The Dallas Bar Association’s annual Equal Access to Justice Campaign is hitting crunch time in its efforts to raise $1.25 million for legal aid for the poor and disadvantaged. More than 50 lawyers, law firms and corporate legal departments have already donated between $5,000 and $25,500. The State Bar of Texas has awarded its annual Minority Counsel honors. The personal injury law firm J.D. Silva & Associates is giving away 500 new winter coats.
Equal Access to Justice Campaign = ‘Beacon of Hope’
Oncor Electric Delivery General Counsel Matt Henry needs your help ASAP.
Henry is co-chair of the Dallas Bar Association’s 2024 Equal Access to Justice Campaign, which raises funds to provide legal services to poor and disadvantaged individuals, including military veterans and abused spouses, through the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program. Oncor has joined nine other law firms and businesses, including Capital One Bank, Sidley Austin and Vinson & Elkins, to give more than $20,000 toward the goal of $1.25 million.
“As legal professionals, we must ensure that individuals in need have access to capable legal representation, regardless of social or economic status,” Henry said. “I am excited to co-chair this effort, and I know the legal community will rise to the occasion.”
“We can do this!”
Haynes Boone partner Tim Newman, another EAJ Campaign co-chair, said DVAP “has been a beacon of hope for those who need legal help but can’t afford it.”
“From family law to housing issues and from bankruptcy to wills, DVAP ensures that justice truly means justice for all in our community,” Newman said. “Please join us in this vital mission by donating today, and we can strengthen DVAP’s ability to represent the underrepresented and build a more equitable legal system.”
Lauren Black, deputy administrator at the Dallas County district attorney’s office, said the “practice of law has always been and will always be about people.”
“As advocates, it is our privilege and responsibility to ensure that those in need of resources and representation receive the same justice under the law as those who can afford it,” Black said. “By giving, you are not just supporting a cause — you are empowering lives, upholding fairness and reinforcing the very foundation of our society. Stand with us in championing access to justice for everyone.”
The Texas Lawbook today lists the top 51 donors to this year’s EAJ Campaign.
2024 Texas Minority Counsel Awards
The State Bar of Texas announced the recipients of the 2024 Texas Minority Counsel Program awards, which honor outstanding attorneys for their impact on diversity in the legal profession.
For those who do not know, the Texas Minority Counsel Program is open to all attorneys but seeks to improve legal work handled by women, lawyers of color, LGBTQ+ attorneys and others from historically underrepresented groups.
The TMCP has four award categories. The group honors two finalists and an award recipient.
The Corporate Counsel of the Year Award honors in-house counsel who “opened doors by promoting diversity within their department,” hire diverse private practice attorneys to handle their legal work and “engage in mentorship and volunteerism with the bar or community to foster diversity in the legal profession.” The 2024 finalists and winner are:
- Winner: Arthur L. Bryan, II; Cedar Park; Hellas, a TenCate Company
- Finalist: Amanda Arriaga, Austin, Texas CASA
- Finalist: Clay Allen, Houston, Houston Rockets
The Trailblazer of the Year Award honors outside counsel who has promoted diversity within the legal profession. The 2024 finalists and winner are:
- Winner: Caroline Harrison, Fort Worth, Pham Harrison
- Finalist: James Phillips, Houston, BakerHostetler
- Finalist: Tiffanie Clausewitz, San Antonio, Clausewitz & Reyes
The Rising Star Award recognizes attorneys who made strides early in their practice to promote diversity in the legal profession through involvement with bar or community activities. The 2024 finalists and winner are:
- Winner: Lena Silva, Houston, Beck Redden
- Finalist: Paige Wright, Dallas, Vinson & Elkins
- Finalist: Sophia George, Houston, Phillips 66
And the Lifetime Achievement Award honors an attorney who has demonstrated extraordinary support and advocacy for the advancement of diversity in the legal profession over the course of their legal career. The 2024 finalists and winner are:
- Winner: Laura Gibson, Houston, Dentons US
- Finalist: Chief Justice Dori Contreras, Corpus Christi, 13th Court of Appeals
- Finalist: Hon. Vanessa Gilmore, Houston, Roberts Markland
Thanksgiving Coat Giveaway
The Pearland-based personal injury plaintiffs law firm J.D. Silva & Associates is once again hosting a Thanksgiving Coat Giveaway at Loaves & Fishes, located at 2009 Congress Street in Houston, where the firm’s attorneys and staff will distribute 500 brand-new winter coats to adults and teens in need. The coat giving will be Tuesday, Nov. 26, from noon to 2 p.m.
The Giveaway is open to the public and the winter coats, available in adult sizes from XS – 2XL, will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limit of one coat per person.
“We wanted to do something that could have a lasting impact for others beyond the traditional holiday dinner,” said Johnathan D. Silva, the law firm’s managing partner and a U.S. Navy veteran. “We are truly grateful for all of our blessings and couldn’t be more thrilled to share those blessings this Thanksgiving with those who are going through difficult times in the Houston community, especially during the winter months.”
For more information, visit https://jdsilvalaw.com.