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Cue the Confetti: St. Mary’s Law School Women Are Leading Where Decisions Are Being Made
BY SARA DYSART
- The Honorable Ruth Bader Ginsburg
In 2020 and 2021, much has been written about the historic and ground-breaking achievements of women attaining positions of power at the national level. The trend is also reflected in state and local government, as well as in the private sector. Getting very close to home, in 2021, the women of St. Mary’s University School of Law have obliterated the glass ceiling. Fewer than 100 years after the school was founded, a woman sits in every leadership position.
A Brief History of St. Mary’s University School of Law
The San Antonio Bar Association established the San Antonio School of Law in October 1927. On October 1, 1934, the Board of Governors of the San Antonio School of Law transferred control of the law school to St. Mary’s University. The newly created St. Mary’s University School of Law was housed at St. Mary’s University’s original downtown campus at 112 College Street. The American Bar Association accredited St. Mary’s University School of Law in February 1948, and the Association of American Law Schools accepted St. Mary’s University School of Law as a member in December 1949.
On December 1, 1967, the law school was moved to St. Mary’s University’s campus on the west side of San Antonio, where faculty and students occupied the newly constructed Law Center, consisting of a lecture hall, law library, and faculty building. In 1984, the law library was converted to a faculty building and replaced by the Sarita Kenedy East Law Library. The original faculty building became the administrative building. In 2006, the lecture hall, now known as the law classroom building, underwent a $1 million renovation, to include a “courtroom” with technology tools commensurate with the Bexar County Courthouse. The courtroom seats 300 people and can be used in varying configurations to accommodate trial and appellate proceedings. Many moot court competitions have been held in the law classroom building, and at times, Justices of the Supreme Court of Texas, Justices of the Fourth Court of Appeals, or Judges of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit have presided over those competitions.
Over the years and throughout these changes, the heart of St. Mary’s University School of Law has been the people who work and study there. For more than eighty-five years, the women of St. Mary’s University School of Law made profound contributions to the law school and to the legal community.
[Back Row] Dean Patricia Robert, President of the Board of Visitors Sara Dysart, President of the Law Alumni Association Hon. Ana Lisa Garza, President of the Hispanic Law Alumni Association Hon. Angélica Jiménez-Espinoza, Law Chaplain Sister Grace M. Walle. [Front Row] Editor in Chief of St. Mary’s Law Journal Melissa Fulmer, Editor in Chief of The Scholar Candace Castillo, President of the Student Bar Association Crystal Andrade, Chair of the Board of Advocates Elizabeth Duggan.
Eighty-Five Years of Women Graduating and Leading
The first woman law graduate was Mary Agnes Aird (J.D. ’36). From 1936 through 2020, 4,125 women have graduated from the law school. After Mary Aird forged the way, she was followed by steady incremental growth, and things got interesting in the late ’70s and early ’80s, when the number of women graduates shot up exponentially. From 1936 through 1945, there were 2 women law graduates; from 1946 through 1955, there were 8 women law graduates; from 1956 through 1965, there were 13 women law graduates; from 1966 through 1975, there were 77 women law graduates; from 1976 through 1985, there were 520 women law graduates; from 1986 through 1995, there were 871 women law graduates; from 1996 through 2005, there were 1,085 women law graduates; from 2006 through 2015, there were 1,041 women law graduates; and from 2016 through 2020, there were 508 women law graduates. Thus, while there were only 100 women law graduates during the law school’s first forty years, there were 4,025 women law graduates during the law school’s next forty-five years!
St. Mary’s University School of Law women graduates have made many and varied contributions to our community and bar. Hattie Elam Briscoe, a 1956 graduate, was the first African American woman to graduate from St. Mary’s University School of Law, graduating first in her law school class. Briscoe was not only the first black woman to practice law in Bexar County, but she was also the only black woman attorney in Bexar County for twenty-seven years. She zealously represented her clients until her death in 2002. Chief Justice Alma L. Lopez, a 1968 graduate, was the first Hispanic woman to serve on the Fourth Court of Appeals, and the first Hispanic woman to be elected chief justice of an appellate court in the United States. Sue Hall, a 1975 graduate, was the first woman president of the San Antonio Bar Association, serving from 1990-91. M. Colleen McHugh, a 1981 graduate, was the second woman president of the State Bar of Texas, serving from 1996-97. These women may have been the first women to ascend to those roles, but they were not the last.
