Page 9 - Briefcase Volume 37 Number 2

rigorously, to advocate persuasively, and to uphold the
highest of the legal profession.
“You can now take these tools and transform the world
by representing individual clients to secure justice
and by providing the legal architecture of global and
national social, political and economic movements.”
Greetings from the UH System Board of Regents were
provided by Paula Mendoza.
“The UH Law Center and the University of Houston
have prepared you, like no other generation before you,
not just to compete, but to be leaders,” Mendoza said.
“I know in my heart that you will make a difference in
your workplace and your communities.”
Alexandra Grafton served as the J.D. class speaker and
expressed gratitude to classmates for helping her see
multiple sides to an issue.
“This is the last time we all get to sit together as one
Carrig served as Senior Vice President, Legal, General Counsel and class, all of us on the same side of the aisle,” Grafton said.
Corporate Secretary of ConocoPhillips from August 2007 through
September 2018. She was the recipient of the Texas General Counsel “There was something that shaped every one of your experiences
Forum’s Lifetime Achievement Award, the National Law Journal’s 50 differently from mine there in the same classroom. I hope that I can
Most Influential Women Lawyers in America and many other accolades. remember that whether we are here as classmates or out there as
“Another reason it’s important to be authentic is so you can bring opponents, there is so
much to learn from
your special talents to the world,” Carrig said. “This is why I say know those differences.”
yourself without false humility. You have a special gift and the world
needs it.” Rebecca Mei Chen Lee
Dean Leonard M. Baynes offered his congratulations and encouraged spoke on behalf of the
LL.M. class. She said
students to become ethical and effective advocates for their clients and that the friendships
to reap the benefits of their hard work. she formed at the Law
“Graduates, your professors have fundamentally transformed each one Center will last for a
of you by teaching you how to think like lawyers,” Baynes said. “Under lifetime.
the faculty’s tutelage, you have learned how to write precisely, to analyze
“The kindness and
helpfulness that
the students here
have shown is
remarkable,” Lee
said. “I think these
acts of kindness and
solidarity that Law
Center students have
is what defines us
and is something
that will stay with me long after the academic lessons have faded.”
Victor Wright ‘98, president-elect 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 or in other
capacities.
“This is an exciting time and you’re joining the ranks of alums who are
very excited and passionate about the things that lie ahead for this law
school,” Wright said. “We believe the best is yet to come.”

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