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 Equal 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 Bowmer Professionalism Award
2019 Recipient – Chad Baruch
Chad Baruch, a shareholder at the Dallas business litigation and appellate law firm of Johnston Tobey Baruch, focuses his practice on constitutional and appellate law matters, with a heavy emphasis on civil, criminal and family law appeals. He is Board Certified in Civil Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
He is an award-winning speaker on appellate advocacy and legal writing, and has served on the Board of Directors of the State Bar of Texas as well as the Texas Bar College. Chad has spoken on appellate writing at the Texas College for Judicial Studies, the National Summit of Appellate Judges Education Institute, the Annual Conference of Texas Appellate Staff Attorneys, and at a host of legal seminars.
In recognition of his commitment to justice for all Texans, the Texas Access to Justice Commission named him a Pro Bono Champion. He is a recognized constitutional scholar and legal writing expert and actively plans and participates in continuing legal education activities. In 2015, Chad won the State Bar of Texas Gene Cavin Award for lifetime contributions to continuing legal education in the state.
Past Recipients
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
©Texas Bar College - All Rights Reserved 