JD Schacht was a beloved member of the South Texas College of Law Houston community, known for his integrity, generosity, and enduring friendships. A proud alumnus, JD remained deeply engaged with the law school after his graduation in 2002 through his work with the nationally recognized South Texas Law Advocacy Program. He consistently offered his time, wisdom, and encouragement to help future lawyers develop as skilled advocates and confident professionals. One of his friends summed JD up best in saying “he made every person feel like they mattered.”

While in law school, JD served as the Chair of the Board of Advocates and won a national moot court championship. As an alumnus, his love for law and for competition compelled him to serve as an adjunct professor of Advocacy and coach for numerous moot court teams. One of his proudest moments was coaching the team that brought home the school’s 100th National Championship.

After his passing on May 2, 2024, his friends Wade Vandiver ’02 and Wendy Yates ’02 approached the law school about honoring JD’s legacy. Their decision to establish the JD Schacht Endowed Advocacy Award will ensure that JD’s memory lives on at South Texas. Each year, an outstanding member of the South Texas Advocacy program who embodies JD’s kindness, leadership, and dedication to the legal profession will be honored by receiving the JD Schacht Endowed Advocacy Award. Those who knew and loved JD are encouraged to join with Wade and Wendy in supporting this tribute to one of South Texas’ finest.