2025-2026 Board
President
Abdul R. Farukhi
Law Offices of Omar Kharwaja
Bio
Abdul R. Farukhi is the President of the South Asian Bar Association of Houston. With over 15 years of distinguished service as a state and federal prosecutor, Abdul has a deep commitment to justice and public service. He currently serves as President of the Houston 80-20 Asian American PAC, an organization dedicated to amplifying the voices and participation of Asian Americans in the democratic process.
Abdul's extensive legal experience includes roles as Assistant Attorney General at the Texas Attorney General's Office and Special Assistant United States Attorney at the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas. He is board certified in Criminal Law by the State Bar of Texas and licensed to practice law in both Texas and California. Abdul holds a Juris Doctor degree from Baylor University Law School and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas at Austin.
In addition to his professional achievements, Abdul is a board member and a founder and former president of the Muslim Bar Association of Houston. He is passionate about mentoring the next generation of legal professionals and has guided law students through various organizations, including the University of Houston Law School Prelaw Pipeline and the Hispanic Bar Association of Houston. Outside of his professional and volunteer work, Abdul enjoys spending time with his two kids, participating in Boy Scouts activities, and exploring new destinations.
Abdul R. Farukhi
Law Offices of Omar Kharwaja
Bio
Abdul R. Farukhi is the President of the South Asian Bar Association of Houston. With over 15 years of distinguished service as a state and federal prosecutor, Abdul has a deep commitment to justice and public service. He currently serves as President of the Houston 80-20 Asian American PAC, an organization dedicated to amplifying the voices and participation of Asian Americans in the democratic process.
Abdul's extensive legal experience includes roles as Assistant Attorney General at the Texas Attorney General's Office and Special Assistant United States Attorney at the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas. He is board certified in Criminal Law by the State Bar of Texas and licensed to practice law in both Texas and California. Abdul holds a Juris Doctor degree from Baylor University Law School and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas at Austin.
In addition to his professional achievements, Abdul is a board member and a founder and former president of the Muslim Bar Association of Houston. He is passionate about mentoring the next generation of legal professionals and has guided law students through various organizations, including the University of Houston Law School Prelaw Pipeline and the Hispanic Bar Association of Houston. Outside of his professional and volunteer work, Abdul enjoys spending time with his two kids, participating in Boy Scouts activities, and exploring new destinations.
President-Elect
Maha Ghyas
Judicial Law Clerk
Bio
Maha Ghyas is currently a judicial clerk for the Fifteenth Court of Appeals of the state of Texas. She is also a litigator focusing on corporate bankruptcy. Maha's previous clients have included biotechnology companies, financial institutions, energy companies, and national retailers. As a student at South Texas College of Law, Maha was on the board of the South Texas Law Review, a member of the moot court, mock trial and alternate dispute resolution teams, and a student teacher for contracts.
Maha Ghyas
Judicial Law Clerk
Bio
Maha Ghyas is currently a judicial clerk for the Fifteenth Court of Appeals of the state of Texas. She is also a litigator focusing on corporate bankruptcy. Maha's previous clients have included biotechnology companies, financial institutions, energy companies, and national retailers. As a student at South Texas College of Law, Maha was on the board of the South Texas Law Review, a member of the moot court, mock trial and alternate dispute resolution teams, and a student teacher for contracts.
Immediate Past President
Shahmeer Halepota
AZA
Bio
Shahmeer Halepota is a commercial litigator with mediation, international arbitration, and state and federal trial experience. His trial experience includes a 16-day federal jury trial and post-trial appellate work. Mr. Halepota’s previous clients have included various multinational corporations as well as the Republic of South Sudan. As an associate for the global law firm Skadden, Arps, Slate Meagher & Flom LLP in New York, he assisted in representing clients in ICC, UNCITRAL, and ICSID arbitrations and helped secure a $700 million dollar award for a satellite and telecommunications company against the Indian space agency in a Delhi-seated ICC arbitration concerning the repudiation of a long-term lease agreement. His jury trial experience includes a favorable verdict for an estate in a federal trial against a U.S. bank involving fraud and RICO claims. He has also worked on a number of pro bono asylum claims, including obtaining Special Immigration Juvenile Status for three children from El Salvador.
