We are pleased to present to you the members of the 2026-2027 HBA Board of Directors. 

President
Greg Ulmer
BakerHostetler LLP

On Friday, March 27, and Saturday, March 28, HBA members and partners came together for HBA Days of Service, one of HBA President Daniella Landers’ key initiatives for the 2025–2026 bar year. The event united our legal community across eight volunteer opportunities—both legal and non-legal—organized in partnership with HBA committees and local organizations.

Volunteers restored IDs and helped clear records for individuals experiencing homelessness at The Beacon, advised and represented veterans at a legal clinic, and assisted individuals at a Protective Order Legal Clinic. Members also sorted and distributed books with Books Between Kids, helped foster youth get prom-ready at HAY Center, sorted food at the Houston Food Bank, and participated in a community cleanup at Kuhlman Gully.

Together, these projects showcased the power of service and strengthened our shared commitment to building a stronger Houston. Thank you to all of our Days of Service partners and volunteers for helping make this initiative a success and for changing hundreds of lives in the process. More photos coming soon!

LEARN MORE

Thank You to Our Spring Partners!

There's still time to register and join us for the 2026 Civil/Appellate Bench Bar Conference on Friday, April 10 at the Hotel ZaZa – Museum District from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Immediately followed by a happy hour sponsored by Troutman Pepper Locke LLP. This program includes 6 hours MCLE credit; including 1.75 hours ethics credit and 6 hours of legal specialization in the following areas: Civil Appellate Law, Civil Trial Law, Estate Planning and Probate Law, Family Law, Judicial Administration Law, and Personal Injury Trial Law.

Thank you to our current sponsors!

REGISTER HERE & VIEW PROGRAM AGENDA

 Grab your clubs and join us Monday, May 4 at Memorial Park Golf Course for a fun-filled day on the greens.

You don’t have to be a pro golfer to enter! This is a relaxed, social way to bond with colleagues, make new connections, and enjoy a day out of the office.

Every swing makes an impact. By participating, you’re supporting the Houston Bar Foundation and helping build the 29th HBA Habitat for Humanity house. All net proceeds from sponsorships and registration go directly to these two amazing causes.

Check-in and lunch begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by a shotgun start at 12:00 p.m., and finishing with a dinner and awards program to celebrate the day’s highlights. Come for the golf, stay for the camaraderie, and leave knowing you’ve helped drive positive change in our community!

COMPETE IN THE TOURNAMENT

BECOME A SPONSOR

Hear from Texas State Representatives Ann Johnson and Mano DeAyala as they deliver a bipartisan recap of the 89th Texas Legislature’s 2025 Regular and Special Sessions. From bills that passed to those that didn’t, and what could be ahead for 2027, get the insights you need to stay informed.

Join us on Tuesday, April 28 for a meet and greet at 11:30 a.m., followed by a lunch and CLE program at 12:00 p.m. Earn 1 hour of CLE credit, including 0.25 hours of ethics.

RSVP HERE

The Fee Dispute Committee arbitrates disputes between attorneys and clients involving legal fees. The committee is currently seeking more lay members. A lay person is an ordinary member of the public with no legal training, license or professional legal duties, does not work within the court system or assist in the practice of law. Suggested groups include retirees who can devote 1.5 hours of time to an arbitration, neighbors, retired teachers, friends, people at community centers, parents, people who like serving on juries or like serving their community. If you know of a lay person who is interested in serving on the Fee Dispute Committee, please send their contact information to Ashley Steininger at ashleyg@hba.org.

The HBA Solo & Small Firm Section hosted its first Solo & Small Firm Summit on March 6 at Hotel ZaZa Memorial City, bringing together more than 100 attendees for a full day of connection, learning, and growth. The program included panels and breakout sessions focused on helping solo and small firm attorneys build and strengthen their practices, along with time to connect with vendors and each other. The day wrapped up with a happy hour where everyone could unwind and keep the conversations going. Eight attendees went home with door prizes, adding a fun touch to the event! A special moment from the summit was the presentation of the inaugural James E. Brill Award, given posthumously to James E. Brill, with his sons there to accept the honor.

VIEW PHOTOS

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Looking to get more involved with the HBA? Request to join an HBA committee for the 2026-2027 Bar Year!  

We are accepting your submissions to indicate which HBA committees you would like to serve on in the 2026-2027 Bar Year, which begins July 1! 

Please note that appointment to a committee is not guaranteed, and reappointment to a committee on which you currently serve on is not automatic.

2026-2027 COMMITTEE INTEREST FORM

More information on each of the committees can be found on hba.org/committees. If you have any questions, please contact Ashley Steininger at ashleyg@hba.org or 346-471-3431 or Alli Hessel at allih@hba.org or 346-471-3293.

