Awarded annually since 1992 to an outstanding College member based on achievement or contribution to professionalism. A plaque is given to the recipient and a cash award of $1,000 is given to the Texas Access to Justice Foundation, or the law school of their choice, in the name of the award recipient. The award is named in honor of Jim D. Bowmer, of Temple, Texas, the originator of the idea of the State Bar College and a co-founder of the College.
The Jim D. Bowmer Professionalism Award
2024 Recipient – Kathy S. Mills
Kathy serves the State of Texas as the Clerk of the Court for the Thirteenth Court of Appeals. She began her legal career clerking for the Honorable Chief United States District Judge Alia Moses in the Western District of Texas. After her federal clerkship, Kathy served the Nueces County District Attorney’s Office in various roles over many years, including assistant district attorney responsible prosecuting crimes against children and presenting hundreds of felony cases to the Grand Jury. Concluding her service in that office, as the 2nd Assistant D.A., Kathy fulfilled an executive leadership role responsible for the administration of the office. In addition to her prosecutorial and leadership duties, Kathy taught various sections of the penal code at the Corpus Christi Police Department Police Academy.
Beyond experience as a public administrator, appellate attorney, and criminal litigator, Kathy’s civil trial and litigation experience includes complex contract disputes, insurance defense, and one federal civil rights case. During her time as a solo practitioner, she managed a criminal defense, family law, parental termination, and mental health law caseload. She also regularly served as an appointed magistrate overseeing probable cause hearings for civil mental health commitments.
Kathy’s passion for bar service and ongoing legal education is evident through her numerous CLE presentations and substantial years of leadership on local bars. Kathy believes civility in the law is a constant obligation and has chaired the State Bar of Texas Professionalism and Civility Committee.
In addition to her professional activities, Kathy enjoys hiking, kayaking, camping, book club, and relaxing in nature with her husband, Billy, and their three sons.
Past Recipients
2023
Hon. Michael Massengale, Houston
2022
Jennifer A. Hasley, Houston
2021
Kim Askew, Dallas
2020
Hon. Ernest Aliseda, McAllen
2019
Chad Baruch, Dallas
2018
Mickey R. Davis, Houston
2017
Coyt Randal (Randy) Johnston, Dallas
2016
Richard L. Spencer, Houston
2015
Hon. Patricia Alvarez, San Antonio
2014
John G. Browning, Dallas
2013
Robert Pelton, Houston
2012
James Cooper, Houston
2011
Paul N. Gold, Houston
2010
Al Ellis, Dallas
2009
Charles M. Wilson, III, Dallas
2008
Hon. David E. Keltner, Fort Worth
2007
Edward Lindsay, Houston
2006
Mark W. Laney, Plainview
2005
Dana D. Jacobson, San Antonio
2004
Robert L. Meyers, Dallas
2003
Robert H. Dawson, Midland
2002
Claude E. Ducloux, Austin
2001
Andrew S. Hanen, Houston
2000
James H. (Blackie) Holmes III, Dallas
1999
James E. Brill, Dallas
1998
Broadus A. Spivey, Austin
1997
Thomas H. Watkins, Austin
1996
Eugene P. McGreal, Plano
1995
Rosa J. Pace, Borger
1994
Steven C. Laird, Dallas
1993
Bernard O. Dow
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