UH Law Center Alumnus Ricky Raven ’86
Oct. 28, 2021 - Governor Greg Abbott has appointed 36-year veteran trial lawyer, Ricky Raven to the UH system’s Board of Regents. Raven will be joining newly reappointed members, Tilman Fertitta and Beth Madison, and six other members along with a student regent. The governing body oversees four universities - University of Houston, University of Houston-Clear Lake, University of Houston-Downtown, and University of Houston-Victoria. Raven is senior vice president and deputy general counsel for Allstate Insurance. He graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Science and a Juris Doctor degree.
“Ricky will bring energy, enthusiasm, and a fresh perspective to the board,” said Renu Khator, chancellor of the University of Houston system. “We are very fortunate to have such talented individuals as Ricky volunteering their time and intellect to keep the UH System on track and moving forward.”
That energy and enthusiasm has served Raven well in his memberships at the International Association of Trial Lawyers, the American Board of Trial Advocates, the International Association of Defense Counsel, and the State Bar of Texas. His passion for education shines through in his appointment on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, the board of the University of Houston Foundation and as a member of UH’s Board of Visitors. Raven’s dedication to UH has continued long after his graduation, which is why this appointment means so much to him.
“To say that I’m thrilled would be an understatement,” Raven said. “I spent 7 consecutive years of my life here, I grew up and became a young adult here. The University of Houston has a very special place in my heart.” Raven didn’t just attend university for classes, he lived on campus as both an undergrad and a post graduate student. While living at Taub hall he supported students as a resident advisor during law school.
After graduating in 1986, Raven began his legal career as an assistant district attorney in Harris County. He later moved into private practice and has first-chaired more than 120 jury trials to verdict. Over the years Raven has represented major chemical companies in federal litigation; successfully defended a large shopping mall owner in a criminal prosecution; and conducted internal investigations for several Fortune 100 corporations. He’s excited to bring this extensive law and life experience to this role.
“One thing that you have to do as a trial lawyer is think strategically and critically,” said Raven. “To think strategically about where the University of Houston might go and the impact that it will have it’s very exciting because we’re on the rise in every area.”
Raven will serve on the Board of Regents until Aug. 31, 2027. He lives in Sugar Land with wife Felicia, also a UH graduate, and they are proud parents to sons James and Philip.
