Belmont University College of Law

Gonzales, the Dean and the Doyle Rogers Distinguished Professor of Law at Belmont University College of Law, Nashville, Tennessee, is responsible for academics, admissions, recruitment and development. Under his leadership, Belmont was first among all Tennessee law schools in bar passage rate in July 2015 and was fully approved by the American Bar Association in April 2016. In addition to his administrative duties, Dean Gonzales teaches constitutional law, first amendment law, separation of powers and national security law.

He is a recognized expert on the U.S. Constitution, the powers of the presidency, national security and immigration. He is a frequent commentator on CNN, Fox News, CNBC, Fox Business and other media outlets. Additionally, Dean Gonzales contributes articles and opinion pieces to USA Today, The New York Times, Fox News Latino, The Hill, Los Angeles Times and The Washington Post. His law review articles appear in various academic journals including the Minnesota Law Review, the George Washington Law Review and the Florida Law Review.

Gonzales serves on the NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions, the board of directors for the United Way of Metropolitan Nashville and the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. 

He is the author of Truth Faith and Allegiance, the story of his life and service published September 8, 2016 by Thomas Nelson/Harper Collins.

With David N. Strange, he co-authored A Conservative and Compassionate Approach to Immigration Reform: Perspectives from a Former US Attorney General published by Texas Tech University Press.

United States Department of Justice

Gonzales served as the 80th Attorney General of the United States, the chief federal law enforcement official in America. As Attorney General, he led the fight to prevent terrorism and reduce the threat of gangs, drugs and violent crime. He directed the Justice Department and its 40 separate component organizations including the FBI, DEA, ATF, U.S. Marshals Service, Bureau of Prisons and the Office of Victims of Crime. During his tenure, Gonzales made the protection of children from sexual predators a top priority. The Justice Department has approximately 110,000 employees with offices throughout the United States and in over 80 countries.

• Nomination: November 10, 2004

• Ceremonial Swearing-In (C-SPAN): February 14, 2005

• Ceremonial Swearing-In: February 14, 2005

• Ask The White House: January 25, 2006

• Ask The White House: October 18, 2006

• Speeches by Attorney General Gonzales

The White House

Gonzales served as Counsel to the President of the United States working with lawyers throughout the administration on policy, litigation and legislation. He played a key role advising the president on terrorism issues, the appointment of supreme court and other federal judges, national and homeland security issues, clemency matters, investigations and ethics. One of his primary responsibilities was to protect the institutional prerogatives of the presidency under the U. S. Constitution.

• 911 - The White House

• 911 - An Address to the Nation

• 911 - White House Photos

• USA Patriot Act

• USA Patriot Act Reauthorization

• Ask The White House: May 8, 2003

• Judicial Nominations, Rose Garden: May 9, 2003

• Ask The White House: September 9, 2003

• Ask The White House: October 30, 2003

• Ask The White House: July 7, 2004

Supreme Court of Texas

Gonzales served as a Justice on the Supreme Court of Texas. While on the court, Gonzales authored 14 majority opinions, five concurring opinions and one dissenting opinion. In a statewide race to remain on the court, the citizens of Texas elected Gonzales to serve a six-year term in November 2000 with 81.3% of the vote. 

Office of the Texas Secretary of State

Gonzales served as the 100th Texas Secretary of State. In this capacity, he was a senior advisor to the Governor of Texas, chief elections officer and the Governor's lead liaison on Mexico and border issues. Additionally, he was responsible for all statutory filings of business organizations and financing documents.

Office of the Governor of Texas

Gonzales served as General Counsel advising the Governor of Texas on legislation, policy, appointments, and clemency issues. He also helped coordinate criminal justice policy, gave advice regarding powers as Commander-in-Chief of the Texas National Guard and advised on federal programs administered throughout Texas. He worked closely with the state Attorney General on litigation and reviewed extradition matters.

Vinson & Elkins, LLP

Gonzales practiced as a business lawyer and partner at the Houston law firm Vinson & Elkins working in the Business, Real Estate, and Energy group. There he provided general business advice, worked on energy matters and issues related to natural resources, and structured transactions in compliance with land use and environmental controls and regulations. He supervised real estate deals including the acquisition and sale of industrial, commercial, resort, and residential properties, and the construction, development, management, leasing, and financing of office buildings, warehouses, hotels, shopping centers, condominiums, apartments, and undeveloped real estate.

Education

Harvard Law School, J.D.

Rice University, B.A.

United States Air Force Academy

Select Awards & Recognition

Central Intelligence Agency Director's Award

Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Public Service

Hispanic American of the Year by HISPANIC Magazine

The 25 Most Influential Hispanics in America by TIME Magazine

Academy of Achievement, International Achievement Summit

Distinguished Alumnus of Rice University

Harvard Law School Association Award

Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa, The Catholic University of America

Honorary Alumnus, Southern Methodist University

Outstanding Young Lawyer of Texas, Texas Young Lawyers Association