Eleven distinguished legal scholars and practitioners are joining — or rejoining — the South Texas College of Law Houston faculty this fall. They bring extensive experience, notable accomplishments, and a deep commitment to educating the next generation of lawyers.
Claire Andresen – Assistant Professor of Law
Claire Andresen joined the STCL Houston faculty as a visiting assistant professor in 2023 and begins her tenure-track role as assistant professor of law this fall. A former prosecutor in Harris and Fort Bend counties, she led human trafficking and child abuse initiatives, securing grant funding and serving on multiple task forces. Andresen earned her bachelor’s degree from Rice University and her J.D. from Washington & Lee University School of Law.
Michael F. Barry – Professor of Law
Former STCL Houston President and Dean Michael F. Barry will teach civil procedure this fall. With more than three decades of legal experience, he has clerked for federal judges, practiced complex litigation, led corporate legal teams, and served in academic leadership roles. Barry also is active in nonprofit service and leadership initiatives in San Antonio and Houston.
Daniel Correa – Associate Professor of Law
Daniel Correa returns to STCL Houston to teach legal research and writing. A former business and commercial litigator recognized by Super Lawyers, he has taught at University of North Texas-Dallas College of Law and has published widely in leading legal journals. Correa earned degrees from UCLA, Oklahoma City University School of Law, and an LL.M. in Legal Theory from New York University School of Law.
Thomas Hogan – Assistant Professor of Law
Thomas Hogan joins the tenure track after serving as a visiting assistant professor since 2023. His career spans work as defense counsel for Fortune 500 companies, service as a prosecutor at local, federal, and elected levels, and authorship of model policies on complex criminal justice issues. Hogan holds degrees from Dartmouth College, the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Virginia School of Law.
Elissa Jacob – Assistant Professor of Law
Formerly STCL Houston’s assistant director of academic success, Elissa Jacob will teach legal research and writing. She clerked for U.S. Magistrate Judge Sam S. Sheldon and has published scholarship on the role of mistakes as learning tools in legal education. Jacob earned her bachelor’s degree from Capital University and her J.D. from Pepperdine Law.
Andrew Kerr – Assistant Professor of Law
Andrew Kerr will teach criminal law and related courses. He previously taught at Peking University School of Transnational Law and earned degrees from Wesleyan University, Columbia Law School, and a doctorate from Georgetown Law. Kerr’s scholarship has appeared in leading law reviews, with his latest article forthcoming in the Seton Hall Law Review.
Cara Shaffer – Assistant Professor of Law
Returning to STCL Houston, Cara Shaffer previously led the Legal Writing Center and most recently taught legal writing at the University of Colorado, Boulder. She began her legal career at Bowman and Brooke and has published on legal education reform and diagnostic tools for student success. Shaffer earned dual bachelor’s degrees from the University of Texas at Austin and her J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law.
Martin Siegel – Assistant Professor of Law
Martin Siegel will teach constitutional and First Amendment law. His distinguished career spans service in all three branches of government, practice at major law firms, appellate advocacy, and directing the Appellate Civil Rights Clinic at the University of Houston Law Center. Siegel earned his B.A. degree from the University of Texas at Austin and his J.D. from Harvard Law School.
Brenita Softley – Visiting Assistant Professor of Law
Brenita Softley will teach legal research and writing this fall. A graduate of the University of North Alabama and the University of Alabama School of Law, she has worked extensively in criminal defense and civil rights advocacy, including representing death row inmates. Softley is a recipient of the ACLU of Alabama Award for her commitment to justice.
Elizabeth Lee Thompson – Assistant Professor of Law
Elizabeth Lee Thompson will teach contracts. She has taught at Stanford Law School and Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law, and she practiced appellate law as a partner at Thompson, Coe, Cousins, & Irons, L.L.P. Thompson holds a J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law and a Ph.D. in U.S. History from UT Austin.
Telia Mary Williams – Assistant Professor of Law
Telia Mary Williams will teach property law and wills and trusts. She has practiced litigation nationwide, founded her own firm, served as a federal appellate clerk, and was appointed judge pro tempore in Nevada. Williams earned degrees from Yale University, Brown University, and Harvard Law School.
