6 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your HBA Membership

Whether you're a longtime member or just getting started, here are six easy ways to tap into your HBA membership and stay connected all summer long.

1. Catch Up on CLE, Anytime
Need to catch up on CLE at your own pace? Your HBA membership includes free, on-demand access to 100+ CLE videos you can watch anytime, anywhere.

Prefer a live CLE program? Click here to view our in-person and virtual CLEs happening this month.

2. Join a Committee or Section—Including Our New Solo & Small Firm Section
With 26 substantive law sections—including the brand-new Solo and Small Firm Section—there’s something for every practice. Sections offer focused education, networking, and community tailored to your area of law.

Or make an impact by joining one of HBA’s 30+ committees—some of which are still accepting new members for the 2025–2026 Bar year. Committee membership is free and open to all HBA members and offer networking and community tailored to your personal interests with some offering an opportunity to serve the community and others serving specific populations of our legal community.

Visit the Sections or Committees page to learn more. Questions? Contact Ashley Gagnon Steininger at ashleyg@hba.org or 346-471-3431.

3. Take Advantage of Member-Only Perks
Enjoy exclusive discounts on services that support your career, wellness, entertainment, and more!

BROWSE MEMBER DISCOUNTS

4. Stay Current with HBA Publications
Your membership includes access to the CLE ebulletin, weekly HBA Highlights, monthly bulletins, award-winning The Houston Lawyer magazine, and the Behind the Lines podcast.

Stay informed with timely updates, features, and member news all year long.

5. Attend Events and Build Connections
Take every opportunity to connect, have fun, and grow within the HBA community. Our events are more than just meetings and educational programs—they’re opportunities to build lasting friendships, meaningful professional relationships, and lifelong connections. They’re also a chance to give back through impactful volunteer work. There’s something for everyone!

VIEW UPCOMING HBA EVENTS

6. Explore Career Opportunities Through the HBA Career Center

Looking for a new position or seeking top local talent? The HBA Career Center connects Houston legal professionals with job openings across the region.

LET THE HBA HELP YOU FIND YOUR NEXT CAREER OPPORTUNITY

Make your 2025 commitment to access to justice in our local community by making a pledge today. We hope to see you at the Harvest Party on Monday, November 10 where we will celebrate the Houston community’s support of access to justice and pro bono legal services benefitting Houston Volunteer Lawyers.

MAKE A PLEDGE HERE

VIEW SPONSOR LEVELS & BENEFITS

The Houston Bar Foundation, the charitable arm of the Houston Bar Association, has launched its new Community Grants Program on July 1, supporting projects for legal needs of residents in the greater Houston area. 

The Grants Program is the Culmination of Two Years of Strategic Planning 

Under the leadership of 2023 HBF Chair Monica Karuturi, the Foundation engaged in a strategic planning process, in part to create a strategy for investment and spending consistent with the needs of the Foundation’s mission. One of the first outcomes of those efforts was the creation of a new grant program. This is separate from the annual grant to Houston Volunteer Lawyers and designed to broaden the Foundation’s impact, which is dedicated to the Houston community. 

Mission Statement of the Houston Bar Foundation 

The Houston Bar Foundation’s mission, as the charitable arm of the Houston Bar Association, is to make a positive impact on our community by: 
- Supporting legal representation for those in need, 
- Promoting understanding of our legal system, and 
- Fostering the administration of justice. 
 
Learn more about the Houston Bar Foundation at hba.org/foundation. 

Examples of Past Grants Given by HBF

The Foundation has proudly provided grants to support access to justice and community education. This includes funding a part-time legal navigator at The HAY Center to assist with legal representation for those in need. The HBF also awarded a grant for the purchase and installation of a lactation pod in the Harris County Court Complex, helping foster the fair administration of justice for all citizens. Additionally, the Foundation supported the Harris County District Courts with a grant for court staff education and funded the awards for the HBA Law Week Contests, which promote public understanding of our legal system.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, the project must meet the following criteria:  

• Must further at least one pillar of the HBF’s mission.   
• Grant not to exceed $10,000.   
• Must benefit people in the greater Houston area.   
• Must be concluded within 2 years.   

