More than 300 new J.D. and LL.M. students started their school year at the University of Houston Law Center (UHLC) with a series of activities including orientation sessions, welcome celebrations and community service. The incoming J.D. students also heard from leaders in the legal community during a professionalism dinner with remarks from Mariame Aana (J.D. ’12), Lone Star Legal Aid Attorney and President of the Houston Young Lawyers Association; David E. Harrell Jr, Partner at Locke Lord and President of the Houston Bar Association; Judge E. Lee Morris (J.D. ’93), United States Bankruptcy Judge U.S. Bankruptcy Court – Northern District of Texas, and Leonard M. Baynes, Dean, Hugh Roy and Lillie Cranz Cullen Distinguished Chair, and Professor of Law at UHLC.
"What I treasure most about this school is it has always been an engine for economic and social advancement and mobility,” said Baynes. “You may not yet imagine what is possible for you or the greatness that you will achieve in your future.”
Harrell told the incoming class, “Congratulations on your first step in joining our profession ... you are at a great school.” He talked about the history of the Texas Lawyer’s Creed and the importance of professionalism “Your reputation starts now. Ownership of things you do now will follow you for the rest of your career. Engage in being a professional from this moment on.”
During the welcome activities, students also connected with future classmates, heard from a panel of recent graduates, and learned about student success resources.
Most of the 272 incoming J.D. class, 83.5.%, are first-generation law students, and 18.4% are first-generation college students. UHLC’s entering J.D. students achieved a median LSAT score of 161 and an undergraduate GPA of 3.75, the highest in the school's history.
The incoming LL.M. class has also seen growth, with 46 foreign LL.M. students and 3 U.S. LL.M. students, totaling 49, compared to 45 last year. This diverse cohort represents 22 nations, with Mexico and India having the largest number of students among non-U.S. countries.
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