

Juneteenth!
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, commemorates June 19, 1865—the day the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It serves as a powerful reminder of delayed justice, enduring strength, and the continued pursuit of equity.
As the African American Bar of Houston, HLA honors Juneteenth as a time to reflect on the struggles and triumphs of Black Americans, celebrate cultural heritage, and reaffirm our commitment to justice, advocacy, and uplifting our community.

Juneteenth Celebration
Kick off the 2025–2026 bar year with HLA’s first event of the summer! Celebrate Juneteenth with music, games, and family fun at the Houston Botanic Garden—honoring our freedom and Black heritage.

HLA at NBA’s 100th Annual Convention!
HLA is excited to attend the National Bar Association Convention July 26-August 1, 2025!
We want to connect with every HLA member attending to stay in touch while in the city, and to determine our election voting strength! Please help us by completing the form on our event page!

2025-2026 Bar Year
Welcome to the 2025–2026 Bar Year! Under the leadership of President Élan Moore-Jones, HLA reaffirms its commitment to advocacy, mentorship, and collective progress. Guided by this year’s theme, "Lifting As We Climb: The Duty of the Black Lawyer," we continue moving forward with purpose in a challenging political climate—standing firm in our responsibility to lead, uplift, and serve.

The Last Friday
Join HLA for our FINAL mixer of the bar year as we bid farewell to President Gibson and welcome incoming President Moore-Jones!
We are inviting all past, present and interested HLA members to come fellowship with us at Thirteen’s private bowling alley!
RSVP Today!

May General Body Meeting
Join HLA for our May General Body Meeting: Arbitration Essentials: A Practical Guide with the AAA-ICDR.
This presentation provides a practical overview of arbitration, guiding attendees through key stages—from filing and arbitrator selection to hearings and the final award. Participants will leave equipped to help clients evaluate arbitration as a dispute resolution option and incorporate well-crafted arbitration clauses into their practice.
Questions? Contact CLE Committee Chair, Simone Bray-Albloshi at cle@houstonlawyersassociation.org.

Judicial Section CLE: Accessing the Harris County Specialty Dockets
This course is a detailed explanation of the 5 Specialty dockets currently operating in Harris County. The course will review the criteria and referral procedures.
RSVP Today!

Expungement Clinic
We are dedicated to helping individuals in our community clear their criminal records, opening doors to better employment, housing, and other essential resources.
Whether you are seeking guidance on the expungement process or looking for direct legal assistance, our team of experienced attorneys and volunteers is here to support you every step of the way.

Criminal Law Section CLE: Abortion Bans, Pregnancy Prosecution, and Reproductive Rights in Texas
This presentation will cover the new criminal prohibition on abortion and related crimes and prosecutions of pregnant people in Texas, as well as potential defenses.

Expungement Clinic Volunteer Orientation
Calling All Volunteers and Attorneys!!
Interested in supporting the HLA Expungement clinic on April 26th? We’re hosting a volunteer orientation on April 16, 2025 to overview the needs and expectations, in order to have a high-impact Expungement Clinic.
RSVP today for the virtual event! Contact Adrianna Ivory at Director4@houstonlawyersassociation.org for questions or concerns.

National Bar Association Listening & Engagement Tour
Join the National Bar Association and HLA for the Houston stop of the Listening & Engagement Tour, where legal minds will meet to discuss the future of legal advocacy. RSVP Today!

2025-2026 Board Elections & Annual Meeting
Join the Houston Lawyers Association for our 2025-2026 Board Election Meeting. Candidates will give their platform speeches and eligible HLA members will case their votes.

April First Friday & Spring Mixer
Join HLA for our April First Friday and Spring Membership Mixer! We are inviting all past, present and interested HLA members to come network with us at Off The Record in the heart of Downtown Houston!
RSVP Today!

Raising The Bar: The Impact of Diverse Women Presidents
Join us for Raising the Bar: The Impact of Diverse Women Presidents, a powerful panel and reception exploring the transformative influence of women leaders in bar associations. Engage in an authentic discussion on navigating systemic barriers, redefining power, and leveraging our diverse experiences to create lasting change and sustain impact.

Solo/Small Firm Section Presents: Leveraging Technology- Tools and Tips for Efficiency and Profitability CLE
Join the Solo/Small Firm Section for their March CLE: Leveraging Technology- Tools and Tips for Efficiency and Profitability CLE, featuring Attorney D’Angelo Lowe.

Walk and Talk with DTG and HLA
Join HLA and The Downtown Group for our Women’s History Month event: ‘Walk and Talk with DTG and HLA! Attendees will get their steps in while learning about trailblazing women in the legal field.
RSVP today!

