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To better serve parties and lawyers with whom she works, stay informed, enhance her professional development, and interact with other thought leaders, Felicia actively supports various bar and professional organizations and functions.
Announcements
ABA EDR Committee Receives Outstanding Committee Award
April 11, 2024
At its 2024 Spring Conference in San Diego, California, the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution recognized the ABA Early Dispute Resolution Committee and its Co-Chairs Harris Hoss, Ellie Vilendrer, and Mary Cullen with an Outstanding Committee Award.
Harris Hoss Featured Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators-North American Branch
April 1, 2024
Harris Hoss recently successfully completed an almost year-long process to become a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb) and is grateful to be recognized by the CIArb North American Branch among its Featured Members in April 2024. For more information, click on the image.
UHLC Invites Experienced Mediators For Mock Mediation Exercise
March 28, 2024
Harris Hoss joined other experienced mediators at the University of Houston Law Center to mediate "legal disputes" in a mediation class taught by Michael Hawash and Cindy Moulton. During the days preceding the mediation session, the students experienced the entire mediation process including the initial connection, pre-mediation memorandum submission, and pre-mediation calls with client, lawyer and mediator. During the in-person mediation, the students presented opening remarks in a joint session followed by caucuses, and then drafted and signed the mediated settlement agreement.
Harris Hoss Becomes Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb)
March 8, 2024
On March 8, 2024, International Women's Day, Harris Hoss received a Certificate of Membership as a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb), confirming her successful completion of all portions of the testing process, including the rigorous Award Writing exam and the Peer Interview.
The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) is an international center of excellence for the practice and profession of ADR. Membership spans 149 countries and is supported by an international network of 42 branches, including the North American Branch (NAB).
EDR & Collaborative Law Highlighted in HBA ADR Section Monthly CLE
February 29, 2024
On February 29, 2024, Harris Hoss joined Norma Trusch and Mark Kritzer in making a presentation entitled "Early and Collaborative Resolutions: Winning Through Negotiations Advocacy" for the Houston Bar Association ADR Section's Monthly CLE meeting. Trusch, a pioneer in Collaborative Law, taught the first collaborative law class at South Texas College of Law (Houston). Together, Harris Hoss, Trusch and Kritzer, invited an engaging and informative discussion on Collaborative Law as an early dispute resolution option for disputants.
TMCA Video Explains Mediator Credentialing
February 23, 2024The Texas Mediator Credentialing Association (TMCA) recently updated its website to include an informational video explaining the value of becoming a TMCA credentialed mediator. As a TMCA Credentialed Advanced Mediator, Harris Hoss provided her thoughts on the importance of credentialing to her mediation practice. To watch the video, click on the image or visit www.txmca.org.
ABA Unanimously Adopts EDR Resolution
February 5, 2024
On February 5, 2024, the American Bar Association (ABA) unanimously adopted Resolution 500 urging lawyers and all interested parties to increase the informed and voluntary use of Early Dispute Resolution (EDR): party-directed, non-adjudicative approaches to resolve disputes in a time-efficient and cost-effective manner. In her capacity as Co-Chair of the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution EDR Committee and principal drafter of the Report submitted in connection with Resolution 500, Harris Hoss was privileged to speak before the ABA House of Delegates respectfully urging the House's adoption of the Resolution, which it did unanimously.
The Resolution was submitted by the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution, along with co-sponsorships from the ABA Section of State and Local Government and the ABA Senior Lawyers Division. Prior to its submission, the Resolution also received the support of the ABA Business Law Section, ABA Section of Labor and Employment, ABA Young Lawyers Division, and ABA Section of Government and Public Sector Lawyers.
To access a copy of the Resolution, Report, and link to watch the presentations made to the House of Delegates in support of Resolution 500, click the image.
