Well known professor in Houston dies, but leaves legacy behind at South Texas College of Law
Gerald Treece, a legendary figure in trial advocacy and a law professor at South Texas College of Law in Houston died on July 13 from a long illness. He was 75.
Treece was known around campus as “Coach,” for his long-time leadership as the coach of the school’s mock trial and moot court teams that competed nationwide and dominated during his tenure. The law school has won 133 national competitions. No other law school can claim half as many wins.
“No words could encompass what a profound and far-reaching impact Coach Treece has had on South Texas for more than four decades,” STCL Houston President and Dean Michael Barry said in an email to the school’s alumni.
Gerald Treece was hired at STCL Houston in 1978 and during his career he had many titles. The most recent ones being vice president and associate dean of advocacy.
“For the past 40 years, it has been my honor to teach students how to practice law in a courtroom,” Treece said in September 2018 at his 40th anniversary at STCL Houston. “You guys have been my life. Painters and conductors have works they are proud of. I’m proud of you.”
While many considered him a legal “jack of all trades,” Treece’s expertise included constitutional law, civil rights, torts, and trial and appellate advocacy.
He trained some of the country’s most successful litigators, including U.S. Attorney Ryan Patrick and prominent Houston attorney Annie McAdams, who built a reputation tackling high-profile lawsuits against companies such as Facebook and Backpage.
The law schools courtroom and advocacy center are named after Treece.
“His vision, dedication, generosity, warmth, and unfaltering commitment to his students and to the Advocacy program have left a lasting mark on our institution and our community,” Barry said.
