We are proud to honor Houston trailblazers who have shown an unwavering commitment to our mission, advancing diversity in the legal field, and serving the needs of our community! Please view the award descriptions below and nominate a colleague or an organization that fits the mold!
DEADLINE - FEBRUARY 24, 2024
FOUNDERS AWARDS
Weldon Berry Judicial Service Award:
The recipient of this award demonstrates unwavering dedication to the legal profession through judicious integrity and a commitment to preserving equality in the legal system.
2023 Winner: Judge Tameika Carter
Roberson L. King Excellence in Education Award:
The recipient of this award empowers the community through education and service to today’s legal scholars and tomorrow’s legal icons.
2023 Winner: Judge Dasean Jones
Robert W. Hainsworth Outstanding Service Award:
The recipient of this award demonstrates invaluable service through their contributions to the Houston Lawyers Association, Legal Profession & the Community-At-Large.
2023 Winner: Kimberly K. O’Neal
Matthew W. Plummer, Sr. Justice Award:
The recipient of this award demonstrates commitment to securing equality for all people.
2023 Winner: Chris Hollins
Francis Williams Advocacy Award:
The recipient of this award demonstrates unrelenting and vigorous defense of significant issues of concern for the African American community that vastly impact social change.
2023 Winner: George “Conscious” Lee
Aloysius M. Wickliff, Sr. Community Service Award:
The recipient of this award exemplifies dedication to the community through tireless service reinforcing every member of the community’s right to belong to make it a better place for generations to come.
2023 Winner: Councilman Ed Pollard
JUSTICE AWARDS
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Justice Shelvin L. M. Hall Exceptional Leadership Award:
The recipient of this award manifests the resolute spirit exemplified by Justice Hall, demonstrates leadership in their profession and community, has a demonstrated interest in equality for all, and is a visionary in his or her own right.
2023 Winner: Roslyn Bazzelle Mitchell
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Judge Kenneth M. Hoyt Distinguished Public Service Award:
The recipient of this award embodies a passion for selfless service and displays their dedication to improving the community through courageous advocacy in the government or nonprofit sectors.
2023 Winner: Christian Menefee
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Judge Alice Amelia Wilkerson Bonner Trailblazer Award:
The recipient of this award serves as a pioneer in his or her profession and demonstrates a bold and ambitious approach towards the betterment of the community.
2023 Winner: Bridgette Smith Lawson
Recipients of this honor do not have to be attorneys, but must embody the manifestation of HLA's mission by being an example to the community of what it means to either:
address injustice by ensuring equal employment and business opportunities for Black lawyers;
educate the community by supporting community programs that benefit the Black community;
serve as a redress conduit for the community;
provide a voice for the community through advocacy, mentoring, professionalism, and coalition; or
improve access to and the quality of legal services.
2023 Winners: Spouses of Houston Barristers, Reading with a Rapper, and Reginald Wilson
Mission Ally Awards:
Nominations are closed!
JANUARY 1, 2024 - NOMINATIONS OPEN
FEBRUARY 24, 2024 - NOMINATIONS CLOSE
MARCH 1, 2024 - FINALISTS ANNOUNCED
APRIL 20, 2024 - WINNERS ANNOUNCED!