Five of the current seven justices on the all-female Fourth Court of Appeals are St. Mary’s University law graduates. In Bexar County, twelve of the current District Court judges, seven of the current County Court at Law judges, and one of the two Bexar County probate judges are St. Mary’s University women law graduates.
The three immediate past Chief Justices of the Fourth Court of Appeals are St. Mary’s University School of Law women graduates: former Chief Justice Alma L. Lopez, former Chief Justice Catherine M. Stone, and former Chief Justice Sandee Bryan Marion. This spring semester, the law school celebrated Women’s History Month by bestowing the following Women Leadership Awards—each named after one of the former Fourth Court Chief Justices—on three awardees from a remarkable group of forty-one women student nominees: The Alma L. Lopez “Women in Law” Award to Blanca Ybarra (J.D. Class of ’21); The Catherine M. Stone “Rock of Justice” Award to Rosa Peterson (J.D. Class of ’21); and The Sandee Bryan Marion “Excellence in Mentoring” Award to Natalie Decesare (J.D. Class of ’21).
Today, a Second Woman at the Helm
Turning to today’s leadership of St. Mary’s University School of Law, at the helm is Dean Patricia Roberts, the second woman dean. The first was Dean Barbara Bader Aldave, who served as dean from 1989 through 1998. Dean Roberts’ tenure commenced on June 1, 2020, in the middle of a pandemic. When she accepted this leadership role at the beginning of March 2020, she had no idea that, within two weeks, the entire nation would be "shut in place," and that she and her husband would relocate from Virginia wearing masks and not able to meet other except by Zoom.
In spite of the many challenges, Dean Roberts successfully completed her first year as dean and, as of May 22, 2021, will have presided over four socially-distanced commencement exercises for 206 law graduates, 96 of whom are women. In his Gold and Blue magazine article featuring her, Justice for All, Frank Garza captured Dean Roberts’ natural inclination to take on leadership roles and expect other women to lead also:
Though she doesn’t reflect on it often, Roberts recognizes how fortunate she is to be in a leadership position in a field long dominated by men. She sees opportunities for female leaders opening up more and more.
“For every woman who does the job well, she’s paved the way for the next generation,” Roberts said.
While not intended, it is emblematic that eleven leadership positions at the law school during Dean Robert’s first year as dean are held by women. On campus, Sister Grace M. Walle serves as Law Chaplain. Law graduates serve in the following capacities: Sara Dysart, President of the Board of Visitors for the Law School (J.D. Class of ’81); Hon.
Ana Lisa Garza (J.D. Class of ’87), President of the Law Alumni Association; Artessia “Tess” House (J.D. Class of ’14), President of the Black Association of Law Alumni; Hon. Angélica Jiménez-Espinoza (J.D. Class of ’10), President of the Hispanic Law Alumni Association; and Jenna Malsbary (J.D. Class of ’12), Chair of the GOLD (Graduates of the Last Decade) Council. Female law students serve in the following capacities: Crystal Andrade (J.D. Class of ’21), President of the Student Bar Association; Candace Castillo (J.D. Class of ’21), Editor in Chief of The Scholar; Elizabeth Duggan (J.D. Class of ’21), Chair of the Board of Advocates; and Melissa Fulmer (J.D. Class of ’21), Editor in Chief of St. Mary’s Law Journal.
The Next Generation of Women Leaders
The legal profession is in good hands as not only the number of women law graduates increases, but also as more women take on leadership roles. The newly graduated women leaders exemplify the aspirations and leadership skills that young lawyers are prepared to employ to improve our community.