Additional considerations apply. Click here to learn more. 

How to Apply for HBF Community Grants Program 

We encourage you to apply or share with any organizations with projects that you believe meet the criteria. The deadline to submit your project for consideration is September 30, 2025.  

Click Here to View the CGP Guidelines 

Click Here to Download an Application

Submit your completed application and supporting documents in a single PDF to grants@houbf.org.    

Over 200 HBA members came together at the Marriott Marquis on June 13 to celebrate the achievements of this year's HBA Diversity Award winners, Law Day contest winners, DEI scholarship winners, 1L summer associates, and employers at the 2025 HBA DEI Summer Associate Luncheon.

Thank you to all who participated in making the afternoon a success and a special thank you to our sponsors, luncheon co-chairs, and speakers:

• Amy Tomlinson (Liskow, DEI Committee Co-Chair)
• Professor L. Darnell Weeden (Thurgood Marshall School of Law)
• Professor Emily Berman (University of Houston Law Center)
• Brian Klosterboer (ACLU)
• Luncheon Co-Chairs: S. Kelecia Njaka (ANCHOR QEA) and Diamond Griffith (Herrman & Herrman)
• Daniella Landers (HBA President)
• Samantha Torres (Camillo Companies, DEI Committee Co-Chair)
• Krisina Zuniga (Susman, HBF board member)

Click here to learn more about the event.

VIEW PHOTOS FROM THE DEI LUNCHEON

Are you an attorney licensed 1–5 years? Ready to join a community of proud Fellows making an impact?

Don’t miss this FREE, special HBF event welcoming new Fellows!

Join 2025 HBF Board Members who are proud Fellows and start your fellowship journey today. We hope to see you there!

SECURE YOUR SPOT BY JULY 11TH!
 

On June 23, HBA President Daniella Landers and Fun Run Co-Chairs Rick Anderson, Maine Goodfellow, and Adam Weaver proudly presented a check for $54,500 to Pursuit Center. 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 2026 Fun Run, happening on Saturday, February 21 at Sam Houston Park in downtown Houston.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HBA FUN RUN

Did you know the Harris County Robert W. Hainsworth Law Library is one of many locations offering innovative support to expand access to justice? This summer, take advantage of two standout amenities: the Lactation Pod and LAWPod (Legal Access Workspace).

The Lactation Pod provides a private, comfortable space for nursing mothers—a crucial initiative that supports women in the legal profession and the greater Houston community. The LAWPod is a quiet, tech-equipped station designed to help bridge the justice gap by giving Houstonians access to essential legal information and tools.

Whether you're researching a case or caring for your little one, these services are here to support you, your clients and colleagues, all summer long and beyond. Click here to find a Mamava Lactation Pod near you, and click here to locate and reserve your nearest LAWPod. Please help us spread the word about these vital resources!

 Stay connected and never miss a moment! Discover how our incredible members are making an impact with the HBA: 

With the Texas heat ramping up, what better way to dress for summer than with HBA apparel? Our store features exciting new items that are affordable, stylish, and perfect for keeping cool. Pick up something for yourself, your family, friends—even a coworker—and show your support for the HBA!

VISIT THE HBA STORE 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

Need to catch up on CLE credits? Browse our online CLE video library and earn the hours you need—anytime, anywhere!

Visit the HBA On-Demand CLE Library Here

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

Thinking about becoming a law professor? Want to earn CLE credit?

Join us at the AALS Southwest and Big 12 Law Faculty Pre-Recruitment Workshop, hosted by the University of Houston Law Center, on Wednesday, August 13, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The event begins with a breakfast buffet to start your morning.

