Mark your calendars and join the Houston Lawyer Referral Service (HLRS) for "Proven Business Skills to Grow Your Law Practice," featuring engaging panel discussions designed to help you expand and strengthen your practice. Enjoy a complimentary lunch, followed by a happy hour to connect with fellow attorneys.

Earn 3.5 hours of CLE credit, including 1 hour of ethics, while gaining practical strategies for success. This event is FREE for HLRS members and $150 for non-members.

For questions, contact Karen Ramsey at kramsey@hlrs.org. Don’t miss this chance to sharpen your skills and grow your practice!

REGISTER HERE

VIEW PANELS & LEARN MORE

You are invited to the Houston Bar Association's and Houston Bar Foundation's 2025 Bench Bar Conference on Friday, April 11 at the Hotel ZaZa – Museum District from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Enjoy a day filled with engaging breakout sessions, networking opportunities, and professional development, then unwind with a cocktail or mocktail by the pool after the conference! This program includes 6 hours MCLE credit; including 1.75 hours ethics credit and 6 hours of legal specialization in the following areas: Civil Appellate Law, Civil Trial Law, Estate Planning and Probate Law, and Personal Injury Trial Law.

Admission to Bites & Beverages is included with your conference ticket!

PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS

BECOME A SPONSOR

VIEW PROGRAM AGENDA

Interested in discounted hotel rooms for the Bench Bar Conference or Bites & Beverages for the Bar? Click HERE

Enjoy an evening with friends and colleagues from across Houston’s Bar as we celebrate what makes our legal community the best in the nation!

PURCHASE YOUR TICKET

Tee off for a good cause at the 77th Annual HBA Golf Tournament presented by Steno! Join us on Cinco de Mayo, Monday, May 5, at Memorial Park Golf Course for a fun-filled day on the greens, supporting the Houston Bar Foundation and our next Houston Habitat for Humanity home build.
 
Whether you're an experienced golfer or just starting out, grab your clubs and bring your friends and colleagues for a round of golf that makes a difference. Sign up as a team or as an individual – all skill levels are welcome!
 
Want to make an even greater impact? Become a sponsor. Thank you to our current sponsors! Let’s drive change, one swing at a time.

LEARN MORE

REGISTER HERE

BECOME A SPONSOR

Sara Keith of Shell USA, Inc. became the 2025 Chair of the Houston Bar Foundation at the Foundation’s Annual Luncheon on February 13 in downtown Houston, succeeding Linda Hester.

Under Hester’s leadership, the HBF Board of Directors (pictured on left) and Fellows Working Group conducted an extensive review of the Fellows program, leading to key updates, including the introduction of a new “Champion Fellows” category. This designation honors HBA members who demonstrate substantial, long-term support for HBF’s access to justice initiatives and high-impact programming. Additionally, the Foundation launched the HBF Community Grants Program, which will provide funding for qualified local projects aligned with its mission. Among last year’s achievements, the 75th Annual Harvest Celebration in November raised a net of $858,000 for Houston Volunteer Lawyers.

Learn more about Sara Keith, the 2025 HBF Board (pictured in the middle photo above), and the award recipients honored at the luncheon here. You can also read the Foundation’s key highlights from the past year in the Cornerstone: HBF Impact & Gratitude Report here.

The Foundation was also honored to present the James B. Sales Pro Bono Leadership Award to Denise Scofield of O'Melveny & Myers LLP (pictured on right). The keynote address was delivered by Hon. Sofia Adrogué of the Eleventh Business Court Division.

VIEW LUNCHEON PHOTO ALBUM

We are so grateful to everyone who contributed to the success of this year's HBA Fun Run at Sam Houston Park in downtown Houston!

Thank you to our sponsors for your support (click here to see the full list). Thank you to our volunteers for lending a hand to keep the event running smoothly. Thank you to Constable Alan Rosen and the entire Harris County Constable's Office Precinct 1 for donating your resources and for your long-time support. Thank you to the HBA Fun Run Committee for your dedication and hard work to produce this year's event. And thank you to our participants for taking part.

VIEW RESULTS, PHOTOS, AND EVENT SURVEY

All net proceeds go to Pursuit Center, which provides housing, education, job opportunities, resources and more for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism. We will announce the amount raised from this year's event in the coming months!

