The 76th Annual Harvest Party is just days away! Join us on Monday, November 10 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the River Oaks Country Club for a Party for a Cause. Don’t wait to purchase your tickets to the signature networking event of Houston's legal community. This is your chance to reconnect with old friends and make new ones as we enter the holiday season.

You won’t want to miss the new things in store this year, including a silent auction featuring an 8-week-old pedigreed female black Labrador Retriever puppy and new menu items!

It will be an evening to remember under the stars as we celebrate access to justice and the power of our Houston legal community. All net proceeds from the event will benefit Houston Volunteer Lawyers.

PURCHASE TICKETS OR UNDERWRITE

Questions about the Harvest Party? Contact Ashley Steininger at ashleyg@hba.org or Alli Hessel at allih@hba.org.

Join us on Thursday, November 13 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. for a symposium followed by a reception from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., presented by Baker Botts, Norton Rose Fulbright, Yetter Coleman, and the Houston Bar Association. This engaging program will revisit the landmark case Pennzoil Co. v. Texaco, Inc., forty years after the historic jury verdict.

The panel will feature original participants in the litigation who will share historical context, analyze the trial and appellate strategies and decisions, and reflect on the case’s lasting influence on business practices, courtroom advocacy, and legal precedent.

SPACE LIMITED — REGISTER NOW

Hear from Mayor John Whitmire and City Attorney Arturo Michel on Monday, November 17, at 11:30 a.m. at Brennan’s of Houston as they discuss city government and legal ethics. This is your chance to hear directly from Houston’s top leaders while earning 1 hour of CLE credit, including 1 hour of ethics.

SECURE YOUR SPOT

Unwind, connect, and recharge with us at our new Wine Down Wednesdays—no agenda, just great company and good conversation. Meet new people, network, and relax in a laid-back setting.

Our first Wine Down Wednesday will be held on December 10 at The Founders Club in the Wells Fargo Plaza.

RSVP TODAY— DON'T MISS IT

Join us on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Four Seasons Hotel for the 2026 Houston Bar Foundation Annual Luncheon! Outgoing Chair Sara Keith will share the Foundation’s accomplishments from the past year and welcome Incoming Chair Benny Agosto Jr., who will introduce the 2026 HBF Board and hear from guest speaker Johnny Carrabba, restauranteur and philanthropist.

There will be a reception held 11:00–11:30 a.m. honoring award winners and HBF Fellows.

Net proceeds will benefit the Houston Bar Foundation Scholarship Fund, established in memory of Alistair Dawson.

Get Your Tables Now!

For questions, contact Ashley Steininger at ashleyg@hba.org or Alli Hessel at allih@hba.org.

As an active HBA member, you should have received an emailed invitation from BallotBoxOnline.com (noreply@ballotboxonline.com) to complete the 2025 HBA Judicial Evaluation Questionnaire.

This exclusive member benefit gives you the opportunity to evaluate elected and appointed judges who have served on their current court for at least six months. Your feedback, based on key professional and ethical criteria, helps strengthen our judiciary by promoting transparency, accountability, and excellence.

Make your voice heard. The questionnaire closes Friday, November 21, at 4:00 p.m.

*Results do not represent the official opinion or endorsement of the HBA.

VIEW PAST QUESTIONNAIRE RESULTS

Not an HBA member but want to participate? Click here to join now! For questions, contact Maggie Martin at maggiem@hba.org.

One year after the launch of the Texas Business Court and the 15th Court of Appeals, and one year after our original Taking Care of Business episode, Texas courts and lawyers are still taking care of business.

The latest episode of Behind the Lines: The Houston Lawyer Podcast explores how the business of law in Texas has evolved, what has changed, and what continues to shape the future of practice. The episode also features two spotlights on business-related services making an impact in our community.

LISTEN NOW

We’re excited to introduce two NEW HBA sections: the Solo and Small Firm Section and the Technology Section. These new groups give members more ways to connect, share ideas, and grow within their practice areas.

