Allensworth Founder William R. Allensworth '74 Honored with Texas Tech Law Distinguished Alumnus Award and Endowed Scholarship
Allensworth is proud to announce that its founder, William R. Allensworth, has been named a Distinguished Alumnus by the Texas Tech University School of Law. In conjunction with this honor, Allensworth established the William R. Allensworth '74 Endowed Scholarship to support Texas Tech Law students pursuing careers in construction law.
Recognition and Scholarship Announcement
William R. Allensworth, a 1974 graduate of Texas Tech Law, will be recognized at the 21st Annual Scholarship Gala on March 1, 2025. This prestigious award acknowledges Mr. Allensworth's significant contributions to the legal profession and his lasting influence on the construction law landscape.
"William's career exemplifies the highest standards of legal practice and professional integrity," said Joe R. Basham, co-managing partner at Allensworth and a 2002 Texas Tech Law alumnus. "His pioneering work in construction law and unwavering commitment to mentorship have shaped generations of lawyers. We are honored to support future Texas Tech Law students through this scholarship, ensuring William's legacy of excellence continues to inspire."
Distinguished Career and Achievements
Mr. Allensworth's distinguished career began with service to his country. Before pursuing law, he served as an artillery Lieutenant in Battery K, 4th Battalion, 11th Marines in the former Republic of Vietnam. Following his military service, Mr. Allensworth graduated with High Honors from Texas Tech Law in 1974 before beginning his legal career at Haynes & Boone and later founding Roller & Allensworth (now known as Allensworth) in 1995.
A trailblazer in construction law, he was instrumental in establishing the State Bar of Texas’s Construction Law Section, taught construction law for nearly 30 semesters at the University of Texas School of Law, and authored and edited "Construction Law," a widely used textbook in law schools nationwide. During his 40 year career, he argued cases at every level of Texas and Federal courts, including before the U.S. Supreme Court in the landmark case Atlantic Marine Construction Co., Inc. v. U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas (2013). In 2016, Allensworth received the State Bar of Texas Construction Law Section's Pioneer Award for “extraordinary contributions to the practice of construction law”, and in 2018 he was appointed by the Texas governor as Chairman of the Texas Facilities Commission, overseeing the $750 million Capitol Mall project in Austin.
Legacy: Legal Education and Future Generations
Dean Jack Wade Nowlin of Texas Tech Law stated, "William Allensworth's distinguished career and dedication to the legal community make him a true role model for our students. It's an honor to award a scholarship in his name, ensuring that generations of Texas Tech Law students are inspired by his legacy of excellence."
The William R. Allensworth '74 Endowed Scholarship will support Texas Tech Law students with an interest in construction law, furthering Mr. Allensworth's commitment to nurturing the next generation of legal professionals in this specialized field.
About Allensworth
Founded in 1995, Allensworth is a nationally recognized leader in construction law, representing clients through every stage of the construction process—from contract negotiations to complex litigation. The firm is known for handling high-stakes disputes and shaping the legal landscape of the industry.