As a law student at the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law, Mr. Halepota was the Co-President of the Boalt Hall Student Association, a member of the moot court team, and a member of the admissions committee. While an undergrad at Emory University, he met with U.S. House subcommittee chairmen on behalf of the advisory board of a political action committee.
Shahmeer Halepota
AZA
Bio
Shahmeer Halepota is a commercial litigator with mediation, international arbitration, and state and federal trial experience. His trial experience includes a 16-day federal jury trial and post-trial appellate work. Mr. Halepota’s previous clients have included various multinational corporations as well as the Republic of South Sudan. As an associate for the global law firm Skadden, Arps, Slate Meagher & Flom LLP in New York, he assisted in representing clients in ICC, UNCITRAL, and ICSID arbitrations and helped secure a $700 million dollar award for a satellite and telecommunications company against the Indian space agency in a Delhi-seated ICC arbitration concerning the repudiation of a long-term lease agreement. His jury trial experience includes a favorable verdict for an estate in a federal trial against a U.S. bank involving fraud and RICO claims. He has also worked on a number of pro bono asylum claims, including obtaining Special Immigration Juvenile Status for three children from El Salvador.
As a law student at the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law, Mr. Halepota was the Co-President of the Boalt Hall Student Association, a member of the moot court team, and a member of the admissions committee. While an undergrad at Emory University, he met with U.S. House subcommittee chairmen on behalf of the advisory board of a political action committee.
Vice President, Gala
Shruti Modi
Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP
Bio
Shruti Modi is a first-generation American who was born in Chicago, Illinois, where her parents immigrated to from India in their late 20s. She received her B.S. in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Arizona State University, and then moved to Houston for law school. There, Shruti was involved in various organizations, participated in mentorship programs, and served as the Senior Articles Editor of the South Texas Law Review. She received her Juris Doctor degree from South Texas College of Law, and graduated in the top 10% of her class, magna cum laude.
Shruti is a personal injury litigator at Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP, where she represents those who were seriously injured or killed due to the negligence or carelessness of someone else. She is a dedicated and fierce advocate for her clients, and the sacrifices of her parents are the source of her motivation to go above and beyond in everything that she does.
Shruti Modi
Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP
Bio
Shruti Modi is a first-generation American who was born in Chicago, Illinois, where her parents immigrated to from India in their late 20s. She received her B.S. in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Arizona State University, and then moved to Houston for law school. There, Shruti was involved in various organizations, participated in mentorship programs, and served as the Senior Articles Editor of the South Texas Law Review. She received her Juris Doctor degree from South Texas College of Law, and graduated in the top 10% of her class, magna cum laude.
Shruti is a personal injury litigator at Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP, where she represents those who were seriously injured or killed due to the negligence or carelessness of someone else. She is a dedicated and fierce advocate for her clients, and the sacrifices of her parents are the source of her motivation to go above and beyond in everything that she does.
Vice President of Communications
Monica Uddin
AZA
Bio
Monica Uddin is a trial lawyer and hiring partner at AZA. She represents businesses and individuals in complex commercial litigation, catastrophic personal injury, defamation, and trade secret matters. Monica joined AZA after graduating from the University of Chicago Law School and Stanford University. She was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas and is the daughter of Bangladeshi immigrants. Monica has partnered with the International Refugee Assistance Project and the American Civil Liberties Union.
When not at work, she enjoys interesting food and drink, horror and mystery fiction, the indie sleaze revival, and playing casual games inappropriately competitively. But most of her non-work time is consumed by her three kids, age seven and under.
Monica Uddin
AZA
Bio
Monica Uddin is a trial lawyer and hiring partner at AZA. She represents businesses and individuals in complex commercial litigation, catastrophic personal injury, defamation, and trade secret matters. Monica joined AZA after graduating from the University of Chicago Law School and Stanford University. She was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas and is the daughter of Bangladeshi immigrants. Monica has partnered with the International Refugee Assistance Project and the American Civil Liberties Union.
When not at work, she enjoys interesting food and drink, horror and mystery fiction, the indie sleaze revival, and playing casual games inappropriately competitively. But most of her non-work time is consumed by her three kids, age seven and under.
Vice President of Community Outreach
Saad A. Aziz
Aziz Trial Law PLLC
Bio
Saad Aziz is a Houston native who graduated from University of Houston Law Center. His practice primarily focuses on commercial litigation, and he has extensive experience in all stages of business disputes. Saad is the managing partner of Aziz Trial Law, PLLC.
