Don't miss the largest gathering of Houston's legal community of the year! The Harvest Celebration brings together over 1,100 legal professionals to network and celebrate the power of pro bono legal services in our community.

There is still time to sponsor. Pledge your support of $1,000 or more by October 31st to be included in the Houston Chronicle's special ad on the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Click here to see sponsorship benefits and to underwrite.

This year's Harvest Celebration will include the favorite moments with friends and colleagues, cocktails and mocktails under the stars, and the beloved Mexican food! We will also have a special 75th anniversary room filled with photos from the last 75 Harvest Celebration events. Will you be able to find yourself, colleagues, and friends in the montage?

Purchase tickets to the Harvest Celebration HERE before prices increase on October 21st.

Every dollar raised from this signature event is amplified into $4 of pro bono legal services though HVL, directly benefitting our neighbors in need.

Thank you to our current underwriters for their generous support. Join them!

Only HBA members can vote in the 2024 Judicial Poll. Don't remain silent – vote now.

The 2024 Judicial Preference Poll will close at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, October 7. HBA members received an invitation to vote from BallotBoxOnline.com (noreply@ballotboxonline.com). If you do not see your invitation in your primary inbox or spam folder, please email HBA Marketing and Communications Director Maggie Martin at maggiem@hba.org.

Please note that the results of the Judicial Preference Poll are not a Houston Bar Association opinion or an endorsement.

We invite you to attend a virtual CLE about the newly established Texas Business Court, hosted by the Texas Metro Bars, on Thursday, October 10. This panel-style discussion will feature judges from the Houston and Austin Business Courts, including Hon. Sofia Adrogué, Hon. Grant Dorfman, Hon. Melissa Davis Andrews, and Hon. Patrick K. Sweeten, moderated by Justice Chari Kelly of the Third Court of Appeals.

Don’t miss this chance to gain valuable insights directly from the judges about how the court operates, while earning 1 hour of CLE!

REGISTER HERE

The HBA's Criminal Law & Procedure Section will be hosting the 2024 Criminal/Appellate Bench Bar Conference on Thursday, October 24 at the Hotel ZaZa – Memorial City. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect, learn, and engage with colleagues, judges, old friends, future partners, and leading experts in criminal and appellate law. Don't miss the conference and post-event happy hour! The conference will offer 7 hours of MCLE credit.

VIEW THE AGENDA

REGISTER HERE

BECOME A SPONSOR

VIEW CURRENT SPONSORS

The HBA Historical Committee continues to preserve the legacy of Houston's legal community through the Living History Project. 

We invite you to watch the latest interview, featuring David Beck, founder of Beck Redden LLP.

Mr. Beck talks about being the first in his family to graduate from college, overcoming challenges in his career as a trial attorney, and leading one of Houston’s top law firms. 

Click here to watch his conversation with HBA Past President Alistair Dawson. 

It’s showtime! Join the HBA LGBTQ+ Committee for a spooktacular Beetlejuice-themed evening at the Norton Rose Fulbright Tower on Wednesday, October 30, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Come as you are or dressed as your favorite hero or villain.

Whether you're the ghost with the most or just ready for some fun, all are welcome! Tickets are $25 per person. Don't miss this hauntingly good time!

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR TICKETS

INTERESTED IN SPONSORING? CLICK HERE

As one of the key initiatives during the 2023-2024 Bar Year, HBA President Diana Gomez and the HBA Gender Fairness Committee partnered with Harris County District Courts—led by Judges Latosha Lewis Payne, Ravi K. Sandill, Michael Gomez, and Cheryl Elliott Thornton—along with the Harris County Commissioners Court, led by Commissioner Lesley Briones, the Administrative Office of the District Courts, and the Office of the County Engineer—to install lactation pods throughout the Harris County Court Complex.

We are excited to join our partners in celebrating the installation of the latest lactation pod at the Harris County Robert W. Hainsworth Law Library, marking the fourth pod installed in Harris County justice buildings. These pods provide a welcoming space for breastfeeding and pumping, supporting mothers in our community.

