MEET MARIE CARLISLE

Marie Carlisle is a partner in the Litigation Group with BakerHostetler LLP. She focuses on commercial litigation, along with securities and bankruptcy work.

Marie is a member of the HBA Litigation Section.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and your professional background?

My name is Marie Carlisle. I am a partner in the litigation group with BakerHostetler LLP. My practice includes commercial litigation, along with securities and bankruptcy work. I am a second career attorney. Before going to law school, I worked as an analytical chemist in the Houston area, both for an environmental laboratory, analyzing soils and waste waters from various companies in the Houston/Southeast Texas area, and for NASA at the Johnson Space Center, working in the toxicology department, analyzing air samples from the space station and space shuttles.

(R ): Marie and teammates participating in the 38th Annual HBA Eikenburg 8K Fun Run.

How long have you been a member of the Houston Bar Association, and what motivated you to join?

I have been involved in various ways for years since 2015. I was inspired to become an active member and committee chair after meeting with former executive director, Kay Sim, at an HBA Annual Dinner and learning from her about all of the opportunities the HBA has to offer attorneys.

What specific benefits or opportunities have you gained through your HBA membership?

I think one of the best opportunities that the HBA provides is simply the community created and fostered by its members. Serving on committees or working at any of the many HBA sponsored volunteer events is a great way to meet others with similar interests and to help expand your network of friends and colleagues within the legal profession.

(L ): Marie with former HBA Executive Director Kay Sim (center) and another dedicated volunteer during a Habitat for Humanity home build.

In what ways has the HBA supported your professional growth and development?

Working with other attorneys in the Houston market who come from a variety of forms of practice—large firms, small offices, niche practices, solo offices, government agencies—with different experiences from mine has opened my eyes to all of the various ways attorneys work within the market and the different challenges we all face. It has made me more aware of the different challenges we all experience, many times very different from mine, and, hopefully, made me a more thoughtful attorney in dealing with opposing counsel.

How do you actively engage with other HBA members or contribute to the HBA community?

I have engaged by serving on, and chairing, HBA committees, working to help fundraise for the HBA Habitat homes and to seek volunteer firms and attorneys to adopt families for the AIDS Outreach Committee. Currently, most of my engagement is through participation in volunteer events, like the Food Bank, Fun Run, and Habitat for Humanity builds, and also by serving as the coordinator within my office for the AIDS Outreach Committee Adopt a Family Program each year. HBA events are a great way to keep up with my friends from law school, or those who I’ve worked with previously in my career.

 

What advice would you give to fellow attorneys considering joining the Houston Bar Association?

I would absolutely encourage attorneys to join—regardless of practice area, where they work, or their years of experience. The HBA has something for everyone—whether it's mentoring for your particular stage, ways to give back to your community, or meaningful opportunities to be part of something larger than yourself that can enrich your professional life. It’s a great way to connect with others in the profession.

(R ): Marie pictured alongside her BakerHostetler coworkers, participating in the HBA 2022 Adopt-a-Family Program.

Can you share an instance where HBA's initiatives made a positive impact on the legal profession or community?

I think the HBA’s relationship with Habitat for Humanity is an excellent example of its impact on the community. The HBA is the longest-running Habitat sponsor in the Houston area and it’s a great relationship for both sides—the new homeowners and the attorneys who participate. It’s not only a great way to give back, but you learn building skills (who knew I could use a nail gun or a table saw??) and develop relationships with coworkers and other Houston attorneys on a personal level. 

In your opinion, what sets the Houston Bar Association apart from other legal organizations or professional associations?

I really appreciate the HBA’s commitment to the Houston community, both the legal community through its mentorship and support programs and the greater community through its various charitable committees and contributions. So often we only hear the negative stories and news about attorneys, or we’re stereotyped as only thinking about money and how to make more of it. I love that the HBA combats those stereotypes and showcases the generosity, both financial and in volunteer hours, of Houston attorneys. Giving back to the community I live in is a passion of mine and I really appreciate all of the opportunities the HBA provides for me to do so, all while having fun with my fellow attorneys.

(L ): Marie volunteering at a Habitat for Humanity home build.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Ready to follow in Marie's footsteps and join the HBA?

 

 

Questions about HBA membership? Email membership@hba.org or call 713-759-1133.