OppOrtunities fOr SUPPORT

Our MISSION

The mission of the Texas Access to JusticeCommission is to develop and implement policyinitiatives designed to ensure access to qualityjustice in civil legal matters for low-income Texans,also known as Legal Aid. Currently there areapproximately 6 million Texans who qualify forLegal Aid.

Legal Aid helps low-income Texans with basic,critical legal needs in matters such as housing,disability benefits and employment. The SupremeCourt of Texas created the Texas Access to JusticeCommission in 2001 to foster a comprehensive,integrated Legal Aid delivery system for peoplewho need legal help but may not be able to affordit or find it. The Commission's goal includesreducing barriers to the justice system andincreasing resources and funding for Legal Aid.Charged with increasing resources for Legal Aidand developing policy initiatives, the Commissionworks tirelessly to increase access to the legalsystem for Texas’ most vulnerable residents.

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MAKE A DIFFERENCE INthOusands Of LIVES acrOss texas

frOm Our CHAIR

I urge you to support Legal Aid in Texas by contributing to the Accessto Justice Campaign on the annual dues statement. Annually, only 7%of licensed Texas attorneys contribute. We need to do better! The goalof giving all access to justice is one of the fundamental principles onwhich our country was founded and an aspiration that makes ours agreat profession. I hope that each of you will help in this great cause.If all members of our Bar contributed to the Access to Justice Campaign,we could raise over $13 million for legal service providers. Together,we can make a life-changing difference for thousands of our fellowcitizens across Texas. Thank you for your consideration.

Harry M. ReasonerChairTexas Access to Justice Commission

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advOcateJUSTICE

LegaL aid: THE NEED

• to be eligible for Legal aid, an individual must earn no morethan $13,613 a year. for a family of four, the householdincome cannot exceed $27,938.

• due to a lack of resources, only 20-25 percent of the civil legalneeds of low-income and poor texans are being met.

• approximately 67 percent of Legal aid clients are female.

• family law matters comprise 44 percent of legal cases.

• there is one Legal aid lawyer for every 11,152 texans whoqualify for Legal aid.

• to find a Legal aid provider in your area, visit:www.TexasLawHelp.org.

3ENSURE ACCESS

hOw YOU CAN HELP

The Texas Access to Justice Commission, in partnership with Legal Aid serviceproviders, foundations, and local and statewide bar associations, is committed toensuring that all Texans, regardless of income, have meaningful access to the civil justicesystem. To make justice a reality for all Texans, we need your help.

Below, you will find various opportunities for giving to Legal Aid in Texas. Someoptions call for monetary contributions.* Others require your time and expertise.Whichever options you choose, remember that your investment could save an abusedwoman's life, help an elderly person keep his home, or ensure that an ill child has accessto medical care.

If you are interested in being a partner with the Commission to enhance Legal Aid forthe poor, please call 800.204.2222, ext. 1855 or visit www.TexasATJ.org.

*Monetary contributions are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Contributions will bedirected to the Texas Access to Justice Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization andadministrator of grants to legal service providers across Texas.

ACCESS TO JUSTICE campaign

The voluntary ATJ Contribution on the State Bar of Texas Dues Statement providesattorneys with a convenient opportunity to make a contribution to Legal Aid in Texas. Simply include the suggested $150 ATJ Contribution in the total on your dues statements. Committed attorneys often contribute more than the suggested amount.

The Commission aspires that all Texas attorneys will be Champions of Justice andcontribute to the annual Access to Justice Campaign. Representatives from theCommission regularly visit law firms across Texas to provide information about theAccess to Justice Campaign and opportunities for pro bono and financial support. Toarrange for a presentation at your firm, call 800.204.2222, ext. 1855.

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One gift can OPEN many DOORS

Legal Aid funding in Texas is in decline. Although the poverty population of Texas hasgrown, federal funding for Texas has decreased. Additionally, Interest on Lawyers' TrustAccounts (IOLTA) Program funds have plummeted due to low interest rates. Withoutadequate resources, Legal Aid turns away thousands of people who desperately needcivil legal services.

Please make a tax-deductible contribution, which can be used to fund Legal Aidprograms, train pro bono lawyers, or develop public education materials.

• a $75,000 donation can underwrite operating costs such as staff,equipment, technology or rent for a Legal aid office.

• a $50,000 donation can underwrite an attorney who willrepresent poor texans in the civil justice system.

• a $25,000 donation can underwrite a paralegal to support Legalaid efforts and advocate on behalf of poor texans.

• a $10,000 donation can help establish a battered women'sassistance project that provides legal assistance to abusedwomen and their children through collaboration with otherservice providers.

• a $5,000 donation can provide specialized poverty law trainingfor pro bono and Legal aid attorneys in topics such as subsidized

housing, consumer protection and supplemental securityincome regulations.