With the debut of the Technology Section, they recently hosted two CLE programs titled “When Bots Attack: Safeguarding Against AI Cyber Threats” and “A Look Ahead to 2026: Trends Shaping AI, Cybersecurity, Privacy & IP.” Both sessions were recorded and will be available in our online CLE library in the coming weeks as part of the HBA’s new Tech Law Series.

The Solo and Small Firm Section invites you to a special networking event on Tuesday, November 18 — an evening designed to sharpen your networking skills and expand your professional connections. Click HERE to register now! The section will also host its inaugural summit on Friday, March 6, 2026. Click HERE to learn more.

Whether you’re looking to network, learn, or expand your expertise, there is a place for you.

JOIN A SECTION TODAY

Whether you're an experienced runner or a beginner, the 41st Annual HBA Eikenburg Fun Run is a chance to do something fun with friends and colleagues while supporting a Houston organization! The event will take place at Sam Houston Park in downtown Houston on Saturday, February 21. Registration is open to everyone!

All net proceeds benefit Pursuit Center, supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism through housing, education, and job opportunities.

Questions? Contact Georgina Peña at georginap@hba.org or (346) 471-3310.

SIGN UP TO RUN FOR A CAUSE

SPONSOR TODAY

Dive into the critical issues shaping journalism and law at the 38th Annual Law & the Media Seminar, “The Importance of Journalism and Free Press to U.S. Democracy.” Join us on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Hear from leading experts as they discuss the real-world challenges journalists face, recent landmark cases shaping media law, and practical strategies for protecting press freedom. Accredited for 3 hours of CLE, including 1 hour of ethics.

REGISTER HERE

BECOME A SPONSOR

Thank you to these generous sponsors for your support: 

The Publisher

Cogdell Law Firm

The Editor

The Producer

Houston Public Media

Judge Josefina M. Rendón

Wyly & Cook, PLLC

For questions or more information, contact Maggie Martin at 346-471-3428 or maggiem@hba.org.

The HBA proudly celebrated new attorneys at the New Lawyers Induction Ceremony held on October 20 at the historic 1910 Harris County Courthouse. Chief Justice Tracy Christopher of the Fourteenth Court of Appeals convened the ceremony, representing the panel of justices from both the First and Fourteenth Courts of Appeals. HBA President Daniella Landers extended a warm welcome on behalf of the Houston Bar Association to the new licensees, followed by inspiring remarks from Hon. Eva Guzman. To make this milestone truly personal, each attending Justice from the First and Fourteenth Courts of Appeals administered the oath individually, one by one, to every licensee in procession.

It was a meaningful and joyous occasion as new lawyers, joined by their families and friends, marked the beginning of their legal careers and took their first steps into the profession.

We can’t wait to see all that’s in store for these promising new members of the bar!

Are you a new attorney? You are eligible for ONE FREE YEAR of HBA membership! Click here to join today and jumpstart your legal career.

Mark your calendars for the Solo & Small Firm Summit on March 6, 2026, at Hotel ZaZa Memorial City. This full-day conference will include networking opportunities, vendors, and a happy hour. Join us for this inaugural event bringing solos and small firms together to learn, build better business, and thrive!

SPONSORSHIPS OPEN NOW

Ticket sales will open in January. Watch for an email with more details soon. 

For questions, contact Ashley Steininger at ashleyg@hba.org.

I grew up in a family of lawyers, thinking UHLC, the state capital, and the Supreme Court of Texas were my playground. In 2010, I had just moved back to Houston from Virginia and found a job listing through UH for the HBA. It sounded like a good fit for me, and I was right. I started as the Executive Assistant – Events working directly under former E.D. Kay Sim and trained by (now HLRS E.D.) Karen Ramsey. Very quickly, I was promoted to my current position as Director of Projects & Events and HBA leadership trusted me to develop the position and department into what it is today. I’ve served as staff liaison to 22 of the HBA’s committees over my 15 years, typically juggling 17 committees at once. This meant working directly with over 400 HBA members and community liaisons annually to produce over 30 programs and events, in addition to responsibilities outside of committees. I’ve worked under 15 presidents and 3 executive directors and have hired, trained, and directly managed 10 employees and several interns. I genuinely love working with HBA members and enjoy the charitable aspect of the job.

