LEGAL AID OF NORTHWEST TEXAS - GuideStar

LEGAL AID OF NORTHWEST TEXAS2015 ANNuAL REpORT

LEGAL AID OF NORTHWEST TEXASA Message from the Interim Chief Executive Officer and

Chair of the Board of Directors

We extend greetings to you as Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas (Legal Aid) reflects and shares important news from and accomplishments realized during 2015. Legal Aid remains f irmly committed to ensuring that low-income Texans have access to our legal system regardless of their f inancial status. We are privi leged to work alongside a staff of more than 215 dedicated and impassioned employees teaming together to offer high-quality civi l legal services to people l iving at or below the poverty level who, without Legal Aid, would be seriously challenged in affording valuable and l i fe-changing legal advocacy.

For almost 65 years, we have expanded valuable legal services throughout our 114-county service area from 15 branch off ices in North and West Texas. Our cl ients depend on us to provide essential legal services in a wide variety of matters including, but not l imited to, preventing evictions and foreclosures, removing barriers to viable employment, preserving housing, ensuring access to education, gaining f inancial stabil ity, and maintaining safe homes for famil ies and children.

We acknowledge and are grateful for the strong commitment to Legal Aid by our supporters, stakeholders, volunteers and friends. Through your generosity and support we are able to carry forward with the important work of meeting the civi l legal needs within our communities by ensuring equal access to justice for people l iving in poverty.

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SuppORTING VETERANSCrystal, a Navy Veteran, worked extensively to handle the legal tasks necessary to support the discharge upgrade. She also compiled multiple character references, a cl ient statement, and other supportive documents. John and Crystal submitted the paperwork to the VA and waited for a response.

Although initial ly told that no action would be taken unti l February 2016, Legal Aid received word in November 2015 that the VA had verif ied Michael’s claims and granted the upgrade. The revised status al lows Michael to receive long-term benefits for his ongoing medical problems.

“The knowledge that what I do may actually result in changing a Veteran’s l i fe for the better is what gets me excited to come to work every day,” says Crystal .

Michael, now living in his own home, has the advantage of much-needed benefits and the satisfaction of knowing that his years of service to his country have been both acknowledged and honored. He says, “Thanks to the assistance I received from Crystal Hopper and John Lackey, things are starting to become ‘not so tough,’ and that leads to having hope. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”

Veteran Homelessness

in tHe United states

Over 500,000 Veterans experience

homelessness during a single year.

In Northwest Texas approximately 45,000 Veterans l ive below the

poverty level, nearly 17,000 of those are

disabled.

Women make up roughly 9% of the homeless Veteran

population in the uSA.

Michael Early served in the u.S. Army for three years in Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan, and Korea, earning both a good conduct medal and combat action badge. After his early release from the Army in 2006, Michael dealt with medical problems that grew more serious over time and that eventually prevented him from working. Shortly thereafter, Michael became homeless.

In early 2015, Michael took action by coming to Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas’ (Legal Aid) Dallas off ice to request legal help to obtain a discharge upgrade to secure needed medical assistance and benefits from the Veteran’s Administration (VA). Crystal Hopper, paralegal, and John Lackey, Staff Attorney, accepted his case .

“Thank you! Thank you!Thank you!” – Michael Early

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John LackeyMichael EarlyCrystal Hopper

Isabella Kinder* came to Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas (Legal Aid) desperate and afraid. Her husband was about to be released from prison and she feared for

the safety of her children. She had to protect them. Her deep desire for her children’s safety compelled her to meet with Laurie Hallmark, Staff Attorney in the Midland off ice . Isabella came to Legal Aid terrif ied that her husband’s explosive anger might lead to the serious harm of their children. Legal Aid offered Isabella hope and legal assistance

to obtain a divorce with appropriate legal protections for herself and her children.

Laurie met with Isabella several times over the next few months. Recall ing the f irst time Isabella came to the Legal Aid off ice ,

Laurie says, “We communicated through a pane of tears.” It was clear that Isabella was terrif ied, Laurie recalls, saying that her cl ient answered every question with a soft-voiced “Yes, please .”

OFFERING HOpE

“Because of the way I pract ice law,I was able to take the t ime necessar yto develop a relat ionship with Isabel la.” -Laur ie Hal lmark

Only after trust had been established between the cl ient and her attorney during these emotional meetings did Isabella admit that she had been the victim of extreme domestic abuse by her husband and needed help, not just for herself , but especial ly for her children. Isabella, l ike so many domestic violence victims, assumed a protective order would instigate her husband’s abusive anger rather than help free her from it. “Because of the way I practice law, I was able to take the time necessary to develop a relationship with Isabella,” says Laurie , who helped her cl ient gather strength and f ind her voice .

On the day of the f inal hearing, Isabella spoke clearly and confidently. She recounted the ongoing threats that her husband made to her in his letters from prison that referenced a red car : “The first time he raped me was on a red car. I knew it was a threat.”

In a pointed decision, the court found in favor of Isabella and her children and ordered that permanent protective orders be in place preventing her former husband from contacting her or her children. patrick McMonigle , Laurie’s Managing Attorney, explains: “In addition to obtaining a divorce and child support, Laurie was able to obtain a relatively new remedy for the cl ient in the form of a permanent protective order.”

