AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas Access to Justice Commission hosted a Celebration October 4, 2007, in honor of the 25^th Anniversary of Texas Lawyers Care, the pro bono and legal aid support department of the State Bar of Texas. The Commission and Texas Lawyers Care will donate 100 percent of the proceeds – $185,000 – to the Texas Access to Justice Foundation, which will grant the funds to legal aid groups statewide.

With the theme “A Small Key Can Open Big Doors,” the event celebrated the work of Texas Lawyers Care and all legal aid and pro bono attorneys who serve as keys to the courthouse for low-income Texans. Texas Lawyers Care supports legal aid programs and pro bono attorneys through training, support and research materials.

At the event, the Texas Access to Justice Commission and Texas Lawyers Care honored two individuals for their long-standing dedication to ensuring that low-income Texans have access to the justice system. Betty Balli Torres, executive director of the Texas Access to Justice Foundation, and Emily Jones, executive director of the Texas Access to Justice Commission, received the “Star of Justice” awards for their leadership and ongoing commitment to the legal aid community.

Click here to see photos from the event