Attorney Haley Taylor Schlitz delivers an inspiring keynote about rejecting myths and labels and urges students to chart their own paths at the “Breaking Barriers Building Futures: Exploring Careers in Law” event.
A panel of UHLC students share law school advice and more with the attending high school students. From L to R: Shasta, UH mascot (on table); Jasmine Ezzell, 2L; Duncan Reedyk, 3L and Student Bar Association president; and Morgan Billingsley, 2L and lead Student Ambassador.
March 3, 2026 — About 100 local teens discovered just how many doors a law degree can open during the University of Houston Law Center’s recent outreach event, “Breaking Barriers, Building Futures: Exploring Careers in Law.”
Trailblazing attorney Haley Taylor Schlitz kicked off the day with a keynote encouraging students to design their own futures. Schlitz, now an associate at Kenney and Graven LLP, made national headlines when she was accepted into nine law schools at just 16 years old and went on to earn her J.D. from SMU Dedman School of Law at 19 — making her one of the youngest women and the youngest African American ever to graduate from law school in the U.S.
“Some of you have been labeled gifted, average, a problem, a leader, or even too much,” Schlitz told the audience. “But those labels don’t define your potential. You are the architect of your own path.”
Drawing from personal experience, she challenged students to bust three common myths:
Her message? Take the lead. Build your own blueprint for success.
Inspiring Connections and Real-World Insight
Following the keynote, participants engaged in interactive breakout sessions led by experienced professionals representing different corners of the justice system. Speakers included Major Cedrick Collier of the Harris County Special Enforcement Bureau and The Honorable Toni Wallace of Fort Bend County Court at Law No. 4. Together with Schlitz, they shared how law and public service intersect to create meaningful community impact.
Students, from Episcopal High School, St. Thomas High School, Avalos P. Technical High School, Dr. Kirk Lewis Career & Technical High School, Travis High School, and Alief Early College High School, had the chance to ask questions, explore career paths within the justice system, and gain firsthand perspectives on what it takes to thrive in law.
Future Lawyers Find Their Footing
The program concluded with a panel of UH Law Center students featuring Duncan Reedyk, 3L and Student Bar Association president; Morgan Billingsley, 2L and lead Student Ambassador; and Jasmine Ezzell, 2L and double Cougar. Panelists shared what is required to succeed in law school and beyond.
“It’s a grit thing,” said Billingsley. “It means having that inner drive — that whatever-it-takes mentality to reach your goals.” Reedyk emphasized the power of connection, adding, “Be intentional with your time and relationships. The people you meet along the way can shape your journey.”
For many attendees, the event offered a rare glimpse into the world of legal education and the life-changing potential of higher learning.
“Our goal was to open minds and spark curiosity,” said Angela Ambers-Henderson, associate director of admissions and event moderator. “Whether students pursue law or another field, we want them to see that determination, mentorship, and courage can create endless possibilities.”
Opening Doors for the Next Generation
Teachers like Shiney Abraham from Alief Early College High School saw immediate value in the event. “We want our students to see what’s possible,” Abraham shared with Ambers-Henderson. “Exposure like this helps them dream bigger, plan smarter, and picture themselves in rooms they once thought were out of reach.”
“The ‘Breaking Barriers, Building Futures’ program captured exactly what its name promised — a celebration of possibility, perseverance, and purpose,” said Ambers-Henderson.
About 100 Houston-area high school students packed the UH Law’s Foundation Room for the event.