Saad A. Aziz
Aziz Trial Law PLLC
Bio
Saad Aziz is a Houston native who graduated from University of Houston Law Center. His practice primarily focuses on commercial litigation, and he has extensive experience in all stages of business disputes. Saad is the managing partner of Aziz Trial Law, PLLC.
Vice President of Community Outreach
Hina Moheyuddin
Bio
Hina Moheyuddin is a privacy and cybersecurity attorney, with a focus on data governance, regulatory compliance, and digital risk management. Hina is the Founder and Chair of the Houston chapter of Women in Security and Privacy (WISP), spearheading initiatives that support mentorship, education, and career development for women in the field. She also serves as the Editor-in-Chief of E-News for the Privacy Law Section of the California Lawyers Association and serves on its Executive Committee, contributing to thought leadership in privacy law.
Hina previously served as a Privacy and Cybersecurity Associate at Aleada Consulting, where she advised clients on global privacy laws, cybersecurity frameworks, and risk mitigation strategies. She earned her J.D. from Drexel University as a Keystone Scholar and helped establish the Center for Law and Transformational Technology, serving as an inaugural board member. Hina regularly speaks on privacy and tech policy, with panels ranging from Santa Clara University School of Law to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
Hina Moheyuddin
Bio
Hina Moheyuddin is a privacy and cybersecurity attorney, with a focus on data governance, regulatory compliance, and digital risk management. Hina is the Founder and Chair of the Houston chapter of Women in Security and Privacy (WISP), spearheading initiatives that support mentorship, education, and career development for women in the field. She also serves as the Editor-in-Chief of E-News for the Privacy Law Section of the California Lawyers Association and serves on its Executive Committee, contributing to thought leadership in privacy law.
Hina previously served as a Privacy and Cybersecurity Associate at Aleada Consulting, where she advised clients on global privacy laws, cybersecurity frameworks, and risk mitigation strategies. She earned her J.D. from Drexel University as a Keystone Scholar and helped establish the Center for Law and Transformational Technology, serving as an inaugural board member. Hina regularly speaks on privacy and tech policy, with panels ranging from Santa Clara University School of Law to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
Vice President of Membership
Vaibhavi "Avi" Parmar
Rapp & Krock P.C.
Bio
Originally from Mumbai, Avi earned her undergraduate degree in Economics from Mumbai University before moving to Texas to pursue her Juris Doctor at Baylor University. Now based in Houston, she is proud to be part of the city's vibrant legal and South Asian communities. At Baylor Law, Avi served as Vice President of the Baylor Women’s Legal Society and was a member of the Baylor Barrister Society. During her final year, she completed a judicial externship with Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Manske of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, Waco Division. Outside of work, Avi enjoys staying active and engaged in a variety of ways. She’s an avid fan of Pilates and weight training, loves going on hikes and bike rides, and rarely turns down a game night with friends. A dedicated reader and book club member, she also experiments in the kitchen by cooking at least one new dish every weekend.
Avi values her involvement with the SABA because it provides a meaningful space for connection, mentorship, and advocacy within the profession. She believes strongly in building community among attorneys who share cultural heritage and common goals, and she sees SABA as a platform for empowerment, collaboration, and mutual support.
Vaibhavi "Avi" Parmar
Rapp & Krock P.C.
Bio
Originally from Mumbai, Avi earned her undergraduate degree in Economics from Mumbai University before moving to Texas to pursue her Juris Doctor at Baylor University. Now based in Houston, she is proud to be part of the city's vibrant legal and South Asian communities. At Baylor Law, Avi served as Vice President of the Baylor Women’s Legal Society and was a member of the Baylor Barrister Society. During her final year, she completed a judicial externship with Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Manske of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, Waco Division. Outside of work, Avi enjoys staying active and engaged in a variety of ways. She’s an avid fan of Pilates and weight training, loves going on hikes and bike rides, and rarely turns down a game night with friends. A dedicated reader and book club member, she also experiments in the kitchen by cooking at least one new dish every weekend.
Avi values her involvement with the SABA because it provides a meaningful space for connection, mentorship, and advocacy within the profession. She believes strongly in building community among attorneys who share cultural heritage and common goals, and she sees SABA as a platform for empowerment, collaboration, and mutual support.