Harris Hoss to Serve on Texas Mediator Credentialing Association Board
January 26, 2024
The Association of Attorney-Mediators (AAM) selected Harris Hoss to serve as its representative on the Texas Mediator Credentialing Association (TMCA) Board. The TMCA Board is comprised of a member representative for the judiciary, consumer, education, training, state at-large, JAMS, the State Bar of Texas ADR Section, the Association of Attorney-Mediators, the Texas Association of Mediators, and the Dispute Resolution Directors Council. Harris Hoss is looking forward to working with the TMCA Board and membership in advancing the mission of TMCA to "Promote Quality Mediation Throughout Texas."
Texas Neutrals Gather In Austin for Continuing Professional Education
January 12, 2024
Harris Hoss was one of many Texas neutrals in Austin, Texas on January 12, 2024 attending the State Bar of Texas Advanced Alternative Dispute Resolution CLE. She was also privileged to have been a member of the CLE's planning committee.
EDR Concepts Included in Mediation Training
January 9, 2024
South Texas College of Law (STCL) recently concluded a 40-hour mediation training session, the fundamental course required of all court-appointed mediators in Texas. The class was fortunate to learn from a number of instructors during their foundational training. Harris Hoss was pleased to be one of those instructors and to have had the opportunity to deliver an overview of early dispute resolution (EDR) mediations.
Harris Hoss Affirmed as a Credentialed Advanced Mediator (TMCA)
January 2, 2024
Harris Hoss received confirmation that she has, again, satisfied the requirements to be a TMCA Credentialed Advanced Mediator in 2024. As a CAM, Harris Hoss has affirmed her commitment to professionalism in the provision of mediation services, that she has met specific training, continuing education and experience requirements, and will adhere to the TMCA's code of ethics and its grievance process. More information about Texas mediator credentialing can be found at txmca.org.
Harris Hoss Leads Discussion on Early Dispute Resolution at South Texas College of Law (Houston)
November 14, 2023
On November 14, 2023, Harris Hoss had the pleasure of leading a discussion on Early Dispute Resolution (EDR) with third-year law students enrolled in the Mediation Theory and Practice class at her alma mater - South Texas College of Law (Houston).
Harris Hoss Facilitates Commercial Track Discussion on use of AI in Mediations at ABA Advanced Mediation and Advocacy Institute
October 19, 2023
As part of its 2023 Mediation Week celebration, the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution hosted the ABA Advanced Mediation and Advocacy Institute on October 18 and 19, 2023 at which veteran mediators as well as inhouse and outside counsel shared and collaborated on key topics impacting and advancing client services in mediations across the country. Harris Hoss was privileged to participate as Facilitator for a Commercial Track discussion on AI Advancements in Mediation and Law immediately following a presentation by Colin Rule and Susan Guthrie, moderated by Meredith McBride, on the afternoon of October 19, 2023.
Harris Hoss Discusses EDR at Recent Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association Meeting
October 3, 2023
EDR (Early Dispute Resolution) is not a new concept and in the shadows of the impact COVID-19 has had on already backlogged courts, Harris Hoss enjoyed discussing the growing curiosity and difference between ADR and EDR, as well as the benefits and values provided by an early mediation to parties and their counsel.
Harris Hoss Judges Final Round of UHLC IntraTeam Negotiation Competition
October 1, 2023
On October 1, 2023, Harris Hoss served as one of five judges in the final round of the University of Houston Law Center's Intrateam ADR Competition for negotiations. Harris Hoss PLLC was a proud sponsor of the competition.
Harris Hoss Panelist at AAA Inaugural State of Energy in Arbitration Conference (Houston, TX)
September 19, 2023
Harris Hoss was pleased to serve as a speaker at the American Arbitration Association's inaugural State of Energy in Arbitration Conference along with Morgan Haenchen (Haynes & Boone (Houston)) and Gretta Walters (Chaffetz Lindsey (New York)) on a panel moderated by Iman Hyder-Eliz (AAA, Atlanta) discussing the Anatomy of an Energy Arbitration Claim: Notice through Award.
