From the Fields of South Texas to a Legacy of Justice: Ezequiel Reyna, Jr. Honored by the University of Houston Law Center

During Hispanic Heritage Month, the University of Houston Law Center recognizes an alumnus whose journey embodies perseverance, service, and the power of creating opportunities for others.

SOUTH TEXAS. Every legacy begins somewhere. For Ezequiel Reyna Jr. (J.D. ’80). It began in South Texas, as the son of migrant farmworkers, where hard work was not simply a value but a way of life.

Decades later, Reyna’s journey has come to represent something far greater than personal achievement. As a founder of a law firm that has served hundreds of thousands of clients, he has built a career around helping others, navigate some of life’s most challenging moments. His story is a testament to what determination, education, and a commitment to serving others can make possible.

This Hispanic Heritage Month, the University of Houston Law Center is celebrating Reyna’s remarkable journey and enduring contributions to the legal profession, recognizing an alumnus whose impact extends well beyond the courtroom.

A Journey Built on Opportunity and Service 

Reyna’s path from a migrant farmworker family to a law degree from the University of Houston Law Center reflects the transformative role education can play in opening doors and changing lives. 

After earning his J.D. in 1980, he went on to establish a legal practice that would touch the lives of hundreds of thousands of clients. Through his work, Reyna has helped individuals and families find guidance and representation when they need it most. 

Yet, for Reyna, building a professional legacy has also meant investing in the opportunities of others. His journey serves as a powerful reminder that success is not measured solely by how far a person goes, but also by how many people they help along the way. 

A Legacy That Lives Beyond the Courtroom 

Reyna and his wife, Livia Reyna, have carried that commitment to future generations to the University of Houston Law Center. 

Together, they established the Ezequiel and Livia Reyna Hispanic Law Heritage Wall of Honor and the Ezequiel Reyna Jr. and Livia Reyna Hispanic Heritage Classroom. These spaces celebrate Hispanic contributions to the legal profession while serving as a source of inspiration for students preparing to shape its future. 


Their generosity reflects a belief that opportunity should not end with one generation. By helping create spaces where Hispanic heritage is recognized and celebrated, the Reynas are ensuring that students can see the lasting impact of those who came before them and envision what they, too, can achieve. 

Dean Leonard M. Baynes of the University of Houston Law Center recognized Reyna’s accomplishments and the transformative power of legal education as part of the university’s Hispanic Heritage Month tribute. 

“This year, I am proud to recognize Ezequiel Reyna, Jr. (J.D. ’80), whose life showcases the transformative power of legal education and opportunity,” Baynes said. 

An Impact That Inspires the Next Generation 

Reyna’s recognition is more than a celebration of professional success. It honors a journey rooted in determination, shaped by service, and defined by a commitment to opening doors for others. 

For aspiring lawyers, his story offers a powerful example of what can happen when education meets opportunity. For the South Texas community, it highlights the potential of individuals whose roots remain an essential part of their story, no matter how far their journeys take them. 

And for the generations who will walk through the doors of the classroom that bears his and Livia’s names, his legacy will serve as a daily reminder that where you begin does not have to determine where you end up, and that the greatest achievements often create opportunities for others to follow. 

The University of Houston Law Center’s Hispanic Heritage Month digital tribute celebrates Hispanic and Latino alumni, faculty, and staff whose contributions continue to shape the legal profession and the university community. 

Explore the tribute and read the University of Houston Law Center’s recognition: https://law.uh.edu/hh/