UT-Austin Mourns Loss of Major Benefactor

DOWNTOWN AUSTIN-UT, TX -- The University of Texas at Austin community was mourning the loss of legendary trial attorney and alumnus Joe Jamail, an alumnus and major benefactor whose presence is felt throughout campus with his name emblazoned on buildings his fortune helped build.

Jamail died Wednesday at the age of 90. He earned a bachelor’s degree from UT-Austin in 1950 followed by a law degree in 1953.

He would go on to a storied career in law, earning a reputation as the “king of torts,” with some calling him the greatest trial lawyer who ever lived.
His legal landmarks were numerous: An $11 billion judgment—that largest up to that time—for his client, Pennzoil, against Texaco; five verdicts topping $100 million; three product recalls.

All told, Jamail gave $41 million to the university, as evidence by the various elements on campus bearing his name: a swimming facility; Joe Jamail Field; the Jamal Center for Clinical Education and justice Under Law; and others. There are also two statues of Jamail on campus.

“As Joe and I became friends and he became one of my closest advisors, I leaned about his life, his service to our nation, his profession and his deep commitment to education,” Fenves said of the World War II veteran who returned to school after serving in the South Pacific.

Ward Farnsworth, dean of the University of Texas School of Law, referenced Jamail’s outsize personality in his remembrance.

“Joe Jamail was a larger-than-life figure—a one-of-a-kind Texan, a magnificent and legendary trial lawyer, and an immensely generous and loyal friend to the UT Law School and the rest of the University of Texas.”

Mike Perrin, the men’s athletics director, referenced the breadth of Jamail’s contributions in his tribute.

“Joe Jamail was a giant of a man who made a huge impact in all facets of life,” he said. “His conributions to the University of Texas are a lasting legacy and testament to his never-ending quest to give back and support activities, the law and sports he believed in.”

Jamail is survived by three children, Robert Lee Jamail, Randall Hage jamail and joseph D. Jamail III. His wife, Lee Hage Jamail, died in 2007 at the age of 76.