The 2025 Annual Dinner is officially sold out, and the big night is just around the corner! We look forward to seeing you on Thursday, May 15, at Hotel ZaZa – Museum District, at 6:00 p.m.

We will welcome the historical leadership of incoming HBA President Daniella Landers, celebrate our award winners, and honor outgoing HBA President David Harrell Jr.

It will be an evening to remember! A special thank you to our generous 2025 Annual Dinner sponsors for helping make this event possible!

Congratulations to the 2025 HBA Award Winners

Justice Eugene A. Cook Professionalism Award

Kevin Dubose

Justice Ruby Kless Sondock Award

The Honorable Kem Thompson Frost

2025 Houston Bar Association President's Award

Historical Committee 
Co-Chairs: Ryan Cunningham and Charles L. Sharman 

Campaign to End Homelessness and Hunger Committee and Houston Volunteer Lawyers (HVL)
Co-Chairs: Deanna Willson and Darren Skyles
HVL Executive Director: Jessica Howton Stool

Houston Lawyer Referral Service (HLRS)
President: Hon. Cheryl Elliott Thornton
HLRS Executive Director: Karen Ramsey

Litigation Section
Chair: Sammy Ford IV

County Law Library Committee
Co-Chairs: Hon. Frances Bourliot and Hon. Julie Countiss
County Law Library Director: Andre Davison

Exemplary Service

Travis J. Sales

The HBA Historical Committee is thrilled to present a double feature in the HBA Living History Project video series, featuring interviews with William "Bill" Miller, Special Counsel for Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP and David Peden, Partner at Porter Hedges LLP.

Tune in to learn more about their journeys, the challenges they faced, moments of inspiration, and their achievements along the way!

Stay tuned for the final interview of the 2024-2025 Bar year next week, featuring another inspirational guest.

WATCH THE HBA LIVING HISTORY PROJECT INTERVIEWS HERE

Mark your calendars for the HBA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee's 2025 DEI Summer Associate Luncheon, taking place Friday, June 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Marriot Marquis.

This event is dedicated to celebrating, connecting, and honoring our DEI Program IL students and employers, as well as all Houston summer associates. There will be a panel discussion, "One Nation, Many Voices: The 14th Amendment’s Role in Expanding Democracy," featuring Professor Larry Weeden of Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Professor Emily Berman of University of Houston Law Center, and Brian Klosterboer of the ACLU.

We will also recognize the recipients of the DEI Law Student Scholarships, Diversity Awards, and Law Day Contest. Sponsorship details and more information coming soon.

Interested in becoming a sponsor or donating to the student scholarship fund? Please contact Bonnie Simmons at bonnies@hba.org or (346) 471-3418.

Explore some of the most pressing issues in cybersecurity law from Houston-area practitioners in the latest issue of The Houston Lawyer magazine and the companion episode of the Behind the Lines podcast. Learn how fast-paced developments in technology are shaping laws and ways law firms can improve measures to protect confidential information. 
 

READ AND LISTEN HERE

Thank you to our 2024-2025 editorial board for all of their hard work on this issue!

Looking to join the editorial board for the next Bar year or serve on another committee? Click here to fill out the committee request form before it closes on Friday, May 16.

Thank you to all the amazing participants who made our 77th Annual Golf Tournament, presented by Steno, an absolute hole-in-one success on May 5! And a special thank you to our generous sponsors and dedicated volunteers. 

The day was filled with friendly competition, camaraderie, and support for two fantastic causes: the Houston Bar Foundation and Houston Habitat for Humanity. Every swing and every putt contributed to making a difference in our community. 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT

Let's raise our clubs high to congratulate our outstanding winners:

A big thank you to John Ngunjiri for sponsoring the awards, ESi for sponsoring the Chipping Contest, and Veritext for sponsoring the Putting Contest!

See you next year for our 78th Annual Golf Tournament! 

We are excited about the addition of the HBA Solo & Small Firm Section for the 2025–2026 Bar year, which will support the unique needs of solo practitioners, small law firms, and niche legal areas! This section aims to serve as a valuable resource for attorneys navigating the challenges and opportunities of these environments. Through networking events, educational programming, mentoring, and the exchange of best practices, this section provides insights and strategies tailored to the specific challenges of solos and small firms in a variety of practice areas.

