H.R. No. 9
                                  R E S O L U T I O N
    1-1        WHEREAS, The Texas House of Representatives is proud to honor
    1-2  Benjamin L. Hall III for his outstanding service as the city
    1-3  attorney of Houston; and
    1-4        WHEREAS, This skilled lawyer, who recently returned to
    1-5  private practice, had presided over the complex legal affairs of
    1-6  the state's largest city with enviable skill since 1992 and in so
    1-7  doing had earned the admiration of his peers for his fair and
    1-8  effective administration of the office; and
    1-9        WHEREAS, A graduate of Harvard Law School, where he was a
   1-10  Merrill Griswold Scholar, Mr. Hall studied in Bonn, Germany, as a
   1-11  Fulbright/DAAD Scholar and is an honors graduate of the University
   1-12  of South Carolina; his host of academic achievements also includes
   1-13  a doctorate and a master's degree from Duke University and the Duke
   1-14  Divinity School; and
   1-15        WHEREAS, Before accepting his most recent position, he served
   1-16  a distinguished six-year tenure at the Houston law firm of Vinson &
   1-17  Elkins, where he was highly regarded for his expertise in insurance
   1-18  and local government law as well as his proficiency in other areas
   1-19  of concentration; and
   1-20        WHEREAS, This expert litigator has been admitted to practice
   1-21  before a number of federal courts, including the Fifth Circuit
   1-22  Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court; and
   1-23        WHEREAS, A dynamic and popular lecturer, he has spoken on a
   1-24  wide variety of topics ranging from insurance and legal issues to
    2-1  minority rights and ethics; he also has authored several noted
    2-2  professional works and served as an adjunct professor at the
    2-3  University of Houston Law Center from 1987 to 1992; and
    2-4        WHEREAS, Mr. Hall shares his time as a valued member of
    2-5  numerous professional and civic organizations as well, including
    2-6  the Houston Bar Association, the Texas Young Lawyers Association,
    2-7  and the Houston chapter of the NAACP, in addition to serving as a
    2-8  board member of the local chapters of the American Red Cross and
    2-9  the American Diabetes Association; and
   2-10        WHEREAS, An ordained minister, this remarkable gentleman has
   2-11  served as a constant source of inspiration, faith, and guidance to
   2-12  the members of the congregation of the Progressive Church of Our
   2-13  Lord Jesus Christ since 1974; and
   2-14        WHEREAS, Throughout his career and long-standing record of
   2-15  community service, Mr. Hall has enjoyed the affection and support
   2-16  of his beloved wife, Saundra, and the couple's son, Benjamin; and
   2-17        WHEREAS, Though he has not yet reached his 40th birthday,
   2-18  this brilliant attorney has compiled an impressive record of
   2-19  achievement while adhering to the highest standards of personal and
   2-20  professional conduct; his exceptional tenure has contributed
   2-21  significantly to the betterment of his community, and he is indeed
   2-22  deserving of special praise and recognition for his notable efforts
   2-23  in this regard; now, therefore, be it
   2-24        RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 74th Texas
   2-25  Legislature hereby commend Benjamin L. Hall III for his exemplary
   2-26  service to the city of Houston and extend sincere best wishes to
   2-27  him for continued success in his future endeavors; and, be it
    3-1  further
    3-2        RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
    3-3  prepared for Mr. Hall as an expression of high regard by the Texas
    3-4  House of Representatives.