Vice President of Membership
Khatija Choudhry
TMEIC Corporation
Bio
Khatija Choudhry is a seasoned in-house counsel at TMEIC Corporation Americas. In this role. she supports a wide range of legal and strategic initiatives including complex contract negotiation, compliance, risk mitigation and cross-boarder legal coordination. Prior to her in-house role, Khatija practiced at Ballard Spahr LLP, where she specialized in Mergers and Acquisitions. She earned her J.D. from Marquette University Law School.
Khatija is committed to community engagement and mentorship. She volunteers with Seed Spot, mentoring impact-driven entrepreneurs from around the world. She previously served on the board of the South Asian Bar Association of Washington, D.C. (SABA-DC) as Vice President of Membership, where she played a key role in strengthening the South Asian legal community.
Khatija Choudhry
TMEIC Corporation
Bio
Khatija Choudhry is a seasoned in-house counsel at TMEIC Corporation Americas. In this role. she supports a wide range of legal and strategic initiatives including complex contract negotiation, compliance, risk mitigation and cross-boarder legal coordination. Prior to her in-house role, Khatija practiced at Ballard Spahr LLP, where she specialized in Mergers and Acquisitions. She earned her J.D. from Marquette University Law School.
Khatija is committed to community engagement and mentorship. She volunteers with Seed Spot, mentoring impact-driven entrepreneurs from around the world. She previously served on the board of the South Asian Bar Association of Washington, D.C. (SABA-DC) as Vice President of Membership, where she played a key role in strengthening the South Asian legal community.
Vice President of Mentorship
Ayesha Najam
Gibbs & Bruns LLP
Bio
Ayesha Najam is a partner at Gibbs & Bruns, a Houston trial boutique specializing in complex commercial litigation. While she practices litigation across a variety of industries, her more recent focus has been in energy, construction, real estate, and fiduciary duties. Ayesha joined Gibbs & Bruns in 2005 after clerking for Judge Stephen H. Glickman, District of Columbia Court of Appeals. She earned her J.D. from Harvard Law School and her B.A. from Rice University.
Ayesha would rather cross-examine a witness at trial than read a book on the beach, any day of any week. She has two children and is teaching her elementary school daughter the art of pool-hall-hustling.
Ayesha Najam
Gibbs & Bruns LLP
Bio
Ayesha Najam is a partner at Gibbs & Bruns, a Houston trial boutique specializing in complex commercial litigation. While she practices litigation across a variety of industries, her more recent focus has been in energy, construction, real estate, and fiduciary duties. Ayesha joined Gibbs & Bruns in 2005 after clerking for Judge Stephen H. Glickman, District of Columbia Court of Appeals. She earned her J.D. from Harvard Law School and her B.A. from Rice University.
Ayesha would rather cross-examine a witness at trial than read a book on the beach, any day of any week. She has two children and is teaching her elementary school daughter the art of pool-hall-hustling.
Vice President of Mentorship
Fariha Jawed
Beck Redden LLP
Bio
Fariha's practice focuses on complex commercial litigation at Beck Redden LLP. A Certified Public Accountant with a business background, she brings a calculating, impact-driven perspective to her trial practice. Prior to joining Beck Redden, Fariha was a corporate tax attorney at a prominent law firm. Following law school, Fariha was a Law Clerk to the Honorable Drew B. Tipton of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas. While in law school, Fariha was Senior Articles Editor for the Houston Law Review where she was honored with an award for Most Outstanding Editor.
Fariha Jawed
Beck Redden LLP
Bio
Fariha's practice focuses on complex commercial litigation at Beck Redden LLP. A Certified Public Accountant with a business background, she brings a calculating, impact-driven perspective to her trial practice. Prior to joining Beck Redden, Fariha was a corporate tax attorney at a prominent law firm. Following law school, Fariha was a Law Clerk to the Honorable Drew B. Tipton of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas. While in law school, Fariha was Senior Articles Editor for the Houston Law Review where she was honored with an award for Most Outstanding Editor.
