THANK YOU to everyone who joined us for the 76th Annual Harvest Party on November 10! Over 1,100 members and guests gathered to make it a night to remember. We hope you enjoyed an unforgettable evening filled with inspiring conversations, networking opportunities, and memorable moments.

Our deepest appreciation goes out to our generous sponsors. Your support fuels vital pro bono services and expands access to justice through Houston Volunteer Lawyers. Together, we are making a real impact.

VIEW HARVEST PARTY HIGHLIGHTS AND PHOTOS

Since becoming a fundraiser in 1999, the Harvest Party has raised more than $13 million in net proceeds to support HVL’s mission of providing free legal services to low-income Houstonians. HVL provides more than $14 million annually in free legal services to the Houston community. These services include helping individuals facing eviction, veterans seeking assistance, parents navigating guardianship or custody issues, and seniors in need of estate planning.

We look forward to seeing you at the 77th Annual Harvest Party on November 9, 2026!

Questions about the Harvest Party? Contact Ashley Gagnon Steininger at ashleyg@hba.org.  

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

Don't miss out on the 41st Annual HBA Eikenburg Fun Run! Join us at Sam Houston Park in downtown Houston on Saturday, February 21, 2026.

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

REGISTER HERE

BECOME A SPONSOR

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

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

Please send the nominee's resume and three to five letters of support by 5:00 p.m., Friday, March 13, 2026 to HBA Marketing and Communications Director Maggie Martin at maggiem@hba.org.

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

Please send the nominee's resume and three to five letters of support by 5:00 p.m., Friday, March 13, 2026 to HBA Marketing and Communications Director Maggie Martin at maggiem@hba.org.

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.

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.

On November 17, the HBA Senior Lawyers Committee hosted a conversation between Mayor John Whitmire and City Attorney Arturo Michel at Brennan's of Houston. We thank both leaders for taking the time to provide an inside look at the workings of our city and share their insights on city government and legal ethics.

Photo Credit: Loryn Lopez of GLO Foto

On November 13, legal professionals came together for an engaging program revisiting the landmark case Pennzoil Co. v. Texaco, Inc. Presented by the HBA, Baker Botts L.L.P., Norton Rose Fulbright, and Yetter Coleman LLP, speakers—which included original participants of the ligation—reflected on the historic jury verdict four decades later. 

The discussion shed light on first-hand context, broke down trial and appellate strategies, and observed the case’s lasting impact on business practices, courtroom advocacy, and legal precedent. Attendees enjoyed time to connect and continue the conversation during a post-event reception. 

View sketches drawn by Ken Ellis here.

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.

Don’t miss the Texans’ regular season finale! HBA members get exclusive discounted tickets to watch the Houston Texans take on the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium on Saturday, January 3 or Sunday, January 4 (date TBD). Grab your seats before they’re gone!

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW

Need the perfect game day look? Check out the HBA’s new red apparel — rep the Texans while showing your HBA pride.

SHOP THE HBA STORE

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

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.

Texas Latinx Judges, a nonpartisan, nonprofit professional association focused on the advancement of current and future Latinx judges, welcomes registration for "Thriving in Law School and Journeys to the Bench," taking place Friday, January 30, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Harris County Civil Court at Law (201 Caroline St., 17th Floor, 77002). 

REGISTER HERE

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. 

Vinson & Elkins LLP elected three Houston lawyers to its partnership: Zach Banks, Jordan Fossee, and David Lassetter. 

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP announced the election of Erin Kaufman, Joe Laurel, Omar Shariff, and Christian A. Truman as partners in its Houston office, effective January 1, 2026.

Patterson + Sheridan LLP is pleased to welcome first-year associate Griff Lancaster and patent agents Sam Oh and Adriana Reyes to the firm’s Houston office. 

Veteran Holiday Gift Bags

Thank you to all of donor for providing gift bags for veterans living in local shelters! 

HAY Center Holiday Party

Thank you to all of the volunteers and donors who contributed to the HAY Center Holiday Party! 

Share Your Holidays at the Houston Food Bank

Thank you to the volunteers who answered calls from families in need of food for the holidays and schedule pickups!

We’re proud to introduce our twelfth HBA Ambassador from Class V (2025-2027), Nishi Kothari, partner at Brasher Law Firm, and President of the South American Bar Association of North America. Click here to learn more about Nishi and the rest of our HBA Ambassadors. 

WATCH NOW

Have time to spare? Volunteer with the HBA Special Olympics Committee at the East Region Area 4 Greater Houston Bowling Competition on December 12–13 at Copperfield Bowl in Cypress. The action kicks off at 7:00 a.m., and with various shifts available, it'll be right up your alley.

BECOME A VOLUNTEER

This November, the HBA had the pleasure of donating and installing a Little Free Library at the Glazier Senior Education Center. Residents are invited to stop by, take a book, or leave one to help promote accessible learning opportunities for all.

The HBA joined Houston Habitat for Humanity to welcome home the family of its 27th Habitat House with a special dedication ceremony, generously sponsored by the Houston Bar Association Auxiliary (HBAA).

