During the dozen years since I launched The Texas Lawbook, hundreds of lawyers have told me that we never publish articles about the good deeds that lawyers do.
Two years ago, The Lawbook fixed that by assigning a full-time reporter to cover pro bono, public service and diversity in the Texas legal profession. We recognize the charitable and community work of lawyers every Friday in a column called P.S., which stands for public service.
In addition, we publish standalone articles about specific pro bono projects.
Natalie Posgate held this position until last week, when she resigned to become the chief marketing officer of a Texas litigation boutique. Over the next six months, The Lawbook will search for Natalie’s replacement.
Until then, you are stuck with me.
So, when you are not billing business clients $1,780 an hour or taking your twin Shih Tzus in for their weekly mani/pedi, here is what I need from you:
- Monetary donations that lawyers and law firms make to charitable causes, including legal aid organizations, non-profit efforts, community initiatives and educational institutions;
- Lawyers joining boards of non-profit and charitable organizations;
- Charitable fundraising efforts led by lawyers and firms;
- The funding of educational scholarships for low-income and disadvantaged communities; and
- Pro bono efforts that seek to help veterans, immigrants seeking asylum, low-income and disadvantaged individuals fighting discrimination or abusive tactics, and protection of First Amendment, Sixth, Seventh and Fourteenth Amendment rights.
In other words, if you are helping people who cannot help themselves or who cannot afford a lawyer by either making monetary donations or performing pro bono work, we want to recognize the work you are doing. And we will publish a photo of you with your Shih Tzus or Australian Silky Terrier or pet Yak named Yeti.
All joking aside, please contact me to share your amazing community service contributions.
The bottom line is that people need help that only lawyers can provide. With just a few hours of free legal advice, you can dramatically change the life of a person or an entire family’s future. Those stories need to be told.
My email is mark.curriden@texaslawbook.net. That is the best way to reach me. You may also call 214-232-6783, but only do so after 10 a.m.
How serious am I about no calls before 10 a.m.? When my father died in March, the funeral home initially told me that they could only do his burial at 9 a.m. I threatened to have his body taken to another funeral home. By contrast, you are welcome to call me any time at night until 11 p.m. and even on weekends.