The Awards Committee, chaired by Allan Van Fleet, developed and proposed several new awards, which the Commission unanimously approved.  These awards are intended to recognize volunteers who have demonstrated the highest standards of integrity and pro bono service in the legal profession.

Law School Commitment to Service Award
   - nomination deadline is May 16, 2008 by 5:00 p.m.
This award honors the law school that has most distinguished itself by actively educating its students about access to justice issues, thereby carrying forward one of the finest traditions of the legal profession. It is open to all accredited law schools in Texas. The nomination of a law school may be made by a law school dean, clinic professor, or legal services supervisor by submitting a nomination form to the Commission. A law school may also nominate itself for the award. Click here for additional nomination criteria and the nomination form. 

Law Student Pro Bono Award 
   - nomination deadline is May 16, 2008 by 5:00 p.m.
This award recognizes a student whose pro bono work has made a significant impact on the community and reflects the following:

* a passion for advocating oh behalf of underserved populations, demonstrated by work for that population during law school, and/or intent to practice law on behalf of that population after graduation;
* substantial performance of legal pro bono service (as opposed to general public service); and
* involvement in public service-oriented law student groups.

The award is open to all law students currently enrolled at or graduating from an accredited Texas law school. The nomination of an eligible law student may be made by a law school dean, clinic professor, or legal services supervisor by submitting a nomination form to the Commission. Law schools may provide multiple submissions. Law students may also nominate themselves.  Click here for additional nomination criteria and the nomination form.

Pro Bono Section Award
   - nomination deadline is March 7, 2008 by 5:00 p.m.
This award was created by the Supreme Court of Texas and the Commission to encourage State Bar of Texas sections to create self-sustaining pro bono projects that motivate lawyers from specialized practice areas to provide pro bono legal assistance directly to poor Texans.  It is open to all State Bar of Texas sections and will be awarded to three (3) sections with the best statewide pro bono projects. Click here for additional nomination criteria and the nomination form.