Vice President of Programming
Maryam Ghaffar
Beck Redden LLP
Bio
Maryam is an associate at Beck Redden LLP. Her practice focuses on a wide range of commercial disputes, including high stakes commercial disputes, real estate and energy matters, and intellectual property. She has regularly represents small and local businesses of any size. Prior to joining Beck Redden, Maryam clerked at the Texas Supreme Court and for the Southern District of Texas in Galveston. She is an alumnus of the University of Houston Law Center where she graduated summa cum laude and was voted class speaker. Maryam served as the Chief Articles Editor of the Houston Law Review and continues to serve the Review as a board member of the Houston Law Review Alumni Association Board. Maryam has an active pro bono practice and chairs the HYLA Pro Bono and Service Committee. She also serves as board chair for the Muslim Legal Society of Texas.
Maryam Ghaffar
Beck Redden LLP
Bio
Maryam is an associate at Beck Redden LLP. Her practice focuses on a wide range of commercial disputes, including high stakes commercial disputes, real estate and energy matters, and intellectual property. She has regularly represents small and local businesses of any size. Prior to joining Beck Redden, Maryam clerked at the Texas Supreme Court and for the Southern District of Texas in Galveston. She is an alumnus of the University of Houston Law Center where she graduated summa cum laude and was voted class speaker. Maryam served as the Chief Articles Editor of the Houston Law Review and continues to serve the Review as a board member of the Houston Law Review Alumni Association Board. Maryam has an active pro bono practice and chairs the HYLA Pro Bono and Service Committee. She also serves as board chair for the Muslim Legal Society of Texas.
Vice President of Programming
Syed Rizvi
Vinson & Elkins LLP
Bio
Syed Mahmud Rizvi is an associate with Vinson & Elkins LLP, where he focuses on the representation of corporate borrowers, commercial banks, private equity firms, and other financial institutions in a variety of commercial lending transactions. Last spring, he graduated from Harvard Law School, where he was honored by the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts for his pro bono work, and was recognized as a Paul & Daisy Soros Fellow, Jacobus tenBroek Fellow, Lighthouse Guild Scholar, Charles and Melva T. Owen Scholar, Rudolph Dillman Scholar, Team See Possibility Scholar, and received the Meg Robertson Award from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for his leadership. Prior to law school, Syed was a SEO Law Fellow with the law firm of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP. He grew up in Longmeadow Massachusetts, later earning his BA from UT Austin, where he was honored with the university’s highest award as the Dean’s Distinguished Graduate and named a NFB Oracle Scholar.
As an advisor to Diversity Lab’s CEO, Syed participated in the development of the first ever nationwide Law Firm Disability Inclusion Commitments, which have been adopted by the country’s largest firms and in-house legal departments. He served as an advisor to the Law School Admissions Council to expand access to legal education. Syed has been appointed to the State Bar of Texas Disability Rights and Issues Committee to serve during its’ 2024 – 2025 term. He is the founding Vice President of the TAD Foundation, the first ever organization to establish a pipeline of blind students into corporate America. Syed is a leader in the National Federation of the Blind and on the board of directors for the SAAVI School for the blind. For five years, he served as the Vice President of the National Association of Blind Students, the largest and most influential organization advocating for equal access to education and employment for blind students.
Syed Rizvi
Vinson & Elkins LLP
Bio
Syed Mahmud Rizvi is an associate with Vinson & Elkins LLP, where he focuses on the representation of corporate borrowers, commercial banks, private equity firms, and other financial institutions in a variety of commercial lending transactions. Last spring, he graduated from Harvard Law School, where he was honored by the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts for his pro bono work, and was recognized as a Paul & Daisy Soros Fellow, Jacobus tenBroek Fellow, Lighthouse Guild Scholar, Charles and Melva T. Owen Scholar, Rudolph Dillman Scholar, Team See Possibility Scholar, and received the Meg Robertson Award from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for his leadership. Prior to law school, Syed was a SEO Law Fellow with the law firm of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP. He grew up in Longmeadow Massachusetts, later earning his BA from UT Austin, where he was honored with the university’s highest award as the Dean’s Distinguished Graduate and named a NFB Oracle Scholar.
