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Texas Access To Justice Commission Update

Texas Access to Justice Commission's New Facebook Page
The Texas Access to Justice Commission launched its new Facebook page. We encourage you to “Like” the page (www.facebook.com/TexasATJ), visit it often, and share it with others. By doing so, you will help increase awareness of access to justice issues as well as the efforts the Commission is making to reduce barriers to the justice system for low-income Texans. We look forward to providing you with the latest information on Legal Aid in Texas.

Pro Bono College
The Pro Bono College was created in 1992 by the State Bar of Texas to recognize attorneys who far exceed the Bar’s aspirational pro bono goals. Attorneys who give at least 75 hours of eligible legal assistance work are invited to join the College. In 2012, the College consisted of 402 attorneys and 26 paralegals, with efforts totaling well over 30,000 pro bono hours.

As the Pro Bono College celebrated its 20 year anniversary, two of the founding members of the College reached a 20 year membership milestone as well. Ronald “Ned” Dennis and William O. Whitehurst have demonstrated a commitment to pro bono and serve as a model for the rest of us. Ned and Bill were honored at the Texas Access to Justice Foundation’s Supreme Court Luncheon to kick-off National Pro Bono Week.

The Commission, the Foundation, and the State Bar of Texas joined the ABA Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service once again in the weeklong celebration to pro bono, October 21 – 27. The nationwide event showcases the impact pro bono attorneys have on a client’s life, the community, and on the entire justice system.

Texas is fortunate to have so many attorneys donating their time and expertise to those in need. During the celebration, local bar associations, law firms across the state, Texas law schools, and legal services programs scheduled events for the celebration and spotlighted their star pro bono volunteers.

While the national celebration puts pro bono on center stage for a week, these services are needed year-round. As part of your New Year’s resolution, consider taking at least one pro bono case in 2013. To volunteer with your local program, visit www.texaslawyershelp.org. We salute you for your current and continued support.