Resource limitations are a significant barrier preventing civil legal aid providers from closing the justice gap. The Commission works to secure stable funding for legal service providers so that they have the resources and staff necessary to serve the legal needs of low-income Texans. In addition to advocating for state and federal funding, the Commission raises funds with the help of the legal community and the general public.
Federal Funding
Each spring, the Commission partners with the State Bar of Texas and the Texas Access to Justice Foundation to visit Texas congressional members and senators in their D.C. offices. Our delegation provides our state’s national representatives with information on civil legal services and access to justice issues affecting their constituents. The goal of these visits is to educate our lawmakers and encourage them to support federal funding for the Legal Services Corporation (LSC).
Law Firm Competition
Each year, the Commission recognizes the winners of the Law Firm Competition, a friendly fundraising competition which raises funds for civil legal aid organizations throughout the state. Firms with the highest overall contribution or the highest overall percentage of contributing attorneys are recognized in the Texas Bar Journal and at the Justice for All reception in October. Learn more »
Champions of Justice Gala
Each Spring, the Commission and its co-sponsor, the State Bar of Texas, host a Gala to raise awareness of the civil legal needs veterans face when returning home and to raise funds to address those needs. Several awards related to pro bono service lifetime achievements in access to justice, and legal aid service are presented during the Gala so recipients can be honored in front of their peers. Learn More »
Justice for All Campaign
Each year, the annual dues statement allows a lawyer to add a voluntary contribution in the suggested amount of $150. The Justice for All Campaign encourages lawyers to support access to justice by making a financial contribution in an amount over and above the annual requested contribution. In recent years, the Campaign has raised approximately $1.6 million per year, which represents contributions made by over 11,000 Texas lawyers.
Champion of Justice Society
The Commission recognizes four giving levels for membership in the Champion of Justice Society. The Commission recognizes and thanks its Society members at the Access to Justice Reception held at the State Bar of Texas’ Annual Meeting. Additional efforts to recognize and thank Society members are held throughout the year. COJ Membership