Pro Bono Challenge 2006

“Providing legal services to those in need is one of the great benefits of being a lawyer.  We all have time to help and should encourage our partners and friends in the legal community to do so.”…Dee J. Kelly, Jr., Chair

            Mark Daniel, President of TCBA, has issued a challenge to each attorney in Tarrant County to make a commitment to provide at least 10 hours of pro bono legal services to low income citizens of Tarrant County during the 2006-2007 bar year.  This is an opportunity to give back to the legal profession and assist those who presently have no access to our justice system.

            The Tarrant County Bar Association and the Tarrant County Bar Foundation have joined Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas (“LANWT”) and its Equal Justice Volunteer Program to recruit private attorneys to accept this Pro Bono Challenge.  Volunteer attorneys will accept a case that LANWT is unable to service due to funding and/or manpower shortfalls.  LANWT will complete the intake and screening of qualified individuals.  Volunteer attorneys will automatically be covered under the legal malpractice coverage of LANWT.

            A brochure has been created that explains the Pro Bono Challenge and the collaborative partnership of the Tarrant County Bar Association, Tarrant County Bar Foundation and Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas.  The names of volunteer attorneys will be published in the Bar Bulletin once the attorney agrees to participate in the Pro Bono Challenge and accept a case through the Equal Justice Volunteer Program.  In December, volunteer attorneys will be recognized at the Pro Bono Luncheon to be held at the Fort Worth Club.

            Come join us in this Pro Bono Challenge.  “There is no higher calling for any individual lawyer than to reach out to those less fortunate.  This is a unique opportunity for the Tarrant County Bar Association to partner with Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas to accomplish that goal.  It is my hope and passion that every member of the Tarrant County Bar Association will be an active participant in this opportunity” …Mark G. Daniel

“We are all committed to ensuring that justice is available to all Texans, including those ho can’t afford to hire lawyers”
…Justice Deborah Hankinson