PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

By GLENN A. BALLARD, JR. Bracewell & Giuliani LLP

Go Ahead, Be a Champion

The focus for our bar year is on helping those less fortunate than ourselves and providing equal access to justice. Our goal is to increase the number of pro bono cases handled through the Houston Volunteer Lawyers Program by at least 25 percent from 1,000 to 1,250 cases. To achieve this goal, and to make our effort self-sustaining, we are asking firms and corporations to pre-commit to handle a certain number of cases per year, depending on their size, for a five year period of time. Those who take on this commitment and help achieve the goal will be designated Equal Access to Justice Champions in all HBA publications.
It makes sense that this would be our goal, since this is the 25th anniversary of the HVLP and the need for pro bono services has never been greater. It is estimated in a recent study by the Legal Services Corporation that 50 percent of the legal needs of indigent Americans who need and qualify for legal aid go unmet. In a letter dated May 1, 2006, the Supreme Court of Texas has challenged every Texas lawyer to contribute 50 hours of pro bono service this year. Lawyers in our Houston firms and corporations can meet this challenge by taking HVLP cases and becoming Equal Access to Justice Champions.
Jim Sales of Fulbright & Jaworski is also making a push on the statewide level with his Equal Access to Justice Commission. The commission is raising money to help meet the legal needs of the poor statewide. Here in Houston, we are asking you to donate your time, which is the most precious thing a lawyer has to give. To quote Winston Churchill, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” I think you will find that some of the most satisfying legal work you can do is volunteer legal work for those who really need it and appreciate it.
Handling cases for those less fortunate also serves to provide experience for our young lawyers and meaning for our more mature lawyers. Giving our younger lawyers their own cases with real clients and the possibility of a trial, perhaps in front of a jury, provides them with experience that they may not be able to find elsewhere. In addition to handling cases, our mature lawyers can also help to mentor and guide others through the process of representing real clients with real needs. The Texas Legislature is also allowing a deduction of up to $500 per case of actual out-of-pocket expenses for an attorney providing pro bono legal services.
Handling pro bono cases is not just the responsibility of the trial lawyer. Our business lawyers can and should also handle these cases. The Courts will recognize and assist volunteers, and lawyers on the staff of HVLP are there to guide anyone through the process. Handling cases outside your normal field of expertise and serving a need can be its own kind of reward.
The HBA has designated this year as “The Year of the Volunteer.” Help make it a great year and serve your community by taking a pro bono case. The recognition will be there for all lawyers, firms and corporations who do so, and the rewards will be great. We are asking you to join them. Go ahead, be an Equal Access to Justice Champion.

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