A new Bar year is here, bringing new goals, fresh energy, and new ways to make the most of your HBA membership.

Whether you’re a law student figuring out your next move, a new attorney settling into practice, or a longtime member looking to stay involved, here are six easy ways to get more out of your membership this summer and beyond!

1. Catch Up on CLE, Anytime

Your HBA membership includes access to over 100 on-demand CLE programs, so you can watch when it works best for you.

Prefer to learn in person or join virtually? Check out this month’s upcoming CLEs and stay up to date on timely topics shaping the legal profession.

START EARNING CLE CREDIT

2. Get Involved

From 26 committees to 28 substantive law sections, the HBA offers plenty of ways to explore what matters most to you. Whether you want to sharpen your skills, give back through service, take on leadership opportunities, or stay informed in your area of practice, there’s space to shape your experience around your needs.

For law students and newer attorneys, it’s also a great way to meet experienced lawyers, build meaningful relationships, and create a stronger path forward.

EXPLORE COMMITTEES

VIEW OUR SECTIONS

3. Use Your Member Perks

Your membership comes with exclusive discounts on wellness, entertainment, professional services, and more. From savings on everyday services to benefits that support your work and well-being, it’s another way to make the most of your HBA experience!

BROWSE MEMBER BENEFITS

4. Stay in the Loop

From HBA Highlights and the Houston Bar Bulletin to The Houston Lawyer magazine, CLE eBulletin, and the Behind the Lines podcast, your membership keeps you informed and up to date on what’s happening across the HBA.

Stay current on upcoming events, member spotlights, important updates, and conversations shaping Houston’s legal community.

5. Show Up for the Moments That Matter

Socials, luncheons, volunteer projects, and special events offer a chance to step away from the office, have fun, spend time with fellow members, and connect beyond the workplace.

If you’re just starting out, these experiences can help you feel more grounded in your journey, open new doors, and create lifelong connections that can make a lasting impact.

UPCOMING EVENTS

6. Explore What’s Next

Whether you’re looking for your first legal role, planning your next move, or hiring for your team, the HBA Career Center is a resource for finding opportunities across Houston’s legal market.

It’s one more way to stay informed on what’s out there and where your career could take you.

VISIT THE CAREER CENTER

Need assistance renewing your dues or logging in to your member profile? Contact membership@hba.org. Don't risk losing any of your exclusive HBA benefits!

RENEW TODAY

The HBA’s signature event of the year is officially underway! The 77th Annual Harvest Party takes place on Monday, November 9, 2026, at the River Oaks Country Club, bringing Houston’s legal community together in support of a cause that has made a lasting impact for decades.

More than a celebration, the Harvest Party reflects our shared commitment to access to justice and pro bono service. Proceeds benefit Houston Volunteer Lawyers (HVL), whose work provides critical legal services to some of our most vulnerable neighbors across the Greater Houston area.

Every sponsorship helps strengthen that mission. Your support helps ensure that access to justice is not a privilege, but a promise, allowing HVL to continue delivering essential legal services to individuals and families who need them most.

This is your opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to justice while honoring Houston’s long-standing tradition of service and leadership.

Underwriting opportunities are now open! Pledges at Platinum level and above, received by August 15, will be included in the printed invitation mailed to all HBA members. Additional opportunities to expand your visibility, including being listed in the Houston Chronicle ad or being listed in the printed Harvest Party invitation, are also available as optional add-ons.

This year, we’ve introduced new underwriting levels and updated benefits, so we encourage you to review all options before making your selection.

We hope to have your support and look forward to celebrating with you at this year’s Harvest Party!

MAKE A PLEDGE

VIEW UNDERWRITING LEVELS & BENEFITS

Join us on Wednesday, July 15 for games, drinks, bites, and great company. From mocktails to cocktails, enjoy a refreshing break from the daily routine and a welcome escape from the Houston heat.

Trade the office grind for classic arcade games and spend the evening with fellow law students, summer associates, recent grads, and first-year attorneys from across the city. Whether you’re new to Houston, at the beginning of your legal career, or simply looking to expand your circle, this is the perfect chance to step away from the desk, meet new people, and start building your network.

GAME ON

For Michael Hanover, it’s competitive shooting. An eight-year veteran of the Harris County District Attorney’s Office turned civil litigator, Hanover shares how a pursuit of precision outside the office became something much bigger, taking him across Texas and the country to compete with some of the sport’s best. It’s a glimpse into the passions that shape who we are beyond the day job and the stories that make Off the Record worth the read. Interested in being featured? Contact Maggie Martin at maggiem@hba.org.

READ MICHAEL'S STORY

Houston’s all-lawyer theater company, Night Court, returns this August with an all-new murder mystery comedy, Dial L for Lawyer.

This year, Night Court invites you to a party like no other. Notorious Houston lawyer and socialite Paul Broodman is hosting the gala of the season at his River Oaks mansion, and getting an invitation is to die for. Literally. When a violent storm traps guests inside Broodman’s Clue-like estate, murder is on the menu and the mystery begins.