Please join us at the 2026 HBA Annual Dinner to honor outgoing HBA President Daniella Landers and to welcome the leadership and welcome incoming HBA President Greg Ulmer. We will also honor our award winners and recognize the many accomplishments of outgoing HBA President Daniella Landers.

The evening will include a cocktail hour at 6 p.m., dinner and awards at 7 p.m., followed by an After-Party reception, sponsored by Steno.

Click below to see sponsorship opportunities, benefits, menu choices, and ticket information. We look forward to celebrating with you!

PURCHASE TICKETS OR TABLE

SPONSOR ANNUAL DINNER

Congratulations to the 2026 HBA Annual Dinner Award Winners!

2026 HBA President's Award

AIDS Outreach Committee 
Co-Chairs: David Miller and Hilary Tyson 

Campaign to End Homelessness and Hunger Committee
Co-Chairs: Aburiyeba Ibiye Amaso and Rachel Kahane

Fun Run Committee
Co -Chairs: Rick Anderson, Maine Goodfellow, and Adam Weaver

Gender Fairness Committee
Co -Chairs: Anna Archer, Farrell Hochmuth, Monica Uddin, and Brittney Williams

Habitat for Humanity Committee
Co -Chairs: Victoria Gipson, Joseph Holloway, and Alex Roberts

Hay Center Committee
Co -Chairs: Cisselon Nichols Hurd and Rehana Vohra

Lawyers for a Beautiful Houston Committee
Co -Chairs: Justin Hicks, Teresa Jones, and Donna Thomisee

Lawyers for Literacy Committee
Co -Chairs: Anietie Akpan, Wonderland Hudson, Brittny Mandarino, and Allen Zwernemann

LGBTQ+ Committee
Co -Chairs: Pamela Brantley Dunnings, Lena Laurenzo, and Jeff Watters

Military & Veterans Committee
Co -Chairs: Barney Dill and Eric D'Olive

Senior Lawyers Committee
Co -Chairs: Melinda Brents and Denise Oncken

Special Olympics Committee
Co -Chairs: Megan Banahan, Daniella Martinez, and Brandon Renken

Wellness Committee
Co -Chairs: Charles Shaw and Samantha Torres

Environmental Section

Chair: Eddie Lewis

Solo & Small Firm Section
Chairs: Melanie Bragg and Ken Krock

Houston Volunteer Lawyers (HVL)

Houston Lawyers Association (HLA)

Houston Young Lawyers Association (HYLA)

2026 Justice Eugene A. Cook Professionalism Award

Dick Schwartz

2026 Justice Ruby Kless Sondock Award

Hon. Sofia Adrogué

Starting April 1, HBA has implemented a new Coupon Code feature for members to access 15 hours of free on-demand CLE videos. This change only applies to the Online CLE Library, not to the livestreamed weekly webinars. This change will enable us to enhance and expand our online CLE offerings, continue providing high-quality CLE programming, and maintain member access to free CLEs, along with other essential member benefits.

Please visit the HBA CLE Video Library for more details.

Connect with the online HBA community! Follow us on social media and show how you’re getting involved with the HBA. Don’t forget to tag us—your post could be featured in our network!

Join or renew your membership by the end of June and you’ll be automatically entered into our monthly drawing for a Wireless Power Bank Folio. Keep your phone charged while staying organized at meetings, events, or throughout your workday.

We’ll draw one winner at the end of April, May, and June—three chances to win. Don’t miss out!

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

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

The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas has announced an opening for a United States Magistrate Judge in the Beaumont Division. This full-time judicial position involves a wide range of responsibilities, including overseeing preliminary proceedings in criminal cases, handling misdemeanor trials, managing pretrial matters and evidentiary proceedings referred by district judges, and conducting civil trials with the consent of the parties. Applicants must be members in good standing of the bar for at least five years and demonstrate strong professional qualifications, integrity, and a commitment to equal justice under the law. Applications must be submitted by May 8, 2026, and will be reviewed by a merit selection panel before a final appointment is made by the district judges.

LEARN MORE

VISIT THE HBA ON-DEMAND CLE LIBRARY HERE

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

The HBA Tech Law Series returns with a timely new webinar, “AI and Professional Responsibility,” taking place on Thursday, April 16 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., exploring how generative AI is reshaping the legal landscape. While the technology continues to evolve, attorneys’ ethical obligations remain constant and must be applied in a modern context. This session will examine key considerations for using GenAI in practice, including maintaining accuracy in AI-assisted work, safeguarding client confidences and privileged information, and ensuring compliance with professional responsibility standards. Attendees will gain practical guidance on when and how to incorporate AI into their work while meeting ethical requirements.

