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St. Mary’s University Launches New Business Law Center

Students collaborating in front of a modern law center.

News Summary

St. Mary’s University School of Law in San Antonio is set to open the Bennie W. Bock II Center for Business and Transaction Law in fall 2025. Funded by a $5 million donation, the center will enhance legal education by emphasizing practical experience and community support. Students will tackle real-life legal issues for local businesses and provide no-cost legal services, preparing them for successful careers as future attorneys.

St. Mary’s University in San Antonio Launches Exciting New Center for Business and Transaction Law

San Antonio is buzzing with news as St. Mary’s University School of Law has announced the launch of the brand-new Bennie W. Bock II Center for Business and Transaction Law. This ambitious initiative is made possible thanks to a remarkable $5 million donation from the estate of alumnus Bennie W. Bock II, who, despite passing away in 2022 at the age of 80, leaves behind a legacy that will impact countless future legal minds.

A Legacy of Excellence

Bennie W. Bock II was no ordinary Texan. As a seventh-generation resident of Texas, he wore many hats throughout his life – he was a businessman, an attorney, a rancher, and a proud graduate of St. Mary’s law school, where he received his degree in 1968. His generous bequest includes a serious boost for the law school’s future with $2 million earmarked for a program fund, $1 million for an endowed professorship, and another $2 million dedicated to student support.

What to Expect from the New Center

The Bennie W. Bock II Center is set to open its doors in the fall 2025 semester, and it’s aiming high. The center is designed to enhance legal education by focusing on the crucial intersection between business and law. This means that students will not just sit in classrooms; they will gain hands-on experience tackling real-life legal issues faced by local small businesses and non-profits.

One of the standout features of the center will be its emphasis on providing legal services at no cost to the community. Students will have the opportunity to engage in contract work and document formation, giving them invaluable experience while simultaneously supporting local entrepreneurs. This kind of practical training is becoming increasingly vital in today’s legal landscape.

Meeting the Needs of Future Lawyers

St. Mary’s Dean Patricia Roberts highlighted how this donation represents a solid commitment to preparing future lawyers who are equipped not just with legal skills but also with a keen understanding of business dynamics. As the demand for legal professionals who grasp commercial realities grows, the center is positioned to build on the university’s existing faculty expertise while also catering to the rising interest in transactional law.

A Belief in Giving Back

Remembering her father’s commitment to helping others, Bennie Bock’s daughter, Suzanne Bock Badger, discussed his deep-seated belief that resources should be used to uplift communities. The creation of the center mirrors that philosophy perfectly, aiming to not only educate but also provide tangible support to those in need.

A Collaborative Hub

Another exciting aspect of the new center is its strategic location. Situated near the Greehey School of Business, it encourages collaboration between the law and business schools. This collaboration aligns perfectly with current trends in legal education that underscore the importance of integrating business principles into law practice.

Final Thoughts

The launch of the Bennie W. Bock II Center for Business and Transaction Law marks a new era for St. Mary’s University School of Law. With its strong focus on practical experience and community service, this center will not only prepare future lawyers to succeed in their careers but also empower them to make meaningful contributions to the community around them. As San Antonio watches this initiative take shape, there’s no doubt it will cultivate a new generation of legal professionals who are as sharp in the boardroom as they are in the courtroom.