The Houston Bar Association's 11,600+ member attorneys have a continued commitment to serving the legal profession and the community.

Established in 1870, the Association's purpose was to maintain high standards in the legal profession and provide legal education for Harris County attorneys. Today, the HBA, the fifth largest metropolitan bar association in the nation, still adheres to those basic principles, but has expanded its goals to include public service and better access to legal services for all citizens in the Greater Houston area. Continuing Legal Education and professional development programs for attorneys are second to none. HBA members contribute over 45,000 volunteer hours to community service projects each year.

The HBA is a non-profit organization supported solely by member dues. In 1982, the HBA established the Houston Bar Foundation, a charitable vehicle through which many of the HBA's community service projects are funded.

The object of the Houston Bar Association is to uphold the Constitution of the United States and the State of Texas by educating both attorneys and citizens of their legal, civic and ethical responsibilities; to promote the administration of justice by educating the public about the qualifications of judicial candidates; by providing alternative, cost effective means for citizens to resolve their disputes, and by providing access to legal services for all; to improve the law; to uphold the honor and dignity of the profession by providing charitable and legal services to all; to promote professional ethics among its members through education; to improve community relations through charitable service and education; and to promote fellowship among its members.