THANK YOU to everyone who joined us for the 75th Annual Harvest Celebration on November 11! Over 1,000 members and guests gathered to make the 75th Anniversary a night to remember. It was a joy to commemorate this special milestone with each of you and journey through time in the Centennial Room, which was filled with memories from past Harvest Celebrations. We hope you had an unforgettable evening filled with inspiring conversations, networking opportunities, and memorable moments. 

Our deepest appreciation goes out to all our generous sponsors! Your support fuels vital pro bono services and expands access to justice through Houston Volunteer Lawyers. Together, we are making a real impact.

75th Annual Harvest Celebration Photos

Historic Harvest Photos

We hope to see you for the 76th Annual Harvest Celebration in November 2025!

Questions about the Harvest Celebration? Contact Ashley Gagnon Steininger at ashleyg@hba.org.  

Join the HBA for our 2024 Ethics Program webinar on Friday, December 13, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. This engaging program features a series of insightful panels, including Judicial Perspective on Judicial Misconduct with speakers Hon. Jerry Zimmerer, Hon. Jim Kovach, and Hon. Donna Roth; Corporate Ethics Officer and GC Perspective with speaker Shane Kimzey; Mediation Ethics with speaker Charles Peckham; AI in the Legal Industry: Opportunities and Risks with speakers Rudy Telscher and Blake Rooney; and Top Reasons Lawyers Are Disciplined with speaker Dick Schwartz.

This program is accredited for 3 hours of MCLE and 3 hours of Ethics, and is FREE to HBA members. Don’t miss this valuable opportunity to enhance your knowledge and earn all of your ethics hours for the year!

Register Now

Do you know a Houston-based individual, law firm, or organization who has demonstrated exceptional commitment and achieved significant progress on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession? 

Submit your nominations for the 2025 HBA Diversity Awards by clicking the links below.

Individual Attorney Nomination Form

Organization Nomination Form

View Past Recipients

Nominations are due Thursday, March 20, 2025. Recipients will be recognized at the HBA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee's 2025 DEI Summer Associate Luncheon in June.  

For questions or additional information, please contact HBA Marketing and Communications Director Maggie Martin at maggiem@hba.org or at 346-471-3428.

Justice Cook Professionalism Award

The Justice Eugene A. Cook Professionalism Award is presented by the Houston Bar Association to a lawyer or judge who exemplifies the highest level of professionalism and legal ethics. A nominee must have demonstrated, by conduct and character, a longstanding commitment to professionalism and a record of exemplary service in the areas of professionalism, legal ethics, and legal excellence. The nominee must be a role model for younger or less experienced lawyers who make the bar proud of the legal profession. Lawyer nominees may be from a transactional or litigation practice, and nominees must be a member of the HBA.

View Past Recipients

Please send the nominee's resume and three to five letters of support by 5:00 p.m., Friday, March 28, 2025 to HBA Marketing and Communications Director Maggie Martin at maggiem@hba.org.

Justice Ruby Kless Sondock Award

The Justice Ruby Kless Sondock Award is presented by the Houston Bar Association to a woman lawyer or judge for exceptional achievement and leadership in the law. This award recognizes a record of outstanding accomplishments by a woman attorney. The award was established in 2019 and is named in honor of Justice Sondock, the first recipient, who was a trailblazer in the legal profession as the first woman to serve on the Supreme Court of Texas and the first woman District Court Judge in Harris County. A nominee must have demonstrated, by conduct and character, a record of exceptional service as a role model, mentor, and advocate in the legal profession, and a lifelong commitment to professionalism. Nominees may be from a transactional or litigation practice, and nominees must be a member of the HBA.

View Past Recipients

Please send the nominee's resume and three to five letters of support by 5:00 p.m., Friday, March 28, 2025 to HBA Marketing and Communications Director Maggie Martin at maggiem@hba.org.

Registration for the 40th Annual HBA Eikenburg 8K Fun Run is now open! Join us at Sam Houston Park in downtown Houston on Saturday, February 15, 2025.

Proceeds from this annual event benefit The Center for Pursuit, a Houston nonprofit organization which serves those with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism. 

