The University of Houston Law Center (UHLC) is commemorating the leadership of Leonard M. Baynes, the Hugh Roy and Lillie Cranz Cullen Distinguished Chair, professor of law and dean. His impact is chronicled within the pages of the "Decade of Distinction: A Celebration of Ten Years of Accomplishments.”
“As I reflect on the past decade, I do so with gratitude for the unwavering support of our community. Together, we have reached greatness, and together, we will continue to shape the future of legal education and the legal profession," Baynes said.
Baynes is the first African American law dean at the UHLC. As of this year, Baynes stands as the current longest-serving law dean in Texas and holds the distinction of being the 20th longest-serving law dean in the United States.
Under Baynes’ leadership, the UHLC has witnessed a transformative decade marked by significant achievements and milestones:
- The incoming class of 2023 reached the highest median LSAT (161) and undergraduate GPA (3.72) in UHLC history.
- Ten specialty programs consistently ranked in the top 50 by U.S. News & World Report, with three holding a steadfast position in the top 10 (intellectual property, health law, and part-time).
- The Law Center raised $93 million for the ultramodern John M. O’Quinn Law Building, which opened in 2022 as the newest law school building in Texas and one of the newest in the nation.
- Baynes launched new programs and initiatives, including the Pre-Law Pipeline Program, Community Service Day, and Briefcase Radio and TV, enhancing community and global outreach.
- Pro bono efforts through law clinics have been expanded, estimated at a value of $3 million annually, further solidifying UHLC’s commitment to providing legal assistance to those in need.