Mr. Dwaine M. Massey
President & National Board Representative - Presidential Appointee
Houston ABOTA is made up of equal parts of both defense and plaintiff lawyers as well as judges whose focus is on civil trial practice. Members must meet the criteria for admission by showing specific trial experience and a proven reputation for professionalism and excellence as an attorney. ABOTA Houston is the second largest chapter in the country and is an active chapter that sponsors.
America’s greatness lies in its people. And in its people lies the foundation of justice — trial by jury. The Seventh Amendment is a precious right that is increasingly under attack by those who would eliminate justice by the people in favor of justice by the bureaucracy. In 2014, ABOTA founded Save Our Juries, a public education campaign aimed at informing and mobilizing citizens in the fight to save our disappearing Seventh Amendment right, which guarantees a jury trial for civil cases in federal courts.
ABOTA is committed to preserving the independence of the judiciary, recognizing that judicial impartiality and fairness protect against the whims and demands of the government and special interests.
ABOTA is committed to increasing equity and promoting persons who have been historically underrepresented in the profession of law and the participation in civil jury trials. We support a diverse, inclusive and civil justice system through initiative on education, promoting the right to trial by jury, judicial independence and the rule of law.
The 2026 Officers of the Houston Chapter of ABOTA were inducted at their Annual Awards Dinner and New Member Induction in November. Eleven (11) new members were inducted into the Houston Chapter at the event.
Dwaine M. Massey was named the 2026 President of Houston ABOTA. He is a graduate of The University of Texas School of Law and a former Certified Public Accountant. A formidable trial lawyer with more than 30 years of experience, he has earned the rare dual distinction of being Board Certified in both Civil Trial Law and Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. An active member of numerous legal organizations, Mr. Massey brings extensive leadership, experience, and insight to advance the mission of the Houston ABOTA Chapter.
Houston ABOTA is proud of our leadership over the past years and 2026 is no exception. Houston ABOTA also benefits from strong leadership through our National Board Representatives and past officers, many of whom serve on the Executive Committee.
President & National Board Representative - Presidential Appointee
Vice President - Foundation
President Elect
Treasurer & National Board Representative - Presidential Appointee
Immediate Past President
National Board Representative
National Board Representative
National Board Representative
Treasurer & National Board Representative - Presidential Appointee
National Board Representative
President & National Board Representative - Presidential Appointee
National Board Representative
National Board Representative
National Board Representative
Our Past Presidents are icons of the Bar; they have given their valuable time to Houston ABOTA because they believe that the tenets of this organization are so important to the preservation of the Constitution. We honor them and their service.
Hon. Elizabeth "Peach" Ray
Hon. Caroline E. Baker
Sherie Beckman
Don Kidd
Alistair Dawson
Pete Patterson
Hon. Erin Lunceford
Jerry Young
Gwen Richard
Joseph Callier
Kat Gallagher
Bruce Hurley
Hon. Pat Kerrigan
John Kim
Murray Fogler
Don Jackson
Craig Smyser
Robin Gibbs
Reagan Simpson
Richard LaGarde
Dick Law
Alica Oliver-Parrot
Charles B. Holm
Hartley Hampton
Daniel A. Hyde
Julius Glickman
There were no records kept until 1996.
The Presidents with no dates served in the 1990s.
D. Dudley Oldham
William E. Matthews
William E. Matthews
Paul F. Jensen
Kenneth Tekell, Sr.
Ottway Denny
Nick Nichols
Henry Geisel
Gerald Coley
Hon. Dion Ramos
Alistair Dawson
John P. Scott
William "Bill" Book, Jr.
Ronald "Ronny" Krist
Suzan Cardwell
Darrell Barger
Tom McDade
Houston ABOTA is governed by a set of local and national by-laws which are carefully followed. These by-laws ensure ABOTA members are of the highest caliber, both in proficiency in the courtroom and civility in the practice.
View the Houston ABOTA Chapter Bylaws