Register Here

Become a Sponsor

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

Participate in the HBA Habitat for Humanity Committee's 1st Annual Bar Builds Campaign! This new fundraiser, in partnership with Houston Habitat for Humanity, aims to raise funds for the 27th and 28th homes for Houston families in need of affordable housing—just in time for the holidays.

Since 1998, the Houston Bar Association has proudly built 26 homes for low-income families, helping to create brighter futures and stronger communities. Now, we invite you to join the effort! Create your team or join a team in the competition. Together, we can amplify our impact by raising more funds and creating even greater opportunities for families in our city. It’s not just about building homes—it’s about building hope.

Let’s come together to make a difference, spark some friendly competition, and change lives. For more information, contact Bonnie Simmons at bonnies@hba.org or (346) 471-3418. 

Create a Team or Donate Now

Learn More

As an HBA member, you have exclusive access to the HBA Online Member Directory. Only HBA members can access this directory, and members must be signed into their account in order to access this directory. 

The HBA Online Member Directory provides basic information about HBA members, such as their company or law firm, HBA section membership (if applicable), HBA committee membership (if applicable), law school, and areas of practice. 

Per the policy of the HBA, we do not publicize members' email addresses. However, each member can decide whether to add additional information of their choosing, such as preferred address, preferred phone number, and preferred email address (for correspondence with the HBA ONLY).  

Members can control what information is displayed in the directory through the HBA online account dashboard in the MyHBA Online Directory area.

For additional details about the online directory or HBA membership, please contact Ron Riojas, HBA Director of Membership and Technology Services, at ronr@hba.org.

Access This Exclusive HBA Membership Benefit Now

The HBA office will be closed on Friday, December 13, and the week of December 23. It will also be closed on Monday, December 30, and Tuesday, December 31, with staff working remotely on those days. On Wednesday, January 1, the office will be closed in observance of New Year's Day and will reopen on Thursday, January 2.

Judges Sofía Adrogué and Grant Dorfman were sworn as the inaugural judges of the new Texas Business Court - Eleventh Division on November 19.

HBA President David Harrell gave congratulatory remarks as part of the historic occasion, noting each judge's active service to the community as HBA members for nearly 30 years. The program included speeches from highly esteemed members of the legal community, including Chief Justice Terry Adams of the First Court of Appeals, Chief Justice Tracy Christopher of the Fourteenth Court of Appeals, Texas Supreme Court Justice Evan Young, U.S. District Judge Jeffrey V. Brown, Judge Caroline Baker, and Vinson & Elkins Partner Harry Reasoner.

To learn more about the new Business Court: 

Read the Latest Issue of The Houston Lawyer

View our Online CLE Library

 Visit the HBA's online events calendar below for upcoming CLEs, section and committee programming, and more.

Click on the event you would like to register for below to secure your spot in just a few clicks.   

HBA ONLINE EVENTS CALENDAR

Mark you calendars for these upcoming events! Click on the events for more details.

2025 Houston Bar Foundation Annual Luncheon - Thursday, February 13, 2025

2025 LGBTQ+ Mardi Gras Party - Wednesday, February 26, 2025

2025 Civil/Appellate Bench Bar Conference - Friday, April 11, 2025

2025 Golf Tournament - Monday, May 5, 2025

2025 Houston Bar Association Annual Dinner - Thursday, May 15, 2025

Monday, December 16, 3:00 p.m.: Presiding Judge Fransheneka 'Fran' Watson and Associate Judge Lily Ung Leal cordially invite you to their investiture ceremony, where they will be sworn into Harris County Probate Court No. 5. The ceremony will take place on Monday, December 16 at 2:00 p.m. in the Harris County Civil Courthouse Ceremony Courtroom (201 Caroline St., 17th Floor, Houston, TX 77002). RSVP Here.

Thursday, January 9, 4:00 p.m.: Justice Nicole Perdue cordially invites you to attend her investiture ceremony, where she will be sworn into the 133rd District Court. The ceremony will take place on Thursday, January 9 at 4:00 p.m. in the Harris County Civil Courthouse Ceremonial Courtroom.

