Remembering Professor William V. Dorsaneo III
Professor Dorsaneo, a beloved faculty member, joined the SMU Dedman School of Law in 1975. He served as Chief Justice John Lena Hickman Distinguished Faculty Fellow and professor of law, teaching a wide range of litigation courses. He retired as professor emeritus in 2021.
Students, staff, and faculty recall his brilliance, engaging lectures, and dedication to the law school.
“In the first years of my trial practice, I constantly referred to his treatise on Texas Procedural Law,” said Theodore Anderson ’86. “He was an incredibly respected and vital resource. He made my SMU Law degree practical and worthwhile.”
“Professor Dorsaneo was a legal legend. There will never be anyone like him,” said Christine P. Leatherberry ‘06, Assistant Dean for Administration. “He entertained us students with his war stories and humorous, memorable quotes as he paced the classroom. Professor Dorsaneo was tough – he made us stand while he grilled us on the cases we read to prepare us for trial practice. When I went into litigation, the first time I was in a courtroom before a strict judge, I thought to myself, ‘I’ve been in Bill Dorsaneo’s class, I’ve got this.’”
Before dedicating his career to academia, Dorsaneo made his mark in Texas litigation practice. Notably, he represented Texaco during the 1987 U.S. Supreme Court case, Pennzoil Co. v. Texaco, Inc. Dorsaneo also served as reporter to the joint committee drafting the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure and, in the last twenty years of his career, chaired the Appellate Rules Subcommittee for the Texas Supreme Court's Advisory Committee.
Out of all his accomplishments, Dorsaneo is most recognized as the sole author of the twenty-six volumes of the Texas Litigation Guide, which is better known by his namesake, “Dorsaneo’s.” These books have been used by generations of lawyers and are a staple in every Texas law firm.
In his tribute to Dorsaneo, David Crump writes, “The biggest piece of work Bill has done is a huge collection of volumes that make up the one and only Texas Litigation Guide. And this monumental Guide is the reason Bill Dorsaneo is your best friend if you're in the Texas court system.”
Dedman School of Law remembers Dorsaneo’s spirit, intellect, and unmatched wit in both his career and community. From training the next generation of lawyers and litigators to leaving his own mark on Texas litigation practice, Dorsaneo has left a lasting legacy at the Dedman School of Law and across the State of Texas.
"Bill Dorsaneo shaped generations of lawyers with a rare combination of intellectual rigor, humor, and unwavering integrity,” said Jason P. Nance, Judge James Noel Dean and Professor of Law. “He leaves behind a body of work and a community of students and colleagues who will continue to reflect his standards for years to come."
Dorsaneo passed away near his home in San Antonio. He is survived by his six children: Julie, Bill, Charley, Thomas, Andrew, and Peter; and his four grandchildren: Ryan, Olivia, Artemis, and Ismene.
A celebration of life will be held at SMU Dedman School of Law, with details to follow.