HBA Judicial Polls Must Be Returned By September 12, 2008 HBA Judicial Preference Poll

The 2008 HBA Judicial Preference Poll has been mailed to all HBA members. The return deadline is 5:00 p.m. on September 12, 2008. Please exercise your right to indicate the candidates of your choice. More information on candidates who appear on the poll is available through the HBA Web site, www.hba.org. Please see the story on the homepage. The Judicial Preference Poll is not an endorsement of any candidate.

Family Evening Court

Harris County has announced a new monthly Family Law Evening Court that will hold its first session on Tuesday, September 9, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on the 2nd floor of the Family Law Center. Eligible cases include uncontested matters handled by volunteer attorneys through IOLTA-certified pro bono agencies and indigent, uncontested pro se cases (with a poverty affidavit). Members of the Harris County judiciary will preside on a volunteer basis. The new court will hold sessions from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. To have your case scheduled for the first Family Law Evening Court on September 9, contact the clerk of the court in which the case is assigned, no later than 3:00 p.m. on Monday, September 8, 2008.

Legal Training for Veterans' Initiative Volunteers

 A training program has been scheduled for attorneys who have volunteered or would like to volunteer for the HBA's Veterans' Legal Initiative. The program will train volunteers to provide advice and counsel to veterans at legal clinics set up through the HBA's Houston Volunteer Lawyers Program, as well as for handling disability claims. The training is underwritten by the law firm of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP and is scheduled for Tuesday, September 23, 2008 from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the offices of Baker Botts LLP, One Shell Plaza, 910 Louisiana, 32nd floor. The program has been approved for 4.0 hours of MCLE credit. The presenter is Ron Abrams of the National Veterans Legal Services Program in Washington, D.C. There is no cost to attend, and written materials and a DVD will be provided. Please RSVP by September 18, 2008 to Maria Randall at 713-759-1133 or mariar@hba.org.

Mark Your Calendar for the Fall Book Drive

The Houston Bar Association Fall Book Drive is scheduled for September 15-26, 2008, benefiting local shelters and literacy projects. Collect gently-used books for readers of all ages or consider a cash donation to purchase new books. This year, the drive also is collecting DVD movies for Bering Omega House (an AIDS hospice), and for two residence facilities for veterans. Books and movies may be dropped off at the HBA office, 1001 Fannin, Houston, TX 77002, at the loading dock that faces San Jacinto Street. Please drop off between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. For information or to schedule a delivery, please contact Maria Randall at 713-759-1133 or mariar@hba.org.

2008 Experts Institute

The 2008 Experts Institute will be held on Friday, September 19, 2008 from 11:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. and Friday, September 26, 2008 from 11:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. The September 19 date will be PRE-TRIAL with 3.75 hours of MCLE credit and .5 hours ethics credit. The September 26 date will be TRIAL with 4 hours of MCLE credit and .5 hours ethics credit. You can register for one or both days. Click here for the registration form or call the HBA office at 713-759-1133.

Hon. James Squier Portrait Unveiling

A portrait of the Hon. James Squier, former judge of the 312th District Court, will be unveiled in a ceremony on Friday, September 19, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. in the 312th District Court, Family Law Center,1115 Congress. All attorneys, members of the judiciary and friends are invited to attend.

Senior Lawyers Forum, October 1

The first Senior Lawyers Forum for 2008-2009 will be held at noon on Wednesday, October 1 at Brennan's Restaurant. The speaker will be Dr. James Bowen, Lifetime Professor Emeritus, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, who will discuss “Stem Cell Research: Scientific and Ethical Considerations.” The cost of the luncheon is $35, including a three-course meal. Space is limited and reservations must be made in advance. Send check, payable to Houston Bar Association, to Rusty Bienvenue, Houston Bar Association, 1001 Fannin, Suite 1300, Houston, TX 77002. For information, contact Rusty Bienvenue at 713-759-1133 or rustyb@hba.org.

59th Harvest Party

The 59th Harvest Party has been set for Monday, November 10, 2008 from 7:00-10:00 p.m. at River Oaks Country Club. The Harvest Party is the main annual fundraising event for the Houston Bar Foundation, and this year's underwriting goal has been set at $500,000. Tickets are $105 per person. Ticket Order Form and Harvest Party Underwriters.