Meet HBA Member Michael Hanson
Can you briefly introduce yourself and tell us about your professional background?
I am a Fort Bend County prosecutor and Judge Advocate for the Texas Army National Guard. I serve the Texas Young Lawyers Association (TYLA) as vice president. I am also president of the Fort Bend Young Lawyers Association.
In 2022, I deployed to Kuwait, supporting legal operations in the CENTCOM region (10 countries) as a member of the 36th Sustainment Brigade. I have practiced criminal law for over eight years. I have experience in misdemeanors, felonies, domestic violence, juvenile cases, animal cruelty cases, and am heavily involved with veterans court in my county. I have over 60 jury trials and a passion for advocacy.
A unique career highlight includes a trip in 2019, where I went to Africa, joining Lawyers Without Borders to support their Wildlife Crime Trial Advocacy Training. As a side hobby, I am raising money for a nonprofit that does water well repairs in Malawi by trekking to Mount Everest’s base camp in November.
I have two beautiful children, Stella and Wyatt. Finally, I have a beautiful wife, Jihye, who has continued to encourage me and shown endless support for me in both my professional and personal life ambitions.
How long have you been a member of the Houston Bar Association, and what motivated you to join?
I have been an HBA member since late 2022. Upon returning from my military deployment, I read an online article about the work the HBA was doing with veterans and wanted to join this group of attorneys doing such important work for the veteran community.
What specific benefits or opportunities have you gained through your HBA membership?
While I have just started to tap into this community, I have had the benefit of attending a variety of CLEs, in addition to expanding my network extensively.
How has networking within the HBA community impacted your career or opened new doors for you?
I have networked with various members involved with the veteran community at several events so far. In the course of conversation, seeds have been planted to start up veterans clinics in Fort Bend County and promote the current veterans clinics available to the veterans located in the Fort Bend County community.
What advice would you give to fellow attorneys considering joining the Houston Bar Association?
Give it a try. There are several ways in which you will find great value. I have enjoyed both virtual continued legal education events and the networking opportunities that membership has provided. Because I was interested in a specific area of service with the HBA, I quickly found a group of sincere attorneys trying to better their community. You can, too.
Can you share an instance where the HBA's initiatives made a positive impact on the legal profession or community?
While I have not yet got to participate in the event, the 2nd Annual Fire Team Relay is coming up. Last year, the event raised a good amount of money for charity. These are the types of events that really make the HBA stand out, in my opinion. I recently attended the public service event by cheering on the Special Olympics athletes.
Are there any specific HBA resources or educational offerings that have been particularly helpful to you?
Yes, one of my favorites was a CLE titled "Top Tips for an Effective Voir Dire." As a trial lawyer, I always look for ways to improve my performance, In general, I appreciate having refreshers or being introduced to different perspectives provided by HBA CLEs, like the voir dire CLE. The presenters are very professional and the education is some of the best available in the country. We are fortunate to have such a plentiful population of legal talent involved with HBA.
In your opinion, what sets the Houston Bar Association apart from other legal organizations or professional associations?
The HBA provides an environment that welcomes all. As far as I know, the Houston metropolitan area has over 7 million people. We are a diverse group of attorneys that practice in every area imaginable and has provided a very inclusive environment and I know that the HBA cares about reaching out to the surrounding communities and improving the life and practice of all attorneys in and around Houston. The month of October had so many different events, including an attorney wellness event available for HBA members. The HBA sections are clearly hard at work and I know from a personal experience that HBA members are very welcoming to newcomers. It is this totality that makes the HBA a great organization to stay involved with, no matter where you reside in the greater Houston area.
Ready to follow in Michael's footsteps and join the HBA?
Questions about HBA membership? Email membership@hba.org or call 713-759-1133.