November 2023: Houston Bar Bulletin - Houston Bar Bulletin

The 2023 HBA Judicial Evaluation Questionnaire opened on Monday, October 30. HBA members should have received an email from BallotBoxOnline.com (noreply@ballotboxonline.com) with an invitation to complete the questionnaire. Please set your spam filter to allow that email address. You can only access the poll through this particular email.  

This poll is a service of the HBA conducted during non-election years and asks HBA members to evaluate all elected and appointed judges who have actively served on their current court for a minimum of six months as of the date of the evaluation on a number of professional and ethical questions. The goal of this Evaluation Poll is to obtain the Bar’s evaluation of judicial performance based on the personal experiences of individual lawyers. If you do not have firsthand knowledge of a judge, please mark the category as "NO OPINION."  

Please note that the Magistrate Judges for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas are currently erroneously referred to in the poll as “U.S. Magistrate Courts."

Reminder, only active HBA members are eligible to participate. Please base your responses solely on personal firsthand knowledge, not on hearsay or reputation. The poll closes on Friday, November 17. 

For questionnaire inquiries, or if you did not receive your ballot, contact HBA Marketing and Communications Director Maggie Martin at maggiem@hba.org. 

*The results of the Judicial Evaluation Questionnaire are not an official opinion or endorsement by the Houston Bar Association. 

2024 Harris County Bench Bar Pro Bono Awards 

We are now accepting nominations for the 2024 Harris County Bench Bar Pro Bono Awards. Attorneys and firms become eligible through a self-nominating process or someone may nominate a firm or individual. Nominations must be submitted to the Houston Bar Association by 5:00 p.m., Friday, January 19, 2024. 

Click Here to Submit Your Nomination 

2024 HBA Diversity Awards  

We are now accepting nominations for the 2024 Diversity Awards. Click on the forms below for more information on required submission materials. Nominations for the 2024 Diversity Awards are due May 16, 2024. 

Individual Attorney Nomination Form 

Organization Nomination Form 

For questions or additional information, please contact Ashley Gagnon Steininger at ashleyg@hba.org or 346-471-3431. 

Read the latest issue of The Houston Lawyer online here for articles about the latest developments in employment law. Plus, in light of National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15), HBA President Diana Gomez writes about Hispanic identity in Houston and the law. This issue’s “Lawyers Giving Back” profile also highlights El Centro de Corazón, a local nonprofit healthcare organization that serves residents in Houston’s East End neighborhood.  

Don’t forget to download the companion episode of Behind the Lines: The Houston Lawyer Podcast here. 

In order to better serve you, we need to hear from you. Please take this short survey and tell us why you are a member and what you would like to see better or different at the HBA.

TAKE SURVEY

The HBA Military & Veterans Committee is thrilled to bring back the Fire Team Relay on Saturday, December 2. Proceeds will be allocated to benefit Combined Arms and the HBA/HBF/HVL Veterans Legal Initiative. Click here to learn how you can support the 2nd Annual Fire Team Relay. Registration opening soon!

Questions? Contact Bonnie Simmons at bonnies@hba.org or (346) 471-3418.

Mark your calendars for the 39th Annual HBA Eikenburg 8K Fun Run benefiting The Center for Pursuit! Events include a non-competitive 1-mile family walk, 1K kid run, and party in the park. Join us for the morning at Sam Houston Park downtown on Saturday, February 17, 2024. Watch for updates at www.hba.org/FunRun.  

Questions? Contact Bonnie Simmons at bonnies@hba.org or (346) 471-3418.  

If you joined us last year and had a blast, encourage your friends, family, and colleagues to participate! See photos from last year’s Fun Run here. 

Join the HBA Professionalism Committee TODAY for a FREE program at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP at 12:00 p.m. Register for "Managing Clients and Parties with Trauma" with speakers Mollie Gordon MA, MD, Hon. Angela Graves-Harrington, Hon. Latosha Lewis-Payne, Annie McAdams, and Randy Sorrells. Don't miss your chance to earn 1 hour MCLE and 1 hour ethics credit!

