Justice Rebeca Aizpuru Huddle emboldens 2026 UH Law Center graduates to become protectors of the legal profession
May 26, 2026 — Justice Rebeca Aizpuru Huddle of the Supreme Court of Texas urged the University of Houston Law Center’s Class of 2026 to embrace their roles as “guardians of the law,” reminding graduates that the legal profession depends not only on advocacy, but also integrity, empathy and public trust.
Huddle served as keynote speaker for the 2026 University Commencement for the Law Center on Saturday at the Fertitta Center. The ceremony celebrated 290 J.D. and 42 LL.M. graduates.
Speaking during the nation’s 250th anniversary year and the 150th anniversary of the Texas Constitution, Huddle reflected on the enduring importance of the rule of law.
“The rule of law remains one of the few tools civilization has ever created to replace violence with process, vengeance with fairness,” Huddle said. “Liberty and self-government and democracy are not self-sustaining. They require maintenance. They require care. They require courage.”
Huddle, a first-generation college and professional school graduate, also spoke directly to students who may have entered law school feeling uncertain or out of place.
“For those of you who felt like you didn’t know the secret code, let me tell you something: neither did many of the people you admire most,” she said.
She encouraged graduates to use their accomplishments to help others entering the profession.
“Hold the door open,” Huddle said. “Return the phone call. Offer the internship. Be the mentor you once needed. Professional excellence matters. Human generosity matters more.”
Huddle also noted that she met with a group of Law Center graduates prior to commencement and that she was impressed with how cohesive and supportive they were of each other and their law school experience.
“And they were all excellent, and deeply proud and grateful to be a part of this group and this institution. And none of that surprised me. Because the University of Houston Law Center has long been a place where excellence is not reserved for a select few. It is a place where talent rises from every neighborhood, every background, every language, every life story,” she said.
Huddle closed her remarks with a final charge to the graduating class.
“Class of 2026, the future of the profession is not waiting somewhere ahead of you,” she said. “It is walking across this stage today.”
In his remarks, Dean Leonard M. Baynes highlighted the depth and resilience of the Class of 2026. Baynes noted that the J.D. class represented 28 states and 12 countries, while the LL.M. class included students from 13 countries who spoke 12 languages.
Baynes also emphasized that 83% of graduates were the first in their families to attend law school, while 17% were “double firsts,” becoming the first in their families to attend both college and law school.
“You have received a world-class legal education in a world-class facility in a world-class city,” Baynes told graduates. “We trust you will make a world-class mark in the legal profession.”
Renu Khator, UH System Chancellor and President of the University of Houston, officially conferred the degrees and also spoke to the graduating class.
“I know you aren’t just graduating to write briefs or sit in courtrooms — although I’m sure you’ll do that exceptionally well,” Khator said. “Some of you will go on to write the legal frameworks that set a positive precedent for generations. Some of you will become judges who deliver rulings that become the cornerstone of our democracy.
“Through your work in law clinics, your contributions to journals, and your service to the Houston community, you have proven that a UH Law education isn’t just about theory. It’s about action. You have shown the grit, pragmatism and heart that define the Cougar spirit. And that’s what will make you good lawyers.”
The proceedings also featured remarks from UH System Regent Lynden Rose Sr., a 1985 Law Center graduate and former member of Phi Slama Jama, who encouraged graduates to always do the right thing, even when it’s difficult.
“Be fair, even when life isn’t,” Rose said. “Put your client’s best interests at heart and do your work with integrity. Good character is your foundation. Your character is your foundation. And any good builder would tell you that if your foundation is weak, your building won’t be sound. It may not crumble, but the walls will crack, doors will jam, and the floors will be uneven. So, be of good character.”
During the ceremony, Baynes recognized Christine Weems as an honorary alumna of the University of Houston, Class of 2025, honoring her service as an adjunct professor and director of the Law Center’s Mock Trial Program.
Following the commencement ceremony, graduates and their families attended a reception at The John M. O’Quinn Law Building.
