Welcome to the HBA Law Student Center!
This page is a guide for students at Houston’s three law schools on getting involved with the HBA. It includes information on continuing education programs open to law students, scholarships available through HBA sections, volunteer opportunities, career development opportunities, and helpful links to additional resources.
Involvement with your local bar association is a foundation for building a successful career after law school. And as professionals, many HBA members enjoy networking with law students to keep up to date on legal education and the talent pool coming out of local law schools.
The HBA does not have a formal law student section, and you do not have to pay dues to the HBA to take advantage of the opportunities described on this page. If you have ideas or information for the HBA Law Student Center, email HBA Director of Membership & Technology Services Ron Riojas.
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- CLE programming through the HBA
- More HBA benefits for law students
- Work opportunities through the HBA
- Other resources for law students
- Law schools in Houston
HBA Benefits for Law Students
Free HBA Membership for 3Ls, LL.M.s, and Newly Licensed Attorneys
Are you in your third year of law school? Are you an LL.M. candidate? Are you a newly licensed attorney? Join the HBA today!
The Houston Bar Association offers 3L students, LL.M. candidates and newly licensed attorneys free HBA Membership* and one free HBA Section membership during the bar year.
To join using our online membership application, click here to begin enrollment.
Note: *Law student membership only available to students at South Texas College of Law Houston, Thurgood Marshall School of Law, and University of Houston Law School
The Houston Lawyer Magazine
Law students are welcome to stop by the HBA office (1111 Bagby, FLB 200, Houston, Texas 77002) anytime from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday, and pick up a copy of the latest issue of The Houston Lawyer, the HBA’s bimonthly substantive legal publication.
HBA Work Programs for Law Students
D&I 1L Summer Clerkship Program:
The HBA’s DEI Committee sponsors the area’s only summer clerkship program for 1L law students. The positions provide mentoring and real work experiences for students who might not otherwise have the opportunity for a clerkship at a law firm, corporate legal department or legal nonprofit. Participating students also have the opportunity to attend seminars on professional writing, getting the most out of internships, and making the best impression on your employer.
Juvenile Justice Mock Trial Program – An Employment Opportunity
The HBA hires law students from all three Houston schools to assist with its Juvenile Justice Mock Trial Program, conducted in four sessions in eighth grade classrooms throughout Harris County. Law students work with HBA staff to help students develop a case story, prepare witnesses, write attorney questions, and educate those chosen as court personnel about their roles. Law students work during two five-week classroom units each fall and each spring. At the conclusion of the classroom unit, law students help the eighth graders enact their mock trial in real Harris County courtrooms. For more information, contact HBA Associate Executive Director Ashley Steininger.
Equal Justice Works Fellowships
Equal Justice Works Fellowships provide the opportunity for lawyers to positively impact vulnerable communities around the country. Have you ever wondered how to make the job of your dreams a reality? Equal Justice Works provides the blue print for young lawyers to pursue their public interest law career dreams. Each year the Equal Justice Works Fellowship competition selects qualified and passionate lawyers who have developed new and innovative legal projects that can impact lives and serve communities in desperate need of legal assistance.
Click here for more information and a link to the application
Lavender Law® Conference & Career Fair
The Lavender Law® Conference & Career Fair is the largest LGBTQ+ legal conference in the country.
HBA Auxiliary Scholarship
The Houston Bar Association Auxiliary awards an annual scholarship to graduating 2L students. For more information, contact Phyllis Dent at pedent49@att.net.
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Resources for Newly Licensed Attorneys
Out of law school and entering practice? The resources below will help you as you transition from legal education to legal career.
FREE Online CLE
The HBA presents free CLE programming for members only. For more information, click here.
Mentor Mentee Program
The HBA Mentor Mentee Program, sponsored by the HBA Professionalism Committee, pairs attorneys licensed three years or less with more experienced attorneys who will provide advice on career development. The program is a member benefit and requires HBA membership. Upon becoming licensed as an attorney, the Mentor Mentee program can help with career advice and general professional development.
Guidelines for Attorneys Juggling Work/Life Balance
The HBA Gender Fairness Committee has developed a list of things to consider when interviewing with law firms or legal departments.
TYLA Presents “Office In a Flash”
A guide provided by TYLA for aspiring solo attorneys who are newly licensed or ready to be their own boss. This site is full of useful information on each aspect to help get your new business started.
Click here for Office in a Flash
After the Bar Exam
A free resource for persons who have taken the Texas bar exam and are awaiting the results.
Visit www.afterthebarexam.com
Law Practice Management Resources
Click here for helpful resources on managing a law practice.
Texas Legal Answers
Become a volunteer with TexasLegalAnswers.org to help answer Texans’ legal questions online.
Helpful articles:
- “Making the First Year the Best Year” by Mary Crane
- “10 Things Summer Hires Must Know” by Mary Crane
- “Bring Your Summer Work Experience to a Successful Close” by Mary Crane
- “A Generational Divide” by Mary Crane
- Networking: How to Make Every Minute Count
- Ten-Step Guide to Oral Argument for Junior Attorneys
Events/Links for Law Students
Special upcoming events at Houston law schools and helpful links for law students.
- Houston Young Lawyers Association
- HYLA Law Student Outreach Committee
- State Bar of Texas Law Student Division
- Texas Young Lawyers Association Ten Minute Mentor for Law Students
- ABA Law Student Division
- Select Resources for the Soon-To-Be Solo or Small Firm Practitioners