Judge Solomon Casseb, Jr., marks 90th birthday with accolades

by Ernie Treviño

On the occasion of his 90th birthday last month, Judge Solomon Casseb, Jr., received many accolades from the community and his colleagues in the local judiciary.

“He has been a pillar of the Texas legal community for over half a century, and God willing will continue to wield his expertise and knowledge in the years to come for the betterment of our State,” said Hon. Charles A. Gonzalez in an address to the House of Representatives on May 25.

Judge Casseb graduated from St. Mary's University and the University of Texas Law School, starting his law practice in San Antonio in 1938.

He served two terms as judge of the 57th District Court in Bexar County and one term as Presiding Judge for the Fourth Administrative District.

Currently, he serves as a Senior District Judge of Texas and is a member of the Advisory Committee to the Supreme Court of Texas and of the Joint Task Force.

Throughout the years, he has received many honors for his hard work and dedication, including:

• 1961 - St. Mary's University, Outstanding Ex-Student

• 1968 - St. Mary's University, St. Thomas More Award

• 1985 - Texas Trial Lawyers Association, Outstanding Judge

• 1987 - Texas Bar Foundation, Outstanding Jurist Award

• 1991 - WBCA Mr. South Texas

• 1991 - University of the Incarnate Word, Insigne Verbum Award

• 1992 - University of Texas Law School , Judge Solomon Casseb Jr. Research Professorship in Law

• 1994 - San Antonio Bar Association, Joe Frazier Brown Award for Excellence

“Judge Casseb has served the State of Texas with distinction and honor, first as a sitting district court judge and then as a visiting judge,” said District Judge Elma Teresa Salinas Ender. “He is respected and revered by his peers. He was elected by the state judiciary as Chairman of the Judicial Section of the State of Texas. As a senior judge, he has continued to have an illustrious career presiding on cases of great significance around the state. Locally, his advice and mentoring of the local judiciary has proven invaluable.”

Through the Bruni-Vergara Trust Fund, he has improved the lives of many in Laredo .

“As one of the trustees of the Lamar Bruni Vergara Trust, Judge Casseb has made invaluable contributions to this community,” said Judge Salinas Ender. “The impact of the millions spent on religious, educational, and health-related activities and projects will be felt for generations to come.”

The largest philanthropic gift in Laredo history was the gift the Trust made to Texas A&M International University in the form of the Lamar Bruni Vergara Science Center and Planetarium.

TAMIU president Ray M. Keck shared his thoughts on Judge Casseb.

“In any discussion of the most amazing persons one could imagine knowing, Judge Solomon Casseb, Jr., would rise to the top of the list. Jurist, philanthropist, sage, humanitarian, historian of both the law and of Texas, keen observer of the human condition: Solomon Casseb understands and embraces the human story in all its irony, grandeur, and flaws.

“Perhaps most important, he is eternally restless to improve what he finds, to make better what he sees. His vision for Laredo, a collaborative effort with J. C. Martin, Jr., and J. C. Martin III, has taken Lamar Bruni Vergara's bequest and transformed this community. It is abundantly evident, in any conversation with Judge Casseb, that he loves this place and its people.

“He pushes himself and he pushes us: ‘Do more and do it faster,' he booms. ‘Don't tell me maybe, and don't tell me mañana!' He has taught me much, counseled me often, and I am grateful for his friendship and his support. Has anyone not from Laredo ever accomplished more for this community than Solomon Casseb?” said Keck.

As trustee for the LBV Trust, Judge Casseb has been instrumental in some of the most high profile improvements to Laredo schools, medical institutions, and recreational facilities for children.