Awarded annually since 1992 to an outstanding College member based on achievement or contribution to professionalism. A plaque is given to the recipient and a cash award of $1,000 is given to the Texas Access to Justice Foundation, or the law school of their choice, in the name of the award recipient. The award is named in honor of Jim D. Bowmer, of Temple, Texas, the originator of the idea of the State Bar College and a co-founder of the College.
The Jim Bowmer Professionalism Award
2022 Recipient – Jennifer A. Hasley
Jennifer A. Hasley practices law and is the managing partner at Hasley Scarano, L.L.P. where she maintains a statewide trial and appellate practice focused on attorney disciplinary issues, attorney licensure, and professional liability claims involving negligence, breach of fiduciary duty, breach of contract, fraud and other deceptive practices. Jennifer is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and is a Thomson Reuters Texas Super Lawyers for the Professional Liability Attorney category.
Much of Jennifer’s time is spent helping attorneys avoid litigation by providing trusted guidance on legal ethics and vigorously defending against unfounded grievances that seem to overwhelm the State Bar of Texas disciplinary system. Jennifer is also passionate about helping law students and young lawyers develop their skills and confidence through direct mentorship. When needed, she represents law students and recent graduates navigate through the character and fitness review process before the Texas Board of Law Examiners.
Prior to forming the law firm of Hasley Scarano, she spent more than eight years as an Assistant Disciplinary Counsel for the State Bar of Texas. She graduated from University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law in 1993 and practiced for a short time in Pennsylvania before landing in Texas. She received her Master of Laws in Health Law & Policy from the University of Houston Law Center in 1995.
Jennifer is the 2021-22 President of the Houston Bar Association. Her year of service reflected her intense work ethic and profound respect for the law by focusing on professionalism, creating a Military & Veterans Committee and enhancing pro bono legal services for veterans through the established Veterans Legal Initiative, and celebrating the accomplishments of HBA members. Jennifer has co-chaired two of the most well-attended and successful HBA/HBF Harvest Celebrations which collectively raised over $1.8 million dollars to support the pro bono legal services provided by Houston Volunteer Lawyers. She has spent more than 25 years volunteering through HBA community projects, events and partnerships. She has served as Chair of the Houston Volunteer Lawyers, as well as president of the Houston Lawyer Referral Service and Dispute Resolution Center. Jennifer also serves on the Executive Committee of the Garland R. Walker Inn of Court which promotes professionalism, ethics, civility, and excellence in the legal profession. Jennifer is a recognized and frequent speaker on legal ethics.
CERTIFICATIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND HONORS:
- Texas Board of Legal Specialization – Board Certified, Civil Trial Law (since 2007)
- Thomson Reuters, Texas Super Lawyers – Professional Liability (2021, 2022)
- Thomson Reuters, Texas Super Lawyers – Top Women Attorneys (2021, 2022)
- H Texas Magazine, Recognized as one of Houston’s Top Lawyers in Legal Malpractice (2010-20)
- HBA President’s Award, Co-chair Civil Bench Bar Committee (2020-21)
- HBA President’s Award, Co-chair Minority Opportunities in the Legal Profession Committee (2009-10)
- HBA President’s Award, Co-chair CLE Committee (2006-07)
- Texas Lawyer – Selected as one of Top 50 Texas In-House Lawyers and nicknamed the “Public’s Champion” (11/05)
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS, LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE
- State Bar of Texas (member since 1995)
- Women & the Law Section (since 2021)
