In September, I blogged about the announcement of a new conservative law school at the University of Austin in Texas. Will there be another new law school in Texas? Austen Parrish blogged about this possibility. There is some financial backing for the new law school, which does not appear to have the same political marching orders as the one envisioned at the University of Austin. See here:

“The long-awaited law school at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is one step closer to becoming a reality.

The Woody and Gayle Hunt Family Foundation announced a $5 million, dollar-for-dollar matching grant for the project Wednesday, Oct. 28, at Texas Western Hall on the UTEP campus. If the matching grant is met, the total contribution will reach $10 million.”

Microsoft Copilot offers some further details about the new Texas law school:

“University of Texas at El Paso Law School — Current Status and Plans

UTEP is actively working toward launching a new law school, with major funding pledges and a target opening in 2030.

Current Status and Funding

The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) has secured significant support to move forward with its proposed law school. In October 2026, the Woody and Gayle Hunt Family Foundation announced a $5 million dollar‑for‑dollar matching grant to help reach the school’s $20 million startup goal KFOX-TV+1. This follows a similar $5 million matching challenge from the Paul L. Foster Family Foundation in October 2025 KFOX-TV+1.

Additional commitments include:

• $5 million from El Paso law firm Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro ABA Journal+1
• Donations from other local and regional firms such as Farah Law, Flores Mendez Law, ScottHulse Attorneys at Law, and Kastl Law ABA Journal+1

If the full $5 million match is secured, the initiative could generate $10 million in combined funding KFOX-TV+1.

Vision and Focus

UTEP President Heather Wilson and the law school team emphasize that the school will address El Paso’s unique legal needs as a border community KFOX-TV+1. The curriculum will focus on:

• Public and private international law between the U.S. and Mexico
• Contracts, estates, taxation, imports/exports, customs, immigration, and international water law ABA Journal+2
• Bilingual legal training to address the shortage of fluent bilingual lawyers ABA Journal+1

UTEP also plans an accelerated degree path allowing some undergraduates to begin law school in their fourth year KVIA.

Timeline

• 2027: Present the law school vision to the Texas Legislature ABA Journal+1
• 2030: Target opening date, with first students enrolled ABA Journal+1
• Enrollment goal: 100 new students annually once operational KVIA

Pre‑Law Pathways

While the law school is not yet open, UTEP offers the Law School Preparation Institute (LSPI), a four‑semester program designed to prepare undergraduates for law school through critical thinking, legal writing, and LSAT preparation The University of Texas at El Paso+2. LSPI also offers internships, a Minor in Legal Reasoning, and high school outreach via a High School Law Camp The University of Texas at El Paso+1.

In summary: UTEP’s law school is in active development, with strong philanthropic and community support, a clear mission to serve the border region, and a planned 2030 launch. For current pre‑law opportunities, the LSPI is the primary pathway for students preparing for future admission.”