Save the date for our 41st Annual Fun Run set for February 21, 2026!

Looking to get more involved with the HBA? Request to join an HBA committee for the 2025-2026 Bar Year!  

We are accepting your submissions to indicate which HBA committees you would like to serve on in the 2025-2026 Bar Year, which begins July 1! 

Please note that appointment to a committee is not guaranteed, and reappointment to a committee on which you currently serve on is not automatic.

2025-2026 COMMITTEE INTEREST FORM

More information on each of the committees can be found on hba.org/committees. If you have any questions, please contact Ashley Steininger at ashleyg@hba.org or 346-471-3431 or Alli Hessel at allih@hba.org or 346-471-3293.

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

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.

Nominations for these awards are due by 5:00 p.m., Friday, March 28, 2024. Please submit the nominee's resume and three to five letters of support to HBA Marketing and Communications Director Maggie Martin at maggiem@hba.org.

The recipients will be recognized at the HBA Annual Dinner on Thursday, May 15. 

Justice Eugene A. 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 

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 

Looking to build stronger connections? Follow us on social media and show how you’re getting involved with the HBA! Don’t forget to tag us—your post could be featured in our network!

 Here are some of our members' latest posts! 

Looking to fill a position or add to your team? The HBA Career Center is your go-to resource for connecting with qualified candidates. Whether your firm needs experienced attorneys, paralegals, or other legal professionals, our platform provides access to resumes, job postings, and a pool of skilled individuals ready to make an impact. Don’t miss the opportunity to find the right fit for your team. Visit the HBA Career Center today and explore all it has to offer!

VIEW EMPLOYER PACKAGES

LOOKING FOR YOUR NEXT ROLE? START YOUR SEARCH HERE

Whether you're interested in getting CLE, attending a section event, or making connections to enhance your practice, the HBA has something for everyone! 

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

VISIT THE HBA ON-DEMAND CLE LIBRARY HERE

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

Shackelford, McKinley & Norton, LLP is proud to announce the promotion of Houston attorney Darryl Mazow to equity partner.

McGlinchey Stafford is pleased to announce the addition of Partner Branch Sheppard and Of Counsel attorneys Annarose Harding and Sara Morton to its Houston office.

Blank Rome LLP is pleased to announce that Michael F. Reeder has joined the firm’s Houston office as a partner.

Beck Redden is excited to welcome Nicholas Bruno, Parth S. Gejji, and Joshua S. Smith to the partnership.

Abby Parsons joins Arnold & Porter as a partner in the firm’s Houston office, specializing in the Intellectual Property practice. 

Abraham Watkins is proud to welcome three new firm partners to its Houston office: Jennifer Stogner, Karl Long, and Lena Laurenzo.

The State Bar of Texas Litigation Section has announced that Judy Kostura, a partner at Sorrels Law, is the recipient of the 2025 Luther (Luke) H. Soules III Award. 

James Prappas, a Director in the Houston office of Kane Russell Coleman Logan PC, has been named to the Board of Directors of the Energy Industries Council (EIC).

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

Volunteer attorneys will be assigned 4-8 consultations to call. Each volunteer will be  matched with an HVL Staff Attorney for guidance and mentorship, as needed. Volunteer attorneys will have access to online legal resources and telephonic language interpreters, if needed. Volunteers will be able to discuss the cases with their HVL mentor attorney prior to and/or during their calls. 

Opportunities to volunteer are available on certain Wednesdays from 5-8 pm or Fridays from 1-5 pm. Click the link below to learn more and sign up. 

SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER

For questions, please email probono@hvlp.org.

The HBA Wellness Committee, in partnership with HYLA, is proud to present the next video in "The Many Faces of Wellness" series, featuring Chris Agboli, co-chair of the HBA Communities In Schools Committee and an associate at Jackson Lewis P.C. In this insightful conversation, Chris shares his approach to managing stress, fostering workplace wellness, and maintaining a positive mindset.

Stay tuned next week to discover who our next Face of Wellness is! 

WATCH NOW

Looking for a meaningful way to give back? Volunteer with the HBA Special Olympics Committee and Special Olympics Texas at the Area 4 Basketball Competition event on Saturday, March 8 at CyFair ISD Campuses. 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! 

VOLUNTEER WITH US

Help provide essential legal services to those in need at the HBA LGBTQ+ Committee's Will-a-Thon Clinic at Resurrection MCC on Saturday, March 22, at 9:30 a.m.