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in panel discussions and participate in optional interviews with participating law schools. This workshop offers valuable insights, networking opportunities, and 3.75 hours of MCLE credit. 

REGISTER HERE

Co-Conveners:

Austin Bar Association
Dallas Bar Association
Houston Bar Association
San Antonio Bar Association
Tarrant County Bar Association
Utah State Bar

Ryan Cantrell, shareholder and leader of Chamberlain Hrdlicka’s Probate & Fiduciary Litigation group, has been appointed Vice Chair of the State Bar of Texas Pattern Jury Charges – Family and Probate Committee for a one-year term.

Yetter Coleman LLP is pleased to announce that Bailey Watkins has joined the firm as a Senior Counsel in its Intellectual Property litigation group.

Greenberg Traurig, LLP has announced the addition of Richard Heaton as a Real Estate Practice shareholder in its Houston office.

Patterson + Sheridan LLP is pleased to welcome William Ryann as of counsel. He is based in the firm’s Houston office.

Greenberg Traurig, LLP is happy to welcome the addition of Sidney Nunez as a shareholder in its Houston office.

The HBA Wellness Committee, in partnership with HYLA, is proud to present the next video in "The Many Faces of Wellness" series, featuring Eduardo Alvarez, Senior Legal and Compliance Manager at Access World. Eduardo is an active HYLA member currently leading the 2026 HYLA Passport to Mexico City trip.

In the video, Eduardo shares how he prioritizes his mental health by taking time to smile, finding satisfaction in the small things—what he calls “teaspoons”—approaching life with a positive mindset, believing that everything is figureoutable, and more.

WATCH NOW

The HBA LGBTQ+ Committee kicked off Pride Month with its annual Pride Mixer on June 4 at City Cellars. The evening brought together a couple hundred Houston-area law students, attorneys, judges, and friends to celebrate Pride, reconnect with colleagues, and build new connections.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the 2nd Annual Benny Agosto, Jr. Award to ACLU of Texas litigation attorney Brian Klosterboer for his outstanding contributions to the legal community.

“I am so proud to present this year's award to ACLU of Texas litigation attorney, Brian Klosterboer,” said Benny Agosto, Jr. “The HBA and greater Houston legal profession are blessed to have Brian in our community. He is well-deserving of this award—having demonstrated a commitment to justice, transforming the Texas criminal justice system, and fighting to defend the rights of underrepresented populations.”

It was truly an evening to remember!

VIEW PRIDE MIXER PHOTO ALBUM

The HBA Communities In Schools (CIS) Committee proudly hosted the 2025 HBA CIS Summer Legal Internship Orientation at Wells Fargo Plaza on June 9. The morning was filled with valuable insights, networking opportunities, and inspiration as aspiring legal professionals gathered to embark on their summer internships.  

A big THANK YOU to our amazing speakers for their invaluable contributions and to program sponsors HisBA, Vinson & Elkins, Maria Pimienta, and Halls Maines Lugrin, P.C. for your support and for helping make this summer internship program possible!

Thank you to the offices who hired students through our program this summer: Baker Botts L.L.P., Baker Hostetler, Blank Rome LLP, Bush & Ramirez, PLLC, Dobrowski & Stafford LLP, Ericksen Law Firm, Gibbs & Bruns LLP, Harris County Attorney Office, Harris County District Clerk, Haynes and Boone, LLP, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP, Jones Day, and Troutman Pepper Locke.

Interested in participating next summer? Contact Bonnie Simmons at bonnies@hba.org.
 

VIEW PHOTO ALBUM

CIS Summer Enrichment Visits

As part of the HBA CIS Committee's mission to promote legal enrichment and community engagement, CIS summer interns participated in a tour of the Harris County Robert W. Hainsworth Law Library and a visit to the Harris County District Clerk’s Office.

At the Law Library, Associate Law Librarian Rod Hall guided students through the building while teaching them about the library’s history, services, and resources—providing valuable insight into how it supports both the public and the legal community.

