Time is running out! There are just 27 days left to take advantage of regular ticket prices for the 76th Annual Harvest Party. Purchase your tickets to the premier networking event for the legal community now!

Purchase Your Harvest Party Tickets Here

Connect with 1,000+ friends and colleagues at the first party of the holiday season - the Harvest Party! Don't miss tasty additions and our Paws for a Cause Auction! All net proceeds directly benefit Houston Volunteer Lawyer’s mission of providing access to justice for our neighbors in need.

Support the 76th Annual Harvest Party Campaign by clicking here to explore sponsorship opportunities and learn how to become an underwriter.

Thank you to our current list of sponsors for their generous support. Join them!

We love Houston – and we invite you to join the Houston legal community to give back! On Saturday, September 27, volunteer with your peers, friends, and family for HBA Days of Service as we support local non-profit organizations serving low-income veterans, individuals experiencing homelessness or food insecurity, the LGBTQ+ community, at risk youth, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and honoring a piece of Houston history. 

FIND AN EVENT & VOLUNTEER THIS FALL

THANK YOU TO OUR HBA DAYS OF SERVICE PARTNERS

THANK YOU TO THE HBA COMMITTEES SPEARHEADING OUR DAYS OF SERVICE EVENTS

AIDS Outreach 

Campaign to End Homelessness and Hunger

Fun Run

Lawyers for a Beautiful Houston 

Lawyers for Literacy

LGBTQ+

Military & Veterans

Special Olympics

Wellness

We are excited to announce the 2025-2027 class of HBA Ambassadors! The HBA Ambassadors program is led by HBA President Daniella Landers and the Advancing, Belonging and Cultures Committee in partnership with local bar associations. We will spotlight our HBA Ambassadors in our weekly HBA Highlights email to members.

Mark your calendar for Constitution Day on Wednesday, September 17 at 9 a.m. to watch the HBA Ambassadors retake their oath live on HBA socials. We’re challenging you to join them—take the oath and #PostYourOath!

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE AMBASSADORS

A huge congratulations to HBA President Daniella Landers, who was honored on August 22 as a 2025 Top 30 Influential Women of Houston by She’s Got Influence. This recognition celebrates her outstanding contributions to the legal profession and the greater Houston community.

We also applaud the incredible women among this year’s honorees. The HBA is proud to champion programs that uplift and empower women across our city.

Do you know an organization supporting meaningful, justice-focused projects in the greater Houston area? 

The September 30 deadline to apply for the Houston Bar Foundation Community Grants Program is quickly approaching. 

Grant eligibility requirements:

• Advance at least one pillar of the HBF’s mission
• Funding request not to exceed $10,000
• Benefit individuals in the greater Houston area
• Project to be completed within two years

Additional considerations may apply.

SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION HERE

You’re invited to attend Texas Business Court & Fifteenth Court of Appeals: The Inaugural Year - Progress & Momentum on Monday, September 29 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. This program is accredited for 3 hours of MCLE credit, including 1 hour of ethics.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW PANEL SPEAKERS & REGISTER NOW

In-person and virtual options available

Read the current issue of The Houston Lawyer to discover: 

• 3 of the most common mediation approaches put into practice
• Justice Ruby Kless Sondock's reflection on how ADR and mediation have evolved 
• How many U.S. States HBA President Daniella Landers has visited (hint: it's almost as many countries she's traveled to)

CLICK HERE TO READ NOW

The HBA is proud to share that, through our partnership with Green Standards, 100% of our discarded office materials were kept out of landfills, achieving zero waste. More than 70% of our furniture, equipment, and supplies were donated to local nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity, with the remainder responsibly recycled.

This sustainable effort proves that small changes can create a big impact. Learn more about our green decommission and how you can join the HBA in making a difference for our community here.

On Monday, August 18, HBA President Daniella Landers hosted a dynamic luncheon with local bar leaders to explore future partnerships and highlight the importance of community among our local bar associations. We deeply value the collaboration with our local bars and believe their involvement in the HBA makes a real difference.

The HBA's 2025 Judicial Evaluation Questionnaire will open on Monday, October 27. HBA members will be asked to evaluate elected and appointed judges on a number of professional and ethical questions, based on personal, firsthand knowledge. 

HBA members will receive an email for additional information on how to cast their ballots.

Only HBA members are eligible to vote. If you have not renewed your membership yet, you can do so quickly and securely here. 