HBA Immediate Past President David Harrell welcomed the deserving family and presented them with gifts for their new home.

Congratulations to the Perro family on this new chapter!

Help the HBA lay the foundation for a Houston family's future.

Join the HBA Habitat for Humanity Committee's 2nd Annual Bar Builds Campaign! This fundraiser, in partnership with Houston Habitat for Humanity, aims to raise funds for the 28th home for a Houston family in need of affordable housing—just in time for the holidays.

Since 1998, the Houston Bar Association has proudly built 27 homes for low-income families, helping to create brighter futures and stronger communities.

Now, we invite you to join the effort! Create your team or join a team in the competition. Together, we can amplify our impact by raising more funds and creating even greater opportunities for families in our city. It’s not just about building homes—it’s about building hope.

Let’s come together to make a difference, spark some friendly competition, and change lives. For more information, contact Georgina Peña at georginap@hba.org or (346) 471-3310.

GET INVOLVED TODAY

To kick off the ABC 1L Summer Clerkship Program, law students joined virtually on November 12 for the 2025–2026 Interview Readiness Panel. Students gained real-world strategies, interview best practices, and confidence-building advice from an expert panel. Together, we’re helping shape the next generation of legal professionals.   

Start your new year by reading, connecting, and leveling up! Join the HBA Gender Fairness Committee on Thursday, January 15 for the Winter Book Club with Melanie Bragg, author of Defining Moments: Insights into the Lawyer’s Soul. Discover how top lawyers’ pivotal experiences shaped their leadership and resilience.

Explore the LEAD Line framework—Legacy, Excellence, Authenticity, Determination—and see how these stories connect to the duty of competency and the Preamble to the Disciplinary Rules.

RSVP

Houston Lawyer Referral Service

New Year, New Opportunities!

Start 2026 with the Houston Lawyer Referral Service (HLRS) and connect with clients actively seeking legal representation. Join today at www.hlrs.org/for-attorneys.

Why Partner with HLRS?

• Pre-Screened Referrals: Work with clients ready to hire.

• Boost Your Income: Earn an average of $20,000 annually from HLRS referrals.

• Grow Your Practice: Build a steady and reliable client base.

• Free CLE Opportunities: Stay current without extra cost.

• Public Speaking Engagements: Share your expertise and build your reputation.

• Marketing Support: HLRS promotes your services for you.

• Community Impact: Make a difference by helping those in need.

• Complete Control: Choose only the cases you want to take.

• Explore Practice Areas: Discover new interests and expand your skills.

Take the first step toward growing your practice in 2026! For more details or to see if HLRS is the right fit for you, contact Executive Director Karen Ramsey at kramsey@hlrs.org or (713) 650-0470.

Dispute Resolution Center 
 

Fix Your Face: When In Doubt, NMF It Out
 
Let’s be honest: mediators hear some wild things. People will confidently state facts that defy logic, physics, or occasionally human biology. They will insist they “never said that,” even though the other party is absolutely certain they did, and you’re sitting there knowing you will never actually see the evidence to confirm either version. They will recount stories that begin with “I’m not trying to be dramatic, BUT…” and you know immediately that drama is about to enter the chat. And through all of this, your job is simple: fix your face. We’ve all heard about the other acronym RBF, the one people joke about when their “neutral” face sends entirely the wrong message. In mediation, that expression can derail trust before the conversation even starts. You have no idea whether what they’re saying is true, false, exaggerated, misunderstood, or inspired by a courtroom TV marathon, so your face must stay out of the storyline.

Now we have NMF: the Neutral Mediator Face. We’ve all heard about the other acronym RBF… now we have the version that actually works for us. And unlike the other one, there are no bad words or cursing in our acronym. NMF means a relaxed jaw, soft eyes, steady breathing, and an expression that says, “I’m here, I’m listening, and nothing you say is going to make me flinch.” When the story takes a sharp turn, support the conversation with grounding phrases such as “I hear this is important to you,” “Help me understand what that meant for you,” or “What would you like the other person to take away from this?” These cues keep the dialogue focused and keep your expression from revealing the internal monologue you’re absolutely having. So the next time you hear something that makes your brain whisper, “Excuse me, what?” just inhale, reset your expression, use NMF.

Learn more about DRC HERE.

Houston Volunteer Lawyers

Access to justice isn’t a one-size-fits-all issue. Many low-income Texans face a range of civil legal issues without means to hire an attorney. This means that litigants must navigate the complexities of divorce and custody cases alone. Mishaps in pro se cases result in difficulties for families as well as courts, with inefficient use of time and resources. Houston Volunteer Lawyers has recently expanded services to provide meaningful pro se assistance to low-income Texans who need help with civil legal matters. LAWPods and ScribeHELP are innovative remote, limited scope representation opportunities to assist pro se family law litigants with drafting documents. Click HERE to sign up today or email HVL Senior Staff Attorney Elliott Tucker.

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.