Harris Hoss Appointed Vice Chair for ABA Section of Dispute Resolution Mediation Committee
September 1, 2023
The American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution's Mediation Committee is dedicated to advancing the learned practice of mediation through innovative skill-building opportunities, a nationwide network of support, and front-line professional development. In 2023, Harris Hoss was appointed Vice Chair of this very active Committee and is fortunate to work alongside the Committee's Co-Chairs Steven Bierman, Meredith McBride and Gabrielle Hartley.
Harris Hoss To Assist in Planning the State Bar of Texas ADR Section Annual CLE 2024
August 20, 2023
The SBOT ADR Section CLE Program Committee plans and proposes topics and speakers for the ADR Council's approval and coordinates with the State Bar in leading the ADR Section's annual CLE program. This year's program will be held live at the Texas Law Center on January 12, 2024 in Austin, Texas. Harris Hoss is excited to be among the planning committee members working to organize and assemble the CLE program's topics and speakers.
Peers Recognize Harris Hoss Among Best Lawyers in America in Commercial Litigation
August 17, 2023
Harris Hoss is honored to have been recognized a fourth time by her peers among the Best Lawyers in America in Commercial Litigation and to be included among so many esteemed and talented colleagues in the 30th edition of the Best Lawyers' in America publication.
Harris Hoss Named Co-Chair of ABA Early Dispute Resolution Committee
August 1, 2023
The American Bar Association Early Dispute Resolution Committee educates and informs about the benefits of resolving disputes early in their life-cycle, and the options available to do so. Harris Hoss feels honored and privileged to be a part of this exciting and growing committee with the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution.
Harris Hoss Admitted to the AAA Roster of Mediators
July 28, 2023
The American Arbitration Association (AAA) has accepted Harris Hoss to its Roster of Mediators.
Mediators approved for admission to the AAA mediator roster are required to adhere to the AAA Mediators Model Standards of Conduct developed by the AAA, the American Bar Association (ABA), and the Association for Conflict Resolution.
Harris Hoss Published in the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution Magazine -- Just Resolutions
July 3, 2023
The June 2023 issue of the American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution magazine, Just Resolutions, focuses on the exciting movement of Early Dispute Resolution from idea to implementation. Harris Hoss is pleased to have contributed her article, A Former Litigator's Perspective on Early Mediations to the publication. (Click the image to the left to read the article.)
Harris Hoss Accepted into Membership of the Association of Attorney-Mediators
July 1, 2023
Association of Attorney-Mediators (AAM) is a nonprofit trade association of qualified independent attorney-mediators. Membership is approved upon satisfaction of qualifications and ethical standards that meet or exced state or federal requirements for mediators.
Harris Hoss To Serve on HBA Bench Bar Conference Committee
June 30, 2023
The Houston Bar Association (HBA) Bench Bar Conference Committee implements and organizes the annual Bench Bar Conference which brings together Harris County judges, government and private attorneys to discuss current state and county legal issues. The conference alternates yearly between civil/appellate and criminal/appellate law.
Harris Hoss Recognized for ABA Programming Leadership
June 28, 2023
The American Bar Association (ABA) Section for Dispute Resolution announced today that the Committee on Oversight and Development awarded the Best Program of the Year Award to "Winning from the Beginning with EDR", the 2022 Mediation Week program that Harris Hoss chaired along with Ellie Vilendrer, Mary Cullen and Scott Levin. The award recognizes the hard work and dedication to committee-driven efforts of leadership.
Harris Hoss Joins Caroline Center for Dispute Resolution Neutrals Panel
June 15, 2023
Harris Hoss is pleased and excited to announce that she has joined the Caroline Center for Dispute Resolution's distinguished panel of neutrals providing in-person, hybrid, and remote mediation and arbitration services in Houston, Texas.
Harris Hoss Inducted Into Prestigious Marquis Who's Who Biographical Registry
June 2, 2023
Felicia Harris Hoss has been included in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process. (Click the image to read the press release.)