Some of my favorite HBA memories are taking over Rice Stadium for our 1st Fire Team Relay, coordinating a sold-out Annual Dinner where we recognized two classes of 50-year lawyers, helping secure the highest sponsorship amount for the HBA Eikenburg Fun Run, taking large annual checks to Pursuit Center to serve Houston’s IDD community, delivering gifts to low-income families for the holidays, welcoming families to their new habitat home, presenting scholarships to LGBTQ+ students, building a school library, helping foster youth shop for college and work attire, the photos and thank you notes from sending lawyers into schools year after year, helping law students make connections, the excited faces when introducing people to the courthouses, watching students in middle and high school perform mock trials, helping so many people in need with food, clothing, diapers, books, gifts, and more. We’ve done so much good in the community and had fun while doing it. My mom found time to volunteer with me in the community, and I made sure to do the same with my kids, often through HBA volunteer opportunities.

During those COVID work-from-home months, I was instrumental in converting the HBA from fully in-person to operating remotely. Every one of my projects and events were still executed and successful. One result that remains a benefit today is that our committee meetings are hybrid, allowing members who live and work outside of central Houston to participate. I am honored to have led the launching of several new committees from their inception: LGBTQ+, Military & Veterans, Teach Texas, and Wellness. I think the most memorable moments were those where our most challenging projects and events were successful. I’ve lost count of how many school reading programs I’ve coordinated or how many hours I’ve spent coordinating fun runs, but I remember the happy HBA members, school students, and community partners. Of course, working closely with President Daniella Landers to plan 8 service events in one September weekend and another 8 planned for March 28th for the HBA Days of Service this year is unforgettable and a nice way to wrap up my time at the HBA.

My favorite part of the job has been getting to know so many amazing people, many of whom have become lifelong friends, and to my surprise, I also met someone with whom I want to share life. Chase and I are missing our friends and family in Houston, but loving life in Portland, OR. From a distance, we will be celebrating the future success of the HBA and will visit our beloved Houston legal community as often as possible. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to my colleagues over the last 15 years and to all the HBA members I’ve worked with.

Join us on social media! Share your HBA activity with your network by tagging us on any of these platforms

Considering your next opportunity, or where your career can take you in the next 5-10 years? The HBA Career Center's "Career Insights" includes data to help you make informed decisions, and includes information from job demand to expected salary/hourly pay of your desired career, and a day-in-the-life look into your dream career. 

Visit Career Insights Here

Visit the HBA Career Center Here

This fall, discover local resources built with you in mind. The Lactation Pod offers privacy and comfort for nursing mothers, and the LAWPod (Legal Access Workspace) provides a quiet, tech-ready space to access legal information.

Whether you’re balancing work, family, or both, these spaces are here to make things easier. Find your nearest location 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

VISIT THE HBA ON-DEMAND CLE LIBRARY HERE

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

Ben Bireley has joined Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner as Of Counsel.

Congratulations to the following HBA members for being recognized as OutSmart Magazine’s Gayest & Greatest 2025 Readers’ Choice Award Winners!

• Emma Brockway, Best Labor & Employment Attorney
• Eric Kirkpatrick, Best Male Personal Injury Attorney
• Brian Klosterboer, Best Human-Rights Attorney & Most Prominent Male LGBTQ Activist
• deborah lawson, Best Female Family Attorney & Best Female Probate Attorney & Favorite Female (Community) TV Personality
• John Nechman, Best Male Immigration Attorney (tie)
• Cameron Rivers, Best Business Attorney
• Jessica Rodriguez-Wahlquist, Best Female Personal Injury Attorney
• Ana Maria Schwartz, Best Female Immigration Attorney 
• Jeff Watters, Best Male Probate Attorney
• Sam M. (Trey) Yates, Best Male Family Attorney
• Katine Nechman McLaurin LLP, Favorite Community & Ally Law Firm
• Vinson & Elkins, Most Supportive Champion Law Firm for Equality

We’re excited to introduce our ninth HBA Ambassador from Class V (2025-2027), Lucia Zhan, associate at Brothers, Alvarado, Piazza & Cozort, P.C., and member of the Asian American Bar Association of Houston, and click here to learn more about Lucia and the rest of our HBA Ambassadors. 