Crystal Andrade (J.D. Class of ’21), President of the Student Bar Association, came to law school because she is passionate about public service and advocacy. As a proud Latina, she understands the importance of having greater representation by women like her in the legal community. As a first-generation college and law student, Crystal was not aware of how challenging her career path would be. Her parents not only encouraged her to go to law school, but they also instilled in her the confidence that she would succeed. The #1 lesson Crystal learned in law school was that great advocates put their faith in themselves and others.
Crystal believes that the three qualities a great leader should embody are accountability, compassion, and integrity. While, historically, women attorneys have been excluded from leadership roles, she experienced overwhelming support in law school by the newer generation of lawyers. Her classmates were always supportive and encouraging of women serving higher positions in the legal community.
Candace Castillo (J.D. Class of ’21), Editor in Chief of The Scholar, has been fascinated by the law since she was a teenager. Candace wanted to become an attorney to rectify systemic injustices by serving as a resource to her community. At that time, law school was just an idealistic dream, and after experiencing personal loss, there were moments when she was not sure she would be able to attend law school. Over time, though, she came to realize that big dreams happen one day at a time, and that all you have to do is get started. Candace’s mother was always her greatest supporter and often put her personal needs aside to help Candace. Her mother is Candace’s model for confidence, determination, and love.
In law school, Candace learned to view problems with perspective and to always act with compassion. Candace believes that leadership is service to others and a cause that is greater than yourself. Leadership means making the best decisions you can to help your group in the long term. Good leadership requires showing vulnerability and a willingness to learn from mistakes. It is important to have visible and diverse leaders so that all members of our society can come to recognize how inaccurate it is to limit or categorize a person’s abilities based upon gender or other characteristics. A person can possess great strength but also be compassionate; a person may speak softly but also with power and intelligence; a person can be a devoted parent and be ready to take a stand in court. Having more women and more diversity in the practice of law will make the law profession better because it will be a truer representation of our society. This will encourage law practices and a justice system that are more responsive to the needs of all members of our society.
Elizabeth Duggan (J.D. Class of ’21), Chair of the Board of Advocates, came to law school to add to her tool kit for serving others. Elizabeth was surrounded by attorneys growing up. Her dad was a prosecutor and is now a district judge. Her grandfather was an incredible defense attorney. She dreamed of helping people and making a difference in the same way they did. Her father and grandfather worked extremely hard and always did the right thing.
The most important lesson Elizabeth learned in law school was to rely on the team. When you work together, such great things are possible. She is grateful for the opportunity to observe women leaders and their unique approach to leadership. For example, she saw that women leaders listen to understand instead of to respond, leading them to be more empathetic and compassionate to those around them, and making others feel important and valued. Elizabeth is aware, however, that women have to work harder to earn the respect of their colleagues and often have to go the extra mile to prove they are strong and capable. Nevertheless, Elizabeth is proud to take on that challenge as a woman leader and future woman attorney.
Melissa Fulmer (J.D. Class of ’21), Editor in Chief of St. Mary’s Law Journal, wanted to work in a helping profession, but she realized that her talents were not suited for social work. She wanted to be an advocate. She had always loved writing and knew that writing was a huge part of an attorney’s job. It seemed right up her alley. Melissa learned to seek feedback and form relationships with professors, supervisors, and mentors. She learned to rely on others for guidance—there is no shame in seeking help to achieve your goals.
Melissa believes leadership is demonstrating by example and investing in the improvement of those you lead. Women leaders seem to have a confident, yet calm, resolve. They are approachable, yet everyone knows they take their jobs seriously. St. Mary’s and places Melissa has worked have been encouraging environments for her as a female student, but she has experienced some less-than-positive treatment in other areas. Melissa thinks some individuals retain certain misconceptions about female attorneys and law students, but she enjoys proving them wrong.
The diversity of the women leaders at and from St. Mary’s University School of Law demonstrates the many ways that women can be effective leaders and advocates in the legal community and for the community at large. St. Mary’s female law graduates have blazed a trail in our legal community and the sky is the limit for the women leaders of the future.
Dean Patricia Roberts
Patricia Roberts, Dean of St. Mary’s University School of Law.
