The perennial powerhouse Advocacy Program at South Texas College of Law Houston has named its first two post-graduate Fred Parks Advocacy Fellows: Govindi Munasinghe ’22 and Gavin O’Brien ’22.
Both Munasinghe and O’Brien were active, successful participants in the Advocacy Program while in law school.
The fellows will assist with the Advocacy Program and classes for three months in fall 2022. They will oversee advocacy courses and coordinate with advocacy professors; oversee advocacy competition logistics with coaches, competitors, and STCL Houston administrators; and provide mentorship and guidance to competitors and students.
“We are honored to have these inaugural fellowships filled by Govi and Gavin,” said Rob Galloway, STCL Houston professor of law; vice president, advocacy; and the W. James Kronzer, Jr., Distinguished Professor of Advocacy. “Both were accomplished advocates in the program, and we’re so grateful they are helping us get the advocacy year started. Our program has expanded the curricular offering and is transitioning back into in-person competitions so the assistance could not come at a better time.”
Govindi Munasinghe ‘22
Please provide your undergraduate degree and year, and your hometown/high school.
I grew up in Houston, where I graduated from Clear Brook High School. I attended college at UT Dallas. I majored in Child Development and minored in Neuroscience.
Why did you choose South Texas College of Law Houston for law school?
The courtroom- I came for my tour and just fell in love with the courtroom.
Briefly, what’s your story that led you to attend law school?
I was pre-med in college and knew I wanted to work in a field where I can help people, but I didn’t know how I wanted to do that. I took a gap year and worked for a safety consulting firm where I got to work closely with lawyers. My boss at the time really inspired me to investigate law school so I took the LSAT and didn’t look back.
Which pathway was your focus while in school?
Advocacy. I competed in multiple competitions during my time at STCL Houston and that prepared more than the classroom ever could. I learned so much and absolutely loved it.
Which personal advocacy accomplishments give you the most pride? Why?
My team and I won our very last competition. It was the South Carolina Trials and Tribulations competition. I won with one of my closest friends. It was a bittersweet moment when they announced that we won. All the work we did over the past two years finally paid off, but it was the last time we would stand in the Treece Courtroom and compete. We brought home STCL’s 137th national win, and it was first national win in a while for mock trial, so I was very proud of that.
How did your involvement in the advocacy program prepare you to practice law?
The courtroom experience we got was invaluable. Just how to move and how to talk to jury isn’t something you learn in a classroom. We also had the opportunity to work with FANTASTIC coaches who made it their goal to teach us how to be a real lawyer and not just a mock-trialer. A lot of schools teach their advocates how to play the game, but we were super blessed to have coaches who loved advocacy more than the game. And just having those connections is great. I have mentors and friends in the people I got to learn from, and they have been great resources for me.
What do you think is the greatest strength of advocacy at STCL Houston?
This speaks to my previous answer. Our coaches are what make our program the best. They love advocacy and that shows in the time and dedication they put into helping us become better advocates. They really take the time to get to know the advocates and go above and beyond. My very first coach was the person who hooded me at graduation, so the impact they have on us profound.
Who were a few of your most influential professors at South Texas? Why?
Rob [Galloway] – He took a chance on us and created a culture of advocacy that fosters growth and learning. He has given me so many opportunities I would not have had otherwise and has helped me in more ways than one. The only reason I was successful in mock trial is because Rob allowed me to continue competing until I started getting those wins. He really cultivated a culture of encouragement and kept pushing us.
What does it mean to you to be named one of the first two Fred Parks Advocacy Fellows?
I am so grateful for this opportunity. Our advocacy program is one that thrives off of the time and energy that is put back into it by former advocates, so I am grateful to have the opportunity so early on. This program brought be so much joy when I was in school and I’m glad I get to help shape it, even in a small way.
What do you appreciate most about your time in law school?
Easily the people I’ve met. I met some of my best friends here and I am so thankful to be in the position I’m in. Not only that, but the level of educational value we receive at STCL Houston is unparalleled, so I appreciate that as well.
What are your plans after you pass the bar?
Get a job! My plan for now is to work for a DA’s office, but we will see how the next couple of months shape up. I mostly just want to be in a courtroom for years to come.
Gavin O’Brien ‘22
Please provide your undergraduate degree and year, and your hometown/high school.
I grew up in the suburbs of Cypress, Texas. After graduating from Langham Creek High School in 2015, I went to Southern Methodist University for undergrad and graduated in 2019 with a BBA in Business Management with a Minor in International Studies, and a BA in Public Policy in with a Minor in Political Science.
Why did you choose South Texas College of Law Houston for law school?
The reason I chose South Texas College of Law Houston was because it had one of the best Advocacy programs in the country, and I knew from the start that was what I wanted to do.
Briefly, what’s your story that led you to attend law school?
The story of what led me to attend law school is a simple one – I knew I was good with people, and I enjoy arguing (maybe a little too much), so I figured I could channel both of those into an enjoyable career as a lawyer.
Which pathway was your focus while in school?
The pathway I initially focused on while at SMU was to go into business, but the political process always fascinated me, so I branched out and took some public policy classes. Eventually, I took a class on Fourth Amendment Criminal Procedure, and it sparked a new interest, so I started to consider law school as a potential path.
Which personal advocacy accomplishments give you the most pride? Why?
The personal advocacy accomplishment that gives me the most pride is the personal relationships I developed along the way. I wouldn’t be here without the friends and mentors who gave me their support and guidance.
How did your involvement in the advocacy program prepare you to practice law?
My involvement in the advocacy program prepared me to practice law by teaching me the foundation of a persuasive argument, and how to navigate in an environment filled with a variety of people.
What do you think is the greatest strength of advocacy at STCL Houston?
I think the greatest strength of advocacy at STCL Houston is the tradition.
Who were a few of your most influential professors at South Texas? Why?
Some of my most influential professors at South Texas include Professor Amanda Peters, Professor Sharon Finegan, and Professor Rob Galloway.
What does it mean to you to be named one of the first two Fred Parks Advocacy Fellows?
To be named one of the first two Fred Parks advocates is amazing; it allows me to give back to the program, and it creates a tradition for future graduates to give back.
What do you appreciate most about your time in law school?
The thing I appreciate most about my time in law school is the legal degree (but the friends I made are pretty cool too).
What are your plans after you pass the bar?
My plan after I pass the bar is to get a job.
