Sisters in Law to Women in Law: How Law Center Alumnae Are Building a Legacy

Twenty years ago, in 2004, a group of female graduates from the University of Houston Law Center created Sisters in Law to support professors who stand out through their teaching, research or service. Then, in 2018, the Women of the Law alumnae group formed to continue this legacy of support through scholarships.

With more women entering the legal field, the UH Women of the Law believe that creating a strong relationship of thought leadership between the legal community and the Law Center helps to prepare new lawyers to distinguish themselves in a challenging profession.

“We all know that a strong curriculum doesn’t provide all the tools that attorneys will need in practice,” said Melinda Brunger, (J.D. ’90), a member of Women of the Law.

“There is always a demand at law firms for attorneys who stay long-term and become a partner. Seasoned women lawyers recognize the need for mentoring and supporting female law students as they learn the value of playing to their strengths, gaining more knowledge and building expertise. The interactive side of this involvement and the tie-in to UH and the Law Center has reinforced the reputation of the Law Center and helps young lawyers thrive over the long term in the legal community,” Brunger noted.

Over the years, Sisters in Law raised funds to establish two Endowed Alumnae Professorships in the Law Center. Currently, Meredith Duncan (J.D. ’93) and Jim Hawkins hold the Alumnae Professorship positions, highlighting the group’s twenty-year legacy.

“As a proud alumna of the University of Houston Law Center, I am honored to hold the Alumnae College Professorship,” said Duncan. “This esteemed position is made possible by the generous legacy of alumnae. I am committed to mentoring the next generation of women as they reach their potential and embrace their influence on the legal community.”

Women of the Law have a mission of supporting students who are members of the Association of Women in Law both financially and interactively.

“My pride in being an alumna of the Law Center led me to seek out involvement that makes a difference,” said Kathy Tedore (J.D. '94). “What I found in the Women of the Law alumnae group are thoughtful, open-hearted women from a wide range of practice areas and backgrounds. Our graduation dates span at least four decades. I have gained new perspectives from my fellow alumnae during our networking and CLE opportunities. However, most important to me has been our granting of scholarships to some talented students who are currently studying at our Law Center. Giving back never disappoints.”

In 2022, the Women of the Law created an endowed scholarship and named it after their organization. One of the first recipients was Nasim Emamdjomeh (J.D. ’22), who went on to build her own legacy at the Law Center.

Two years later, she, along with three former classmates, founded the Nasim Emamdjomeh, Greg Lu, Neil Segel, and Shannon Wright Endowed Scholarship.

These scholarships display the generosity first demonstrated by the Sisters in Law. Women of the Law hope to perpetuate this cycle of giving.

Original donors of the Alumnae College Professorship:

Sofia Adrogué (J.D. ’91)

Leslie K. Amann (J.D. ’87)

Vicki A. Birenbaum (J.D. ’82)

Sylvia Brauer (J.D. ’79)

Melinda Brunger (J.D. ’90)

Wendy S. Burgower (J.D. ’79)

Elizabeth A. Crowell (J.D. ’79)

Rosemarie Donnelly (J.D. ’88)

Patrice L. Ferguson (J.D. ’89)

Claudia Frost (J.D. ’82)

G. A. Galik / Cory A. Galik (J.D. ’07)

Nancy W. Hamilton (J.D. ’89)

Linda Headley (J.D. ’82)

Patricia H. Holmes (J.D. ’83)

Elizabeth A. Crowell (J.D. ’79)

Betsy Kamin (J.D. ’85)

Michele M. Kaufman* (J.D. ’77)

Pat J. Lasher (J.D. ’86)

Linda Moroney* (J.D. ’82)

Monica Oathout (J.D. ’87)

Laura E. Oren (J.D. ’80)

Nancy B. Rapoport

Carroll R. Ray (J.D. ’02)

Susan Shank (J.D. ’85)

Susan Stanton (J.D. ’92)

Carolyn Truesdell (J.D. ’75)

Deceased*