FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 25, 2011

Texas Access to Justice Commission Honors Austin and Houston Lawyers During Pro Bono Week

AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas Access to Justice Commission honored Austin legal aid advocate Randall D. Chapman and Houston lawyer Reagan M. Brown for their contributions to improving access to justice to those in need in Texas.  Texas Supreme Court Justice Nathan L. Hecht presented the awards at a Luncheon with the Supreme Court of Texas in Austin on Mon., Oct. 24, held in conjunction with the national celebration of Pro Bono Week.

Chapman, who has served as the executive director of Texas Legal Services Center since 1985, was awarded the Emily C. Jones Lifetime Achievement Award for his years of leadership in the legal services community, most recently for his heroic efforts in securing basic civil legal aid funding during the Legislative Session.  During his public service career he has strongly advocated for the expansion of legal services to the poor through litigation, legislation, and improvements in technology.  Among his many accomplishments, he established the statewide Legal Hotline for Texans, was a leader in developing TexasLawHelp.org for the public, and has dedicated countless hours educating members of the bar and the Legislature on the civil legal needs of poor and low-income Texans.  

The Emily C. Jones Lifetime Achievement Award reflects the highest honor given for a career dedicated to supporting legal services for poor Texans. This award, named for the former Executive Director of the Commission, recognizes an outstanding individual whose extraordinary spirit and demonstrated commitment to legal services has improved our society and inspired others.

Houston lawyer Reagan M. Brown, a partner in Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P., received the Star of Justice Award for his work in leading the Texas Trial and Pre-Trial Academies, premier training courses for Texas legal aid lawyers.  Brown has served as course director for the past two years, assembling some of the nation’s top lawyers to provide litigation training for those serving the legal needs of the poor.  The Star of Justice Award recognizes dedication to improving access to justice for low-income Texans.

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The Texas Access to Justice Commission was created in 2001 by the Supreme Court of Texas to develop and implement policy initiatives designed to expand access to and enhance the quality of justice in civil legal matters for low-income Texans. Legal aid organizations in Texas serve more 100,000 Texas families each year with their basic civil legal needs; however, only approximately 20-25 percent of those who qualify for legal aid are able to receive it due to lack of resources. The Commission has created several initiatives to increase resources and awareness of legal aid. For more information, please visit www.TexasATJ.org.

Contact: Kimberly Schmitt, kschmitt@teajf.org or 512-320-0099, ext. 104