Our History

Hughes Watters Askanase LLP (“HWA”) was founded in 1978 by John Hughes, Harry Watters, and David Askanase as a boutique bankruptcy and real estate law firm. In developing the Firm, the founders focused on building a reputation of excellence, integrity, and community that has been interwoven into the fabric of HWA and permeates the culture today.

Today, HWA is proudly a woman owned, diversified, full-service commercial law firm that provides a “one stop shop” for legal representation in interrelated areas that provide guidance, insights, and solutions for our clients’ greatest opportunities and most challenging obstacles. This wealth of resources allows those in each practice group to leverage their experience with other practice groups within the firm. This model enables HWA to provide cost-effective and comprehensive advice and representation to its clients.

Successfully operated by its second generation of partners, HWA is one of the few downtown Houston law firms that has not changed its original name or focus due to acquisition or merger. We have an independent mindset that we believe sets us apart from “the herd,” which allows us to consistently deliver value and innovation to our clients.

HWA is technology and process focused. We continuously review, update, and improve our hardware, software, security, and platforms. Our hosted server environment is located in a facility that is a SSAE, PCI, and HIPAA-compliant.

Today you can find HWA on the 28th floor of Total Plaza, in the very heart of Downtown Houston’s business, government, and entertainment districts. Our total of approximately 70 attorneys and support staff are all dedicated to one thing: our clients’ success.

Practice Areas

We have extensive experience supporting clients in these and other industry sectors:

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Our Core Values define HWA and align with with our strategic goals as a law firm.

We are:

Results Oriented
Entrepreneurial
Innovative
Pragmatic
Agile Problem Solvers

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Our Perspective

Value
Driven
Law

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Awards and Certifications

Our partners and associates often serve as speakers, authors, and commentators for media outlets and industry and professional organizations - locally, regionally, and nationally.

The official Verified Vendor Seal of US Federal Contractor Registration
Women Owned Small Business Federal Contracting Program
Women Owned
National Association of Minority and Women Owned Law Firms

Hughes Watters Askanase is committed to community outreach and development.

Careers

Why HWA?

Our firm maintains an open and supportive environment that fosters camaraderie, achievement, personal and professional development and life/work balance.

Opportunities

Hughes Watters Askanase is always open to considering candidates who will enhance our great team. If you would like to send us a resume online please click here and attach it to the email. Your resume will be directed to the appropriate person for consideration upon submission.

Diversity

Hughes Watters Askanase is an equal opportunity employer. The policy of HWA requires that employees and applicants for employment shall be treated without regard to race, color, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran status, gender identity or sexual orientation.

Join the team

If you want to be a part of HWA team

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What Our
Employees Are Saying

Kathy Conn, Certified Paralegal

Joined HWA in 1985

HWA was my first full time job. Knowing little about the legal industry, I was initially hired on as an overflow typist. I found the work interesting and challenging. Through education and on-the-job training, I was able to advance my skills and knowledge. Some 25-plus years later, I am still doing work that I enjoy and feel very grateful to be a part of the HWA family.

Lisa O. Slater, Legal Assistant

Joined HWA in 2011

I have been working at HWA for 9 years in litigation and bankruptcy. I consider myself extremely fortunate to be able to work at a job that I absolutely love. I enjoy my working environment and I find the work challenging and satisfying. Working at HWA is a great experience. Not only have I made HWA my workplace, it’s become my second home and family.

Pro Bono

HWA is committed to serving the community by providing pro bono legal services to low-income residents of Harris County, Texas. HWA has provided legal aid ranging from family law issues to preparation of wills and bankruptcy assistance.

Houston Volunteer Lawyers Program

Our History

Practice Areas

Our Core Values define HWA and align with with our strategic goals as a law firm.

Our Perspective

Awards and Certifications

HWA sponsors the following organizations:

Careers

Why HWA?

Opportunities

Diversity

Join the team

What Our Employees Are Saying

Kathy Conn, Certified Paralegal

Lisa O. Slater, Legal Assistant

Pro Bono

What Our
Employees Are Saying