Harris Hoss Re-Appointed to Harris County DRC Board
May 24, 2023
On May 22, 2024, incoming Houston Bar Association (HBA) President Diana Gomez re-appointed Harris Hoss to the Dispute Resolution Center (DRC) Board of Directors. Harris Hoss will serve a two-year term (2023-2025).
Sponsored by the HBA and funded through the Harris County Courts System, the DRC provides free mediation and arbitration services for residents of Harris County.
Harris Hoss Part of Volunteer Training Team For New Mediators
May 17, 2023
As part of a team of instructors who volunteered time to train new mediators during the Harris County Dispute Resolution Center 40-Hour Mediation Training program, on May 17, 2023, Harris Hoss presented an overview of Texas ADR Legislation and Mediator Ethics.
Harris Hoss Elected Chair-Elect for HBA ADR Council (2023-2024)
May 6, 2023
The Houston Bar Association ADR Council provides educational programming for 10,000-plus members of the Houston Bar Association on the benefits and opportunities available through private dispute resolution options, like mediation and arbitration. In addition to monthly programming, each year the Council hosts an annual CLE for its members and judiciary of Harris and surrounding counties.
Harris Hoss Appointed Co-Chair of HBA Fee Dispute Committee (2023-2024)
May 1, 2023
The Houston Bar Association Fee Dispute Program organizes panels of attorneys and lay persons to arbitrate (at no cost) legal fees disputes between (i) attorneys and clients and (ii) attorneys and attorneys.
Harris Hoss PLLC Proud Sponsor of the 30th Anniversary HBA/HBF Civil/Appellate Bench-Bar Conference
April 14, 2023
On April 14, 2023, the Houston Bar Association and Houston Bar Foundation hosted its 30th Annual Bench-Bar Conference at Hotel ZaZa in Houston, Texas. Harris Hoss PLLC was pleased to sponsor and attend the conference.
Harris Hoss Invited to Texas A&M University Career Center Panel Discussion on Advocacy, Mediation & Policy
March 23, 2023
On March 23, 2023, Harris Hoss was among several accomplished Texas A&M alumni selected to speak at a Texas A&M University Career Center webinar hosted as part of its Gradate Career Series on advocacy, mediation and policy career paths.
Harris Hoss Receives Credentialed Advanced Certification from Texas Mediator Credentialing Association
March 9, 2023
The Texas Mediator Credentialing Association (TMCA) promotes mediator professionalism. The TMCA website informs that "TMCA Credential holders meet specific training, continuing education and experience requirements. Credential holders are bound by a mandatory Code of Ethics and a grievance process. The TMCA Credential demonstrates the mediator's commitment to delivering quality mediation services."
Harris Hoss Completes DRBF Administration & Practice Workshop
March 5, 2023
Dispute Resolution Boards (DRBs) are neutral dispute resolution consultants typically agreed-upon by the parties at the outset of a contract-construction project to help the parties calm the waters of conflict when/if those waves arise.
The Dispute Resolution Board Foundation (DRBF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the avoidance and resolution of disputes worldwide using the unique and proven Dispute Board (DB) method.
Harris Hoss Selected as Fellow for ABA Early Dispute Resolution Committee (2023-2024)
December 2022
The mission of the American Bar Association Dispute Resolution Section Early Dispute Resolution (EDR) Committee is to encourage lawyers and all interested parties to voluntarily and knowingly utilize EDR to promote party self-determinative, time efficient, and effective resolutions in any kind of dispute.
Harris Hoss Appointed to ABA Women in Dispute Resolution (WIDR) Programs Subcommittee (2022-2023)
December 2022
The American Bar Association's Dispute Resolution Section Women in Dispute Resolution Committee provides educational and informative webinars and other information to facilitate the professional development and advancement of women in the dispute resolution industry.
