Newly Admitted Students Connect, Learn, and Envision Their Future at UH Law Center

March 19, 2026 — Prospective law students were greeted at the University of Houston Law Center’s Spring Admitted Students Day with a message of unity and Cougar pride. Faculty, staff, and alumni, honoring the UH tradition of “We Wear Red on Fridays,” came together to show their shared commitment to preparing future legal leaders.

UH Law Dean Leonard M. Baynes welcomed incoming students by encouraging them to dream big, and he reflected on his own experience as a first-generation law student.

“At our law school, whoever you are and whatever your background, this is a place where you can succeed,” said Baynes.

“For me, getting accepted to law school was the biggest dream that could happen for me and my family. And I know for many of you, it probably is the same thing, that this is something that you may have dreamed about all your life, and now you're here on the cusp of your career,” he added.

Baynes shared inspiring stories of legendary alumni like John M. O’Quinn, a first-generation student who became a highly successful trial attorney and the namesake of the building where the event was held. He also mentioned Ruby Sondock, one of the first women in her class and the first woman appointed to the Texas Supreme Court, and Carol Dinkins, the first woman partner at a major Texas law firm.

“That was them then, but that could be you now,” he said. “Whether it's John M. O’Quinn, whether it's Ruby Sondock, whether it's Carol Dinkins, whoever it is, all can be here, because it's a place where dreams come true.”

Connecting With the UHLC Community

Attendees were able to meet UHLC faculty, staff, and students to gain insight from presentations covering everything from financial aid to finding internships and jobs, along with a tour of the Law Center.

“After doing this Admitted Students Day, everyone was so nice. I was expecting so much more intimidation, like professors being tense and scary, but no, they approached us before we approached them,” said admitted student Kyle Fong, who applied early to UHLC because of its location in Houston and the strong career opportunities offered. “And everyone's just so nice and wants you to succeed and I really like that.”

Professor Darren Bush led an energetic mock contracts class that offered admitted students a glimpse into the law school experience. He guided the room with probing, thoughtful questions that encouraged participants to unpack the issues, implications, and key ideas within a pre-assigned case study.

“Even though it was on contracts, which is not my favorite thing, it was still very exciting and it kind of felt like we were transported into an actual law class for a moment,” said admitted student Sadie Bostwick. “I liked being asked questions and being challenged to think in a different way.”

Insights From Current Students

UHLC students Morgan Billingsley (2L), Madison Gartman (2L), and Duncan Reedyk (3L) offered candid reflections on their law school journeys, discussing UH Law’s supportive culture, the realities of the 1L experience, the importance of maintaining a strong mindset and healthy balance, and the value of personal support systems.

“You have to remember that you're here for a reason,” said Gartman. “Pursue that with the utmost fervor, but don't let yourself [stray] from why you came to law school and what your ultimate goal is.”

They also emphasized using UHLC’s Career Development Office as a resource and the opportunities available within Houston’s dynamic legal market.

“The goal is to get you hired,” said Reedyk, who is president of the Student Bar Association. “They will work on cover letters, writing samples, resumes, on the weekend, during the week, after hours. It's a lot, but it's all coming from a good place to get you guys employed once you graduate from law school.”

The attendees also heard from an alumni panel, which included Colby Binford (J.D. ’18), shareholder at Andrew Myers; Anya Bolshakov (J.D. ’20), attorney at Weycer, Kaplan, Pulaski & Zuber, P.C.; Andrew Dao (J.D. ’12), shareholder at Daly & Black, P.C.; Alissa Gipson (J.D. ’16), senior counsel at Chamberlin Hrdlicka; and Cody West (J.D. ’20), vice president at CapZone Impact Investments.

The panelists highlighted the value of advocacy teams, journals, clinics, and experiential classes, which provide practical, practice-ready skills, and access to judges and practicing attorneys.

“Everything you're going to learn throughout law school is going to be tough. It's going to be interesting. It's going to be more theoretical,” said West. “But if you get involved in these extracurricular programs, you’re going to be a lot more ready than your classmates who didn't do so.”

Advice for prospective students centered on taking 1L seriously, finding study methods that work for you, forming study groups, using school resources, and not burning bridges in the small Texas legal community.

“Try to figure out what feels comfortable for you and try not to force methods that don't feel right. And then once you find what works for you, stick with it,” Gipson said.

A Day of Information, Encouragement, and Community

Other presenters at the event included Emelia Alvear, assistant director of Scholarships and Financial Aid, Monica Mensah, dean of Student Affairs, and Tiffany Tucker, assistant dean for Career Development.

Throughout the day, admitted students were able to picture what life at UH Law might look like, both inside and outside the classroom, through direct conversations with the people who shape the student experience.

The event concluded with a reception and building tour, giving attendees even more time to ask questions, connect with the UHLC community, and imagine their future in Houston.

Click on our Flickr Gallery to see more photos from the event.

For more information about admission to the UH Law Center, visit https://www.law.uh.edu/Admissions/.