Click here to learn more about this important initiative.

Thank You!

A heartfelt thank you to our generous sponsors for making the installation of multiple lactation pods possible.

Together, we are creating a more welcoming and inclusive environment for nursing mothers in our courthouses. Click here to see a list of our sponsors.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Office of Commissioner Lesley Briones, Precinct 4 (@hcprecinct4)

This month marks the beginning of our annual HBA Habitat Campaign, and we need your support! We invite individuals to donate any amount, and law firms to participate in a friendly peer-to-peer competition to see who can raise the most funds for the 28th HBA Habitat home build.

Since 1998, the Houston Bar Association has proudly partnered with Houston Habitat for Humanity to provide homes for deserving local families, making us their longest-running sponsor.

Did you know that Houston Habitat for Humanity has built over 1,400 homes in the Houston area, providing safe and affordable housing for countless families? Let’s unite for a great cause and help build a brighter future. Donate today and/or join the competition!

LEARN MORE

On September 12, the HBA Fun Run Committee was honored to present a check for $74,251 to The Center for Pursuit. This donation was made possible thanks to the unwavering support and enthusiasm of our sponsors, donors, and participants! Together, we are making a difference!

Save the Date

Mark your calendars for the 2025 Fun Run, happening on Saturday, February 15 at Sam Houston Park in downtown Houston.

Click here to learn more. 

(Pictured L to R: Camille Boudreaux, Damien Harris, HBA Executive Director Vinh Ho, HBA President David Harrell, Maine Goodfellow, Benjamin Roberts, Charles K. Njuguna, Adam Weaver)

One of the many perks of being an HBA member is access to exclusive benefits and discounts on a wide range of products and services. Enjoy special savings on sports games, entertainment, fitness, and so much more!

VIEW MEMBER BENEFITS AND DISCOUNTS

Join us on social media! Share your HBA activity with your network by tagging us on any of these platforms

 Here are some of our members' latest posts! 

The 30+ HBA Committees are the driving force behind many of our programs. While most committee appointments are made at the start of the bar year, many committees remain open for new members all year long. Ready to get involved? Visit www.hba.org/committees to explore opportunities and join a committee today!

Stay engaged and informed with your legal community! Visit the HBA's online events calendar for upcoming CLEs, section and committee programming, and more. We look forward to seeing you soon! 

HBA ONLINE EVENTS CALENDAR

VISIT THE HBA ON-DEMAND CLE LIBRARY HERE

Questions? Contact HBA Education Coordinator Alli Hessel at allih@hba.org. 

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.

 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.

Beck Redden LLP is pleased to announce that partner David M. Gunn has 
been appointed by Governor Abbott to serve on the First Court of Appeals in Houston.

Brittany King has joined Kane Russell Coleman Logan in Houston as an associate on the firm’s Labor & Employment team.

The Woodall Law Firm PLLC recently welcomed James (Jim) Rensimer as a partner and promoted Alina Long to senior associate attorney.

King & Spalding LLP announced that Drew Baldinger has joined the firm as a partner in its Corporate practice group and Energy industry team. Additionally, Amy Pepke and Tara Blake have joined the firm’s Product Liability and Mass Torts practice group in its Houston office.

Georgia Berthelot has joined the Houston office of Baker Donelson as an associate in the Litigation practice.

Sorrels Law has welcomed Maurice Sayeh to its Personal Injury and Commercial Litigation teams.

Gibbs & Bruns LLP is pleased to announce the promotion of Justin D. Patrick
to the partnership.

Congratulations to all HBA members who were named in The Best Lawyers in America® 2025!

Congratulations to all HBA members who were named in the 2024 Texas Lawyers!

Congratulations to all HBA member law firms that have been named a 2024 “Texas Powerhouse” by Law360.

The HBA and HYLA LGBTQ+ Committees are excited to team up with the Stonewall Law Association of Greater Houston and our local law schools for an LGBTQ+ Mixer today, October 1 at 6 p.m.

