By providing over 2.7 million hours of free legal services to low-income Texans per year, Texas lawyers are doing their part to help close the justice gap through pro bono services. Additionally, Texas has a number of non-profits that provide free legal services to low-income Texans. There remains much work to be done to expand these services, however, as these services do not meet the growing needs. Although there are over 95,000 active attorneys in Texas, fewer than 600 of these attorneys are dedicated legal aid attorneys, resulting in .6 civil legal aid attorneys per 10,000 poor. The Commission remains dedicated to expanding pro bono efforts as well as supporting legal services attorneys through internships and training.
Pro Bono Spring Break
During Pro Bono Spring Break, over 50 law students and supervising faculty members travel across the state to volunteer their time helping low-income Texans resolve their civil legal problems. The program is a partnership between the Texas Access to Justice Commission, all ten Texas law schools, and various legal aid providers across the state.
ATJ Internship Program
Access to Justice Internship Program (ATJIP) provides a unique opportunity for law students to participate in an internship with a legal aid organization. Each law student is supervised by accomplished lawyers and has the opportunity to provide direct legal services to low-income clients while receiving hands-on training and mentorship. Internships are available in the Fall, Spring, and Summer.
Legal Training Academies
The Commission supports training opportunities for legal aid organizations so that their attorneys can keep their legal skills and technological knowledge up-to-date. In partnership with the American College of Trial Lawyers and the National Institute for Trial Advocacy, the Commission conducts a training academy each year for attorneys working in legal aid offices or other non-profit legal services organizations. The Pretrial Academy is held during odd-numbered years, and the Trial Academy is held during even-numbered years.
Continuing Legal Education
Through continuing legal education (CLE) programs, the Commission informs private attorneys about how they can help with access to justice issues. The topics covered in these presentations range from a basic overview course called “Making a Difference” to specialty topics like Limited Scope Representation.
Local Bar Leaders Conference
Each year, the Commission presents four 1-hour sessions focusing on access to justice matters. These sessions are held at the Local Bar Leaders Conference hosted by the State Bar of Texas. The goal is to educate local bar leaders about access to justice matters, including pro bono and legal aid, and to provide them with ready-to-go pro bono projects and best practices that can be implemented in their own communities.
Pro Bono and Achievement Awards
The Commission recognizes notable efforts in access to justice through a series of awards, including the Law School Commitment to Service Award, the Law Student Pro Bono Award, the Deborah G. Hankinson Awards, The Corporate Counsel Pro Bono Award, the James B. Sales Boots on the Ground Award, the Harry M. Reasoner Justice for All Award, The Emily C. Jones Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Star of Justice Award.
Collaboration with the State Bar of Texas
The Commission works with the State Bar’s Legal Access Department to encourage pro bono efforts. LAD offers an array of supports and resources for pro bono attorneys.