Family Law Section Presents: It Takes A Village- Exploring Grandparent’s Rights in Texas CLE
Join the Family Law Section for their March CLE: It Takes A Village- Exploring Grandparent’s Rights in Texas. This CLE is featuring Attorney Cherika Edwards with the Law Office of Cherika Edwards.

Probate & Estates Section Presents: Understanding the Role of the Harris County Office of Public Probate Administrator
Join the Probate & Estates Section for their March CLE: Understanding the role of the Harris County Office of Public Probate Administrator, featuring Attorney Brandon Cofield.

March General Body Meeting
Join HLA for our March General Body Meeting: What’s the Emergency? Immediate Impact of Health Care Changes Under New Administration, featuring Apriel Powell, UTMB Healthcare.
The session will be focused on recent court decisions, proposed legislation (state and federal), and likely trends in health care, with an emphasis on access, costs, and delivery. The specific areas of focus will include topics in managed care/insurance, reproductive medicine, mental health, and prescription drug prices. Additional discussion will highlight any recent developments of the new Trump Administration that will affect healthcare system or organizations' client operations.

HLA Board Elections Informational
Are you interested in joining the HLA Board of Directors?
Join us for our March Informational and learn about roles, responsibilities and how you can help shape the future of HLA.
Attendance is mandatory for anyone interested in running for a Board Position.

HLA Takes the Rodeo
Join HLA for an evening of fun, fellowship, and celebration as we gather for Black Heritage Night at the Houston Rodeo! We have limited tickets available for the concert, and we will end the night at the Houston Rodeo Hideout (White Tent).
For more information about the rodeo, please visit: https://www.rodeohouston.com/

Judicial Section Presents: From the Bench to the Bar- The Role of Jury Panels in Strengthening Confidence in the Justice System CLE
Join the Judicial Section for their March CLE, From the Bench to the Bar: The Role of Jury Panels in Strengthening Confidence in the Justice System, featuring Hon. LaShawn Williams, Presiding Judge of Harris County Court at Law No.4!

Transactional Section Presents: Navigating the IP Landscape
Join the Transactional Section for their February CLE: Navigating the IP Landscape, featuring Attorney Carissa Olowos, with Greenberg Traurig, LLP.
This CLE will explore the fundamentals of intellectual property law and the ethical challenges that come with protecting innovation. We’ll discuss key topics like patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, along with ethical concerns such as fair use, conflicts of interest, and responsible enforcement. Attorneys will learn how to safeguard IP rights while maintaining integrity in legal and business practices.
Expungement Clinic Volunteer Meeting
Calling all Expungement Clinic Volunteers and Pro Bono Attorneys, join us for our volunteer orientation meeting to discuss the roles and responsibilities of volunteers.
Questions? Contact Adrianna Ivory at director4@houstonlawyersassociation.org

Tri BLSA Speed Networking Mixer
Join the Tri-BLSA chapters and Houston Lawyers Association for an evening of networking and community. This event is open to law students and attorneys.
Bring your business cards!

Job Interview Workshop
Are you preparing for job interviews and looking to stand out? Join the Houston Lawyers Association's Mentorship Committee for an engaging and informative Job Interview Workshop + Mock Interviews

Personal Injury Section Presents: Cross Examination of Medical Experts in Trial CLE
Join the Personal Injury Section for their February CLE: Cross Examination of Medical Experts in Trial.

Volunteer: Pathway to Law- Law Week
The State Bar of Texas African American Lawyers Section is in need of volunteer attorneys to participate in Law Week, to include an in-person informational session, networking, and brand management covering the path to practicing law.
Guidance will be provided to each participant prior to the session.

Presidents' Social
Join HLA for our 2025 Presidents’ Social at Bungalow. This social will be an opportunity for HLA Members and supporters to network and mingle, while honoring past HLA Presidents and their contribution to the Houston Lawyers Association.
RSVP today!
Questions? Contact events@houstonlawyersassociation.org

Civil Litigation Section Presents: The Texas Supreme Court Update- Attorney’s Fees
Join the Civil Litigation Section for their February CLE: The Texas Supreme Court Update- Attorney’s Fees.

Criminal Law Section Presents: How to File Criminal Expunctions in Texas
Join the Criminal Law Section for their February CLE: How to File Criminal Expunctions in Texas.

February General Body Meeting
Join HLA for our February General Body Meeting: Commercial Bankruptcy 101, featuring Attorney Sean Davis, Winstead PC. This CLE will provide an overview of commercial bankruptcy, including common concepts, useful tools, and pitfalls of which businesses and practitioners should be mindful.

HLA Board Elections Informational
Are you interested in joining the HLA Board of Directors?
Join us for our February Informational and learn about roles, responsibilities and how you can help shape the future of HLA.
Attendance is mandatory for anyone interested in running for a Board Position.