• a $1,000 donation can preserve housing for three low-income texans by preventing wrongful evictions.

• a $500 donation can help translate legal documents orpublic education materials to spanish, vietnamese or another language to assist underserved non-englishspeaking communities.

OppOrtunities fOrdesignated SUPPORT

Innovative Projects and Programs with a Lasting ImpactThe Texas civil Legal Aid community is constantly developing innovative projects andprograms to meet the ever-evolving landscape of civil legal needs for the poor. You canmake a lasting impact by supporting a new project or program, such as a medical-legalpartnership, where low-income patients are helped with legal issues that impact theirhealth. Opportunities could include a mobile legal clinic that assists people in ruralcounties, where pro bono and legal resources are scarce; or, statewide special educationworkshops for parents of disabled children. The sky is the limit and a great way tomake your mark in your community and Texas.

Post Graduate Field FellowshipThe Legal Aid Post-Graduate Fellowship provides opportunitiesfor public service employment to dedicated graduates who mightnot otherwise find such positions early in their career. Thefellowship provides funds to an outstanding new lawyer to workwith a Legal Aid organization on behalf of underrepresentedindividuals. A $130,000 donation would support the work of afull-time attorney for two years in a Texas Legal Aid office.

Summer Internship ProgramA designated $1 million gift would endow ten students eachsummer to intern at Legal Aid offices across Texas. The incomeearned from this endowment would create a lasting contributionto the Legal Aid community and assist countless low-incomeTexans for generations.

Legacy GiftsLegacy gifts to the Access to Justice Fund provide a stable, enduring source of fundingthat protects the Commission's ability to positively influence the Legal Aid communityfor generations to come. Endowed funds are held in perpetuity according to donors'wishes and wisely invested. A portion of the income earned is used as designated bythe donor. Common uses for the income earned include program support, financialassistance for Legal Aid attorneys and general operating support. The Texas Access toJustice Commission encourages planned gifts as a primary means of building strongendowment resources. Your gift can help create a lasting legacy and will touch livesthrough Legal Aid programs for generations to come. If you are interested in makinga lasting impact on access to justice through your estate or other gift planning vehicle,please call 800.204.2222, ext. 1855. 5

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Lawsuit AWARDS andSETTLEMENTS

Cy Pres AwardsIn some class-action lawsuits, the mandatory recovery cannot be feasibly andeconomically distributed to the absent plaintiffs. In these instances, the undesignatedfunds may be allocated to Texas Legal Aid. If you are an attorney or judge involved ina class-action case, consider designating Legal Aid as the recipient of the cy pres funds.

Creative SettlementsA plaintiff ’s non-pecuniary and punitive claims can be met with charitable donationsthat make access to justice a reality for poor Texans. This creative solution can offer adefendant positive press and tax benefits. Make Legal Aid your charity of choicewhenever you are negotiating a settlement that includes a charitable donation.

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gifts Of TIME and EXPERTISE

While financial contributions to Legal Aid are vital, contributions of time and expertiseare also important. Please consider participating in the following opportunities:

Pro Bono ServicesIf you are an attorney or other legal professional, please volunteer your time to providepro bono legal services through your local bar association, pro bono program or LegalAid office. The State Bar of Texas has adopted a yearly 50-hour pro bono aspirationalgoal for Texas attorneys - that is less than one hour per week. The time you give makesa world of difference to the person or family you help.

Additionally, law firms can implement policies to encourage and support all associatesand partners in their pro bono efforts for low-income Texans.

AdvocacyYou can show public support of Legal Aid programs and services in a number of ways.Write, call or email your state and federal senators and representatives asking them toprioritize funding and policy favorable to legal services. Contact your local newspaperto ensure they are giving sufficient attention to Legal Aid issues. Support policies, courtrules and procedures that seek to increase access to justice for all Texans, regardless ofincome.

General CounselIn addition to giving of your time and expertise, prioritize hiring firms that supportLegal Aid and are committed to providing pro bono services to low-income Texans.By hiring these firms, you are demonstrating your commitment to ensuring justice forall Texans.

voLunTeer

ACCESS

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dOnOr ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The Texas Access to Justice Commission is grateful for the assistance and support ofour donors. We want to ensure that you are properly acknowledged for yourcontributions. Depending on your level of investment, the Texas Access to JusticeCommission will provide some or all of the following:

• naming opportunities for major donors

• Signage on the Commission website www.TexasATJ.org

• Mention in local and/or statewide press releases

• Firm’s logo or name on Commission publications andpromotional materials

• recognition in newsletters and on Texas legal services list serve

For more information, or to make a contribution, please call 800.204.2222, ext. 1855.

thank YOU

1414 ColoradoAustin, TX 78701

512.427.1855800.204.2222, ext. 1855

www.TexasATJ.org

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