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6.  » Texas Access To Justice Commission Update

Texas Access To Justice Commission Update

In Texas, nearly 5.8 million people qualify for legal aid. Legal aid provides critical legal services to our low-income neighbors that keep them in their homes or safe from domestic violence. Legal aid organizations help more than 100,000 low-income Texas families each year with their civil legal needs, but those organizations are able to meet only about 20% of those legal needs.

The Texas Access to Justice Commission helps secure stable funding for legal-service providers so that they have the necessary resources and staff. In addition to our work advocating for state and federal funding, the Commission raises funds with the help of the legal community and the general public through the Access to Justice Contribution campaign. Every year during the State Bar dues renewal process, Texas lawyers are asked to donate $150 to support civil legal aid in our state.

Funds from the Access to Justice Contribution campaign are distributed to legal-aid organizations through grants disseminated by the Texas Access to Justice Foundation and the Texas Bar Foundation. In 2013, 7,000 lawyers across the state donated more than $1,000,000 to support access to justice initiatives. This year, we hope to have even more lawyers contribute and to raise over $1.2 million. If every lawyer licensed in Texas gave $150, we could raise $15 million to fund legal needs to the poor in Texas.

Donations to the ATJ campaign make it possible for low-income Texans to get the legal assistance they deserve and the opportunity for a brighter future—Texans people like Veronica and Cathryn.

Instead of going to bed with a goodnight kiss, Veronica used to go to bed with bruises. With  help from legal aid, she got a protective order and a divorce and now lives free from fear and  abuse.

Cathryn’s home was destroyed in the 2013 Halloween flood. Her insurance company refused to  pay and she would need to move into an assisted living facility. With legal aid’s help, Cathryn  can rebuild her home and continue living independently.

The elderly, veterans, victims of domestic abuse, at-risk families facing issues such as home foreclosure, and victims of natural disasters need our help! Check the box this year on your State Bar of Texas Dues Statement or give online. Those wishing to show their strong support of access to justice can join the Champion of Justice Society by giving between $250 and $5,000 ($1,000/year for 5 years). Membership is on an annual basis and society members are recognized throughout the year. Click here to read more on the Champion of Justice Society and to join this year.

For more information about the Champion of Justice Society or the ATJ Contribution Campaign, contact Liza Levine, Director of Development at (512) 427-1892.