Law professor built up top mock trial program
T. Gerald Treece, a beloved and legendary figure at South Texas College of Law who led its nationally recognized moot court and mock trial competition teams to many national championships, died Monday after a long illness. He was 75.
Known around campus as “Coach,” Treece left a profound impact on the student body for more than four decades, training pupils who would become some of the country’s most successful lawyers, the school said in a news release about his death. His name is emblazoned across the mock courtroom at the college.
He most recently served as South Texas’ vice president and associate dean of advocacy. He also worked as a legal analyst for KHOU for more than three decades.
“We will remember him for his endless patience, hearty laugh, unfailing thoughtfulness and his innate ability to make every interaction meaningful and every person feel special,” the school said. “We honor his legacy, and we will continue to heed his charge: ‘Keep the wagons moving.’ ”
Treece, an Odessa native who
received bachelor’s and law degrees from the University of Houston, was a decorated Vietnam War veteran and an avid Astros fan. He started working at South Texas in 1978 as director for the college’s fledgling advocacy program. Over the decades, his moot court and mock trial competition teams racked up 133 national championships, more than any other program in the nation, the school said.
“Advocacy is addictive,” Trace said after the law school notched its 123rd national advocacy championship win. “I never tire of seeing talented students realize their potential in moot court activities. It’s like turning on voltage to a neon light. When a student has the magic, suddenly everything comes alive in a courtroom. The people who are meant for the courtroom are not meant for anything else. They’re never going to be happy unless they’re in the battle.”
Randy Sorrels, a Houston attorney and South Texas graduate who also serves on the school’s board, said Treece brought a sense of practicality that helped young law students think on their feet and prepare for life after school.
“I don’t know of any one person who has left a greater mark on South Texas College of Law Houston than Coach Treece,” said Sorrels, a former president of the State
Bar of Texas. “He was just larger than life.”
Treece’s long list of former students includes 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.
Both participated on his competition teams in the early 2000s. They described a man who used patience, positivity and constructive criticism to help students realize their potential.
“I don’t think I would have been as successful, and I don’t think I would be where I am today if it was not for the way I got to learn from him,” said Patrick, the top prosecutor for the Southern District of Texas. “He had a tremendous gift for really getting the best out of people … in mock trial and advocacy. His record in what he built at South Texas is truly astonishing and I got to see that up close.”
Patrick and McAdams said he kept in touch with them long after graduation.
South Texas College of Law plans to share more about his legacy and details about memorial services, in the coming days.
“We are thankful for Coach’s life, his indomitable spirit, and the wonderful contributions he has made to South Texas and to generations of students,” the school said.