights leader Howard Thurman once said, ‘Don’t ask what the
alma mater. world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do that, because
“The skills, the education, and the knowledge that I gained here were what the world needs is people who come alive.’
the foundation for my personal and professional success, just like they “Even if you haven’t heard your calling yet, I hope you will figure out
will be for yours,” Taaffe said. “Rest assured that this university and this what makes you come alive, and spend your life doing that. What I ask of
college will continue to add value to your diploma during your lifetime. us is that we commit to using the power of our legal education to make a
“Many of you are headed for one of our great Houston law firms. Some difference.”
of you will work in corporate legal departments or government. Some Lucianna de-Regini-Teixeira Bartley spoke on behalf of the LL.M. class.
will start your own law firms. As you leave here, I believe – I expect – “Getting an LL.M. means a renewal of vows in love and dedication
to the profession we chose,” she said. “It’s a beautiful
thing when a career and a passion come together. Our
group could not be more different. We come from over
20 different countries, and we speak over 20 different
languages. For as different as we are, there is so much
we now share.”
Cynthia Mabry ’10, president of the UH Law Alumni
Association, welcomed graduates to the Law Center’s
network of alumni and suggested that they stay involved
with the Law Center whether being an alumni mentor,
volunteering for advocacy programs and other options.
“Remember how alumni affected you and your time at
the Law Center and give back when you can,” Mabry
said. “Stay connected. We have made wonderful
friendships at the Law Center that will last a lifetime.
The people sitting around you are not only your
classmates, but are your future opposing counsels,
judges and clients. Go on and be great stewards of the
Law Center.”

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