As an advisor to Diversity Lab’s CEO, Syed participated in the development of the first ever nationwide Law Firm Disability Inclusion Commitments, which have been adopted by the country’s largest firms and in-house legal departments. He served as an advisor to the Law School Admissions Council to expand access to legal education. Syed has been appointed to the State Bar of Texas Disability Rights and Issues Committee to serve during its’ 2024 – 2025 term. He is the founding Vice President of the TAD Foundation, the first ever organization to establish a pipeline of blind students into corporate America. Syed is a leader in the National Federation of the Blind and on the board of directors for the SAAVI School for the blind. For five years, he served as the Vice President of the National Association of Blind Students, the largest and most influential organization advocating for equal access to education and employment for blind students.
Vice President of Programming
Faryal Gul
Sprott Newsom
Bio
Faryal Gul is a first-generation American and immigrant who was born in Pakistan and raised in Houston. From the age of seven, she knew she wanted to become a lawyer and worked steadily to make that dream a reality. She earned dual bachelor’s degrees in History and Political Science from the University of Houston-Downtown and received her law degree from South Texas College of Law.
While in law school, she gained valuable experience in immigration law, including drafting petitions and assisting clients with complex matters. Faryal also worked as a contract attorney with the Internal Revenue Service, helping individuals and small businesses in resolving their federal tax controversies.
Faryal is currently a civil defense attorney at Sprott Newsom, where her practice focuses on medical malpractice defense. She represents doctors, nurses, hospitals, health systems, and long-term care facilities in litigation and administrative proceedings in front of other regulatory bodies. She is committed to advocating for healthcare professionals and helping them navigate high-stakes challenges with clarity and care.
Faryal Gul
Sprott Newsom
Bio
Faryal Gul is a first-generation American and immigrant who was born in Pakistan and raised in Houston. From the age of seven, she knew she wanted to become a lawyer and worked steadily to make that dream a reality. She earned dual bachelor’s degrees in History and Political Science from the University of Houston-Downtown and received her law degree from South Texas College of Law.
While in law school, she gained valuable experience in immigration law, including drafting petitions and assisting clients with complex matters. Faryal also worked as a contract attorney with the Internal Revenue Service, helping individuals and small businesses in resolving their federal tax controversies.
Faryal is currently a civil defense attorney at Sprott Newsom, where her practice focuses on medical malpractice defense. She represents doctors, nurses, hospitals, health systems, and long-term care facilities in litigation and administrative proceedings in front of other regulatory bodies. She is committed to advocating for healthcare professionals and helping them navigate high-stakes challenges with clarity and care.
Vice President of Sponsorship & Fundraising
Fraz Malik
Shell Trading & Supply
Bio
Fraz Malik brings broad experience advising on regulatory matters across the energy sector, with a particular focus on corporate compliance and market regulation. His work spans complex regulatory and operational environments, reflecting a strong understanding of the intersection between law, business, and global energy markets.
Within Shell Trading & Supply, Fraz advises on current and emerging laws governing physical and financial commodity markets, as well as broader corporate compliance matters. He collaborates closely with business units and cross-functional teams, regularly addressing complex challenges—including operating within a volatile geopolitical environment and navigating an increasingly demanding regulatory landscape.
In addition to being recognized as an emerging talent at Shell—a program designed to develop the company’s future leaders—Fraz was named the 2023 Rising Star by the South Asian Bar Association of Houston. He was also honored as a Top Forty Under 40 by Oil & Gas Investor magazine through Hart Energy and selected for the 2024–2025 Leadership Class by the Institute for Energy Law. Fraz holds subject matter expertise in financial crime compliance and is also a licensed U.S. Customs Broker.
Fraz Malik
Shell Trading & Supply
Bio
Fraz Malik brings broad experience advising on regulatory matters across the energy sector, with a particular focus on corporate compliance and market regulation. His work spans complex regulatory and operational environments, reflecting a strong understanding of the intersection between law, business, and global energy markets.
Within Shell Trading & Supply, Fraz advises on current and emerging laws governing physical and financial commodity markets, as well as broader corporate compliance matters. He collaborates closely with business units and cross-functional teams, regularly addressing complex challenges—including operating within a volatile geopolitical environment and navigating an increasingly demanding regulatory landscape.
In addition to being recognized as an emerging talent at Shell—a program designed to develop the company’s future leaders—Fraz was named the 2023 Rising Star by the South Asian Bar Association of Houston. He was also honored as a Top Forty Under 40 by Oil & Gas Investor magazine through Hart Energy and selected for the 2024–2025 Leadership Class by the Institute for Energy Law. Fraz holds subject matter expertise in financial crime compliance and is also a licensed U.S. Customs Broker.
