“How Are You?”

Just this morning, on my walk from the parking garage into the office, a stranger said “good morning,” then asked “how are you?” I politely replied, then we shared an elevator ride together in silence.

This exchange took me back to high school, where one of the clergy members would roam the hallways meeting students with a similar greeting ending in “how are you?” Then—without stopping to await a reply—he would continue down the corridor, onto the next student.

I remember at that time, as a teenager, having a conversation with my mom and asking why he would say “how are you” without so much as waiting for a perfunctory, surface level response. Why even ask someone how they are doing if you are not going to genuinely listen?

Many years later, this is clearly still on my mind. And, in terms of attorney wellness, it is important. All too often we walk the hallways of our offices—surrounded by colleagues we see daily—and share similar exchanges that include “how are you?” But how often do we stop to listen? Or, even more, how often does this question solicit a meaningful response?

Very few people will take this opening as an opportunity to reveal something going on in their personal lives, be it good or bad. Do we truly pose this question expecting to hear “I’m getting married this weekend” or “my mother passed away last week?” Occasionally, the prompt will solicit something on the professional front, such as “I’m getting ready for a trial,” or “I just settled a really tough case and now have more time to focus on this one.” More often, it yields a surface level response about the weather, an impending holiday, or an upcoming citywide event.

Many of us experience most of our social interaction through the legal community, whether it be in the course of our workday conversations, team lunches, or evening happy hours. Some reading this note may take the position that professional conversation should be just that—professional, work-centric, and surface level. But I disagree. So much of our lives are dedicated to the legal profession. To completely silo our professional and personal lives inhibits the formation of deeper connections among us. I have experienced my happiest and saddest personal times during my years practicing law. Sharing the happy moments with my colleagues made them more joyous. And, I sometimes wonder, had I opened up about the tough times—instead of leaving those issues at home so I could focus on work—would they have been more bearable?

This issue focuses on attorney wellness, and not just the fitness component of it, but a holistic view. A big part of wellness is mental health and wellbeing. The content covers educational offerings and preventative measures, including how Texas law schools are starting students on the right track from day one. And the Texas Board of Law Examiners explains their decision to revise the character and fitness screening to destigmatize mental health. For those of us who find ourselves in need of assistance during our practicing years, the Texas Lawyers’ Assistance Program offerings are highlighted in a standalone article and throughout the issue. And, four of our local judges share their own wellness journeys on wide-ranging topics. A solo practitioner explains how he keeps his sanity while wearing the many hats involved in a small practice, and we also learn about architectural trends in wellnessfocused firms looking to attract attorneys back to the office. A personal trainer gives his advice for maintaining a positive attitude. And, one of our former editors in chief provides a look into how Black haircare products can affect wellness.

Thank you to our guest editors, Sara Prasatik and Nikki Morris, for collaborating to bring this issue to fruition. And, as always, Anna Archer has beautifully complemented these articles with our companion podcast, Behind the Lines, with interviews about best practices for attorney wellness and the intersection of law and mental health.

After taking in this issue and learning more about the shift to a comprehensive approach to attorney wellness, I challenge us all to listen a little more closely when visiting with our peers. Dig a little deeper to see how your colleagues are doing on not just a professional, but a personal level, as well.

Thank you for reading The Houston Lawyer president Christopher V. Popov president-elect

Diana Gomez

First vice president

Greg Ulmer

Second vice president

Greg Moore

Secretary Daniella Landers treasurer

David Harrell immediate past president

Jennifer A. Hasley

DIRECTORS (2021-2023)

Collin Cox Jeff Oldham

Colin Pogge

DIRECTORS (2022-2024)

Keri Brown Kaylan Dunn

Robert Painter Samantha Torres

EDITORIAl STAFF editor in chief

Brooksie Bonvillain Boutet associate editors

Anna Archer Ryan Kent

Elizabeth Furlow Malpass Carly Milner

Nikki Morris Andrew Pearce editorial Board

Anietie Akpan Jaclyn Barbosa

Natasha Breaux Dasha K. Hodge

Sydney Huber Lee LaFleur

Kristen Lee David T. Lopez

Kylie Loya Maggie Lu

Tim McInturf Lane Morrison

Avi Moshenberg Sara Prasatik

Braden Riley Bryce Romero

Jennifer Smith Kyle Steingreaber

Rachael Thompson Lauren Veillon

Mark Yablon

Managing editor Maggie Martin

HBA OFFICE STAFF executive director Mindy G. Davidson deputy executive director–

Membership Services

Julie Blair receptionist and Membership assistant Larissa Lynch controller director, Marketing and communications

Sarah Kole

Maggie Martin communications Specialist Briana Ramirez director of education

Ashley G. Steininger education assistant Alli Hessel director of projects Bonnie Simmons director of Membership and technology Services Ron Riojas projects and events assistant Reagan Crittenden

Marta

By Melanie Bragg