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

 

 

 

 

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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

Browse our online CLE video library with 100+ videos and earn the hours you need—anytime, anywhere!

VISIT THE HBA ON-DEMAND CLE LIBRARY HERE

Questions? Contact HBA CLE & Technology Platforms Coordinator Alli Hessel at allih@hba.org. 

The HBA Senior Lawyers Committee is hosting their first CLE program of the Bar year on Tuesday, September 30.

Join us for a meet & greet at 11:30 a.m., followed by a lunch and CLE program at 12:00 p.m. The program includes 1 hour of CLE, no ethics. 

We will host Charles Foster (Foster LLP) and Bill King (Rice University Baker Institute for Public Policy) as our guest speakers. 

REGISTER NOW

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and the landmark Hernandez v. Texas case that advanced civil rights for Mexican Americans with a panel of influential judges, followed by a reception.

RSVP HERE
 

We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of HBA Past President Alistair Dawson. Alistair was a dedicated leader, a compassionate advocate, and a steadfast supporter of causes that enriched both the legal community and the lives of countless individuals throughout Houston.

Alistair gave generously of his time and expertise to numerous organizations, including his work as Chair of the Houston Volunteer Lawyers Board of Directors, a board member of the Houston Bar Foundation and Lone Star Legal Aid, and a Commissioner on the Texas Access to Justice Commission. He was especially devoted to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and was a tireless pro bono advocate.

Beyond his professional contributions, Alistair was a beloved mentor, colleague, and friend. His presence at HBA and HBF events—whether at board meetings, the Harvest Party, or countless other gatherings—was always warm, engaged, and inspiring. His leadership and generosity of spirit left a lasting impact on our organization and everyone who had the privilege of working with him. We hope Alistair's legacy of integrity, service, and mentorship will continue to guide and inspire future generations.

Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.

See Beck Redden LLP's announcement here. 

The Atlantic Legal Foundation (ALF) will be honoring Exxon Mobil Chairman & CEO Darren Woods with the 35th Annual ALF Award.

Baker Donelson is pleased to announce that Kimberly A. Chojnacki, a shareholder, has been named vice chair of the Firm's Logistics, Energy, and Manufacturing Litigation Group and Paul B. Turner has joined as a shareholder in the Firm's Corporate Group, both in its Houston office.

HBA President-Elect Greg Ulmer is happy to share that his son, Nicholas Ulmer, a member of the Pearland Speed Track Club, qualified for the AAU Junior Olympic Games 11 year old boys shot put and discus and competed in Houston this summer. Congratulations, Nicholas!

The holidays are just around the corner, and we are gearing up for the HBA AIDS Outreach Committee's 2025 Adopt-a-Family Project! Help make Christmas brighter for families in need by adopting a family and sharing your holiday spirit. 

Adoption of a family includes:

• receiving a family’s wishlist;
• shopping and wrapping gifts; and
• delivering them to a family or agency before the holidays. 

Apply by Wednesday, October 15.

CLICK HERE TO ADOPT A FAMILY

Get involved with the HBA Special Olympics Committee and be a part of something special at any of their upcoming events! With flexible volunteer shifts and multiple locations, you can easily find a spot that works for you. Let’s unite to champion these incredible athletes and make a real impact together!

LEARN MORE AND SIGN UP

Want to learn about the work Special Olympics does in the Houston area?

Join us Friday, September 26 at the Breakfast with Champions, a free breakfast event where athletes share their stories about how Special Olympics has impacted their lives. This is a well-attended event at The Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria, 2222 W Loop S, Houston, TX 77027.

Learn more about the event and secure a free ticket or table here.

(Pictured above: HBA Past President and HBF Chair-Elect Benny Agosto, Jr. and Nikki Agosto. Photo Credit: Mo Silva Photography)

On August 12, the HBA had the honor of attending the MABAHTX Foundation Dinner, hosted by its founder and HBA Past President, Benny Agosto, Jr. The event raised funds for scholarships benefiting students at local Houston law schools. We are proud to support initiatives that empower the next generation of legal professionals and to strengthen our connections with outstanding local bar associations, such as MABAHTX!

On August 13, the HBA proudly co-convened the AALS Southwest and Big 12 Law Faculty Pre-Recruitment Workshop, supporting law students and legal professionals who excel not only in their studies and practice but also in giving back through teaching and mentorship.