This section also seeks to promote and foster long-term, mutually beneficial relationships among its members. Solo and small firms can expect resources to strengthen business operations, enhance client service, and connect with similarly situated professionals. This section is open to attorneys in all practices areas, whether they work as a solo practitioner, work in a small firm, or are part of another work environment, as well as those who are interested in topics that affect such practitioners.

Be sure to sign up for the Solo & Small Firm Section when you renew your HBA membership or join the HBA! Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your practice and be part of a dynamic legal community.

LEARN MORE

Thank you to all who attended the 2025 Bench Bar Conference and the post-event happy hour, Bites & Beverages for the Bar, on Friday, April 11!

Houston's legal community gathered at Hotel ZaZa – Museum District to engage in legal discussions across multiple practice areas, connect with the judiciary, and network.

Later, guests enjoyed mingling by the pool to celebrate our shared commitment to the administration of justice in the best legal community in the nation at Bites & Beverages for the Bar. It was truly a day to remember!

A heartfelt thank you to the HBA Bench Bar Conference Committee for your leadership producing this year’s successful conference. We also extend our deep appreciation to our generous sponsors, and to the judiciary who attended and shared their invaluable insights with our guests!

Thank you for being a valued HBA member! As we look ahead to an exciting 2025–2026 Bar year, now is the season to renew your membership and take the next step in supporting our legal community.

As an HBA member, you are automatically a member of the Houston Bar Foundation. To strengthen your Houston community and charitable support, we invite you to request a nomination to become an HBF Fellow!

Interested in becoming an HBF Fellow? Wish to submit a Fellow's nomination? Or upgrade your Fellowship level? Email Ron Riojas at ronr@hba.org.

Learn more about the HBF Fellowship Program here.

Only HBA members are eligible to become a Fellow. If you are not an HBA member and would like to join, click here.

Need to renew your HBA membership? Click here to log in and ensure your HBA profile is up to date before renewing. If you have questions about becoming a member, updating your profile, or the renewal process, please contact the HBA Membership Department at membership@hba.org or call (713) 759-1133.

Having trouble logging in? Contact Ron Riojas at ronr@hba.org for assistance.

The Harris County Robert W. Hainsworth Law Library is a recipient of the 2025 innovations in Technology Award from the American Association of Law Libraries (AALL). The honor was given in recognition of the LAWPods (Legal Access Workspace) project, an initiative to expand law library services beyond downtown to provide residents with legal self-help tools that will help narrow the justice gap. The County Law Library worked closely with the HBA County Law Library Committee, Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones, the Harris County Robert W. Hainsworth Law Library, and Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee to finalize the implementation of LAWPods. Five LAWPods have been installed, with one more in progress. 

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.

Join the HBA for a FREE CLE program this Friday, May 9, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The program will delve into the challenges and opportunities that special needs families and their professionals encounter in ensuring that family members with disabilities receive adequate support under the law.

Lunch will be provided.

REGISTER HERE

The Texas Metro Bars and law schools from across the state are co-convening for a virtual CLE program, "A Conversation on the ABA Accreditation of Texas Law Schools," on Monday, May 12 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.

This event is FREE for everyone and offers 3 hours of MCLE, including 0.5 hours of ethics. Experts will discuss the role and impact of the ABA in law school accreditation. Don't miss this opportunity to stay informed and earn credit!

REGISTER HERE

Co-Conveners:

Baylor Law School
SMU Dedman School of Law
South Texas College of Law Houston
St. Mary’s University School of Law
Texas Tech School of Law
Thurgood Marshall School of Law
University of Houston Law Center
UNT Dallas College of Law

VISIT THE HBA ON-DEMAND CLE LIBRARY HERE

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

Jackson Walker LLP is pleased to announce the addition of HBA Past President Diana Pérez Gomez as a partner to its Houston office.

The Honorable Judge Beau Miller, presiding judge of the 190th Harris County Civil District Court, has been selected for the 2024 Trial Judge of the Year Award by the Texas Association of Civil Trial and Appellate Specialists (TACTAS).

The Hispanic National Bar Foundation is proud to present the HNBF’s 2025 Judicial Leadership Award to Justice Veronica Rivas-Molloy for her outstanding achievements in the legal profession.

Crain Caton & James has announced that John Roger Cox has joined the firm as shareholder in its Corporate and Real Estate practice areas.

Megan Williams has joined the Houston trial firm Bissinger, Oshman, Williams & Strasburger (BOWS) as counsel.

