Reasoner Announces HBA Partnership with Communities In Schools

The Houston Bar Association and Communities In Schools Houston (CIS) jointly announced a new partnership, the HBA/CIS Summer Legal Internship Program, which officially launched on June 2, 2009.
 
"Communities In Schools' legal internship program began in the early 90s," said HBA president, Barrett H. Reasoner. "By making the program a partnership with the HBA, we believe we can reach more students and make the program stronger than ever."
 
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New Consumer Task Force

HBA President Barrett H. Reasoner has set up a task force to explore and develop ways in which the HBA can help families face difficult consumer issues in challenging economic times. Peggy O. Montgomery, counsel for ExxonMobil Corporation and a former chair of the Houston Volunteer Lawyers Program, is chair of the new HBA Consumer Task Force. Task force members represent a cross-section of practice areas and expertise in consumer law and legal services.
 
At its first meeting in June, the task force established a three-area focus: bankruptcy, mortgages and credit card problems. The committee will examine new ways to provide information to consumers, as well as ways to tap into and enhance existing resources, such as the HVLP Saturday Legal Advice Clinics, the LegalLine program, the Speakers Bureau and other consumer counseling organizations.
 
The task force's goal is to release details of a plan at the end of the summer, with implementation in early fall.


Free Legal Advice - Next LegalLine Program July 15

The HBA's LegalLine program will be held on Wednesday, July 15, with attorneys answering calls from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The public may call 713-759-1133 to speak to a volunteer attorney who will assist in answering their legal questions.

The HBA would like to thank Angelo's, 711 Main St.,  713-225-3500  for providing dinner for our LegalLine volunteers.



Hurricane Preparedness Guide 2009

The Houston Bar Association wants to provide some information for disaster preparation and recovery. The information is designed to protect your law office, home, employees and self, and to address issues associated with each. While many firms already have disaster plans in place, we hope the resource information here immediately offers something to those lawyers who either do not have a formal plan in place or who want to view what others have developed. Click here for resources and information.

Click on the button below to watch videos that answer legal questions related to insurance, property, FEMA, landlord/tenant and other topics related to Gulf Coast storms.

Click here to see information on Supreme Court orders, disaster assistance and other topics related to Hurricane Ike.

 

Judicial Evaluation Questionnaire

The Houston Bar Association has released the results of the 2009 Judicial Evaluation Questionnaire. Click here to view the results, a letter from President Travis Sales and a news release.


HBA Pictorial Roster Photo Session August 25-27

If you would like to have a new photo made for the 2010 HBA Pictorial Roster at no charge, please make plans to drop by the HBA office on August 25th through 27th from 9:00 a.m. until 4 p.m. at 1001 Fannin Street, Suite 1300.

 

Photography is provided by Legal Directories Publishing, Inc., the publisher of the HBA Pictorial Roster. No appointment is necessary. The session usually takes no longer than five minutes.  There is no charge for the photo session. 

 
If you would like to purchase a high resolution copy of the photo for your Web site or other use, you can place an order with photographer to have one emailed to you or put on disc for $25 per photo.

 


Harris County Bench Bar Pro Bono Awards Recipients

The Harris County judiciary, in conjunction with the Houston Bar Association, presented the first Harris County Bench Bar Pro Bono Awards to law firms, a corporate legal department and an individual in an inaugural ceremony on April 29th at the Harris County Civil Courthouse. Click here to see the press release and award winners.



24th John J. Eikenburg Fun Run Photos Available Online

Photos taken at the Fun Run on Saturday, March 28, 2009 are now available online to view or purchase. Click here to see the photos. The link is on the left side of the site under "HBA Fun Run."


Uncontested Probate Hearings in JP Courts

Judge Mike Wood of Probate Court No. 2 has announced he will hold uncontested probate hearings in certain Justice of the Peace Courtrooms. Click here for details.


Court Administration Task Force Report

In October 2008 the State Bar Board of Directors accepted the report of a State Bar task force that considered proposals related to court reorganization introduced during the last legislative session. The board has not approved or considered the substantive recommendations of the report. The HBA Board of Directors urges attorneys to read the report and stay informed about the issue. Read the report from the State Bar.


E-File Order

The 151st Civil District Court of Harris County, Texas posted a "Standing Order" on its Web site's Court Procedures page requiring all documents in new lawsuits to be electronically filed. A link to the court's Standing Order is posted on the procedures page at this address: http://www.justex.net/Courts/Civil/CourtSection.aspx?crt=10&sid=40

Further, the Court Procedures page has links to the Harris County Local Rules of the District Courts Concerning the Electronic Filing of Documents, as well as a link to TEXASONLINE, the required e-filing portal for Texas courts. At TEXASONLINE, litigants may find information about Electronic Filing Services Providers (EFSPs) -- companies that provide electronic document filing services that are in partnership with Texas courts. For e-filing requirements in other courts, please check with the court staff.


Montgomery County Standing Order on SAPCRs

All of the courts of Montgomery County have approved a Standing Order Regarding Children, Pets, Property and Conduct of the Parties that will apply in all divorce cases on most SAPCRs. The order became effective March 15, 2009 and will likely eliminate the need for attorneys to request TROs in Montgomery County in the future. Read Order.


Discounts on Performances/Sports Events

HBA members can take advantage of discounts on tickets and/or priority seating for performances by the following organizations:

•Da Camera of Houston offers HBA members a 20 percent discount on tickets to any concert. To purchase tickets, call 713-524-5050 and ask for the HBA discount.


Paul E. Stallings Blood Drive

Join the 7th Annual "Paul E. Stallings Blood Drive" the HBA's continuing partnership with the Blood Center. Please give The Blood Center the HBA code, QM07, to have your donation credited to the HBA drive. Visit www.giveblood.org to learn more about a drive in your area.


Gender Fairness Initiative

34 firms have signed a commitment statement that pledges an increase in various actions that promote gender fairness. To find out more about the Gender Fairness Initiative, please contact Tara Shockley or call 713-759-1133.


Order Your 2009 HBA Pictorial Roster 2009 HBA Pictorial Rosters are now available. Order Form

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