The Justice Eugene A. Cook Professionalism Award is presented by the Houston Bar Association to a lawyer or judge who exemplifies the highest level of professionalism and legal ethics. A nominee must have demonstrated, by conduct and character, a longstanding commitment to professionalism and a record of exemplary service in the areas of professionalism, legal ethics, and legal excellence. The nominee must be a role model for younger or less experienced lawyers who make the bar proud of the legal profession. Lawyer nominees may be from a transactional or litigation practice, and nominees must be a member of the HBA.

2026 Recipient 

Dick Schwartz

Shareholder, Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, P.C.

 Executive Director, The Garland R. Walker Inn of Court 

Dick Schwartz will be recognized at the HBA Annual Dinner on May 7, 2026. 

Previous recipients of the Justice Eugene A. Cook Professionalism Award
2018 – Hon. Eugene A. Cook
2019 – Harry Reasoner, Fred Hagans
2020 – Kelly Frels
2021 – David J. Beck
2022 – Hon. Edith H. Jones
2023 – Hon. Lee H. Rosenthal and Reagan W. Simpson
2024 - Hon. Keith P. Ellison and Christopher L. Tritico
2025 - Kevin Dubose