Eric B. Williams II, a third-year student at South Texas College of Law Houston for whom law is his second career, was the only honoree from a Texas law school named a prestigious National Jurist Magazine 2022 Law Student of the Year. He is featured in the publication’s edition released March 9.
“Individuals of Eric’s character, capability and accomplishment are rare,” said South Texas President and Dean Michael F. Barry. “He is well-deserving of this recognition.”
Williams, in the top 1% of his class, is every professor’s dream student – not only because of what he accomplishes, but for the many ways he helps others succeed around him, both on campus and in the community.
But five years ago, the first-generation college graduate faced two major setbacks in his professional and personal life.
“In the midst of all the anger and sadness I experienced at that time, I developed a burning desire to rebuild my life,” Williams said. “I chose to use those feelings as a motivation to strive for something better, and the ‘better’ I found was South Texas College of Law Houston.”
Today, Williams is a Presidential Fellow, honors student and the first Black male editor in chief of the South Texas Law Review with plans to graduate with his J.D. degree in May 2022.
“I came to South Texas after spending more than 11 years in corporate sales,” Williams said. “After experiencing great success, the setbacks in my life unlocked a deep resiliency in me that has allowed me to find my new purpose in law school. I believe this purpose is rooted in serving others and making a lasting impact in the minority community.”
STCL Houston Professor Vanessa Browne-Barbour calls Williams “a remarkable young man who personifies excellence in academics, leadership and service.” Professor Sharon Finegan writes, “I honestly can’t say enough about Eric. He is not only an extremely bright and gifted student, but a true leader.” And Amanda Peters, the South Texas Godwin Lewis PC Research Professor, adds, “Every professor wants to teach a student like Eric. He is a natural, good leader, yet he is humble and teachable. He finds true satisfaction and joy in learning new things.”
Before launching his business career, Williams earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in marketing from the University of Houston.
“What is astounding about Eric is not really his stellar academic history, though it is indeed impressive,” said Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Shelby Moore, a professor of law. “Rather, it is the humility with which he handles his success. If I were to choose one word to describe Eric, it would be leader.”
Williams has served as a research assistant to Prof. Browne-Barbour since 2020 as well as a Langdell Scholar, providing tutoring to other students for Torts I and II. He is a student member of the Garland R. Walker American Inn of Court, and was a student participant in the 2021 American Bar Association Judicial Clerkship Program.
From August to December 2021, Williams served as a judicial intern to the Hon. Charles R. Eskridge III of the U.S. District Court, Southern District, in Houston. Since January, he has served as a judicial intern to the Hon. Jennifer Walker Elrod in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Williams served as a summer associate for Foley & Lardner LLP in Houston in 2020 and 2021. This year, he will join Foley & Lardner LLP as a litigation associate in the Houston office.
Williams is a certified mediator, having completed the mediation course at STCL Houston. In the community, he spoke at a “My Brother’s Keeper” event hosted by 100 Black Men of America and served as a debate coach for 5th– and 6th-grade students for Jack & Jill of America, Inc. Williams also participated in the 1L Houston Bar Association Diversity and Inclusion Clerkship Program.
He has achieved numerous academic honors at STCL Houston, including the Dean’s Honor List every semester. “Eric has remained at the top of his class while leading other students with grace and honor,” Prof. Peters said. “Every student and professor who knows Eric highly esteems him.”
Williams has a bold vision for his life beyond law school as it relates to encouraging minority young people – particularly men of color: “I believe it is extremely important for the lawyers who serve these diverse communities to reflect that diversity as well. I have developed a strong passion for mentoring youth, and I believe I can produce tangible change in my community through this purpose-driven life.”