Secure your spot

Spend your morning with us for breakfast and a featured program on networking! On Monday, November 6, from 7:30 to 10:00 a.m., speakers will share stories and insights on effectively networking with attorneys and HBA staff, creating business opportunities to enhance your practice, and creating mentoring opportunities.

Speakers: Benny Agosto, Jr. (Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner, P.C.), HBA President Diana Gomez (Chamberlain Hrdlicka), Hon. Eva M. Guzman (Wright Close & Barger, LLP), Denise Scofield (Winston & Strawn LLP), and Travis Torrence (Shell USA, Inc.)

Space is limited! Accredited for 1 hour MCLE, no ethics.

Register here

The first Senior Lawyers Forum of the 2023-2024 bar year will be held on Wednesday, November 15. Speaker Cameron Powell (Gregor Wynne Arney) will talk about artificial intelligence. Click here to learn more and register.  

These CLE programs are FREE for HBA members to attend. Non-members may also attend most programs for $26 per person (unless otherwise noted). Register by noon the day of the program (unless otherwise noted) via the HBA website calendar.  

HBA members can also instantly access our free online video library - accessible to HBA members only - by clicking the image below!

Watch for news of our new and improved free online video library coming soon.

If you have a question about courses available, or a specific course number, please contact Alli Hessel at allih@hba.org or (346) 471-3293. 

You may have seen a couple of recent posts on our social media channels and website showcasing the diverse and impactful journeys of our members. This is part of a new project inviting HBA members to share their unique perspectives about their HBA membership experience.  

Thank you to HBA CLE Committee Co-Chair Lindsay Contreras of Drumheller, Hollingsworth & Monthy, LLP and HBA International Law Section Chair Daniel Avila of Reed Smith LLP for taking part!  

Learn more about Lindsay and Daniel’s HBA member journey here. And follow us on social media to catch the newest membership testimonials as soon as they post.  

If you’d like to begin your own journey at the HBA, click here to become an HBA member today!  

 If you have good news you would like to share in the HBA Bulletin, please email HBA Marketing and Communications Director Maggie Martin at maggiem@hba.org.

Travis Torrence was recently reappointed for another three-year term on the Texas Access to Justice Foundation board.  

Catherine Greene Burnett of South Texas College of Law Houston (Vice President, Associate Dean for Experiential Learning, Professor of Law, and Director of the Pro Bono Honors Program) will receive the Association of American Law Schools’ 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her career, impact on clinical education and the legal community, and as a leader in public service.  

Christine Kirchner, shareholder and Insurance Law practice chair at Chamberlain Hrdlicka, was named earlier this year as the firm’s general counsel. 

Christopher Tramante joined Cozen O’Connor’s Houston office.  

Spencer Fane LLP is pleased to announce that Jeffrey Phillips has joined the Intellectual Property practice group as a partner, while Jayme Partridge and Brian Strand have joined the Patent Litigation practice as partners in the firm’s Houston office.

Francis Leaf and Devin Reyes have joined the Houston office of Kane Russell Coleman Logan as associates on the firm's Litigation Team.

Demetri Economou has received the Russell Schetroma Memorial Speaker's Award from the National Association of Division Order Analysts. Demetri is a director in the Houston office of Kane Russell Coleman Logan and co-chair of the Energy, Oil & Gas team. 

Oliva Gibbs is delighted to announce the addition of Professor Christopher Kulander as Of Counsel at their firm.

The University of Houston Law Center commemorated the achievements of its Hispanic and African American law graduates and faculty with the unveiling of three new displays at the at the John M. O’Quinn Law Building. Click here to learn more. 

Join the HBA and HYLA Run Club for an evening of exercise and connection at the second 'HBA Night: Run With a Judge'. We will meet at the Memorial Park Swimming Pool parking lot on November 8, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Run or walk with fellow HBA members and HYLA, and members of the judiciary!