Patricia Roberts, Dean of St. Mary’s University School of Law, went to law school to prevent injustice and to serve others. Her father, who always wanted to be an attorney, encouraged her to go to law school. Her father eventually got his chance, too, going to law school at the age of fifty. The most important lesson Patty learned in law school was that there is a tremendous difference between arguing and advocating, and that effective and professional leaders do the latter, and remain respectful to one another.
A leader’s job is to ensure that the members of her team have what they need to succeed professionally and personally, to make the difficult decisions, and to support her team when they encounter difficult situations. A leader serves others, not the other way around. Qualities specific to women leaders include an inclination to collaborate and resolve disputes. Women bring compassion and empathy to their work, which fosters team development and client loyalty. Women leaders know that the little things become the big things and use their time accordingly.
Increasingly, Patty thinks women law students are treated similarly to men, particularly with their growing number and percentage of law school student enrollment. Since 2018, women have made up the majority of entering students at St. Mary’s University School of Law. Women attorneys are still facing some disparate treatment, however, and they are underrepresented in the partner ranks in Big Law firms, on corporate boards, and in the federal judiciary. Women are also more likely to be primary caregivers and end up leaving their professional track without an encouraging and supportive way back onto that track. Women bring enough emotion to the practice of law to help persuade, support, and understand, while using their legal analysis skills from law school to tell the client’s story in a way that is compelling, ethical, and professional.
Former Hidalgo County District Judge Ana Lisa Garza
Former Hidalgo County District Judge Ana Lisa Garza has quite a few stories to tell regarding women taking on leadership roles and placing service to others above all. She recalls the time when a defendant failed to appear at his hearing, and she was getting ready to hold him in contempt. Before doing so, she noticed that he had several lacerations and contusions on his face. When she asked about the injuries to his face, he responded that he was an epileptic who had suffered a seizure and fallen because he could no longer afford his medication. Knowing that a particular female physician was active in helping those in her community, Judge Garza took a recess and called the doctor, who—as expected—offered her services free of charge and helped provide the young man with enough epilepsy medication to last him several months.
In her capacity as General Counsel for Wyatt Ranches of Texas, LLC, former Judge Garza also recalls the efforts of Hidalgo County women to create a local shelter for battered women. After seeing the need for such a shelter, several of the local female district judges, female prosecutors, and female attorneys got together to donate valuable and cherished items to the forming woman’s shelter. At the time, there were very few established organizations that helped abused women and children; and, unfortunately, people often heard about abuse cases too late. Former Judge Garza personally observed these professional women—who had full-time jobs and families of their own, and who worked long hours—volunteer for this special project. Knowing that they made, and that they continue to make, a difference in the lives of abused women and children has continued to inspire them to keep on giving back to their community.
Sister Grace M. Walle, Law Chaplain
Sister Grace M. Walle, Law Chaplain, has experienced firsthand “leadership for service” as a characteristic of St. Mary’s University School of Law alumni. Her first memory of hosting the Fourth Court of Appeals involves an encounter with then Chief Justice Catherine Stone. As Sister Grace was setting up for the event, Chief Justice Stone asked, “What can I do to help?” Sister Grace witnesses “leadership as a service” often with law students in leadership roles. Women law students are concerned about their colleagues and work together to host events and respond to community needs. In the middle of the pandemic, law students took the time to recognize and nominate forty-one women law students as leaders in the law for the annual event celebrating Women’s History Month.
Sara Dysart, President of the St. Mary’s University School of Law Board of Visitors
Sara Dysart, President of the St. Mary’s University School of Law Board of Visitors, believes that women bring empathy and compassion to the practice of law and their leadership roles. A favorite example is the behavior that she has witnessed by men and women golfers. Often, men will step onto the course and immediately start placing bets on their ability to outperform the other golfers. Women, on the other hand, rarely consider betting and respond to the other golfers’ swings with supportive and encouraging remarks: “Great shot!” “The best shot all day!” Women bring this empathetic and supportive nature to their client representation and advocacy, and as they serve the bar and community in leadership roles.
Sara Dysart is a solo practitioner who is Board Certified in Commercial Real Estate Law.
