Pro bono work is a professional responsibility and an individual ethical commitment of each lawyer. The Pro Bono Committee of the American Bar Association launched the National Celebration of Pro Bono in 2009 due to the increasing need for pro bono services in harsh economic times, and the unprecedented response of lawyers to meet this demand. Every October since 2009, legal organizations across America participate in the National Celebration of Pro Bono to draw attention to the need for pro bono participation and to thank those who give their time all year round. Celebrated the week of October 23 to 29th, this year’s theme is “Law in Every Day Life.”
Studies show there is only 1 attorney for every 98,000 Texans living in poverty. Lawyers have legal and other skills in urgent need. Skilled legal services are expensive and beyond the reach of many. Pro bono legal services provide benefits to the community that otherwise would not be available. Every year, each of our 14 offices throughout East, Northeast, and Southeast Texas honors pro bono attorneys in their service area for the work they do for our client community. Legal assistance is often the only lifeline available to people facing life-altering consequences, such as losing their home, employment, or custody of their children. Join us in celebrating our volunteers! With their help, we work to provide fairness in the justice system.
HONOREES
EVENTS
We will host virtual and in-person events that recognize the contributions of pro bono volunteers and highlight opportunities for pro bono work all week.
Friday, October 21, 2022 – Friday Law Talk: The Case for Pro Bono – Bankruptcy Matters
3 PM
For this special Pro Bono Week episode of Law Talk Friday, Managing Attorney Jessie Campbell of our Pro Bono Unit will be joined by the honorable Judge Marvin Isgur (U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Texas) and Eloise Guzman of Guzman Law Firm to discuss the need for pro bono volunteers to take on bankruptcy matters.
As we continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, we are now seeing an increase in bankruptcy and other debt relief needs. Whether a new or experienced bankruptcy attorney, this presentation will share (1) why you should consider taking a pro bono bankruptcy matter, and (2) some best practices on handling a bankruptcy matter – pro bono or otherwise. Tune-in virtually at www.facebook.com/LoneStarLegalAid.
Sunday, October 23, 2022 – Coffee & Donuts
8:30-10 AM
We will host coffee & donuts for members of the Texarkana Bar Association at the Bowie County Courthouse to bring awareness and recognition for Pro Bono Week. Location: 710 James Bowie Drive, New Boston, Texas 75570.
Tuesday, October 25, 2022 – Pro Bono Week – Eviction Mitigation Clinic Launch
9 AM-5 PM
Sometimes an eviction cannot be avoided, but we can lessen the harm caused by it. At this CLE, learn how volunteer attorneys can help mitigate the impact of an eviction and, therefore, protect clients from further housing trauma. This is a volunteer-only event.
For more information, visit: https://app.joinpaladin.com/lone-star-legal-aid/opportunities/5cd563fd-8194-4ab1-b7cb-507fe49f7e4b/
Thursday, October 27, 2022 – Pro Bono Week – Bankruptcy Virtual Clinic / Office Hours
1-3 PM
Help us reach our goal to “zero-out” our waiting list for clients who need assistance with chapter 7 bankruptcy during Celebrate Pro Bono Week! Attend this virtual clinic / office hours to learn more about our bankruptcy pro bono matters or to ask your questions. Ready to take a case? Sign up through our registration link. This is a volunteer-only event.
For more information, visit:
If you are an attorney licensed in Texas, an attorney licensed in another state, a law school graduate, a law student, a paralegal, an undergraduate student, or even a member of the community, we need your help. Visit our Volunteer Page to learn about our pro bono opportunities.
Lone Star Legal Aid (LSLA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit law firm focused on advocacy for low-income and underserved populations by providing free legal education, advice, and representation. LSLA serves millions of people at 125% of federal poverty guidelines, who live in 72 counties in the eastern and Gulf Coast regions of Texas, and 4 counties in Southwest Arkansas. LSLA focuses its resources on maintaining, enhancing, and protecting income and economic stability; preserving housing; improving outcomes for children; establishing and sustaining family safety, stability, health, and wellbeing; and assisting populations with special vulnerabilities, like those with disabilities, the aging, survivors of crime and disasters, the unemployed and underemployed, the unhoused, those with limited English language skills, and the LGBTQIA+ community. To learn more about Lone Star Legal Aid, visit our website at www.LoneStarLegal.org.
Media contact: media@lonestarlegal.org