Vice President of Sponsorship and Fundraising
Mani S. Walia
Signal Peak Partners
Bio
Mani Walia serves as a co-founder and managing partner of Signal Peak Partners and previously founded the litigation finance group at the investment firm Siltstone Capital, where his work earned him Texas Law Book’s award for Legal Innovation in 2022. Mani is a co-author of the 6th edition of ALM’s treatise on litigation funding. Prior to his litigation finance work, he was a trial lawyer at Susman Godfrey, the nation’s leading commercial litigation firm – and the nation’s original litigation funder. Mani is guided by the principles of his mentor Stephen D. Susman. He also practiced law at Kirkland & Ellis and Baker Botts.
Mani graduated from The University of Texas with honors. He earned his law degree at the The University of Texas School of Law, where he served as an editor of the Texas Law Review. He was as a law clerk to Judge Jane R. Roth of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and to Chief Judge Hayden W. Head of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. During his clerkship on the Third Circuit, Mani taught law as an adjunct professor at Delaware Law School.
Mani has published legal scholarship in the Drake Law Review, St. John’s Law Review, and the Journal for Appellate Practice (co-author Judge Jane R. Roth). He recently has presented on litigation funding at the UH Law Center, the Center for Dispute Resolution, the Institute for Energy Law, and LitFinCon. Outside of work, Mani is a competitive runner, earning top one or two placements for his age group in over 10 races. He also enjoys trivia and traveling with his wife and three children.
Mani S. Walia
Signal Peak Partners
Bio
Mani Walia serves as a co-founder and managing partner of Signal Peak Partners and previously founded the litigation finance group at the investment firm Siltstone Capital, where his work earned him Texas Law Book’s award for Legal Innovation in 2022. Mani is a co-author of the 6th edition of ALM’s treatise on litigation funding. Prior to his litigation finance work, he was a trial lawyer at Susman Godfrey, the nation’s leading commercial litigation firm – and the nation’s original litigation funder. Mani is guided by the principles of his mentor Stephen D. Susman. He also practiced law at Kirkland & Ellis and Baker Botts.
Mani graduated from The University of Texas with honors. He earned his law degree at the The University of Texas School of Law, where he served as an editor of the Texas Law Review. He was as a law clerk to Judge Jane R. Roth of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and to Chief Judge Hayden W. Head of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. During his clerkship on the Third Circuit, Mani taught law as an adjunct professor at Delaware Law School.
Mani has published legal scholarship in the Drake Law Review, St. John’s Law Review, and the Journal for Appellate Practice (co-author Judge Jane R. Roth). He recently has presented on litigation funding at the UH Law Center, the Center for Dispute Resolution, the Institute for Energy Law, and LitFinCon. Outside of work, Mani is a competitive runner, earning top one or two placements for his age group in over 10 races. He also enjoys trivia and traveling with his wife and three children.
Secretary
Natasha Alexander
United States Attorneys' Office
Natasha Alexander is an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of Texas. She defends government agencies in lawsuits. Prior to being an AUSA, she worked in private practice in civil litigation and bankruptcy. She is a graduate of the University of Houston Law Center where she served on the Houston Law Review.
Beyond being a lawyer, Natasha's interests include running, yoga, being a foodie, and traveling.
Natasha Alexander
United States Attorneys' Office
Natasha Alexander is an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of Texas. She defends government agencies in lawsuits. Prior to being an AUSA, she worked in private practice in civil litigation and bankruptcy. She is a graduate of the University of Houston Law Center where she served on the Houston Law Review.
Beyond being a lawyer, Natasha's interests include running, yoga, being a foodie, and traveling.
Treasurer
Mohamed Al-Hendy
Arnold & Porter
Bio
Mohamed Al-Hendy is a senior litigation attorney with a practice focused on complex litigation in the energy and transport industries. He has represented leading clients in many of the most significant transportation-related mass tort cases of the past decade, and has helped achieve major victories for these clients, whether in the form of favorable settlements, dismissals, or verdicts. Mohamed has considerable experience in all phases of litigation, from initial claim assessment, to discovery management, to trial prep and coordination.
