Barnes Leads Policy and Compliance for League
By Jamie Oberg, UIL Intern | Friday, September 06, 2013 1:52 PM
Leo Barnes is the new Director of Policy and Compliance.
Photo by Kate Y. Hector
Formerly an Associate Vice President for Legal Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin, Leo L. Barnes began working at the UIL as the Director of Policy and Compliance in June 2013.
A native Texan who grew up in Houston and attended Spring Branch High School, Barnes received his undergraduate degree from the University of Texas and graduated cum laude from the St. Mary’s School of Law in San Antonio.
Prior to coming to UT, Barnes worked for the Texas Attorney General’s office and had a private practice. During this time, he had an active trial and appellate practice in both Texas and federal courts representing state agencies, universities, school districts and government officials on a range of legal topics, including constitutional law, employment, and torts.
Barnes worked for many years in the University of Texas System’s Office of General Counsel and the Office for Legal Affairs at UT-Austin, where he would often work on legal matters for UIL, along with a wide range of other issues.
In his new position as Director of Policy and Compliance, Barnes will help the UIL to address potential issues earlier in the legal process.
“I’m able to be more intimately involved as things are happening as opposed to ‘Well, now it has happened, or is close to happening,’” Barnes said.
The new position was created in March after the UIL Finance Committee recommended hiring a staff member with legal background. With his extensive experience, the UIL was fortunate to hire Barnes, Executive Director Dr. Charles Breithaupt said.
“Leo has worked with UT Legal and UT Systems and has great knowledge of the UIL,” he said. “He will provide great wisdom and direction to the UIL membership.”
Now that Barnes is in the building, he said he likes familiarity associated with close proximity and specialization.
“It was an opportunity to have better focus on the particular client, who I had familiarity with,” he said. “I have always enjoyed my work with UIL and now that I have made the move it really feels like a good fit. Everyone here has really been wonderful.”