For over 25 years, the Houston legal community has supported the HBA’s Advancing Belonging and Cultures Committee's goal of creating new employment and mentoring opportunities for first-year law students from Houston’s three law schools who demonstrate a commitment to advancing belonging and cultures in the legal profession.
This initiative is an important part of the HBA’s mission to serve the needs of the legal community through a vibrant and inclusive local bar. To reach these objectives, the HBA believes it is essential to foster the development of law students before they embark on their legal careers. We are pleased that many Houston area law firms, corporations, government agencies, non-profits, and state and federal judges support this important mission. Toward that goal, Houston-based legal employers, Houston law schools, and the HBA Advancing Belonging and Cultures Committee are partnering to provide opportunities through the HBA 1L Summer Clerkship and Mentoring Program.
The program is open to all first-year students attending a Houston law school regardless of race/ethnicity, color, religion, citizenship, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, military service, disability, or other characteristic or condition, protected by applicable law.
2025-2026 Co-Chairs:
Bridget Holloway, Harris County District Attorney's Office
Teresa Hudson, Munck Wilson Mandala
Kelecia Njaka, Anchor QEA
For more information on this committee, contact Associate Director of Community Engagement and Initiatives Georgina Peña at georginap@hba.org or (346) 471-3310.
2026 ABC Summer Associate Summer Luncheon
TAKE A LOOK AT THE EVENT PROGRAM
VIEW & DOWNLOAD EVENT PHOTOS
On June 16, future attorneys, accomplished leaders, ambitious goals, and a shared spirit of encouragement filled the room at The Houston Club.
Thank you to everyone who joined us as we celebrated this year’s 1L Summer Clerkship Program students and employers, Law Student Scholarship recipients, Diversity Award recipients, Law Day Contest winners, and the many individuals helping create a stronger, more inclusive legal profession.
A special thank you to our speakers, sponsors, and the committee for making this event possible.
To our summer associates and law students: we can’t wait to see what amazing things are in store for you!
2026 Luncheon Sponsors
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2026 HBA ABC 1L Summer Clerkship Program Bootcamp
The committee hosted its annual Boot Camp on April 18. The half day event showcased a range of engaging presentations, covering topics from professional experience and etiquette to litigation and perspectives on the judiciary.
A big thank you to our amazing Boot Camp Co-Chairs, Aburiyeba Ibiye Amaso and Carolina Plaza, For putting on this great event.
If you have accepted a summer position through the HBA ABC Program, please complete this form to report your placement, including your employer, and confirm notification to your law school career office.
Offer Acceptance Notification Form
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About the Program
The HBA ABC Program connects law students with legal employers for summer clerkship opportunities while offering professional development and networking throughout the process.
The program included two application cycles this year. The first cycle was a resume drop for legal employers with earlier recruiting deadlines, including law firms and federal judges. The second cycle was a more formal application process for participating employers and took place in December. Students had the option to apply to one or both cycles.*
*Must be an HBA member to participate. Law students, LL.M. candidates and newly licensed attorneys receive FREE HBA Membership and one free HBA Section membership during the bar year. Click here to learn more.
Ready to Take Your Legal Journey to the Next Level and Participate in the 1L Summer Clerkship Program? Become an HBA Member Today!
2025 Summer Associate Luncheon
We were thrilled to welcome over 200 HBA members to the Marriott Marquis on June 13 to celebrate diversity and honor the outstanding achievements of this year’s HBA Diversity Award winners, Law Day contest winners, scholarship recipients, 1L summer associates, and their employers.
Our heartfelt thanks go out to everyone who attended and contributed to this memorable afternoon. We especially appreciate the generous support of our sponsors, the dedication of our luncheon co-chairs, and the inspiring words from our speakers. Your involvement made this event truly exceptional.
VIEW THE 2025 SUMMER ASSOCIATE LUNCHEON DIGITAL PROGRAM
Thank You to Our 2025 Summer Luncheon Sponsors!
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Benny & Nikki Agosto
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Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Hon. Lauren Reeder
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" The HBA 1L Summer Clerkship Program provides a special opportunity to work alongside judges and assist in the development of the law. In addition, I have gained access to several legal professionals in different areas of the law that will serve as lifelong mentors. As a first in my family to pursue law, being a member of this program provides me with the tools necessary to become the best attorney I can be." – Asha A. Hayes, HBA 2023 1L clerk from South Texas College of Law Houston |
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“I have met so many wonderful professionals and gained such valuable insight (at the HBA Boot Camp) that I will definitely be on the lookout for any future events. I think what I most enjoyed was seeing so many successful, eager and passionate minority professionals all in one room. The energy from everyone who presented, that were on the panel and even from those in attendance, was so contagious that I feel as though the mini-burnout I feel from the near end of 1L year is gone. Bravo to everyone involved!” – Vanessa Valdez, HBA 2023 1L clerk from Thurgood Marshall School of Law |
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“I am interning for Justice Rivas-Malloy and it has truly been a beautiful experience so far. Even with the challenges of a virtual program, I have felt included and welcome every step of the way. I cannot recommend interning for her chambers enough to any future applicants.” – Silvia C. Chicas, HBA 2021 1L clerk from University of Houston Law Center |
“ This has been one of HBA’s most successful programs to date. We wanted to make sure that the students placed in these positions have all of the tools necessary to continue that success and, more importantly, excel in their summer clerkships.”
