The Texas Lawbook

Free Speech, Due Process and Trial by Jury

Krista Torralva & Elle Grinnell

P.S. — Law Firms Feed Minds and Meals 

In this week’s column, Gray Reed honors the legacy of James “Jim” McGraw, a founding partner and a beloved University of Houston Law Center alumnus, through the firm’s creation of a $50,000 endowed scholarship. We also spotlight volunteers from Greenberg Traurig’s Dallas office who packed over 100,000 meals to help feed children in Haiti. Also, the Texas Access to Justice Commission has announced this year’s Deborah G. Hankinson Award winners, recognizing local bar and young lawyer organizations for their commitment to expanding access to justice. Finally, Spanish-speaking lawyers or assistants are sought for a Houston volunteer opportunity and tickets and sponsorships are still available for a Casino Night benefitting the San Antonio Legal Services Association.

Krista Torralva & Elle Grinnell

P.S. — Magna Stella Awards Spotlight State’s Leading In-House Counsel, Memorabilia from Judge Barbara Lynn Goes to Auction 

In this week’s P.S. Column, we celebrate the winners of the Texas General Counsel Forum’s Magna Stella Awards, honoring in-house legal leaders for their outstanding achievements ahead of the Nov. 20 ceremony in San Antonio. We also highlight the ongoing Dallas Women Lawyers Foundation’s auction of memorabilia from Judge Barbara Lynn’s career.

Krista Torralva & Elle Grinnell

P.S. — Texas Legal Advocates Earn State, National Awards; Attorney Group Dedicates Fundraising Year to Homelessness Prevention 

In this week’s P.S. Column, we highlight standout leaders and organizations who their peers are recognizing for making a difference. Texas Appleseed has named Travis Torrence, U.S. Head of Legal at Shell USA, as this year’s J. Chrys Dougherty Good Apple Award recipient. The nonprofit will also honor Alston & Bird with its Pro Bono Leadership Award at its Nov. 5 dinner in Austin. Meanwhile, Attorneys Serving the Community announced Shared Housing Center as its next beneficiary, supporting efforts to prevent homelessness in Dallas. On the national stage, the American Bar Association is honoring the State Bar of Texas Law Practice Management Committee with a Solo and Small Firm Project Award. And in Houston, the Hispanic Bar Association welcomed eight new board members.

Krista Torralva & Elle Grinnell

P.S. — Legal Aid Expands Across Texas with Volunteers, Grants and New Talent

In this edition of P.S., Texas legal aid organizations ramp up efforts to support communities affected by recent disasters. Texas RioGrande Legal Aid is calling on volunteer lawyers to assist flood survivors across Central Texas, while Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas launches its new mobile unit, the “Legal Aid Express,” to deliver on-the-ground disaster support to its region. SMU’s First Amendment Clinic received a $3 million endowment from the Stanton Foundation, with an additional $2 million challenge grant to expand its pro bono advocacy. Meanwhile, 17 University of Texas School of Law graduates received public interest fellowships, enabling them to serve underrepresented communities across the country. Finally, Sidley Austin’s Texas offices contributed to local hunger relief efforts as part of the firm’s “Summer of Service” campaign.

Krista Torralva & Elle Grinnell

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