David Montoya - Career Dean - University of Texas School of Law

Montoya pursued his accounting degree while attending Notre Dame. From there, he relocated to Dallas, Texas, where he worked for a while with Arthur Andersen & Company. After several years as a CPA, he decided a law degree would best suit his career ambitions. Attending the University of Texas School of Law was an easy decision. His goal was to expand the proverbial horizons and build upon what was already a well established and respected career. Initially, he felt a career in the private sector would be what he pursued and in fact, hadn't even considered after graduation a role such as the one with UT. After spending time practicing law in Texas, he was then offered a position at the school where he'd earned his law degree. He too knew the excitement one feels when beginning a new chapter in their lives and that's exactly what he knew ''soon to be graduates'' would experience as well. He wanted to play a role in those young lives. Between the students and their high expectations for themselves and an energy that's contagious, along with a staff that he admires and respects, Montoya knew he was where he belonged all along.

He admits the resources and opportunities in this role have opened up not only the chance to meet people from around the country, but the environment itself is one that is remarkably different than what's found in a law firm. Referring to his co-workers as dedicated, professional and with a determined drive to make lives better, Montoya knows he and his staff are in a unique position to ensure the energy the students graduate with translate into their working lives. That, along with his passion for the law, is what drives him.


Among David Montoya's many responsibilities, he manages and coordinates the seemingly countless resources for law students around the campus. He conducts outreaches, counsels students and visits law firms throughout the region. Further, he works with his staff to develop policies and procedures for the center while also conducting various interviews with staff and students in an effort to ensure the department functions efficiently.

The Career Services Office works to keep students and their families aware of career options while also providing counseling and resources for effective job strategies. Montoya connects students with potential employers and is always willing meet a student in between job fairs, workshops and between publishing various handbooks and writings on everything from choosing the right specialty to interview skills and salaries to making the adjustment from an educational environment to one's career. He and his department provide a mock interview program as well as maintain an area for VTC and Skype conferencing.

With so many resources, Montoya and his department work diligently with the law school and seek to maintain many resources for alumni, the student body and the educators. He facilitates interviews and puts students in touch with those who can provide resume assistance and any other off campus help that's needed. Clearly, he takes pride in his role and goes far and beyond what his responsibilities are. Students have learned to rely on the Career Services and Montoya in particular.

For more information on David Montoya, visit the University of Texas School of Law's Career Services page at UTexas.edu.