Join us at Plume for a chance to mingle and connect over delicious cocktails and mocktails. This event is a fantastic opportunity to network and make new friends. Don’t miss out on the fun—see you there!

REGISTER HERE

There's still time to take part in the 31st Annual Book Drive! The HBA Lawyers for Literacy Committee invites law firms to collect and donate books for infants, children, and teens through Friday, October 4.

SIGN UP TO PARTICIPATE

MAKE A MONETARY DONATION

Spend your weekend making a meaningful impact by joining the HBA Campaign to End Homelessness and Hunger Committee on Sunday, October 6, at the Houston Food Bank's Portwall location from 1:00-4:00 p.m.

This is a great opportunity to give back and fight against hunger in our community. Guests ages 6 and up are welcome, so feel free to bring family and friends along to make a difference together!

FILL OUT THE VOLUNTEER FORM

The HBA AIDS Outreach Committee invites you to “adopt” a local, low-income, HIV/AIDS-impacted family for the 2024 holiday season.  

Adoption entails purchasing, wrapping, and delivering gifts from a wish list (provided to adopters in late October) for delivery in mid-December. Families are referred by local social service agencies the HBA works with and has children or a senior adult in the home with a member of the family affected by HIV/AIDS.

Please consider sponsoring a family by Friday, October 11.

Contact Bonnie Simmons at bonnies@hba.org or (346) 471-3418 for more information. 

SIGN UP TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Start your morning with a great read and lively discussion with the HBA Gender Fairness Committee at their Breakfast Book Club on Tuesday, October 15 as they explore Law Moms: Juggling Motherhood, Ambition, and Personal Fulfillment.

This book is not just for law moms—it’s for anyone balancing the demands of life and a career! Whether you're navigating parenthood or seeking work-life harmony, you'll find relatable stories and inspiration in these pages. Get your copy at a local bookstore or online, and join us for a thoughtful discussion over breakfast.

RSVP HERE

Looking for a meaningful way to give back? Volunteer with the HBA Special Olympics Committee and Special Olympics Texas at the Regional Bocce event on Saturday, October 19 at The Kinkaid School. Various shifts are available, and volunteers of all ages are welcome to join with a guardian. Bring your family to cheer on these remarkable athletes and help make this day unforgettable! 

Can't make it? There's another family-friendly volunteer opportunity at the Special Olympics Texas Regional Softball event on Saturday, October 26—details coming soon! Click here to stay updated on that event. 

BECOME A VOLUNTEER

Help make Houston beautiful with the HBA L4BH Committee at their upcoming volunteer event! Save the date for Saturday, November 16. More details to come. Click here to stay updated.

Be a part of the HBA's Teach Texas project and inspire 7th grade students with judicial civics and court history in April/May 2025. Dive into Texas court stories, lead hands-on activities, and make a lasting impact!

Volunteers will have the opportunity to choose the days and time slots that work best for their schedules.

ATTORNEY VOLUNTEER SIGN UP FORM

Volunteers are needed for HBA's LegalLine Powered by HVL to provide legal advice to low-income individuals for the remainder of this year! Whether you choose to sign up individually or as part of a group, your help is invaluable.

SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER

For questions, please email probono@hvlp.org.

On September 12, the HBA Senior Lawyers Committee kicked off the year with its first forum at Brennan's of Houston. Ted Meyer, from Blank Rome LLP, delivered an engaging CLE, offering a management-side labor and employment lawyer’s take on baseball dynasties and insightful ways to apply legal skills beyond your law practice.

A big thank you to the Senior Lawyers Committee for organizing this event!

HBA members visited 1st-3rd grade students across elementary schools in Harris County in honor of Constitution Day on Tuesday, September 17. Our attorneys read, discussed, and donated the book 'If I Were President' by Catherine Stier.

We are delighted that the 2024 HBA Constitution Day Reading Program was able to reach approximately 7,000 students in 15 districts and private schools!

