Walter Umphrey

Walter’s “all-nighter” studies were necessary to keep pace because his days were filled with the rigorous demands of Baylor Law’s highly respected Practice Court curriculum, the central focus of his law study. He confesses to being intimidated at the time by the ongoing challenges and pressures of Practice Court, complete with judge, jury and the critical eye of an audience comprised of his professors and fellow law students. However, by the time he received his JD in 1965, Walter Umphrey knew his way around both the courtroom and the courthouse.

With finely honed skills learned at Baylor Law, Walter was primed and ready for trial. He returned to his hometown area and joined the Jefferson County District Attorney’s office as a Prosecutor. He quickly rose through the ranks to become the Chief Felony Prosecutor before departing the DA’s office in 1969 to found the Provost Umphrey Law Firm with David Provost.

“Once in a generation, a larger than life lawyer comes along that inspires us to not only practice the best law possible for hard working folks but be more passionate about bettering our community. Walter Umphrey is that transformational figure. He stood up for working men and women and unions when it wasn’t popular nor easy in the legal community to do so. He changed up the legal landscape in so many positive arenas for ordinary folks. He taught everyone at Provost Umphrey to speak for those could not speak for themselves; to fight for those that needed a champion. Walter Umphrey is a living hero to me and all that worked with him.”

Greg Thompson
Attorney and Former Provost Umphrey Partner

In 2012, the Umphrey’s charity again enhanced the beauty of the Baylor University campus along the Brazos by funding the construction of a stunning pedestrian bridge that connects McLane Stadium to the campus. The Sheila and Walter Umphrey Pedestrian Bridge, which also runs alongside the Umphrey Law Center, expands Baylor’s campus north of the Brazos. Additionally, the Umphreys have also established The Walter Umphrey Endowed Courtroom Fund to provide scholarships for deserving Baylor Law School students.

Back in their hometown of Beaumont, Texas, the Umphrey’s have also provided support to Sheila’s alma mater Lamar University. In 2005, the Umphrey’s stepped up to provide a $5 million gift to construct a new multi-million dollar recreational facility appropriately named the Sheila Umphrey Recreational Sports Center, which opened in 2007 and was nicknamed “The Sheila” by the faculty and students who enter its doors year after year.

“Walter is a star that shines so bright in the pantheon of great lawyers in our state and nation. Throughout his career, he has used his gifts as a lawyer – which are mightily impressive – to serve and help other who might otherwise be marginalized in our justice system. When I think of Walter, these words come to mind: bright, passionate, savvy, caring and giving. He is one of the foremost trial lawyers in our state and in the nation. We have been truly blessed by Walter and the unremitting vigor and dedication that he has brought to bear in his advocacy on behalf of his clients and the cause of justice.”

– Bradley J.B. Toben
Dean and M.C. & Mattie Caston Professor of Law, Baylor University School of Law

“For almost 50 years, Walter has devoted his life to Provost Umphrey and the hard-working people of Southeast Texas. Walter’s legacy remains the guiding force of the firm today. I strongly believe that the firm will continue to flourish under the new leadership.”

-Sheila Umphrey,
Walter Umphrey’s wife

While Walter’s financial generosity has reached extraordinary levels, he has also been generous with his time. For years, Walter served on the Southeast Texas – State Bar of Texas Grievance Committee helping resolve disputes between local attorneys and their clients. Walter also served as Director for the National Wildlife Association and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. While serving as a member of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission, Walter purchased land at Mesquite Point on Pleasure Island in Port Arthur that he then donated to Jefferson County. The land was used to establish what is now known as Walter Umphrey State Park.