Harris Hoss Moderates HBA Litigation & ADR Sections Joint CLE Program
November 15, 2022
On November 15, 2022, Harris Hoss moderated a distinguished panel of in-house and outside litigation counsel, trial judges, and mediators and arbitrators for a joint CLE program sponsored by the HBA Litigation Section and the HBA ADR Section entitled Veteran Insights on Effective Strategies for Private Dispute Resolution.
Harris Hoss Moderates American Bar Association Mediation Week 2022 Program - "Winning from the Beginning"
October 19, 2022
On October 19, 2022, a panel of experienced in-house and outside counsel and neutrals discussed insights, tips, and strategies for effectively mediating disputes early in their lifecycle. Panelists included Theresa Bevilaqua (Dorsey & Whitney LLP, Partner, Lucy Clark Dougherty (Polaris Inc, General Counsel & Secretary), Mary Cullen (The Cullen Group, Attorney/Mediator/Arbitrator), Noah Hanft (AcumenADR LLC, Mediator & Arbitrator), and Chauntelle Wood (Baker Botts LLP, Senior Associate),
Harris Hoss Coaches UH Law Center ADR Teams
September - November 2022
During the Fall Semester, Harris Hoss volunteered time to coach two University of Houston Law Center student teams, one team competed in an in-person intramural negotiations tournament and the other in the American Bar Association online Arbitration Competition.
Harris Hoss Interviewed by ABA Resolutions Podcast
September 13, 2022
Harris Hoss was thrilled to sit down for an interview with ABA Resolutions Podcast host Aaron Gothelf and two of her Co-Chairs on the Mediation Week program committee, Ellie K. Vilendrer and Scott F. Levin, to preview the ABA Mediation Week 2022 Program. (Click the image to the left to listen.)
Harris Hoss Presents CLE on Early Dispute Resolution to the Houston Northwest Bar Association
August 17, 2022
As a member of the Houston Bar Association Speakers' Bureau, Harris Hoss had the pleasure of speaking at the Houston Northwest Bar Association August membership meeting on early dispute resolution strategies and techniques.
Harris Hoss Recognized by Peers Among Best Lawyers in America for Commercial Litigation
August 17, 2022
"Best Lawyers awards are compiled by conducting exhaustive peer-review surveys in which tens of thousands of leading lawyers confidentially evaluate their professional peers. The 29th edition of The Best Lawyers in America recognizes only the top 5.3% of elite lawyers in the nation across 150 practice areas," according to the Best Lawyers website.
This is the third year in a row that Harris Hoss has been recognized by her peers among The Best Lawyers in America in Commercial Litigation.
Harris Hoss Presents CLE on Early Dispute Resolution at the Brazoria County Bar Association Monthly Meeting
August 12, 2022
As a member of the Brazoria County Bar Association, on August 12, 2022, Harris Hoss had the pleasure of speaking in Angleton, Texas with some of her colleagues about early dispute resolution strategies and techniques.
Harris Hoss Re-Appointed to HBA Speakers Bureau Committee
June 29, 2022
On June 29, 2022, Harris Hoss was re-appointed by Houston Bar Association (HBA) president Christopher Popov to serve another year on the Speakers Bureau Committee, a committee that facilitates opportunities for attorneys to speak on legal topics to schools, churches, and other community groups without charge on a variety of legal topics.
Harris Hoss Moderates HBA Professionalism Committee 2022 Day of Civility Panel
April 29, 2022
As a member of the HBA Professionalism Committee (2021-2022) and of the 2022 Day of Civility Programming Subcommittee, Harris Hoss moderated one of two panels speaking on civility in the law at the April 29, 2022 event.
Each year, the Texas Supreme Court and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals proclaims a day of civility in the law to urge all lawyers to conduct themselves with courtesy and professionalism at all times and toward all persons in the practice of the law. The spirit of the proclamation is found in The Texas Lawyer's Creed, which was adopted by order of the Supreme Court of Texas and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals in November 1989 and reaffirmed as amended in February 2016.
