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
2026 Recipient – Jonathan J. Bates
Equally adept in the courtroom and at the negotiation table, Jonathan J. Bates focuses his practice in the areas of complex and high net worth marital property and child custody. Whether in his trial practice or serving as a mediator or AAML Certified arbitrator, Jonathan brings more than three decades of experience to bear addressing the intricacies and challenges of family law cases.
Jonathan has actively served the family law community on local, state, and national levels, including leadership positions as past Chair of the Family Law Section of the State Bar of Texas, past President of the Texas Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, and past President of the Texas Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, as well as the National AAML Treasurer and member of the Board of Governors.
Jonathan was the 2024 recipient of the prestigious Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists’ Sam Emison Memorial Award, which is “bestowed upon one exceptionally distinguished family law practitioner or judge who has demonstrated a significant commitment and made significant contributions to the practice of family law in the State of Texas.” He was the 2025 recipient of the Dan Price Award from the Family Law Section of the State Bar of Texas, recognizing significant impact on the Family Law Section for the past year. Jonathan was also the National American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers’ Fellow of the Year 2020 co-recipient.
Jonathan is a frequent author and presenter at continuing legal education programs for the State Bar of Texas and was the 2019 Recipient of the STANDING OVATION Award from TexasBarCLE in recognition of “exceptional contributions” and “extraordinary energy, commitment of time, and leadership” in volunteer Continuing Legal Education.
Jonathan served as one of eight former-Chair mentors for the inaugural class of the State Bar of Texas Family Law Section Leadership Program (2024-2026), working with young future leaders in the family law community. He was an active leader in the Texas Supreme Court/Access to Justice Working Group, Scope of Practice Subcommittee, and Family Law Subgroup in 2023, and also served on the Texas Access to Justice Strategic Plan Working Group 2024.
Jonathan graduated from Baylor University School of Law after receiving his undergraduate BBA in Finance/Economics from Baylor University.
Past Recipients
2025
Steven K. Hayes, Fort Worth
2024
Kathy S. Mills, Corpus Christi
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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