Mohamed maintains an active pro bono practice. Among other efforts, he has recently assisted with immigration proceedings for asylum-seekers, litigation to vindicate the rights of peaceful protesters injured and harmed by improper police conduct, and litigation to aid migrant workers being illegally detained and underpaid by their employer. He continues to look for more pro bono opportunities to use his experience to make a positive difference.
Before attending law school, Mohamed served as a teacher in the Houston Independent School District and a member of President Obama's Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships. He also worked as a staff writer for Bleacher Report, covering soccer around the world with a focus on the English Premier League.
Mohamed Al-Hendy
Arnold & Porter
Bio
Mohamed Al-Hendy is a senior litigation attorney with a practice focused on complex litigation in the energy and transport industries. He has represented leading clients in many of the most significant transportation-related mass tort cases of the past decade, and has helped achieve major victories for these clients, whether in the form of favorable settlements, dismissals, or verdicts. Mohamed has considerable experience in all phases of litigation, from initial claim assessment, to discovery management, to trial prep and coordination.
Mohamed maintains an active pro bono practice. Among other efforts, he has recently assisted with immigration proceedings for asylum-seekers, litigation to vindicate the rights of peaceful protesters injured and harmed by improper police conduct, and litigation to aid migrant workers being illegally detained and underpaid by their employer. He continues to look for more pro bono opportunities to use his experience to make a positive difference.
Before attending law school, Mohamed served as a teacher in the Houston Independent School District and a member of President Obama's Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships. He also worked as a staff writer for Bleacher Report, covering soccer around the world with a focus on the English Premier League.
SABA National Liaison
Raj Mahadass
Paranjpe Mahadass Ruemke LLP (PMR Law)
Bio
Raj Mahadass is a Managing Partner and Shareholder at Paranjpe Mahadass Ruemke LLP (PMR Law) and represents plaintiffs in complex civil/commercial litigation, class actions, and personal injury litigation. While working with the team at PMR Law, Raj has represented victims of high-value business disputes, radiation exposure victims, those injured in automobile accidents, cyberbullying victims, students injured by their school, and many others, against insurance companies and other types of corporations.
Raj is a proud member of the Houston Trial Lawyers Association (HTLA), where he serves as President. He is the first Asian American male President in HTLA’s over fifty-year history. Previously, Raj spent several years as Chair of the Diversity Committee. For his work in increasingly involving members of various diverse communities, HTLA named Raj its board member of the year.
Raj recently served as Co-Chair of the Houston Bar Association (HBA)’s Membership Committee. For his efforts, Raj received the HBA’s President’s Award For Outstanding Service. Raj previously served as President of the Tulane University Alumni Association of Houston. Recently, Momentum Education appointed Raj to its newly formed Board of Advisors.
On the national level, Raj serves as Treasurer of SABA North America. Raj has spent over 9 years on the SABA Houston board, including as past President. In his spare time, he enjoys playing golf, watching a variety of sports, exploring the Houston restaurant scene, traveling, and otherwise spending time with his family and friends
Raj Mahadass
Paranjpe Mahadass Ruemke LLP (PMR Law)
Bio
Raj Mahadass is a Managing Partner and Shareholder at Paranjpe Mahadass Ruemke LLP (PMR Law) and represents plaintiffs in complex civil/commercial litigation, class actions, and personal injury litigation. While working with the team at PMR Law, Raj has represented victims of high-value business disputes, radiation exposure victims, those injured in automobile accidents, cyberbullying victims, students injured by their school, and many others, against insurance companies and other types of corporations.
Raj is a proud member of the Houston Trial Lawyers Association (HTLA), where he serves as President. He is the first Asian American male President in HTLA’s over fifty-year history. Previously, Raj spent several years as Chair of the Diversity Committee. For his work in increasingly involving members of various diverse communities, HTLA named Raj its board member of the year.
Raj recently served as Co-Chair of the Houston Bar Association (HBA)’s Membership Committee. For his efforts, Raj received the HBA’s President’s Award For Outstanding Service. Raj previously served as President of the Tulane University Alumni Association of Houston. Recently, Momentum Education appointed Raj to its newly formed Board of Advisors.
On the national level, Raj serves as Treasurer of SABA North America. Raj has spent over 9 years on the SABA Houston board, including as past President. In his spare time, he enjoys playing golf, watching a variety of sports, exploring the Houston restaurant scene, traveling, and otherwise spending time with his family and friends