The visit to the District Clerk’s Office included stops at the Family Intake Office, the 1st Court of Appeals, the Historical Documents and Records department, and the Jury Plaza, along with a special welcome from District Clerk Marilyn Burgess.

These enrichment experiences foster a deeper understanding of the legal system and help inspire the next generation of legal professionals in Houston. Thank you to everyone who helped make these visits possible!

The HAY Center celebrated current and former foster youth graduating from high school or earning their bachelor’s degrees. Congratulations to all the Class of 2025 graduates!

Special thanks to the HBA HAY Center Committee for generously volunteering and helping make this celebration even more meaningful.

Houston’s all-lawyer theater company returns to the Hobby Center with an all-new musical comedy!

Enjoy an evening of laughter while supporting a great cause — proceeds benefit local legal aid organizations, including Houston Volunteer Lawyers (HVL), one of the largest providers of pro bono legal services in the Greater Houston area.

To direct your ticket proceeds to HVL, simply select them as your designated charity at checkout.

Get your tickets today and support access to justice with a night of comedy!

PURCHASE TICKETS

Houston Lawyer Referral Service

Join the Houston Lawyer Referral Service (HLRS) to boost your law practice with pre-screened client referrals. HLRS members typically earn an average of $20,000 annually from these referrals. Membership dues start at just $175 per year and are prorated. For more details or to see if HLRS is the right fit for you, contact Executive Director Karen Ramsey at kramsey@hlrs.org, call (713) 650-0470, or visit www.hlrs.org/for-attorneys today!

Dispute Resolution Center  

Volunteer as a Mediator with the Dispute Resolution Center (DRC)
Are you a qualified mediator looking for a meaningful way to serve your community? The Dispute Resolution Center (DRC) invites experienced professionals to join its panel of volunteer mediators. Use your skills to help resolve real disputes while promoting peace and civility throughout Harris County.

Why Volunteer with the DRC?

• Help families and individuals resolve conflicts through structured mediation
• Gain real-world mediation experience
• Join a network of experienced ADR professionals

Volunteer Qualifications
All mediators must complete a 40-hour basic mediation course that meets the standards outlined in Texas Civil Practices & Remedies Code §154.052 and follows the Texas Mediation Trainers Roundtable guidelines.

To mediate divorce cases, volunteers must:
- Complete the required 30-hour family mediation training
- Hold a J.D. from an accredited U.S. law school

To mediate active civil cases, volunteers must:
- Hold a J.D.
- Be licensed to practice in Texas for a minimum of 5 years
- Be in good standing with the State Bar of Texas

August 2025 Basic Mediation Training (Hybrid Format)
The DRC’s 40-Hour Basic Mediation Training is open for registration. This course is required for all new DRC mediators.

Dates and Times:

• August 13 – 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. (Zoom)
• August 14 – 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. (Zoom)
• August 15 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (In Person)
• August 27 – 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. (Zoom)
• August 28 – 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. (Zoom)
• August 29 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (In Person)

Note: Attendance at all six sessions is mandatory. Tuition: $600

How to Get Started
To apply, please email your most recent resume and bio, along with copies of your mediation certificates, to email@drchouston.org. For additional information, call (713) 274-7100 or visit www.drchouston.org and click on the Mediation tab.

Join the DRC in building a more peaceful and just Harris County—one mediation at a time!

Houston Volunteer Lawyers

Waves of Impact LegalLine Challenge
Community legal needs don’t take a summer vacation. In fact, the gap between clients in need and pro bono attorneys grows even more during the summer months. HVL is dedicated to increasing access to justice year-round with the help of our amazing pool of volunteer attorneys. This July, HVL is excited to launch their first annual Waves of Impact challenge. Volunteering for LegalLine creates waves in the community. One call can help a low-income Texan, rippling out to that family and furthering access to justice in our communities. Sign up to volunteer for a July LegalLine clinic and make some waves!  
 

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.