WATCH NOW

Help make the holidays brighter for veterans living in local shelters! Join the HBA Campaign to End Homelessness and Hunger Committee by donating 25 gift bags by Friday, November 7, or by contributing any dollar amount.

SIGN UP TO DONATE BAGS

MAKE A MONETARY DONATION

LEARN MORE

Help the HBA HAY Center Committee provide a holiday party for local current and former foster youth. Funds cover food, our guest Santa, decorations, gifts, stockings, home goods, and pantry food.

We are also accepting monetary donations! If you choose to do so, please make a note that the donation is for the Holiday Party & Other Needs.

AMAZON WISH LIST

MAKE A MONETARY DONATION

The HBA Campaign to End Homelessness & Hunger Committee welcomes volunteers (adults only) to join us at the Houston Food Bank on Tuesday, December 2 from 3:45 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Volunteers answer calls from families in need of food for the holidays and schedule pickups. Refreshments are provided. 

LINK COMING SOON

On October 28, members and guests embraced the Halloween spirit at the HBA LGBTQ+ Committee's 5th Annual Halloween Party with Icons of the Afterlife. Held at Norton Rose Fulbright, the night was filled with incredible costumes, delicious food, cocktails, mocktails, and endless dancing and fun! More photos coming soon.

Thank you to our attendees, and of course, our dedicated committee members for making this night a real treat!

The Fifteenth Court of Appeals is currently hiring a Staff Attorney to serve Justice April Farris. This position involves highly complex, senior-level legal work, including examining and preparing legal documents, interpreting laws and regulations, providing legal advice and counsel, and preparing cases for proceedings before the Fifteenth Court of Appeals. Interested? Click here to learn more and apply.

Houston Lawyer Referral Service

Join the Houston Lawyer Referral Service (HLRS)  and watch your practice grow! With low dues ($175-$250 annually)  and a NO-PAY-per-lead model, you only pay for retained cases, not just referrals. They handle the advertising, and members earn an average of $20,000 in additional income from HLRS referred cases each year. Plus, enjoy free CLE opportunities and public speaking engagements that help you build your reputation and expand your professional network. Email info@HLRS.org or visit www.HLRS.org for more information.

Dispute Resolution Center 

Veterans Day and the Spirit of Mediation

As we honor Veterans Day, the Harris County Dispute Resolution Center extends their deepest gratitude to all who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Veterans embody discipline, leadership, and a steadfast commitment to resolving conflict with integrity — qualities that translate directly into the field of mediation.

In many ways, veterans have been mediating long before they ever entered a conference room. Military life demands constant communication, teamwork, and problem-solving across diverse perspectives and high-stress situations. These experiences cultivate empathy, patience, and a focus on mission-oriented outcomes, all vital to successful mediation.

The DRC is proud to count veterans among their mediators and staff. Their service to our country continues as they now serve the community, helping neighbors, families, and organizations find common ground and peaceful resolutions.

To all veterans: thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your continued dedication to building bridges through understanding.

Houston Volunteer Lawyers

Earn 3 Hours (1 Hour of Ethics) of Free CLE Credit

HVL is partnering with Lone Star Legal Aid, The Beacon, and South Texas College of Law on November 14 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to present The Basics of Representing Veterans. This virtual CLE is open to all Texas attorneys and satisfies VA accreditation requirements if accredited by the VA before attending the course. Register at bit.ly/houvetcle2025.

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.