- General Practice, Solo & Small Firm Section (since 2007)
- Continuing Legal Education Committee (2004-07)
- Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct Committee (2000-01)
- Texas Bar Foundation, Life Fellow (member since 2003, Life Fellow since 2012)
- Houston Nominating Committee (2012-15)
- Texas Bar College, Fellow (member since 2004, Fellow since 2013)
- Texas Association of Civil Trial and Appellate Specialists (2021-present)
- American Inns of Court – Garland R. Walker Inn (member since 2001), Executive Committee (since 2004),
- Houston Bar Association (member since 1995)
- Board of Directors – President (2021-22), President-elect (2020-2021), Treasurer (2019-20), First Vice President (2018-19), Second Vice President (2017-18), Director (2009-17)
- Litigation Section (since 2007), Vice Chair (2017-18)
- Appellate Section (since 2022)
- Law Practice Management Section (since 2007), Chair (2008-10), CLE Chair (2008-11)
- Harris County Bench Bar Pro Bono Awards Committee (2009-10, 2021-22)
- Civil Bench Bar Conference Co-chair (2020-21)
- HBA/HBF Harvest Celebration Co-chair (2019-20, 2021-22)
- Audit, Finance & Harvest Celebration Committee, Chair (2019-20)
- Membership Committee, Co-chair (2015-16, 2019-20)
- Generational Change Task Force, Chair (2018-19)
- Fee Dispute Committee (2000-05, 2007-09, 2015-2021), Chair (2007-09)
- Historical Committee, Co-chair (2017-18)
- Professionalism Committee (2007-09), Co-chair (2016-17)
- Gender Fairness Committee, Co-chair (2013-14)
- Lawyers Against Waste Committee, Co-chair (2011-12)
- Campaign for the Homeless Committee, Co-chair (2010-11)
- Minority Opportunities in the Legal Profession Committee, Co-chair (2009-10)
- John J. Eikenburg Law Week Fun Run Committee (2010-11)
- Administration of Justice Committee (2009-10)
- Speakers Bureau Committee (2000-01 and 2009-10)
- CLE Committee (2001-07) – Co-chair (2006-07), Institutes (2005-06), Seminars (2004-05)
- IDEA – Interprofessional Drug Education Alliance (2002-04), Chair (2002-03-10th Anniversary)
- Speakers Bureau Committee (2000-01)
- Houston Bar Foundation, Life Fellow (since 2005); Ex-Officio Board Member (2021-22)
- Houston Volunteer Lawyers Board of Directors (2018-22) – Ex-Officio (2021-22)
- Chair (2019-20), Treasurer (2018-19)
- Pro Bono Equal Access Champion Program (since 2015)
- Houston Lawyer Referral Service, Board of Directors (2010-14, 2020-21) – Ex-Officio (2021-22), Immediate Past President (2013-14), President (2012-13), Budget and Finance Committee (2010-11)
- Dispute Resolution Center’s Board of Directors (2012-2016, 2020-21) – Ex-Officio Board Member (2021-22), Immediate Past President (2015-16), President (2014-15), President-elect & Treasurer (2013-14); and Volunteer Mediator (Community and Litigation Disputes) (2000-07)
- National Organization of Bar Counsel (1998-2006)
- Baylor College of Medicine-University of Houston Law Center, M.D./J.D. Advisory Committee (2004-08)
- San Jacinto College Legal Assistant Advisory Committee (2001-2019), Co-chair (2003-2019)
Past Recipients
2021
Kim Askew, Dallas
2020
Hon. Ernest Aliseda, McAllen
2019
Chad Baruch, Dallas
2018
Mickey R. Davis, Houston
2017
Coyt Randal (Randy) Johnston, Dallas
2016
Richard L. Spencer, Houston
2015
Hon. Patricia Alvarez, San Antonio
2014
John G. Browning, Dallas
2013
Robert Pelton, Houston
2012
James Cooper, Houston
2011
Paul N. Gold, Houston
2010
Al Ellis, Dallas
2009
Charles M. Wilson, III, Dallas
2008
Hon. David E. Keltner, Fort Worth
2007
Edward Lindsay, Houston
2006
Mark W. Laney, Plainview
2005
Dana D. Jacobson, San Antonio
2004
Robert L. Meyers, Dallas
2003
Robert H. Dawson, Midland
2002
Claude E. Ducloux, Austin
2001
Andrew S. Hanen, Houston
2000
James H. (Blackie) Holmes III, Dallas
1999
James E. Brill, Dallas
1998
Broadus A. Spivey, Austin
1997
Thomas H. Watkins, Austin
1996
Eugene P. McGreal, Plano
1995
Rosa J. Pace, Borger
1994
Steven C. Laird, Dallas
1993
Bernard O. Dow
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