Sign up now

The HBA Gender Fairness Committee welcomes you to join them for a book club discussion on Thursday, December 7 at Day 6 Coffee Co. (910 Prairie St. Ste. 100). The book for discussion is The Majority by Elizabeth L. Silver. RSVP to Katherine Kunz by emailing kkunz@hicks-thomas.com. 

Ready to spread joy and support amazing athletes? Volunteer with the HBA Special Olympics Committee at the East Region Volleyball Competition on Saturday, November 4 at Absolute Volleyball Academy, starting at 7:30 a.m. Various shifts are available, so you can sign up to help at a time that works best for you! Click here to learn more.

The HBA Lawyers for a Beautiful Houston Committee is looking for volunteers to help clean up the Northeast Houston neighborhood of Greensbrook in partnership with Houston Habitat for Humanity and Greensbrook Homeowners Association on Saturday, November 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 12030 Kingslake Forest Drive. Refreshments and lunch provided. This is a family-friendly event. All are welcome with adult supervision. 

Click here to learn more and sign up.

For more information contact Bonnie Simmons at bonnies@hba.org or 346-471-3418. 

The HBA Campaign to End Homelessness & Hunger Committee welcomes volunteers (adults only) to sign up for a service event at the Houston Food Bank on Monday, November 27. Volunteers answer calls from families in need of food for the holidays and schedule pickups. Refreshments are provided. 

Sign up here

For more information contact Bonnie Simmons at bonnies@hba.org or 346-471-3418. 

Have time to spare? Come and support our athletes as they strike down the bowling lanes on Saturday, December 2 at Copperfield Bowl for the Special Olympics Texas Bowling Competition.  Shifts start at 6:00 a.m. and continue throughout the day. All ages are welcome! Click here to learn more.

Volunteer with the HBA Project TRAIN Committee at the 2024 Special Day at the Courthouse, a program that educates high school students with intellectual disabilities about the legal system. As a volunteer, you'll welcome attendees, share resources, and guide groups. Let's make a difference together! Learn more and sign up to help here.

Help the HBA HAY Center Committee provide a holiday party for local current and former foster youth. Funds cover food, Santa, decorations, gifts, stockings, home goods, and pantry food.  

Click here to donate funds or purchase items from a wish list. Thank you to the Lawyers for a Beautiful Houston Committee and the Senior Lawyers Committee for supporting this event.

Thank you to these HBA volunteers for participating in these October activities!

HBA Annual Book Drive Donations and Sorting 

Thank you to these law firms, organizations, and individuals who donated and sorted books for the HBA’s Annual Book Drive with the HBA Lawyers for Literacy Committee!

Houston Food Bank Volunteers  

Volunteers with the HBA Campaign to End Homelessness and Hunger Committee packed over 500 boxes of food for senior citizens in need, providing over 13,000 meals. Thank you to these individuals who volunteered at the Houston Food Bank on October 28!

Members from the HBA and Houston Young Lawyers Association (HYLA) picked up some boxing gloves for a joint workout at Title Boxing. Thank you to everyone who joined us for an evening of wellness! 

On October 6, the HBA Special Olympics Committee and other members of the bar supported Special Olympics of Texas for a morning of stories and celebration from Special Olympics athletes and volunteers. The free event at the Royal Sonesta Galleria was attended by approximately 800 people and raised over $84,000 for Special Olympics of Texas. Click here to learn more about supporting the organization.  

Thank you to all who joined us for the HBA LGBTQ+ Committee’s 3rd Annual Halloween Party and to all of our sponsors!

You are invited to join the University of Houston on Thursday, November 2, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. at the John M. O’Quinn Law Building for a Fireside Chat with U.S. Attorney Alamdar Hamdani '99, featuring alumni moderator Judge Ravi K. Sandill and student moderator Mia K. Diocee. This event is accredited for 0.75 MCLE credits. Don't miss out on this valuable legal insight!

