The Paul L. Foster Family Foundation has pledged a $5 million matching grant to support the creation of a new law school in El Paso, according to an announcement made by University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) President Heather Wilson at a meeting with the El Paso Bar Association.
This commitment aims to help address a shortage of legal education opportunities and legal professionals in the region. A feasibility study, commissioned by the Texas legislature, found that a law school at UTEP could fill gaps in both regional and state needs for legal services. The study also indicated that, if properly managed and supported, the proposed law school would become financially self-sustaining after its first decade of operation. Initial startup costs are estimated at $20 million over ten years, in addition to expenses related to constructing a dedicated facility for the law school.
“The feasibility study we conducted showed that legal education is needed in our region and that there is demand for it,” said Wilson. “This generous gift from Paul L. Foster and his family creates an opportunity for the legal community to join him and commit the resources to make a law school possible.”
Due to limited space on campus and accreditation requirements, UTEP anticipates building a new facility for the law program. The projected cost for this building ranges between $60 million and $110 million, which includes design, permits, furnishings, and technology infrastructure.
Paul L. Foster, founder and CEO of Franklin Mountain Investments and Chairman of his family’s foundation, stated: “Good lawyers can enable business, solve problems, and help people. Now is the time to move forward with this idea and, if the legal community and other donors are ready to step up, we are willing to match their contributions up to our matching commitment.”
UTEP is working alongside local leaders in hopes of securing additional philanthropic and business commitments from within the El Paso community. The matching grant is seen as significant progress toward gathering necessary funding.
“This dollar-for-dollar matching gift offers the opportunity to amplify the impact of giving and will motivate additional donors to join in supporting this important and exciting initiative,” said Gary Edens, Ed.D., interim vice president for institutional advancement.
Should enough support be secured locally, UTEP plans to approach The University of Texas System Board of Regents as well as state lawmakers about further approval processes and capital backing. The university may submit an official request during the 2027 legislative session.
If established as planned, UTEP’s law school would enroll approximately 100 students per year into a three-year Juris Doctor program. President Wilson highlighted findings from the feasibility study indicating demand across multiple areas of practice—including tax law, torts, corporate work, administrative law, labor relations, immigration issues, natural resources management, and criminal defense or prosecution.
“There is a shortage of bilingual lawyers in Texas and a UTEP law school would likely also have a strength in public and private international law specifically related to the US and Mexico,” she said.