Friday, January 10, 4:30 p.m.: Justice Jennifer Caughey cordially invites you to her investiture ceremony, where she will be sworn into the 1st Court of Appeals. The ceremony will take place on Friday, January 10 at 4:30 p.m. in the 1910 Courthouse (301 Fannin St., Houston, TX 77010). A reception will immediately follow, hosted by Jackson Walker LLP. 

Monday, January 13, 3:00 p.m.: Judge Nathan J. Milliron cordially invites you to his investiture ceremony, where he will be sworn into the 215th District Court. The ceremony will take place on Monday, January 13 at 3:00 p.m. in the Harris County Civil Courthouse Ceremonial Courtroom.

Tuesday, January 14, 1:30 p.m: Judge Emily Detoto cordially invites you to her investiture ceremony, where she will be sworn into the 177th Criminal District Court. The ceremony will take place on Tuesday, January 14 at 1:30 p.m. in the Criminal Ceremonial Courtroom (20th floor).

Friday, January 17, 12:00 p.m.: Judge Erica R. Hughes cordially invites you to attend her investiture ceremony, where she will be sworn into the 151st  Civil Court. The ceremony will take place on Friday, January 17 at 12:00 p.m. in the Harris County Civil Courthouse Ceremonial Courtroom. 

Tuesday, January 21, 3:00 p.m.: Judge Bruce Bain cordially invites you to his investiture ceremony, where he will be sworn into the 165th District Court. The ceremony will take place on Tuesday, January 21 at 3:00 p.m. in the Harris County Civil Courthouse Ceremonial Courtroom. 

Thursday, January 23, 4:00 p.m.: Justice Tonya McLaughlin cordially invites you to attend her investiture ceremony, where she will be sworn into the 14th Court of Appeals, Place 4. The ceremony will take place on Thursday, January 23 at 4:00 p.m. in the 1910 Courthouse (301 Fannin St., Houston, TX, 77010).

Friday, February 7, 4:30 p.m: Justice Andrew Johnson cordially invites you to attend his investiture ceremony, where he will be sworn into the 1st Court of Appeals. The ceremony will take place on Friday, February 7 at 4:30 p.m. in the 1910 Courthouse (301 Fannin St., Houston, TX, 77010).

The portrait unveiling for the Honorable Hannah Chow of Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 5 will be held at the Ceremonial Courtroom at the Harris County Civil Courthouse (17th floor, 201 Caroline St., 77002) on Thursday, December 12 at 2:00 p.m. A reception will immediately follow. 

VISIT THE HBA ON-DEMAND CLE LIBRARY HERE

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

 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.

HBA Past President Roland Garcia was selected by the World Affairs Council of Greater Houston as a 2024 Global Leader of Influence honoree. The award honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions and shown exceptional leadership in Houston’s international community. Garcia is a shareholder in the Houston office of Greenberg Traurig, LLP.

Congratulations to HBA Past President (2015-2016) and Dentons US LLP Office Managing Partner Laura Gibson for receiving the State Bar of Texas  2024 Texas Minority Counsel Program's Lifetime Achievement Award!

Congratulations to Beck Redden LLP Associate and HYLA President-Elect Lena Silva, recipient of the TMCP Rising Star Award!

Vinson & Elkins is excited to announce its 2025 Class of New Partners and Counsel, featuring Houston-based new partners Matt Hoffman, Caroline Kuehn, and Zachary Rider, as well as new counsel Todd Hartis, Alex Lewis, and Michael Zarcaro.

McGuireWoods elected Miles O. Indest as a new partner to its Houston office. 

Sorrels Law promoted attorneys Sam Palermo and Phil Morgan to partner in its Houston office.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP has promoted Houston-based lawyer Stephanie N. Morrison to partner.

O’Melveny welcomed David Aaronson to its energy transaction team in Houston and Jibin T. Luke as a partner in the Energy Industry Group.

Meaghan Connors and Gary W. Johnson with Mayer Brown were promoted to partner.

David Young has joined Reynolds Frizzell LLP as an associate.

