Meet HBA Member Lindsay Contreras
Can you briefly introduce yourself and your professional background?
I am a Senior Associate at Drumheller, Hollingsworth & Monthy, LLP (DHM). I help clients involved in all phases of complex litigation including commercial, public interest, and white collar criminal law matters.
How long have you been a member of the Houston Bar Association, and what motivated you to join?
I joined the HBA during my 3L year of law school at the University of Houston Law Center. I was thrilled to be entering practice in a large city and wanted to connect with other Houston lawyers and judges. I am not a native Houstonian, so becoming a member of the HBA was important to me for making connections.
What specific benefits or opportunities have you gained through your HBA membership?
Through the HBA, I engage with many wonderful lawyers practicing in Houston from a variety of practice areas. After serving on the HBA CLE Committee for two years, I am now a co-chair. I believe that mentorship and training are critical to the success of our profession (view current mentorship opportunities) .Working on the CLE Committee allows me to actively help others succeed in practice and create opportunities for lawyers both young and seasoned to improve their knowledge and practice skills. So, with the HBA, I have the benefits of fulfilling a personal passion and expanding my legal network in a special way.
Could you share a notable experience or success story that you attribute to your involvement with the HBA?
Through my involvement with the HBA, I moderated a CLE program on hitting career milestones alongside the Honorable Judge Christine Weems of the 281st District Court for Harris County and two other lawyers. This was one of the first times I spoke publicly to the Houston Bar Association. In addition, I am honored to hold a leadership position with the HBA, which is a vast organization, relatively early on in my practice as a fifth-year lawyer.
How has networking within the HBA community impacted your career or opened new doors for you?
I am grateful that I have met some solid people through the HBA and being a part of the HBA has given me a better understanding of the legal landscape in Houston.
How do you actively engage with other HBA members or contribute to the HBA community?
Participating on the CLE Committee means that I help develop and organize CLE programs hosted by the HBA in a given year. It’s kind of fun when you have those moments in practice where you think, “I wish there was a CLE on this!” and you get to bring that idea to life. I think that one of the most rewarding parts of being a lawyer is engaging with other lawyers, and I am proud of the work the committee has done to bring excellent educational programs to our community year after year.
What advice would you give to fellow attorneys considering joining the Houston Bar Association?
Don’t hesitate – join! The HBA offers great services to lawyers and various charitable initiatives. If you are an HBA member, the CLE is free (see the HBA online calendar and 2023 Fall Seminar Brochure for upcoming CLE programs)–which, in my opinion, is a great perk of being an HBA member. Our CLEs are also recorded (visit the HBA online video library) so you can view them live or on your own schedule.
In your opinion, what sets the Houston Bar Association apart from other legal organizations or professional associations?
The HBA promotes professionalism and high legal standards. Even though I practice in a big city, the HBA advances connection among lawyers, and makes our world feel a little more manageable. Being a part of the HBA I see lawyers wanting to help other lawyers in an otherwise competitive environment.
Ready to follow in Lindsay's footsteps and join the HBA?
Questions about HBA membership? Email membership@hba.org or call 713-759-1133.