We extend a special thank you to the dedicated educators who inspire growth and to the law schools providing the programs and guidance to make this important work possible. Together, we’re helping shape the future of the legal profession.

The HBA joined the ribbon cutting ceremony for the HAY Center’s new East End property, which includes an affordable housing campus designed to support unhoused young adults transitioning from the state foster care system. HBA President Daniella Landers, who also serves on the HAY Center Board of Directors, attended the ceremony on August 22. 

The HAY Center is dedicated to empowering youth with resources, guidance, and opportunities. The new campus features a 50-unit residential building with community areas, a kitchen, fitness space, and private study rooms, as well as a large facility offering wraparound services and life-skills training to help young adults build independence and stability.

The HBA is proud to support the HAY Center and its initiatives that make a lasting difference in the lives of young people in our community.

Watch for opportunities to support the HAY Center this Bar year through the HBA HAY Center Committee’s work, including the Annual HAY Center Holiday Party, Prom Readiness Event (one of the HBA's Days of Service events on Saturday, March 28), and Graduation Event. 

FOLLOW THE HBA HAY CENTER COMMITTEE'S WORK HERE

Houston Lawyer Referral Service

Why Attorneys Should Refer to the Houston Lawyer Referral Service (HLRS)

Attorneys often encounter potential clients whose legal needs fall outside their practice area, availability, or capacity. Instead of turning them away, consider referring them to the Houston Lawyer Referral Service (HLRS). Since 1958, HLRS has connected the public with qualified attorneys while supporting the legal profession.
 
Benefits of Referring to HLRS:

• Trusted, Established Service
• An ancillary organization of the Houston Bar Association.
• Certified by the State Bar of Texas and operating for over 65 years.
• Adheres to ABA guidelines for lawyer referral services.
• Helps the Public Access Legal Services
• Clients are matched with qualified attorneys for their specific legal needs.
• Promotes fairness and access to justice in the Houston community.
• Supports Professional Standards
• All HLRS attorneys are screened for qualifications, good standing, and professional liability insurance.
• Specialized panels ensure referrals go to attorneys with the right experience.
• Strengthens Client Relationships
• When you refer outside your practice, you demonstrate integrity and client-first service.
• Builds trust—clients know you want them to get the best help possible.
• Community Impact
• HLRS provides legal information, education, and outreach to prevent legal problems.
• Referrals support both the public and fellow attorneys.

By referring to HLRS, you’re not only serving your client’s best interests, but also strengthening the legal profession and community as a whole.

Dispute Resolution Center  

Congratulations to the 18 New DRC Basic Mediation Course Graduates!

The Harris County Dispute Resolution Center (DRC) proudly congratulates the 18 students who successfully completed their 40-Hour Basic Mediation Course in August. These dedicated individuals invested their time and energy into learning the foundational skills of mediation—skills that will allow them to serve our community by helping neighbors, families, and businesses resolve disputes peacefully and constructively.

This course, led by the DRC's experienced faculty of volunteer mediators and instructors, covered essential topics such as:

• The mediation process and Texas ADR statutes
• Communication and negotiation skills
• Confidentiality, neutrality, and ethics in mediation
• Practical role-play simulations to prepare for real cases

The recent graduates now join a growing network of trained mediators in Harris County and beyond. Many will go on to volunteer with the DRC, supporting their mission to provide accessible, free, and effective dispute resolution services for the community.

A round of applause goes to all the volunteer instructors and staff for making this training a success and to the graduates for their commitment to becoming bridge-builders in our community.

Congratulations once again to the Class of August 2025! We look forward to seeing the impact you will make!

Houston Volunteer Lawyers

HVL’s New Associate Bootcamps

This program offers early-career training that allows law firms to integrate pro bono work into their new associates’ practice from Day One and can be tailored to meet the specific needs and pro bono interests you may have for new associates once they begin.

Each New Associate Bootcamp begins with in-person training that highlights the invaluable legal skills developed through pro bono work and provides CLE credit, along with an overview of available HVL cases. HVL will provide additional training in specific practice areas based on your firm’s input and provide case opportunities that suit your goals for pro bono work.

We kindly ask that firms participating in the bootcamp ensures all new associates take on at least one (1) pro bono case, as this allows new associates to implement the skills they acquire through the bootcamp and become familiar with the process and support available through HVL, building their confidence along the way.

Firms can email probono@hvlp.org to learn more.
 

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.