Harris Hoss Appointed HBA Professionalism Committee Co-Chair
April 7, 2022
On April 7, 2022, Harris Hoss was appointed by incoming Houston Bar Association (HBA) President Christopher Popov to serve as co-Chair of the HBA's Professionalism Committee for the 2022-2023 Bar year.
The Houston Bar Association Professionalism Committee promotes civility within the legal community. In addition to managing the HBA's Mentorship Program, the Professionalism Committee also hosts a Fall Ethics CLE and a Day of Civility CLE in the Spring.
Harris Hoss Receives Credentialed Mediator Designation from Texas Mediator Credentialing Association
March 12, 2022
The Texas Mediator Credentialing Association (TMCA) promotes mediator professionalism. The TMCA website informs that "TMCA Credential holders meet specific training, continuing education and experience requirements. Credential holders are bound by a mandatory Code of Ethics and a grievance process. The TMCA Credential demonstrates the mediator's commitment to delivering quality mediation services."
Harris Hoss Presents "How to Hire an Attorney" During the City of Houston Department of Neighborhoods "A Month of Service" Program
March 11, 2022
On March 8, 2023, as part of the HBA Speaker's Bureau Committee, Harris Hoss made an online presentation entitled How to Hire An Attorney for the City of Houston Department of Neighborhoods "A Month of Service" program. (Click the image to the left to watch the presentation).
Harris Hoss Recognized for Contributions to the Harris County Dispute Resolution Center
February 16, 2022
At the Houston Bar Foundation (HBF) 2022 Annual Meeting and Award Luncheon held on February 15, 2022, Harris Hoss was announced as the recipient of the HBF's 2021 Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Harris County DRC. The HBF is the charitable arm of the Houston Bar Foundation and supports programs that help provide legal representation to the indigent, promote community understanding of our legal system, and fosters the administration of justice.
Harris Hoss Selected as Chair for ABA Mediation Week 2022 Program
February - October 2022
Along with Co-Chairs Mary Cullen, Ellie K. Vilendrer, and Scott F. Levin, Harris Hoss was selected to Chair the American Bar Association's Mediation Week 2022 program. The Program was presented as an hour-and-a-half webinar on October 19, 2022 entitled Winning from the Beginning with Early Mediations.
Harris Hoss Accepted to American Arbitration Association's National Registry of Arbitrators
February 11, 2022
The American Arbitration Association (AAA) is a not-for-profit provider of private dispute resolution services. The AAA's Roster of Arbitrators comprises distinguished former judges and leaders in legal and business communities with industry-specific knowledge and expertise. In addition to maintaining ongoing educational requirements, AAA arbitrators are also required to uphold stringent standards of ethics.
Harris Hoss Completes AHLA Arbitration Training
December 2021
From arbitrator selection and disclosures to award, the American Health Law Association Arbitration Training is a comprehensive and interactive program designed to enhance substantive knowledge and relevant skills to effectively arbitrate health law disputes. Harris Hoss participated in and completed the the training program held between December 6-9, 2021.
Harris Hoss Appointed to Harris County Dispute Resolution Center Board
August 2021
The Dispute Resolution Center (DRC) is legislatively-sponsored by the Houston Bar Association and funded through the Harris County Courts System. Since 1980, the DRC has been helping parties privately resolve disputes. The mediation and arbitration services provided through the DRC are free to residents of Harris County, Texas.
Harris Hoss Participates in EDR Institute Training
June 24, 2021
On June 23, 2021, Harris Hoss participated in the EDR Institute's full-day of early dispute resolution training in Houston, Texas.
Harris Hoss Added to Texas Comptroller Arbitrator Registry for Appraisal Review Board (ARB) Appeals
Chapter 41A of the Texas Property Code provides binding arbitration, instead of district court litigation, as an option to property owners seeking to appeal an ARB decision. The Texas Comptroller's office administratively oversees the arbitration process and the registry of independent, neutral arbitrators. Harris Hoss has completed the requisite training and been admitted to the Texas Comptroller's Registry of ARB Appeal Arbitrators.