As law firms struggle to attract and retain highly talented and diverse young lawyers, The Texas Lawbook seeks to put an emphasis over the next year on the personnel pipeline.
We start this week by asking law firms and legal organizations to provide information regarding grants and scholarships they offer low-income and disadvantaged students who are interested in becoming lawyers. The details are below.
In this week’s rendition of P.S., we highlight the long overdue recognition of a former Texas chief justice and an educational program that helps children with superpowers.
It’s a Sensory World
Lotus Legal Search founder Kate Cassidy is spearheading a fundraising effort for It’s a Sensory World, which is a special needs school in Dallas. Cassidy, who is former corporate counsel for the Texas Rangers, is offering to match all donations up to $25,000 in an effort to raise $50,000 for the organization.
It’s a Sensory World provides a full-time school environment for hundreds of children between the ages of two and 22 who have autism, Down syndrome and other special needs. The nonprofit organization has also offered after-school programs, summer camps, sensory gym, occupational therapy and other therapeutic programs since 2007.
The school was founded by two mothers of children with autism.
“Their vision was to create a space where children with special needs would not only be accepted but celebrated,” Cassidy said. “It’s a Sensory World’s distinct approach integrates each person’s customized interventions into a single, more regular program — nurturing incredible growth, independence, and renewed hope of an inclusive future for them and their family.”
For Cassidy, the school is personal, as her son attends the school and has benefited from their autism programs.
“The donations we receive during North Texas Giving Day will be directly invested in expanding our niche sensory programs and enhancing the resources available to sensory world individuals with diverse needs,” she said. “These funds could provide scholarship opportunities for families unable to pay the full tuition amount, allow us to continue to grow and develop new customized programs, and provide training for our staff to better serve our community.”
Cassidy also authors a regular firm management column for The Texas Lawbook called “The Corner Office.”
Louis “Buddy” Lee, III, a lawyer at Weaver Johnston & Nelson, has served on the ISW board.
Click here to learn more about It’s a Sensory World. If you want more information from Cassidy, you may email her directly at kate@lotus-legal.com.
Help create a path to inclusion by donating between now and Sept. 19 through the North Texas Giving Day website.
Unveiling of Chief Justice Wallace Jefferson Portrait
The Texas Supreme Court will unveil the portrait of former Chief Justice Wallace Jefferson on Friday, Sept. 6, at 4 p.m. in the Supreme Court’s courtroom, where Wallace served as the state’s first African American chief justice from 2004 through 2013.
Wallace’s great-great-great grandfather, Shedrick Willis, was enslaved by Texas judge and Civil War lieutenant colonel Nicholas W. Battle. Willis was a Waco-area blacksmith and later a city councilman.
Wallace is now an appellate law partner at Alexander Dubose & Jefferson.
Lawbook reporter Janet Elliott will cover the portrait unveiling and will provide full coverage next week.
Scholarships for Future Lawyers
The Texas Lawbook is working on a project to identify scholarships for students interested in law and justice.
Specifically, we seek information from law firms and legal organizations that provide scholarships and internship opportunities to low-income and disadvantaged students. The scholarships can address everything from SAT prep courses, college admission training initiatives, as well as college and law school tuition.
The goal is to celebrate those who are giving back and to provide a one-stop shop for students and educators seeking a little extra help so that they can change the world through a future in the law.
Please send information on scholarships to mark.curriden@texaslawbook.net.