The Northwest Assistance Ministries’ (NAM) Endowment Board is hosting a dinner featuring leading American trial lawyer W. Mark Lanier on Thursday, April 2 at Champions Golf Club, 13722 Champions Drive. The third annual Endowment Dinner is an opportunity for men and women to help raise funds in support of NAM’s Neighbors Helping Neighbors mission while enjoying fine food and a presentation by a nationally renowned figure.

Mark Lanier is the founder of The Lanier Law Firm, where he serves as the firm's lead litigation counsel. His long list of accolades confirms his position as one of the top trial lawyers in the United States. In 1998 and 2006, The National Law Journal (NLJ) recognized Lanier as one of nation's “Top 10 Trial Attorneys,” and in 2006, The NLJ designated him as one of the “100 Most Influential Lawyers in America.”

In a statewide survey of his legal peers published in Texas Monthly magazine, Mr. Lanier was selected as a "Texas Super Lawyer" in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007.

Lanier's experience in the courtroom has resulted in feature articles in The Wall Street Journal, The American Lawyer, Texas Lawyer, The New York Times, New York Lawyer, The National Law Journal, Los Angeles Times, The Boston Globe, Houston Chronicle and Bloomberg, among others. He is also a frequent guest on news shows such as ABC's "Good Morning America" and CNBC's "Squawk Box."

Endowment Board Chair Pat Riley said, “The dinner is a unique way to spread the word about NAM to people who may not be contributing and let them know what NAM does. We want them to understand NAM’s value to the community and the importance of donating, so NAM can continue providing services over the long term.”

NAM helped more than 120,000 people in need last year through its wide range of social services. The Endowment Dinner will benefit the NAM Endowment Fund, which is designed to ensure the future services of NAM by providing a permanent source of income from endowed funds. NAM is a multi-program social service agency that has served north and northwest Houston for more than 26 years.

The event starts with cocktails at 6 p.m. followed by a 7 p.m. dinner. Individual tickets start at $250. Table sponsorships are also available.

For tickets or table sponsorship information, call NAM’s V.P. of Fund Development Maria Magee at 281-885-4605 or e-mail mmagee@namonline.org.