IN MEMORIAM: BILL DE LA GARZA

Guillermo Bernardo “Bill” De La Garza

1947-2021

In 2021, we lost Guillermo Bernardo De La Garza, known affectionately as “Bill.”  Bill lived as a tour-de-force, working hard and often playing harder. He considered friends and family among his greatest assets.  Bill practiced family law for over forty-five years. He was described by colleagues (and adversaries alike) as a gentleman, a dedicated professional and a “lawyer’s lawyer”.  An excellent trial attorney, Bill prided himself on helping families throughout his impressive career.

Born in Paraguay, as the son of a military family, Bill lived all over Latin America and the United States before entering high school.  After graduating with honors from Lamar University, Bill served as a 2nd lieutenant in the US Army Reserves. In 1973, after receiving his Doctorate of Jurisprudence from South Texas College of Law, Bill entered the private practice of law.

Subsequently, Bill was recognized by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization as a board- certified family law attorney. Later, he was admitted into the American Academy of Matrimonial Attorneys. He belonged to many other professional organizations including the Royal Academy of Matrimonial Attorneys, Houston Bar Association, Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists, Gulf Coast Family Law Specialists and the Burta Rhoads Raborn Family Law Inn of Court. Throughout his tenure in the family law bar, Bill served as an adjunct professor of law, as well as chairing and/or serving as a director for several of the aforementioned groups. Bill was well known for his integrity and character. In addition to many honors throughout his career, Bill was especially proud to receive the David Gibson Award for Professionalism and Excellence in 1997, as the award recipient is selected by a pool of his or her colleagues.

An avid reader, writer, fisherman and hunter, Bill also enjoyed cooking.   Most of all, Bill delighted in spending time with family and friends.  He will be greatly missed.  In his absence, the firm recognizes his dedication to excellence and integrity in the practice of law by carrying on his legacy and honoring it each and every day.

Areas of Practice

  • Child Custody
  • Divorce
  • Family Law

Litigation Percentage

  • 100% of Practice Devoted to Litigation

Certified Legal Specialties

  • Board Certified, Family Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization, 1980

Bar Admissions

  • Texas, 1973

Education

  • South Texas College of Law, Houston, Texas
    • J.D. – 1973
    • Law Journal: South Texas College of Law Law Journal, Research Editor, 1972 – 1973
  • Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas
    • B.A. – 1969
    • Honors: With Honors

Classes/Seminars

  • Family Law, State Bar of Texas, Lecturer, 1991

Honors and Awards

  • Recipient, Dave Gibson Award for Professionalism and Excellence in the Practice of Family Law, Gulf Coast Family Law Specialists, 1997
  • Texas Super Lawyer 2006 – 2010 by Thomson Reuters ™

Professional Associations and Memberships

  • Texas Family Law Council, Adjunct Member and Past Member
  • Texas Family Practice Manual Revision Committee, Family Law Council, Past Member
  • Houston Bar Association (Director, Family Law Section, 1981; Member, Mentor Society, 1985-1990; Family Law Section, 1985; Chairman, Family Law Section, 1999-2000)
  • Houston Bay Area Bar Association(Vice-President, Programs, 1982)
  • American Bar Association, Member
  • State Bar of Texas, Member
  • Gulf Coast Family Law Specialists Association (Director, 1982-1983; Secretary-Treasurer, 1983-1984; President, 1984-1985)
  • Texas Academy of Certified Family Law Specialists (Director, 1988)
  • American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Member
  • Houston Bar Foundation, Fellow
  • College of the State Bar of Texas, Member
  • Royal Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (UK), Member

Past Employment Positions

  • South Texas College of Law, Adjunct Professor of Law, 1978
  • U.S.A.R., 2nd Lieut., 1972 – 1977

Fraternities/Sororities

  • Blue Key
  • Delta Theta Phi
  • Phi Eta Sigma
  • Phi Kappa Phi

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