A Note from the Office of
Dean Leonard M. Baynes

May marks Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month—a time to recognize the history, resilience, and enduring contributions of AAPI communities to the American experience. Originally established to commemorate the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States and the completion of the transcontinental railroad, this month invites reflection not only on the past, but on the continued influence of AAPI leaders across every sector of society, including the legal profession.

At the University of Houston Law Center, we view this month as an opportunity to reflect on how the AAPI community strengthens our institution and the profession we serve. The contributions of AAPI alumni, students, faculty, and staff are integral to our community and to the broader pursuit of justice.

In that spirit, I am proud to highlight Muhammad “Mo” Aziz, a member of the Class of 2004, whose career reflects both legal excellence and a deep commitment to advocacy. As a partner at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner, Mo has built a distinguished practice representing individuals in complex personal injury matters. His work on behalf of more than 1,300 victims and survivors of the Las Vegas mass shooting, helping to secure a historic $800 million settlement, stands as a powerful example of the role lawyers can play in delivering accountability and relief at scale.

Mo Aziz  (J.D. ’04)

Board certified in Personal Injury Trial Law, Mo has earned recognition from his peers across Texas, including being named “Attorney of the Year” in the Texas Legal Excellence Awards. Yet what distinguishes his career is not only the scale of his results, but the consistency of his purpose: a focus on serving clients with diligence, skill, and integrity.

That commitment extends to the next generation of lawyers. Alongside his wife, Erin, Mo established the Mo Aziz Scholarship, providing full tuition support to Law Center students. His investment in our students reflects a belief in the transformative power of legal education and a recognition of the responsibility to create pathways for others.

Mo’s journey—from student to leading advocate and philanthropist—underscores the impact of a UH Law Center education and the values we strive to instill in our graduates. His example reminds us that the practice of law is not only a profession, but a vehicle for service and leadership.

During this AAPI Heritage Month, we celebrate Mo Aziz and the many members of our AAPI community. I invite you to view the accompanying slideshow to see more AAPI Law Center graduates, law faculty, and administrators who have made a significant impact in the world of academia, the legal profession, and society.