Accredited for 1 hour of MCLE credit, including 1 hour of ethics.

RSVP HERE

Celebrate professionalism at the Houston Day of Civility in the Law on Wednesday, April 22 from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at The Petroleum Club of Houston. Join us for lunch and an insightful discussion on this year’s theme, Victory with Honor: A Trial Lawyer’s Guide to Civility.

Hear from The Dirty Verdict host Peter Taaffe, along with Rusty Hardin, Dan Cogdell, and Erica Harris, as they share personal experiences and discuss the role of civility in the courtroom.

Accredited for 1 hour of MCLE, including 1 hour of ethics.
 

REGISTER HERE

Thank you to our sponsors!

O'Melveny welcomed Douglas C. Lionberger to the firm's Houston office as a partner in the Capital Markets practice.

Sorrels Law announced the addition of Leah Graham and Jim Rensimer to its practice. 

FBT Gibbons LLP added Martina Hinojosa as a partner to its Public Finance group. 

The State Bar of Texas Litigation Section will induct the late HBA Past President Alistair B. Dawson as a Legal Legend on Thursday, April 23 at South Texas College of Law Houston at 12 p.m. 

Be a part of the HBA's Teach Texas project and inspire 7th grade students with judicial civics and court history this April-May! Explore Texas court stories, lead hands-on activities, and make a lasting impact.

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

The HBA Communities In Schools (CIS) Committee’s 2026 Summer Legal Internship Program is looking for employers and sponsors to provide high school students with hands-on public service experiences that prepare them for the future and build valuable skills.

This is a great opportunity to help students explore careers in law, gain professional experience, and receive meaningful mentorship while making a real impact in their lives.

EMPLOYER SIGN UP

Your work is demanding, and your health matters just as much. The HBA Wellness Committee, in partnership with the American Heart Association, invites you to Lawyers with Heart, a lunchtime program focused on heart health and practical, life saving skills.

Join us Wednesday, April 29, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Baker Botts for an engaging session on cardiovascular wellness, including hands-on CPR training that could help save a life. Lunch will be provided.

EMAIL TO RSVP

Houston Lawyer Referral Service

THE HBA’S BEST KEPT SECRET

The Houston Lawyer Referral Service (HLRS) is a practical, reliable tool for attorneys who want to better serve their clients while also growing their practice. As a member, you can receive referrals from people who are actively looking for legal help—making it easier to connect with clients who need your specific expertise.

It’s also a great resource when a matter comes across your desk that’s outside your practice area. Instead of turning a client away, you can point them in the right direction with confidence, knowing they’ll be connected to a qualified attorney. It’s a simple way to maintain trust and provide real value, even when you’re not the right fit for the case.

Why join HLRS:

• Get connected with potential clients who are already looking for legal help
• Grow your practice without having to do all the outreach yourself
• Free CLE focused on solo/small firm issues
• Presentation opportunities
• Earn an average of $20K annually from HLRS referrals 
• Build relationships with other attorneys across different practice areas
• Being part of HLRS helps you take care of your clients, strengthen your reputation, and stay connected to a broader network of legal professionals.

Visit www.HLRS.org/for-attorneys/ or email Kramsey@HLRS.org for more information.

Dispute Resolution Center 

Mediation Ethics: The Backbone of Effective Dispute Resolution

For practitioners in Harris County and across the region, mediation continues to serve as a practical and efficient tool for resolving disputes outside of the courtroom. Its effectiveness, however, depends on strict adherence to ethical standards that preserve the integrity of the process. Neutrality remains central, requiring mediators to maintain both actual and perceived impartiality so that all parties feel equally heard and respected. Confidentiality is equally essential, particularly in a litigation environment where parties may be more guarded; the assurance that discussions will not be used outside the mediation setting often facilitates more candid and productive negotiations. Self-determination further distinguishes mediation from other dispute resolution processes, as parties retain full control over outcomes without undue influence from the mediator.

Equally important are competence and transparency in practice. Mediators must operate within the scope of their training and avoid crossing into the provision of legal advice, particularly when working with pro se parties or in complex civil matters. Clear communication at the outset, regarding process, expectations, and limitations ensures informed participation by all involved. In the Houston legal community, where dockets remain heavy and efficiency is critical, adherence to these ethical principles not only supports fair outcomes but also reinforces confidence in mediation as a reliable extension of the justice system.
 

Houston Volunteer Lawyers

Join Houston Volunteer Lawyers in transforming lives through pro bono legal work! No prior expertise required – you'll be equipped with everything you need, from CLE training to ongoing mentorship. Be part of the 3,000+ strong community bridging the legal gap. Explore available cases here and sign up to lend your support today!

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.