Click here to RSVP

Ready to level up your legal expertise while helping veterans? Join South Texas College of Law Houston for 'The Basics of Representing Veterans 2023' on Friday, November 10th, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Get 3 FREE CLE credits & 0.5 ethics credit! Learn more and register here.

South Texas College of Law Houston will be hosting the 2023 ABA Arbitration Competition this year. The rounds will take place at the law school on Friday and Saturday, November 10 and 11. For the competition to be successful, 65 judges are needed. If you would like to volunteer approximately three hours, please click here. Judges are eligible to receive CLE credit.

Calling all legal professionals! Join the Harris County Robert W. Hainsworth Law Library on November 16 at 2:30 p.m. for a hybrid presentation titled 'Legal Tech Institute: Drafting and Editing for Attorneys,' featuring speaker Rodney Hall. Earn 1 MCLE credit and unlock the secrets of Microsoft Word document mastery, including complex tasks like creating Tables of Contents and e-filing formatting.

Register now

The Harris County Office of Managed Assigned Cases (MAC) Mentorship Program provides an avenue for newer attorneys to learn the practice of indigent criminal defense with a controlled caseload under the guidance of a more experienced attorney. Click here to learn more. Applications will close on November 30, 2023. 

Save the date for the Houston Bar Association Auxiliary (HBAA) 9th Annual Chili and Pie Cook-off on Saturday, January 27. Teams compete for the best chili or pie in the Houston legal community. This event is family friendly and benefits the HBAA Charitable Fund which provides scholarships to students from the three local law schools. Click here to learn more!

Houston Lawyer Referral Service

The Houston Lawyer Referral Service is looking to continue to educate the general public through short legal information videos. Click here to view the videos available. If you are interested in starring in a video or just want more information, contact Kramsey@hlrs.org for more information.

Dispute Resolution Center 

Still Seeking Volunteers!
 
Interested in volunteering with the DRC? Send a copy of your mediation certificate and resume (or bio) for their files to email@drchouston.org (please type “Volunteer” in the subject line) or mail them to: Dispute Resolution Center, 49 San Jacinto, Suite 220 Houston, Texas 77002.
 
To mediate in their Community-Based Program, all volunteers must have successfully completed a 40-hour DRC or DRC-approved mediation training. Volunteers in this program come from all work and educational backgrounds.
 
To mediate in their Litigation Program, all volunteers must have successfully completed a 40-hour DRC or DRC-approved mediation training.  In this program, they use only attorneys licensed to practice law in the State of Texas for a minimum of five years.  
 
To mediate in their Family Program, all volunteers must have successfully completed a 40-hour DRC or DRC-approved mediation training and a 24-hour DRC or DRC-approved family mediation training. This program uses only mediators who possess a J.D.
 
Once the DRC receives your information, they will contact you about volunteer opportunities. While many of the mediations are conducted virtually, there are opportunities to mediate in-person at most JP courts throughout Harris County and limited opportunities at the DRC office.

Houston Volunteer Lawyers

In honor of recent Pro Bono month and in recognition of the accomplishments of 2022-2023, Houston Volunteer Lawyers is excited to share the 2023 Year in Review. Click here to explore the achievements, stats, and heartfelt messages from HVL leaders, members, and clients. Here's to another successful year and it is always the right time to take a pro bono case!

Thank you to these firms and companies who have agreed to assume a leadership role in providing equal access to justice for all Harris County citizens. Each has made a commitment to provide representation in a certain number of cases through the Houston Volunteer Lawyers.

The Houston Bar Association 100 Club is a special category of membership that indicates a commitment to the advancement of the legal profession and the betterment of the community. The following law firms, government agencies, law schools and corporate legal departments with five or more attorneys have become members of the 100 Club by enrolling 100% of their attorneys as members of the HBA (as of August 1, 2023).

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