Sorrels Law is pleased to announce that Brian A. Baker has joined the firm as a partner and will lead its Commercial Litigation practice.

Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner is happy to announce the addition of three new partners: Lena Laurenzo, Karl Long, and Jennifer Stogner.

Spencer Fane LLP is pleased to announce Yara Calcaño joined the firm’s Houston office as an associate in the Health Care practice group.

The HBA Wellness Committee, in partnership with HYLA, is proud to present the next video in "The Many Faces of Wellness" series, featuring Joe Holloway, co-chair of the HBA Habitat for Humanity Committee and associate at Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP. Joe shares how being handy around his house, volunteering with his family, and taking time to connect with peers outside of the office, such as participating in the HBA Habitat for Humanity home build, help him maintain both his physical and mental well-being.

WATCH NOW

We’re still looking for volunteers to participate in the HBA's Teach Texas project this month! Help bring judicial civics and Texas court history to life for 7th grade students through real court stories and hands-on activities.

Volunteers will commit to teaching one class on two different days and can choose from a list of available schedules.

For questions or more information, please contact Georgina Peña at georginap@hba.org or (346) 471-3310.

BECOME A VOLUNTEER

Kick off Pride Month at the HBA LGBTQ+ Committee's 5th Annual Pride Mixer on Wednesday, June 4! Enjoy cocktails, mocktails, and connecting with friends and colleagues as we present the 2nd Annual Benny Agosto Jr. Pride Award to Brian Klosterboer, Staff Attorney at the ACLU of Texas.

To sponsor the event, please contact Bonnie Simmons at bonnies@hba.org or (346) 471-3418.

RSVP HERE

On April 25, military veterans in the legal industry and law students connected over a unique networking opportunity and meaningful conversation about transitioning from military service to the legal profession at the HBA Military & Veterans Committee’s From Combat to the Courtroom: Veteran Law Student & Lawyer Luncheon, hosted by Frost Brown Todd LLP and sponsored by the Houston Bar Foundation. Attendees shared their experiences over a delicious lunch from Feges BBQ!

Thank you to all who joined Team HBA and the HBA Campaign to End Homelessness and Hunger Committee to take part in the Houston Food Bank's Annual Food from the Bar Campaign! 

Thanks to your efforts, we provided volunteers, funds, and food for the Houston Food Bank during the campaign.

Stay tuned to see how you helped the HBA serve our community—coming soon to the Food from the Bar page!

On April 29, members explored the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with guest speaker Reginald Hirsch (Attorney at Law) at the Senior Lawyers Forum, hosted by the HBA Senior Lawyers Committee at Brennan’s. They earned CLE credit, engaged in thoughtful discussion, and enjoyed the opportunity to network with fellow legal professionals.

HBA and HYLA members got creative at a joint pottery painting event at The Mad Potter on April 30! It was a fun way for our members to connect and practice wellness by taking a much-needed break and expressing their artistic side. Thank you to everyone who joined us!

Honor the landmark case Hernandez v. Texas on Saturday, May 10, with a special presentation by Justice David Medina and Judge Pamela Medina. The event will include opening remarks by Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia and recognition of LULAC’s 96th anniversary of advocating for social justice.

LEARN MORE
 

Houston Lawyer Referral Service

Grow Your Practice with the Houston Lawyer Referral Service!

Looking to build your client base and boost your income? Join the Houston Lawyer Referral Service (HLRS) — the trusted referral arm of the Houston Bar Association. HLRS connects qualified attorneys with clients actively seeking legal representation. Members earn an average of $20,000 annually from referrals alone!

HLRS is especially looking for bilingual attorneys and those with offices near or outside Beltway 8. For just $175 a year, membership includes:

• Pre-screened, high-quality referrals
• Public speaking opportunities
• Free and discounted CLEs tailored to solo/small firm success
• …and much more!

Visit www.hlrs.org/for-attorneys to learn more and apply, or email kramsey@hlrs.org to see if HLRS is the right fit for you. Don’t miss this chance to grow your practice with purpose!

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

Your Summer Plans Can Include Increasing Access to Justice

Looking for a low commitment, high-impact way to give back this summer? HBA LegalLine Powered by HVL needs 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. Each shift is short, remote, and highly supported. HVL provides mentorship, legal resources, and interpreters to make it easy to assist clients. Sign up to make a meaningful impact in just a few hours!

SIGN UP HERE
 

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.