Meet HBA Member Daniel Avila
Can you briefly introduce yourself and your professional background?
I am an associate in Reed Smith’s International Arbitration Team, Latin American Business Team, and Global Commercial Disputes practices. My practice includes international arbitration and commercial litigation across several sectors including energy, M&A disputes, financial markets, and construction, among others. Our team assists clients in disputes domestically and in Latin America in both English and Spanish. I am currently the chair of the HBA International Law Section.
How long have you been a member of the Houston Bar Association, and what motivated you to join?
I believe I have been a member of the Houston Bar Association since I was a law student at the University of Houston Law Center. I joined to be more connected with the legal community in Houston and to learn more about diverse lawyers in the city.
What specific benefits or opportunities have you gained through your HBA membership?
There are several benefits of being a member of the HBA. You gain access to a large network of lawyers in Houston both in private practice and in corporate companies. Through the HBA, I have been able to meet several amazing and diverse lawyers across the city and attend CLE events specifically geared to my interests and practice.
In what ways has the HBA supported your professional growth and development?
The HBA, through the International Law Section, has supported my professional growth and development by hosting events regarding hot topics in international arbitration that I am able to integrate into my practice. It has also helped me meet several great lawyers in the city who do similar work and learn from their experiences.
How has networking within the HBA community impacted your career or opened new doors for you?
I think networking within the HBA is probably the best part about joining such a strong legal community in Houston. The networking within the HBA has helped me meet people in the city that may need assistance on matters that our team handles.
Are there any particular HBA programs, events, or committees that have made a significant difference in your professional life?
I would say the International Law Section has made a significance difference in my professional life, being able to tap into the knowledge of all of our excellent members though CLEs or other networking opportunities.
What advice would you give to fellow attorneys considering joining the Houston Bar Association?
My advice to fellow attorneys who are considering joining is to take advantage of the amazing events and opportunities that the HBA provides. You never know who you may meet or what great information you may learn from their CLEs or other conferences.
In your opinion, what sets the Houston Bar Association apart from other legal organizations or professional associations?
What sets the HBA apart from other legal organizations is that it is the main legal community for the great city of Houston. If you want an organization that is focused on Houston and people residing in Houston, you’ve come to the right place.
Questions? Please contact HBA Marketing and Communications Director Maggie Martin at maggiem@hba.org.
Ready to follow in Daniel's footsteps and join the HBA?
Questions about HBA membership? Email membership@hba.org or call 713-759-1133.