Remembering Vinson & Elkins Senior Partner Glen Rosenbaum

Vinson & Elkins is saddened to announce that our beloved colleague Glen Rosenbaum passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 28 at the age of 75.

Glen was a leader both within the firm and the city of Houston, contributing his time and resources to many worthy causes.

Glen joined Vinson & Elkins in 1973 and became a partner in 1980, advising leading companies, businesses and individuals in contested tax disputes. Over the course of his distinguished, five-decade career, he resolved many issues of first impression involving Texas taxation. He also represented many clients on a pro bono basis, providing free legal services to the Wortham Theater Center and New Hope Housing, Inc, among many other clients.

Glen applied equal industry and generosity to countless civic endeavors. He served as Board Chair and General Counsel for the Houston Grand Opera, President and Board member of Houston Food Bank Endowment, Board member for the Holocaust Museum Houston, General Counsel for Congregation Beth Yeshurun, and Chair of the Tax Research Association of Houston and Harris County. He also served as Southwest Regional Board Chair for the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) where under his leadership, the organization achieved a then-record year for fundraising and expanded programming that laid the groundwork for the establishment of a permanent ADL office in Austin, which opened in 2003. In recognition of these and other efforts, Glen received the ADL Torch of Liberty Award.

In 2023, Glen also received the Leon Jaworski Award from the Houston Bar Association for being “civic-minded, professionally capable, socially and culturally concerned, family-oriented, morally and spiritually aware.” On March 7, 2023, he was presented with a proclamation by the Houston City Council declaring the day Glen Rosenbaum Day.

Those who had the privilege to know Glen will particularly miss his gracious demeanor. He was always willing to mentor junior lawyers or stop for a chat about any number of topics – from architecture, to opera, to trains.  An avid train enthusiast, he was the impetus for the Houston Museum of Natural Science’s “Trains Over Texas” annual exhibit. Glen also delighted in opening his home to colleagues and their children to show off his stunning, room-sized model train layout.

“Glen is the sort of colleague and friend we all aspire to be, someone who combined immense talent with deep convictions and generosity of spirit,” said Vinson & Elkins Chair Keith Fullenweider. “He left an indelible mark on many.”

Ryan Carney, head of Vinson & Elkins’ Tax Practice, added: “I don’t know of anyone who has ever been more dedicated to the firm, their practice, their clients and the city of Houston. Glen always had something to say to everyone around him to make them feel special.  He certainly did with me, and it is clear that he had that same touch with others.”

Glen is survived by his brother Steve and wife Adriana; his longtime companion, Rita Leader; nephew Sean Rosenbaum and wife Juli; nephew Alec Rosenbaum and wife Sara; great nephew, Morgan Rosenbaum and great nieces Anna Rosenbaum and Hettie Rosenbaum.

Glen A. Rosenbaum: Aug. 26, 1948 – Feb 28, 2024