Lawyers for legacy
by Nathaniel Miller
Jim Drought (J.D. ’69) knew he wanted to be an attorney since he was a child. It’s a family profession. His father, grandfather and great-grandfather were all members of the bar. When he graduated from the St. Mary’s University School of Law, he went to work for his uncle and has been at Drought, Drought and Bobbitt since entering the workforce.
To thank St. Mary’s Law for his education, he’s given back when he could, both monetarily and through donations of his time.
When asked to act as the executor of a gift to the University, he was more than willing to do so — pro bono.
“I’ve benefited greatly from the education that I got at St. Mary’s, and this is one way I can help pay them back,” Drought said.
The gift in Spring 2024 came from Gerald Laubach (B.A. ’70), who left his estate, including ranchland, to the University, totaling more than $3.3 million.
Laubach grew up in Bulverde, working on the ranch before attending St. Mary’s. After graduation, he served in the Marine Corps and then worked as a teacher in the New Braunfels and San Antonio areas.
Sara E. Dysart (B.A. ’74, J.D. ’81), a board-certified real estate attorney, member of the University’s Board of Trustees and a friend of Drought, helped with selling the land.
Providing legal services free to the University was an easy decision for Dysart.
“I have had a great law career because of St. Mary’s,” she said.
Different paths, same commitment
After earning his undergraduate degree, Drought received a conditional acceptance from St. Mary’s Law.
Though working while attending school full time, Drought poured over his studies. His professors were also practicing attorneys, which gave him a unique insight he said he would not have received anywhere else.
“Rather than being somebody just teaching theory, they were seeing what’s going on the front lines,” Drought said.
He has been practicing civil litigation for more than four decades, focusing on oil and gas, wills and commercial litigation.
Drought’s services have been so beneficial to clients, it even convinced them to donate to the law school that trained him.
Transfer to trusted legal voice
Though she didn’t start her collegiate career at St. Mary’s, Dysart will tell you she got to the campus as soon as possible. Transferring to St. Mary’s during her junior year, she instantly knew she found her community.
Originally planning to earn a graduate degree and become a school counselor, she enrolled at the School of Law to follow her passion.
Since graduating, she continues to return to campus and volunteer for numerous organizations. In addition to being on the Board, she has volunteered at Fiesta Oyster Bake and served as President of the St. Mary’s Law Alumni Association.
Both alumni of the School of Law, Drought and Dysart met when they worked in the same building later in their careers. Drought said it was an easy call to ask Dysart for help.
Dysart helped navigate the real estate side, including easement clarifications and creating contracts for buyers.
Becoming fast friends, the two said volunteering their time with St. Mary’s is one of the ways to ensure students can benefit from the education they received.
“I have a deep love for St. Mary’s,” Dysart said. “I am fond of our students, and I love that St. Mary’s is there for them like they were there for me.”
