Stephen Rispoli, J.D.
Assistant Dean of Student Affairs and Pro Bono Programs | Baylor University
Waco, TX, UNITED STATES
Stephen Rispoli focuses on student relations, pro bono programs and access to justice issues
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Biography
Stephen Rispoli earned his political science degree from Baylor University in 2009, his J.D. from Baylor Law in 2012, and his LL.M. from the University of Texas School of Law in 2018.
Stephen worked as a District Director for former Texas State Representative Carol Kent. He describes his time working in the 81st Legislature as the experience that fostered his interest in the law. During law school, Stephen was active in student organizations, serving as the Executive President for the Student Bar Association, and Justice for the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity. One of his most rewarding experiences in law school was interning for Federal Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Manske. While working for Judge Manske, Stephen learned a great deal about Federal procedure and the judicial process.
Service has always been an integral part of the law school’s mission and one to which Stephen has been dedicated since starting his career at Baylor Law. Stephen worked with Professor Bridget Fuselier on providing legal services to veterans and helped organize and expand the Veterans Clinic. The Veterans Clinic provides monthly clinics along with a dedicated estate planning clinic every year. As the Assistant Dean of Pro Bono Programs, Stephen is also actively involved in all other areas of pro bono service at Baylor Law. He strives to learn more about the access to justice gap our nation is facing, and what legal education can do to help.
Another integral part of Baylor Law’s mission is to prepare all students to be competent, ethical lawyers as soon as they cross the graduation stage and pass the bar. As Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, Stephen is always seeking new ways to accomplish this mission and help law students succeed at Baylor Law. His goal is for the law school to help students develop lifelong habits that help address the stresses of the practice of law. In addition, he provides guidance and support to student organizations, working with them to achieve their goals and enhance the law school experience.
Stephen assisted Professor Jeremy Counseller in developing the St Andrews Academy of the Advocate, and continues to be involved as co-director of the program. Every summer, the Academy brings law students from around the country to St. Andrews, Scotland and immerses them in the art of trial and appellate advocacy.
Areas of Expertise (7)
Access to Justice
Community Outreach
Orientation
Pro Bono
Student Affairs
Research
Law
Accomplishments (1)
Outstanding Young Lawyer of McLennan County Award
2017
Education (2)
Baylor Law School: J.D. 2012
Baylor University: B.A., Political Science 2009
Links (1)
Media Appearances (11)
How to avoid getting scammed while you're recovering from Hurricane Ian
Sarasota Herald-Tribune online
2022-10-06
Stephen Rispoli, J.D., LL.M., assistant dean of student affairs and strategic initiatives at Baylor Law, is quoted in this article about how scam artists, identity thieves and other criminals tend to use the opportunity after a disaster to swindle victims out of their money.
The Texas Bar Foundation awards Baylor Law grant to implement robust mental health & wellness initiatives
Southeast Texas Record online
2021-11-15
Bridget Fuselier, J.D., professor at Baylor Law School, and Stephen Rispoli, J.D., assistant dean of student affairs and strategic initiatives in the law school, explain how the recently awarded grant from the Texas Bar Foundation will provide the necessary funds to implement mental health and wellness programming in the school.
New Hurricane Scams Target Homeowners In Person And Online
Forbes online
2021-08-31
Stephen Rispoli, J.D., assistant dean of student affairs and pro bono programs at Baylor Law School said that hurricane scams are prominent, causing unknowing homeowners to pay more than necessary to fix property damages.
The New York Times Best-Selling Author and Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Join To Discuss Life and Impact of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor
Media and Public Relations online
2019-03-05
The New York Times best-selling author, historian and journalist Evan Thomas will join Judge Jennifer Walker Elrod of the Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to discuss Thomas’ biography “First: Sandra Day O’Connor” on Tuesday, March 26, at Baylor Law School.
The Storm After the Storm: Scam Contractors Who Prey on Those Suffering After a Natural Disaster
Baylor Media Communications online
2018-09-19
Following a natural disaster or strong storm like Hurricane Florence, there is usually a second wave of potential destruction – scam artists looking to line their pockets. “After any major weather-related incident, insurance adjusters and contractors swarm the affected area and, unfortunately, some are looking to take advantage of those in distress,” said Stephen Rispoli, J.D., assistant dean of student affairs and pro bono programs at Baylor Law School. As an attorney, he works with victims of insurance scams.
Addressing the Access-to-Justice Gap: Baylor Law School’s Legal Mapmaker Program Helps Young Lawyers Open Cost-Conscious Firms
Baylor Media Communications
2017-08-15
“We believe in the rule of law and the people’s right to access the courts and lawyers for help,” said Stephen Rispoli, assistant dean of student affairs and pro bono programs at Baylor Law School. “Legal Mapmaker is one of the programs designed by Baylor Law School, in partnership with all other Texas law schools, to assist lawyers and law students by teaching efficient law firm management practices while addressing the access to justice gap in our country.”...
Law school assistant dean receives lawyer award
Waco Tribune-Herald
2017-05-04
Stephen Rispoli of Baylor Law School has been named the recipient of the 2017 Outstanding Young Lawyer of McLennan County Award. The Outstanding Young Lawyer Award is presented each year by the Waco-McLennan County Young Lawyers Association to a young lawyer with qualities including, but not limited to, professional proficiency, service to the profession and service to the community. He was presented the award by U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey C. Manske.
Baylor Law School Helps Bring 41 Children into Forever Homes in Annual Adoption Day
Baylor Media Communications
2016-12-09
“Adoption Day is a core component of Baylor Law’s commitment to creating a culture of service,” said Stephen Rispoli, assistant dean of student relations and pro bono programs. “It allows our students to experience the joy of bringing families together. We hope that the experience will inspire students to give their time to programs like this once they are licensed lawyers.”...
Baylor Law School Will Host Free Clinic on Nov. 11 to Help Veterans Prepare Wills
Media and Public Relations online
2016-11-07
To serve military veterans who are in need of estate planning but cannot afford legal counsel, Baylor Law School will host its annual Veterans Day Wills Clinic on Friday, Nov. 11, to provide free aid to vets and their spouses.
Baylor Law School: ‘100 Million Americans Can’t Afford Legal Services. What Can We Do About It?’
Baylor Media Communications
2016-09-15
“Can you afford a lawyer?” That’s the first question Stephen Rispoli, assistant dean of student affairs and pro bono programs at Baylor Law School, asks when he speaks about the access-to-justice gap – the staggering number of Americans who have basic legal needs but cannot afford the services of an attorney...
What ‘Pro Bono’ Really Means And Why Such Work Is Important Today
Baylor Media Communications
2016-05-19
For clients, legal work that is performed pro bono – Latin words which actually mean “for the public good” – may receive the assistance of the lawyer for free. However, it does not mean there is no cost associated with the case, said Stephen Rispoli, J.D., assistant dean of student affairs and pro bono programs at Baylor Law School...
