Press Release
Contact:
Maggie Martin
Director, Marketing and Communications
O: 346-471-3428
maggiem@hba.org
Houston Bar Association Welcomes Gregory C. Ulmer as 2026-2027 Bar President
Veteran litigator and HBA leader to strengthen member engagement and expand legal services supporting Houston youth
(HOUSTON – May 8, 2026) – Gregory C. Ulmer, a partner with BakerHostetler, took office as the 2026-2027 President of the Houston Bar Association at the HBA’s Annual Dinner on May 7. Ulmer succeeds Houston attorney Daniella Landers, Attorney at Law.
Ulmer is a practicing trial lawyer with more than 25 years of experience representing clients in complex litigation. Throughout his legal career, Ulmer has been recognized for his commitment to professionalism, service, and leadership within the legal community. A graduate of the University of Houston Law Center, his service to the HBA spans decades and includes terms as first vice president, second vice president, and secretary, as well as leadership roles on numerous HBA committees addressing access to justice, community outreach, public education, and professional development. In addition, Ulmer has served as president of the Houston Lawyer Referral Service and chair of the Dispute Resolution Center.
During his term, Ulmer will focus on three key initiatives. First, the HBA will launch a Managing Partners Forum for HBA 100 Club member firms with 25 or more attorneys, providing a dedicated space for firm leaders to connect and discuss issues affecting the practice of law. Second, Ulmer will lead efforts to strengthen the HBA’s partnership with The HAY Center, expanding collaborative programs to support current and former foster youth transitioning to adulthood. Finally, the HBA will host an expungement and record sealing clinic in partnership with My Brother's Keeper Houston, a citywide community initiative supporting young men of color across Houston.
“It is an honor to serve as president of the Houston Bar Association and to continue its longstanding tradition of service to both the legal profession and the greater Houston community,” said Ulmer. “This year, my focus is on service that matters inside our profession and beyond it by strengthening engagement with our HBA 100 Club firms and expanding the Bar’s efforts to provide meaningful legal services to Houston’s youth. I am grateful to Daniella Landers for her exemplary leadership as president and for her dedication to advancing the mission of the HBA.”
Ulmer will lead the 2026–2027 HBA Board of Directors, including President‑Elect Kaylan Dunn of Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP; First Vice President Richard Whiteley of Bracewell LLP; Second Vice President Carter Dugan of Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP; Treasurer Collin Cox of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP; Secretary Robert Painter of Painter Law Firm PLLC; and Immediate Past President Daniella Landers, Attorney at Law. Serving alongside the officers are 2025-2027 directors Greg Moore of Blank Rome LLP; Colin Pogge of Daly & Black, P.C.; Mia Lorick of Troutman Pepper Locke LLP; and Todd Frankfort of O’Neil Wysocki P.C.; and 2026-2028 directors Stephanie Noble of Vinson & Elkins LLP; Samantha Torres of Camillo Companies; Keri Brown of Baker Botts L.L.P.; and Seepan V. Parseghian Beck Redden LLP, along with the HBA’s ex officio board members.
The HBA presented its President’s Awards to outstanding HBA members who led exceptional committee and section work during the Bar year.
The HBA also awarded two HBA members with prestigious awards for women in the law, as well as professionalism.
This year’s Justice Ruby Kless Sondock Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement and leadership for women in the law, was presented to: The Honorable Sofia Adrogué, judge of Texas’ Eleventh Business Court Division.
The Justice Eugene A. Cook Professionalism Award, the association’s highest award for professionalism, was presented to: Dick Schwartz, shareholder of Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, P.C. and executive director of The Garland R. Walker Inn of Court.
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The Houston Bar Association is a nonprofit professional organization for attorneys that provides education and service programs for the legal profession and the community. With over 10,000 members, the HBA is one of the largest metropolitan bar associations in the nation.