Click here to view more photos and a list of our amazing volunteers!

On September 29, the HBA and HYLA joined forces at their recent Cookbook Club meeting, celebrating wellness and Hispanic Heritage Month. They were honored to host Hon. Amparo Guerra as their special guest, adding a meaningful touch to the gathering. Together, they shared delicious recipes, rich cultures, and a commitment to community well-being.

On Wednesday, October 2, the Harris County Robert W. Hainsworth Law Library will host a conversation about the probate process. Led by Brandon Cofield, pro se litigant and Harris County public probate administrator, the session will cover the basics of probate from his unique perspective.

The event will take place in the Legal Tech Institute area of the Law Library from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the probate process, especially for those navigating it on their own.

LEARN MORE

Please note that CLE credit will not be offered for this event.

Join the Harris County Robert W. Hainsworth Law Library on Thursday, October 3 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., as they host a session demonstrating legal drafting techniques. Key topics will include formatting, the use of styles, headers and footers, page numbering, and meeting e-filing requirements. Additionally, attendees will learn legal database research techniques for finding forms from frequently used databases, with a primary focus on Westlaw. Westlaw is accessible at the law library and remotely with limited access. A portion of the session will be dedicated to the practical application of these skills, with an emphasis on basic editing techniques.

The session will be led by Rodney Hall, Associate Law Librarian.

REGISTER HERE

Houston Lawyer Referral Service

Grow your practice with the Houston Lawyer Referral Service.

Since 1958, HLRS has provided the public with insured, pre-screened, qualified attorneys. If you’re an attorney looking to expand your clientele, consider joining HLRS. Members earn an average of $20K annually from HLRS referrals alone! Don’t miss out on this valuable resource—visit www.hlrs.org/for-attorneys to learn more!

Dispute Resolution Center  

Interested in volunteering with the Dispute Resolution Center?

The Dispute Resolution Center uses only qualified mediators who have completed training in accordance with Texas Civil Practices & Remedies Code, Sec. 154.052 and that meets or exceeds the guidelines set forth by the Texas Mediation Trainers Roundtable.

In addition, mediators must also complete the required family mediation training as dictated by Texas Civil Practices & Remedies Code, Sec. 154.052 and possess a J.D. from an accredited U.S. Law School in order to mediate divorce cases for the Dispute Resolution Center.

Mediators used specifically for Active Civil Cases (not divorce or credit card debt cases) must possess a J.D., have been licenses to practice in Texas for a minimum of 5 years, and be in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.

For additional information, please visit www.drchouston.org and click on the Mediation tab.  To get started, you will need to provide a copy of your most recent resume or bio and a copy of your mediation certificate(s).  Please feel free to contact the DRC directly at (713) 274-7100 or email@drchouston.org should you have any questions.

Houston Volunteer Lawyers

Each September, the HBA honors two significant milestones in American history: Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. This celebration commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787, and the beginning of what was once known as “I Am an American Day,” established in 1940. In 1952, Citizenship Day was officially recognized by President Harry Truman. On this day, Americans are encouraged to reflect on the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and the meaning of being a U.S. citizen.

To commemorate these historic milestones, HVL launched its Naturalization/Citizenship Program. Through this initiative, dedicated pro bono attorneys assist lawful permanent residents (green-card holders) in completing their documentation for naturalization—the final step toward U.S. citizenship. Since its launch, 12 individuals have successfully been granted U.S. citizenship, 55 individuals have applications pending with USCIS, and an additional 39 individuals have applications awaiting submission to USCIS.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the pro bono attorneys and interpreters who have generously donated their time and expertise in 2024. Their efforts are transforming lives!

For those who are green-card holders interested in becoming U.S. citizens, assistance is available through HVL Citizenship Intake.

Additionally, anyone looking to volunteer as a pro bono attorney or interpreter can reach out by emailing probono@hvlp.org or signing up at HVL Volunteer Sign-Up.

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 100 Club

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 percent of their attorneys as members of the HBA.