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Access To Justice Commission Update

Peace on Earth and Justice For All
By: Deborah G. Hankinson, Vice Chair, Texas Access to Justice Foundation

Like you, I receive many appeals this time of year from the various community and religious organizations with which I am affiliated. And while we give for a variety of reasons, as lawyers, part of our professional responsibility includes finding time to participate in or support legal services to the disadvantaged.

The State Bar of Texas has an aspirational pro bono goal of 50 hours of legal services to the poor each year, or the equivalent financial contribution to an organization that provides direct legal services to the poor. Many of you take this responsibility seriously and donate your time, talent, and resources in your local community. We often do so because of our belief that equal justice and the fair administration of justice are cornerstones of our democracy and core functions of our government.

But for clients of legal aid, justice is not an abstract ideal. For some of them, it is food; for others, shelter; and for many of them, protection.

Legal aid programs help more than 120,000 of these families each year - families like Jill’s who are ripped apart by domestic violence and addiction but have found safety and security that only legal help could provide. Jill is creating a stable life for her children and is now studying nursing to support her family. And that of another young mother serving in the military and deployed to Afghanistan. Her estranged husband took her son from Oregon to Texas and her pro bono lawyer fought the father’s effort to obtain custody of the boy in a Texas court, and won. The boy was reunited with his mother on Christmas Eve.

Thank you to the many lawyers who have contributed to improving the lives of thousands of Texans through your support of the Texas Access to Justice Foundation. We appreciate your sponsorship of the annual fundraising gala, the donations on your dues statement, contributions through your section, and other meaningful donations of your resources.

The recent federal budget cuts are devastating to legal aid and your support is essential. This holiday season, please consider contributing to Texans in need of legal services by returning the donation envelope mailed in your December Update newsletter, online at www.tajf.org, or by making a donation to your local legal aid program.

Thank you for making justice a reality for those with nowhere else to turn.