Upholding the Rule of Law: The HBA’s Enduring Commitment

As one of the largest bar associations in one of the most diverse cities in the country, the Houston Bar Association is uniquely positioned to serve a membership of over 10,000 attorneys and judges across different practice areas and political ideologies. The HBA is also distinctive in our service to the Houston community through our ancillary organizations – providing access to justice through Houston Volunteer Lawyers, affordable legal options through the Houston Lawyer Referral Service, and legal resolution outside the courts with the Dispute Resolution Center. We recognize our strength as a Bar in adding to the national conversation, while also thoughtfully taking into account the value of our services and making sure they continue.

The Houston Bar Association has maintained an unwavering commitment to the rule of law as one of the core tenets of our profession and our democracy. For many years, this has been explicitly included in the HBA’s Mission Statement to “serve the needs of Houston-area lawyers and enhance the legal profession through promoting: Professionalism; Access to justice; the Rule of law; Equality and inclusion in the legal profession; Legal education for the profession and the public; and Service to our community through law-related or high-impact and high-involvement projects.” 

Our commitment to the rule of law is evident in HBA programs, such as the HBA Advancing Belonging and Cultures (ABC) Committee 1L Summer Clerkship Program and Summer Associate Luncheon, which fosters engagement with the next generation of diverse Houston attorneys. We are also planning our 76th Annual Harvest Party, in which 100% of net proceeds directly benefit Houston Volunteer Lawyers in their mission to provide pro bono services for our neighbors in need. 

As attorneys, the rule of law is a fundamental duty we are called upon to uphold. When we took the Texas Attorney’s Oath, we each pledged to support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Texas. The oath is not merely a formality. It is a binding commitment we make to ensure access to justice for all. Lawyers play a critical role in fostering and implementing the rule of law by ensuring that our citizenry has access to the advocacy and advice of lawyers in accordance with the U.S. Constitution – by representing individuals in courtrooms, as well as advising corporations on legal matters. As licensed Texas lawyers and members of the HBA, we uphold the rule of law every time we take a pro bono matter through Houston Volunteer Lawyers or speak to the community about the legal system during Law Week.  In addition to our normal programs and activities, this year we will further promote the rule of law through activities hosted by the HBA Professionalism Committee.

The HBA is steadfast in its commitment to support our members and the greater Houston legal community in upholding these principles in their practice.