UPDATE
December 2012
Increasing Access to Justice for Low-Income Texans
Giving of Time and Talent The Commission, Foundation, and State common,” Wiedenfeld says. Bar of Texas joined the ABA Standing Other attorneys choose to offer Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service their expertise to new attorneys in the weeklong celebration of pro bono, taking on their first pro bono case October 21 – 27. The nationwide event through a mentoring role. Dallas showcased the impact pro bono attorneys mentor Barkley Miller advises have on a client’s life, the community, and attorneys who want to become on the entire justice system. involved in pro bono work to be Texas is fortunate curious, to have so many empathetic, attorneys donating and giving. their time and Volunteer We owe it to our community expertise to those and our profession to provide a t t o r n e y s in need. Attorneys generally feel a legal services to sense of duty to do volunteer in many quality different capacities those who cannot afford it. pro bono. However, to fill different - Mark Sparks, Beaumont attorney the feeling they needs, both for get from helping themselves and someone who for the clients. Bob otherwise would Devlin, a retired not have had an attorney in Houston, volunteers with the attorney is often far more rewarding than Veterans Legal Advice clinic. anticipated. “We owe it to our community “When you talk to veterans, you realize and our profession to provide quality legal they have no one to talk to regarding their services to those who cannot afford it. legal problems,” Devlin says. “It is crucial While I am grateful for lawyers who donate for them to be able to talk to an attorney. money, nothing is more valuable than Ninety-five percent of the time, you can see your time. I am honored to share my time the relief on their faces after they’ve talked with clients who genuinely deserve and to someone and gotten advice.” appreciate what we do,” said Mark Sparks, When Carolyn Wiedenfeld comes across an active pro bono attorney in Beaumont. a case she wants to take pro bono, she While the national celebration puts pro works with Jefferson County Bar Association bono on center stage for a week, these Pro Bono Program to make sure the services are needed year-round. As part client qualifies. “I usually choose to help of your New Year’s resolution, consider mothers with small children who have been taking at least one pro bono case in 2013. abandoned by an abusive or controlling To volunteer with your local program, visit spouse with no means of support or help. www.texaslawyershelp.org. Thank you for Unfortunately, these situations are quite your current and continued support.
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Bob Devlin volunteering at a Veterans Legal Advice Clinic in Houston.
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Pro Bono Recognition The Pro Bono College of the State Bar of Texas recognizes individuals that have performed 75 pro bono hours and also generously donate their time and talent to help change the lives of people in need. You can easily report your pro bono hours on your “My Bar Page”. For information visit: www.texasbar.com, “Lawyers Giving Back.”
Adriana Rodriguez, a TAJF Equal Justice Works Fellow, inspires the attendees of the Luncheon with the Supreme Court during Pro Bono Week with her stories of aiding domestic violence victims in Laredo through her work with Texas RioGrande Legal Aid.
The Austin Bar/Austin Young Lawyers Association Leadership Academy held a Pro Bono Prom with proceeds benefitting Texas RioGrande Legal Aid. Karin Crump, “Pro Bono King” Colin Newberry, “Pro Bono Queen” Mindy Montford and David Courreges.