Austin, Texas, December 30, 2025
In 2025, Texas Law alumni were recognized for their remarkable achievements in the legal profession and community service. Notable awards included the Lifetime Achievement Award to Judge Hilda Tagle Knebel for her groundbreaking role as the first Hispanic female federal judge in Texas. Talmage Boston was recognized as the Outstanding Alumnus, and several others received honors for their commitment to advancing legal access and education. This event underscores the tradition of excellence and support within the Texas legal community.
Texas Law Alumni Honored for Their Outstanding Contributions
Austin, Texas – Celebrating Excellence and Community Service
In 2025, several Texas Law alumni have received prestigious awards recognizing their significant contributions to the legal profession and service to their communities. This achievement illustrates the strong tradition of excellence among Texas lawyers and the vital role they play in the state’s legal landscape.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Judge Hilda Tagle Knebel ’77 has been awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for being the first Hispanic woman to serve as a federal judge in Texas. Her groundbreaking achievements have garnered national recognition, inspiring countless aspiring legal professionals across the country.
Outstanding Alumnus
Talmage Boston ’78 was recognized as the Outstanding Alumnus. He is celebrated not just for his national reputation as a trial attorney but also for his contributions to community, including co-founding a $100,000 endowed scholarship at Texas Law with classmate Marvin Blum ’78.
Distinguished Alumnus for Community Service
Elliott Fontenette ’09 received the Distinguished Alumnus for Community Service award for his commitment to enhancing accessibility to legal services for low-income Texans through innovative projects at the Texas Legal Services Center, which he has been a part of since 2010.
Outstanding Young Alumnus
Paige Duggins-Clay ’17 was named the Outstanding Young Alumna, serving as the chief legal analyst at the Intercultural Development Research Association in San Antonio. Her previous experience at a leading Austin law firm highlights her dedication to advancing education law.
Outstanding 50-Year Lawyer Awards
Andrew L. Kerr ’74 and Luther H. “Luke” Soules III ’67 were honored with the Outstanding 50-Year Lawyer Award. Kerr’s career began in the U.S. Air Force as a JAG officer while Soules has been influential in business and commercial litigation throughout Texas.
Samuel Pessarra Outstanding Jurist Award
Senior Justice Debra Lehrmann ’82 was named the recipient of the Samuel Pessarra Outstanding Jurist Award, recognizing her as the longest-serving woman justice in Texas history and a senior leader on the Supreme Court of Texas.
Chair’s Award
Manuel Escobar ’05 received the Chair’s Award from the Hispanic Lawyers Section of the State Bar of Texas for his ongoing dedication and tireless service to the legal community.
Acknowledgments in Media Law and Community Impact
Lyrissa Lidsky was awarded the Harry W. Stonecipher Award for Distinguished Research on Media Law and Policy. Kandace Walter ’04 earned the State Bar of Texas Star of Achievement Award for producing a documentary focused on the transformative impact of women lawyers in Dallas.
Notable Appointments and Promotions
Several Texas Law alumni have secured influential positions, including William Peterson ’08 as the Solicitor General of Texas, Brian Dupré ’09 as deputy associate general counsel for program integrity at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and Frankie Shulkin ’13, who has been promoted to partner at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld.
Contributions to the Legal Profession and Beyond
Texas Law alumni are also making their mark in various leadership positions including Doyle Simons ’89 at Fiserv and Robert Braubach ’77 as honorary consul for San Antonio and South Texas, reflecting their dedication to community and innovative leadership within the legal framework.
Conclusion
The accolades received by Texas Law alumni in 2025 not only celebrate individual accomplishments but also underscore the strong network of support that exists within the Texas legal community. These distinctions reflect a commitment to professional excellence, community engagement, and the ongoing advancement of the legal profession in Texas. As local businesses and professionals continue to innovate and expand the scope of their influence, the Dallas TX area stands to benefit from these spirited contributions. Supporting local entrepreneurs and legal professionals helps foster an environment conducive to growth and achievement.
FAQs
What awards were given to Texas Law alumni in 2025?
In 2025, Texas Law alumni received various awards including the Lifetime Achievement Award, Outstanding Alumnus, Distinguished Alumnus for Community Service, and more.
Who received the Lifetime Achievement Award?
Judge Hilda Tagle Knebel ’77 was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her groundbreaking service as the first Hispanic woman to serve as a federal judge in Texas.
What contributions did Elliott Fontenette make?
Elliott Fontenette ’09 led innovative projects to expand access to justice for low-income Texans at the Texas Legal Services Center since joining in 2010.
What is the significance of Talmage Boston’s achievement?
Talmage Boston ’78 was honored as the Outstanding Alumnus for his contributions as a nationally recognized trial attorney and for co-founding a $100,000 endowed scholarship at Texas Law.
Key Features of the 2025 Texas Law Alumni Awards
| Award | Recipient | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Lifetime Achievement Award | Judge Hilda Tagle Knebel ’77 | First Hispanic woman federal judge in Texas |
| Outstanding Alumnus | Talmage Boston ’78 | Nationally recognized trial attorney and scholarship founder |
| Distinguished Alumnus for Community Service | Elliott Fontenette ’09 | Expanding access to justice for low-income Texans |
| Outstanding Young Alumna | Paige Duggins-Clay ’17 | Chief legal analyst in education law |
| Outstanding 50-Year Lawyer | Andrew L. Kerr ’74 | Notable legal career since 1974 |
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