This committee works to promote professionalism within the legal community and to encourage public awareness of the HBA’s commitment to its mandate on professionalism. The committee also coordinates the HBA Mentor-Mentee Program.
2024-2025 Co-Chairs:
Mike Day, Attorney at Law
Mark Murray, Stevenson & Murray
For more information on this committee, contact HBA Projects and Events Director Bonnie Simmons at bonnies@hba.org or (346) 471-3418.
Additional Resources
Podcasts, Books, and More on Professionalism and Mentorship
HBA Mentor Mentee Program
The HBA Mentor Mentee Program, pairs attorneys licensed four 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.
Mentors are needed in all practice areas and commit to mentoring one attorney this year who is newly licensed, has been licensed less than 5 years, or is new to a practice area. Mentorship is not a large commitment, but is vital to those in need of a mentor to help connect them with others in the legal community and learn more about their practice area. Want to learn more about being a mentor? Watch the professionalism committee’s CLE program, "Remote Mentorship in the Legal Profession." Click one of the buttons or download one of the PDF forms below to apply.
Sign up online to become a Mentor
Sign up online to become a Mentee
Download Mentor Application (PDF)
Download Mentee Application (PDF)
Professionalism Committee at the ADL Luncheon, April 18
The HBA Professionalism Committee was honored for the second year to sponsor and attend the ADL's annual Karen H. Susman Jurisprudence Award luncheon on April 18. Shawn L. Raymond of Susman Godfrey, LLP was honored. Students from South Texas College of Law Houston, Thurgood Marshall School of Law, and University of Houston Law Center joined us at our table.
Thank you to all who joined us for the Houston Day of Civility in the Law on April 4
The two hour annual CLE event, hosted by the HBA Professionalism Committee at the 1910 Courthouse, invited all to the Houston Day of Civility in the Law event on April 4.
HBA Professionalism Committee Co-Chair, Eric D'Olive, offered a formal welcome to all attendees before introducing HBA President Diana Gomez who delivered brief opening remarks to commence the event.
A discussion on the Texas Lawyers Creed which reflected on its 35 anniversary kicked off the event, led by event chair William Hagans and Honorable Manpreet Singh. The first panel, moderated by Shawn Raymond, explored Civility in the Courtroom, featuring insights from Honorable Terry Adams, Honorable Rebeca Huddle, and Honorable Cheryl Elliot Thornton. The second panel, moderated by Ileana Blanco, delved into Civility toward Non-Lawyers and the Public, with perspectives shared by Honorable Audrie Lawton-Evans, Jeff Nadalo, and Arielle Pranger. The free program was followed by a reception where attendees enjoyed Treebeards treats and networked.
Thank you to the HBA Professionalism Committee for producing the program, our sponsors Bracewell and Russel Ducoff and to the speakers for participating!
The HBA Professionalism Committee Visits all 3 Houston Law Schools
The HBA Professionalism Committee enjoyed visiting students at Thurgood Marshall School of Law, the University of Houston Law Center, and South Texas College of Law Houston to promote the Day of Civility in the Legal Profession. Students started their mornings with complimentary coffee and donuts while committee members visited with them about their semester, shared information about the HBA, discussed civility in the legal profession, and invited them to upcoming events, including the committee’s Houston Day of Civility program. Thank you to the students who participated in our event; we are glad you are already a part of our HBA community!
A special thank you to the committee members and attendees who volunteered:
Madison Bennett, Gregory Brown, Professionalism Committee co-chair Eric D’Olive, Russell C. Ducoff, and Daniella Landers.
2024 Professionalism Mentorship Breakfast
The HBA Professionalism Committee hosted its Professionalism Mentorship Breakfast on January 30, discussing How to Make the Most of Your Mentorship Relationship.
Thank you to our speakers, Alex Foulkes Grafton (Susman Godfrey, LLP); Hon. Judge Yvonne Ho (United States Magistrate Judge, Southern District of Texas); and Professor Greg Vetter (University of Houston Law Center).
This program is accredited for 1 hour of MCLE, including .50 hours of ethics.
2023 Fall Ethics Program
The HBA Professionalism Committee hosted its 2023 Professionalism Fall Ethics Program on November 1, exploring how to Manage Clients and Parties with Trauma.
Thank you to our speakers, Mollie Gordon MA, MD; Hon. Angela Graves-Harrington (246th District Court); Hon. Latosha Lewis Payne (55th District Court); Annie McAdams (Annie McAdams PC); Eric Gerard (Sorrels Law); moderator Mike Day (Jeff Diamant Law, Board Certified in Family Law); and host Rick Anderson (Husch Blackwell). Thank you to our sponsors Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP, Mike Day, and Prosperity Trust.
This program is accredited for 1 hour of MCLE, including 1 hour of ethics. You can watch the recorded program in our Online CLE Library.
Thank you to the HBA Professionalism Committee for hosting this event. Interested in joining this committee or want to learn more about its programming? Contact HBA Director of Projects & Events Bonnie Simmons at bonnies@hba.org.
MISSED THE EVENT? WATCH THE RECORDED VIDEO HERE