Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas

Bill Marple, LANWT’s former Pro Bono and Bar Relations Director, was honored for his contributions to “Justice for All” and his myriad efforts on behalf of pro bono service during the Dallas Bar Association’s Pro Bono Awards luncheon last week. Bill, who recently retired from LANWT after 10 years of service, was introduced by Legal Aid’s CEO Maria Thomas-Jones, who highlighted his achievements including fostering LANWT’s robust pro bono program, and establishing and growing meaningful collaborations with local bar associations, the Texas Access to Justice Foundation, and the Texas Access to Justice Commission. Thanks, Bill, for all you have done and continue to do in the interest of access to justice.

Celebrating Pro Bono Service. The Plainview office honored four attorneys during National Celebrate Pro Bono Week (clockwise from top left): Paul Holloway, Don Snodgrass, Jeff Actkinson, and Taryn Minter; tokens of appreciation were presented to each honoree by Pro Bono Coordinator Sylvia Chavez. Thanks to these committed volunteers who help those in need in this largely rural service area. The local press also covered the recognition: https://lnkd.in/gZ3JYKCE

Celebrating Pro Bono Service. Odessa: Three outstanding community partners were individually honored by Melissa Ramirez, LANWT’s Pro Bono Volunteer Coordinator, who visited each partner bringing with sweets and certificates of appreciation. The recipients were the ANDREWS FOOD PANTRY INC, the ANDREWS SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER INC, and Catholic Charities. The Odessa office also hosted a pro bono celebration luncheon at La Margarita, Odessa, to show our appreciation for our 2023-24 volunteers. Plaques and certificates were presented to attorneys, local law firms, paralegals, and legal secretaries; Melissa also recognized Legal Aid’s Odessa and Midland staff who assist at our law clinics. Special thanks to La Margarita, which donated space for our luncheon.

Celebrating Pro Bono Service Our Lubbock office celebrated pro bono service twice this month. Two volunteers were honored for their work on behalf of LANWT clients during the October 9 meeting of the Lubbock Area Bar Association. Isiais Solorzano received the Pro Bono Attorney of the Year award and Clay Elliott received the Legal Clinic Volunteer award. On October 23, Lubbock staff members participated with law school students, staff, and volunteers in a poverty simulation exercise at Texas Tech University School of Law. Shown: (l-r) Attorney Johnathon Graves, Elma Moreno, Managing Attorney Tamara Duncan, Attorney Alma Gonzalez, and Nancy Mojica. Elma and Nancy are former LANWT Pro Bono Volunteer Coordinators. Thanks to these committed staff and volunteers for honoring those who help others in their community.

Celebrating Pro Bono Service Our Midland office’s annual Pro Bono Week Celebration drew more than 40 guests. Special recognition plaques were presented to the 14 volunteers below, shown with Cobette Padilla, regional director for Congressman August Plufger, who presented certificates to the volunteers on behalf of the congressman, and Pete Fierro, LANWT’s pro bono volunteer coordinator. From left, Debbie Scott, Ms. Padilla, Evans Hall, Jackson Willingham, Nok Smith, Jolie Steele, Victoria Stitzel, Lindsay Owens, Diana Martinez, Lydia Jimenez, Ida Fletcher, Elizabeth Gonzales, Mr. Fierro, Jeremy Martinez, Matthew Cooper, and Elizabeth Lopez. Many thanks to these dedicated volunteers.

More than $18,000 was raised at last weekend’s 12th Annual Builders of Justice event in McKinney. An important part of the afternoon was recognizing and honoring area civic and philanthropic leaders for their commitment to justice. This year’s honorees were Hope’s Door New Beginning Center, LANWT Attorney Kamisha Dumas, Hugs Cafe, and Dr. Cheryl Jackson. Special thanks to our Silver sponsors— Collin County Bench Bar Foundation and Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and our Bronze sponsors—The Page Law Firm, Linda Epstein, and Tyler Technologies. Kudos to the LANWT team, the BOJ Committee, and our volunteers and supporters for a job well done. Standing (from left): Plano Mayor John Muns, Clay Kendrick, Ruth Thompson, Jill Scigliano, Neela Ranmal, LANWT CEO Maria Thomas-Jones, Judge Shelly Dukes, Judge Piper McCraw Honorees (seated, from left): Danny Sigler (Hugs Cafe, Inc.), Dr. Cheryl Jackson, Kamisha Dumas, Christina Coultas (Hope’s Door)

Every day, Legal Aid acknowledges and appreciates the help that clients receive from our many volunteers, including law students, paralegals, and attorneys. National Pro Bono Week gives us the opportunity to highlight the impact of pro bono work and recognize the power of volunteers who come together to help build stronger, more resilient communities through service. In that spirit, many of our offices will be hosting events or scheduling celebrations to recognize their volunteers. Check back next week as we share a few of these celebrations. And to our many, many volunteers: Thank You!

Our popular Builders of Justice Awards reception won't be the same without you. Join us at 3 p.m., Saturday, October 19 at Gather in McKinney on the Square for an afternoon of festivities including prize drawings as well as the opportunity to recognize this year’s honorees, who make a difference for those in need. For more info or purchase tickets, visit https://bit.ly/24BOJ Honoring Dr. Cheryl Jackson Christina Coultas Kamisha Dumas Ruth Thompson

Join us for the annual Builders of Justice Awards reception at 3 p.m., Saturday, October 19 at Gather in McKinney on the Square. Afternoon festivities include prize drawings and the opportunity to recognize Collin County organizations and individuals who make a difference for those in need, like this year’s Business Leader honoree, Ruth Thompson. For more info or purchase tickets, visit https://bit.ly/24BOJ

Planning has already begun for our 25th Women’s Advocacy Awards. This annual event not only benefits families, but also gives us the chance to publicly thank those whose leadership and support make a difference in the lives of so many. We’re looking for people who want to help us plan this event! The kick-off meeting is November 7. Interested in joining us or want to learn more? Email us at events@lanwt.org