Spencer Fane welcomed Anton Stewart as an associate to the firm's Houston office.

Alexandra Perez has joined Baker Donelson as an associate in the firm's Houston office and a member of the Litigation team.

Ready to spread joy and support amazing athletes? Volunteer with the HBA Special Olympics Committee at the East Regional Flag Football Competition on Saturday, December 7 at GCCISD Barbers Hill Field House, starting at 8:00 a.m. Various shifts are available, so you can sign up to help at a time that works best for you!

Become a Volunteer

Have time to spare? Volunteer with the HBA Special Olympics Committee at the East Region Area 4 Greater Houston Bowling Competition on Saturday, December 14 at AMF Diamond Lanes - North Houston. The action kicks off at 7:00 a.m., and with various shifts available, it'll be right up your alley.

Sign Up Here

HBA President David Harrell joined HBA President-Elect Daniella Landers and HBA Executive Director Vinh Ho at the Senior Lawyers Forum on Nov. 14 to spotlight ways the HBA supports our members' practices and professional development. 

In preparation for the DEI 1L Summer Clerkship Program, participating employers and law students gathered at the DEI Interview Readiness Panel, hosted by Baker Botts, on November 14. Students gained valuable advice and practical tips from an expert panel to help them prepare for their clerkship interviews, followed by a meet-and-greet with employers. Together, we’re building a foundation for the next generation of legal professionals!

Veteran Holiday Gift Bags

Thank you to all of donor for providing gift bags for veterans living in local shelters!

HAY Center Holiday Party

Thank you to all of the volunteers and donors who contributed to the HAY Center Holiday Party! 

Share Your Holidays at the Houston Food Bank

Thank you to the volunteers who answered calls from families in need of food for the holidays and schedule pickups!

The HBA Habitat for Humanity Committee joined Houston Habitat for Humanity to dedicate the HBA's 26th Habitat Home on November 19. 

The HBA is proud to have contributed to Houston Habitat for Humanity’s work. And we are immensely proud to serve as the organization’s longest serving partner for over 27 years!

The Houston Bar Association Auxiliary (HBAA) is accepting nominations for the 2025 Leon Jaworski Award to honor a Houston attorney for a lifetime of volunteer service. The Leon Jaworski Award is to be presented to an HBA member who is civic-minded, professionally capable, socially and culturally concerned, family-oriented, morally and spiritually aware and who has demonstrated these qualities over a significant number of years. 

NOMINATION FORM

Houston Lawyer Referral Service

New Year, New Opportunities!

Start 2024 with the Houston Lawyer Referral Service (HLRS) and connect with clients actively seeking legal representation. Join today at www.hlrs.org/for-attorneys.

Why Partner with HLRS?

• Pre-Screened Referrals: Work with clients ready to hire.

• Boost Your Income: Earn an average of $20,000 annually from HLRS referrals.

• Grow Your Practice: Build a steady and reliable client base.

• Free CLE Opportunities: Stay current without extra cost.

• Public Speaking Engagements: Share your expertise and build your reputation.

• Marketing Support: HLRS promotes your services for you.

• Community Impact: Make a difference by helping those in need.

• Complete Control: Choose only the cases you want to take.

• Explore Practice Areas: Discover new interests and expand your skills.

Take the first step toward growing your practice in 2024! For more details or to see if HLRS is the right fit for you, contact Executive Director Karen Ramsey at kramsey@hlrs.org or (713) 650-0470.

Dispute Resolution Center 
 
Interested in volunteering with the DRC? Send a copy of your mediation certificate and resume (or bio) to email@drchouston.org (please type “Volunteer” in the subject line). You can also mail your materials 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

Take a Case or Volunteer for LegalLine

Houston Volunteer Lawyers needs you this month! They are seeking pro bono attorneys to take on cases and volunteer at upcoming clinics like HBA LegalLine Powered by HVL, the Veterans Clinic, and the Naturalization Clinic. Whether you're looking to give back, gain experience, or make a lasting impact, your time and expertise can change lives. Sign up today and help HVL ensure access to justice for all! Email Brittany.Krohn@hvlp.org for more information. 

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.