Attorneys, notaries, and witnesses are invited to volunteer. Make a difference in the community—sign up today!

SIGN UP HERE

End your month by focusing on your wellness and join the HBA and HYLA Wellness committees for their first Wellness CLE program! This engaging event will take place on Wednesday, March 26, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Winstead.

Featuring an insightful presentation on How the Practice of Gratitude Bolsters your Duty of Competency from Melanie Bragg of Bragg Law PC and Samantha Torres of Okin Adams Bartlett Curry LLP, this program offers a chance to earn 1 hour of CLE credit, including 1 hour of ethics, while prioritizing your well-being. Light bites and beverages are included and the event is FREE to HBA & HYLA members

Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance both your personal and professional growth!

SECURE YOUR SPOT

Join the HBA Lawyers for a Beautiful Houston Committee in making a difference!

Roll up your sleeves for a community clean-up at Kuhlman Gully off Brays Bayou in Gragg Park and help keep Houston beautiful.

As part of Trash Bash®—Texas’ largest single-day waterway clean-up—this event supports a healthier Galveston Bay Watershed.

This family-friendly opportunity welcomes volunteers ages 12 and up. Gloves, tools, and breakfast items will be provided. Don't miss your chance to give back and enjoy a rewarding day outdoors!

BECOME A VOLUNTEER

The HBA is proud to be the longest supporter of Houston Habitat for Humanity. Thanks to the generosity of our members and law firms, we’ve helped 26 hardworking Houston families achieve homeownership—and we’re so close to making it 27!

We need just $10,000 more to reach our fundraising goal and begin building our next home next month. Every contribution counts!

Join our Bar Builds Campaign as an individual or a team and help us make this home a reality. For more information, contact Bonnie Simmons at bonnies@hba.org or (346) 471-3418. 

DONATE TODAY

VIEW SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES & LEARN MORE

HBA and HYLA members came together on February 17-19 to learn essential self-defense skills from a Harris County Constable. Thank you to everyone who attended!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 37th Annual Law & the Media Seminar at South Texas College of Law Houston on February 22!

A special thank you to the Society of Professional Journalists Houston Pro Chapter for co-sponsoring this event.

Attendees had the opportunity to hear from leading experts in law and media about the daily challenges journalists face, key legal cases shaping the field, and practical strategies for navigating these issues.

This program was accredited for 3 hours of MCLE, including 1 hour of ethics. A recording will be available for HBA members to view for free in our CLE video library.

Questions? Contact Maggie Martin at 346-471-3428 or maggiem@hba.org.

Thank you to everyone who joined the HBA LGBTQ+ Committee for the 4th Annual Mardi Gras Party at Brennan's on February 26! Thanks to your support, we are proud to announce that we have raised over $7,700 to support scholarships through Out for Education.

Visit the committee webpage here to view photos from the event and to learn about upcoming events.

The Night Court creative team is excited to meet participants before rehearsals for this year’s musical. Whether attending on Saturday, March 29 or Tuesday, April 1, all attendees will have the chance to showcase their talents and find the perfect character fit. Workshops will take place at MATCH (Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston).

Participants should come prepared to learn a short dance combo (wear comfy clothes and closed-toe shoes!), take part in group acting exercises, and sing a 60-90 second song of their choice.

For those unable to attend in person, video submissions can be sent to Director Betty Marie Muessig at bettymmuessig@yahoo.com. This workshop is a great opportunity to collaborate while raising funds for legal charities! 

LEARN MORE

Houston Lawyer Referral Service

You are invited to attend the 2025 HLRS Conference on Friday, March 21. Click here to learn more and sign up!

Dispute Resolution Center  

Click here to learn more about DRC.

Houston Volunteer Lawyers

Volunteer for HBA LegalLine Powered by HVL

Join Houston Volunteer Lawyers to help ensure access to justice for all! HVL is seeking licensed attorneys to provide legal advice by phone on select Wednesday evenings and Friday afternoons. Volunteers handle 4-8 calls on issues like eviction, divorce, wills, and consumer matters, with resource materials and HVL staff support available. Online legal resources and interpreters make it easy to assist clients, and there’s no long-term commitment required.

Sign up and make a meaningful impact today! 
 

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.