Enjoy an evening of laughter, suspense, and theatrical fun 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.

Ready to crack the case? Click the button below to direct your ticket proceeds to HVL and unlock a special discount on your tickets.

PURCHASE TICKETS

Members gathered at Ciro’s on June 17 for Wine Down Wednesday, enjoying a four-course wine dinner, plenty of laughs, and a chance to slow down on a weekday and enjoy the evening. Because your career deserves a social life too. We hope to see you at the next one! Stay tuned for 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!

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

On June 29, 374 attendees from across the country gathered virtually for an important conversation on the current state of ABA law school accreditation, examining the realities of the process and the ongoing critiques shaping what comes next.

As legal education continues to evolve, the program created space for thoughtful discussion around the standards shaping law schools and the next generation of attorneys. Bringing together voices from across the country, the conversation highlighted the value of staying engaged on the issues influencing the future of the profession.

MISSED THE PROGRAM? WATCH THE FREE CLE VIDEO

Thank you to the co-conveners for helping make this conversation possible:

VISIT THE HBA ON-DEMAND CLE LIBRARY HERE

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

The HBA’s Tech Law Series returns for the new Bar year on Thursday, July 16, with a new webinar on how AI is changing document review. Leading the conversation are Wayland Radin, Vice President of Advanced Technology & Innovation at Innovative Driven and a seasoned eDiscovery professional with more than a decade of experience, alongside Daniel Shaw, Advisor of Advanced Technology & Innovation. Together, they’ll break down how legal teams are combining traditional culling and TAR methods with newer Generative AI tools to move faster, work smarter, and keep pace with growing data demands.

Attendees will leave with a practical framework for building their own AI review process, real-world examples of how legal teams are using AI beyond traditional review, and a better understanding of how Analytics, TAR, and Generative AI can work together for more complete and defensible coverage.

This program is accredited for 1 hour of CLE credit.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION

Townsend & Lockett has named Marlen Whitley director of operations for its new Houston office.

Over 100 guests came together on June 16 at The Houston Club for the 2026 ABC Summer Associate Luncheon. The room was filled with future attorneys, accomplished leaders, ambitious goals, and a shared spirit of encouragement.

Thank you to everyone who joined us as we celebrated this year’s 1L Summer Clerkship Program students and employers, Law Student Scholarship recipients, Diversity Award recipients, Law Day Contest winners, and the many individuals helping create a stronger, more inclusive legal profession.

A special thank you to our speakers, sponsors, and the HBA Advancing Belonging and Cultures Committee for making this event possible.

To our summer associates and law students: we can’t wait to see what amazing things are in store for you!

VIEW EVENT PROGRAM & PHOTOS

The HBA Communities In Schools (CIS) Committee welcomed its 2026 Summer Legal Interns at Wells Fargo Plaza on June 8, kicking off a summer full of learning, growth, and new experiences. The orientation gave interns the chance to meet each other, hear advice and helpful insight from attorneys, and get a firsthand look at what’s ahead. Programs like this are one of the many ways the HBA continues to invest in the next generation of lawyers, and we look forward to seeing where this summer takes them.

CIS SUMMER ENRICHMENT

University of Houston Tour

Summer started strong with our annual Pride Mixer at Norton Rose Fulbright Tower, bringing together law students, attorneys, judges, and industry leaders for a night of skyline views, good conversation, and a chance to step away from the day-to-day.

The evening also included the presentation of the 3rd Annual Benny Agosto, Jr. Award to Houston Rockets General Counsel Clay Allen, recognizing the impact he’s made both in and beyond the profession.

Don’t miss future social events and nights out with the HBA! Click here to stay up to date on what’s coming up and make the most of your career.

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

Beck Redden LLP

Chase Jones Law

Hon. Donna Roth

Jeff Watters

Hon. Jerry Simoneaux

Legacy Community Health

TONER Home Performance

Hon. Erika Ramirez

Houston Lawyer Referral Service

The Houston Lawyer Referral Service helps solo and small firms grow their practice. HLRS welcomes new members, and as an HBA member, you can enjoy a $100 discount on your annual HLRS dues. For those licensed for 5+ years, the yearly membership fee is $250, while those licensed for less than 5 years pay only $175.
Need more reasons to join?
 
Here are 5 fun facts:

1. HLRS members earn an average of $20,000 a year from referrals.
2. HLRS pre-screens referrals based on members’ criteria.
3. HLRS members credit HLRS for helping them maintain a private practice.
4. HLRS offers free CLE webinars focusing on starting/building a law practice.
5. HLRS dues are $175-$250 annually for HBA members.

 
Click here to learn more and join HLRS 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

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

Support Houston Volunteer Lawyers and the critical pro bono legal services they provide to those in our community who need them most by joining us for Night Court this August. Be sure to purchase your tickets using the link below so your ticket directly benefits HVL.

PURCHASE TICKETS

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.