FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 31, 2011

Texas Access to Justice Commission Announces New Executive Director

AUSTIN, Texas—The Texas Access to Justice Commission has selected Patricia E. “Trish” McAllister of Austin as its new executive director. Currently serving as executive director of Volunteer Legal Services (VLS) of Central Texas, a nonprofit legal aid provider, McAllister will assume her new position with the Commission in February.  

As executive director, McAllister will implement policies, projects and programs adopted by the Commission that reduce barriers to the justice system and increase resources and funding for legal aid.  She will also work closely with access to justice partners and act as a liaison with related national organizations, among other duties.

“Trish McAllister has had a career in the legal services industry highlighted by passion, dedication, and great success,” Harry M. Reasoner, chair of the Texas Access to Justice Commission said. “Ms. McAllister was enthusiastically recommended by participants in every aspect of the legal services community.  We are delighted that she will be leading the operations of the Commission.”  

Throughout her legal career, McAllister has worked with low-income people in need of legal services. Since becoming executive director at VLS of Central Texas in 2003, she has raised individual donations more than five-fold and made significant program advancements by encouraging more volunteer participation and partnering with other social and legal organizations. Prior to joining VLS, she was a staff attorney and acting branch manager of the legal aid organization now known as Texas RioGrande Legal Aid. Before earning her law degree at the University of Houston Law Center, McAllister held management and marketing positions in the health care field.

The Supreme Court of Texas created the Texas Access to Justice Commission in 2001 to increase services for Texans who need civil legal help but may not be able to afford it or find it. The Commission consists of 21 commissioners, each serving a three-year term.

-30-
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. The Commission has created several initiatives to increase resources and awareness of legal aid. For more information, please visit www.TexasATJ.org.

Contact: Erika Gonzalez, Elizabeth Christian & Associates Public Relations
512-494-2864 or egonzalez@echristianpr.com