Over the last three weeks, non-varsity advocates at South Texas College of Law Houston have been participating in the Garland R. Walker Memorial Mock Trial Competition.
After arguing seven rounds against a field of 45 talented competitors, 3L student Cotton Rasco and 2L Leonard Lewis III were named champion and finalist, respectively.
Rasco was presented with a $5,000 tuition scholarship sponsored by Michael K. Hurst ’90, partner at Lynn Pinker Hurst and Schwegmann. Lewis received a $2,500 tuition scholarship generously provided by a loyal, anonymous former South Texas Law Advocate. Both students demonstrated exceptional advocacy skills throughout the competition.
“This competition exemplifies our commitment to hands-on, purpose-driven educational experiences that develop practice-ready attorneys,” said Professor of Law and Vice President of Advocacy Rob Galloway, who is also the W. James Kronzer, Jr., Distinguished Professor of Advocacy.
“We are incredibly grateful to the South Texas Law alumni who return to campus to guide our students on their journey to becoming excellent trial and appellate lawyers. Their support in rigorously testing arguments and serving as competition judges is absolutely critical to our students’ success,” Galloway said. He extended a special thank you to the Hon. Toni M. Wallace ’03, a Fort Bend County judge and former South Texas Law advocate who brought tremendous insight and experience to the bench for the final round.
Galloway also thanked the students – the competitors as well as those who served as witnesses and bailiffs, and the Board of Advocates who helped organize the event. Additionally, he thanked and congratulated his entire staff for a job well done.
Garland R. Walker, who was at the helm when the law school’s Advocacy Program began, served as STCL Houston’s dean from 1968 to 1984. This intramural contest, which is held over multiple weeks, is named in his honor and continues his legacy of excellence in legal education and advocacy training.
Traditionally held each semester, the competition had been paused for the last five years due to logistical challenges originally created by the pandemic. “It was such a privilege to help bring this event back to South Texas Law,” said Senior Director of Advocacy Programming Haley New. “It was an incredibly successful and rewarding experience for everyone involved, and we’re already looking forward to the Spring 2026 competition.”
