(AUSTIN, TX) –  The Texas Access to Justice Foundation hosted a Luncheon with the Supreme Court of Texas on Oct. 20 to address the growing need for expanded access to civil legal aid across the state. The event recognized the commitment of partners who work to ensure that all Texans—regardless of income—can meaningfully navigate the justice system. As part of the program, the Texas Access to Justice Foundation presented the Access to Justice Award, which recognizes contributions to justice for low-income Texans.

This year’s award recipients were Greenberg Traurig, LLP and the Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs. Greenberg Traurig LLP has co-sponsored a post-graduate fellowship program with the Foundation for 15 years. The Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs has worked with the Foundation since the pandemic on housing stabilization legal services essential to keeping Texans housed. The awards were presented by Texas Supreme Court Justice Brett Busby.

“Legal aid provides more than just legal help. It offers peace of mind, stability and a path forward for families facing hardship,” Betty Balli Torres, executive director of TAJF, said. “Thanks to the dedication of today’s honorees, more Texans have the support they need to face legal challenges and move toward a more secure future.”

The event also included presentations from grantees who shared examples of the day-to-day impact of legal aid in communities across Texas. Speakers included Robert Doggett of Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, Kay Caballero of Family Legal Services of the South Plains and Zoe Dobkin, a Texas Access to Justice Foundation/EJW Fellow at Texas Legal Services Center.

To learn more about the Texas Access to Justice Foundation and its mission to expand access to civil legal aid, visit www.teajf.org.