Today Isabella is on her way to achieving an advanced degree as a certif ied nursing assistant and shares her story to let other women know that they, too, can f ind safety for their children and themselves and gain control over their l ives.

*Name changed5 6

Laurie Hallmark, Attorney

AbILENE

AmARILLO

bROWNWOOD

DALLAS

DENTON

FORT WORTH

LubbOck

mckINNEy

mIDLAND

ODESSA

pLAINvIEW

SAN ANGELO

WAXAHAcHIE

WEATHERFORD

WIcHITA FALLS

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114 cOuNTIES

15 bRANcH OFFIcES

MISSION AND HISTORY

Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas (Legal Aid) ensures equal justice by providing high-quality civi l legal services to people l iving in poverty. We believe that no one should be prevented from equal access to the rule of law due to l imited f inancial resources.

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Founded in 1951 by the Tarrant County Bar Association, Legal Aid has been providing high-quality civi l legal services to low-income people for more than 64 years. In 2003, Legal Services of North Texas and West Texas Legal Services merged to become Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas. With a staff of over 200 people in 114 counties, we are the f i fth-largest legal aid organization in the country, and have 15 branch off ices to serve cl ients in North and West Texas.

Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas partners with

the American Bar Association, the State

Bar of Texas, and virtually every local

bar association in our service area, including young-lawyer, minority,

women, and specialty bar associations.

VOLuNTEER ATTORNEYS

ARTOuSH vARSHOSAz

Artoush Varshosaz, a corporate lawyer in Dallas, is currently defending some of his f irm’s corporate cl ients in a class action lawsuit. When asked what he would l ike to communicate to other lawyers about volunteering through DVAp, Artoush states, “There are few other opportunities that al low you to positively impact your community while strengthening your legal skil ls .”

As evidenced by his volunteer work, Artoush l ives out his favorite quote: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” He explains, “I take great pleasure in giving a voice to the proverbial voiceless.”

In his spare time, Artoush takes on volunteer cases - and binge watches any good series on Netfl ix and HBO. He and his wife are traveling more, especial ly as they are expecting their f irst child in just a few months.

cHARLES cOFFEE

After retiring, Charles Coffee discovered that the newfound flexibil ity in his schedule made doing what he l iked to do already - taking pro bono cases through Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas - comfortable and worthwhile .

Charles jokingly says that he “avoids the headache of choosing” which cases to accept, relying instead on Legal Aid to guide his case selection: “The only cl ients I have are the ones Legal Aid provides.” When asked about what he would recommend to other lawyers about being a Legal Aid volunteer, he says, “Visit www.LANWT.org to learn details and sign up.”

Charles and his wife , Debra, enjoy travel and recently spent time in San Francisco. They have two children, a son and a daughter.

cHRIS WRAmpELmEIER

As a family law attorney, Chris Wrampelmeier strengthens the bargaining position of pro bono clients who may otherwise never be heard in court. Chris explains, “Our legal system works only i f people believe it works. When no system exists for helping disadvantaged citizens and non-citizens, people’s faith in the system is jeopardized. When we volunteer for Legal Aid, we send a powerful message that we care about our legal system and believe it should work for everyone.”

Outside of volunteering, Chris and his wife , Hortencia, work to positively impact the l ives of people in the community. Hortencia serves as Development Director at the Turn Center, a nonprofit offering therapies to children. Chris is active with the Texas Family Law Section, serves on the board of the Amaril lo-panhandle Humane Society, acts as legal advisor at the Downtown Women’s Center, and is Archdeacon of the Episcopal Diocese of Northwest Texas. They have three children: Cole , Claudia, and Holly.

RAcHEL kINGREy

In her most recent volunteer case through DVAp, Rachel Kingrey represented polit ical refugees who used their modest savings to purchase a used car. The car salesmen fraudulently promised the couple that the car could be legally driven. Believing the salesman, Rachel’s cl ients bought the car, which turned out to be salvaged. In Texas, salvaged cars cannot be registered or driven.

Rachel obtained a favorable judgment for her cl ients. Later, in partial fulf i l lment of the ruling, Rachel repossessed and auctioned two vehicles. “For me, it was an opportunity to demonstrate to asylum seekers how the American legal system can and should work to achieve justice ,” says Rachel.

Speaking directly to lawyers, Rachel advises that “while most everyone can pitch in at a food bank, park, or l ibrary, only lawyers can provide legal services which are often critical ly needed.”

In her spare time, Rachel enjoys accompanying her mastif f Bidie on visits to the local “people” park.

Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas (Legal Aid) runs extensive pro bono and volunteer attorney programs throughout our service area. In 2015, more than 3,000 volunteer attorneys participated in our cl inics, outreach events, trainings, and handled cases. Legal Aid, jointly with the Dallas Bar Association, administers the Dallas Volunteer Attorney program (DVAp), which engaged more than 2,300 volunteer attorneys in 2015. Twelve of our branches have on-site Equal Justice Volunteer program Coordinators who are responsible for recruiting volunteer attorneys, coordinating cases, and administering legal cl inics within their service area.

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pARTNERING FOR A puRpOSE

Legal Aid staff involved with clinics:

Frieda Edwards-King, paralegal Ellena Simmons, EJVp Coordinator

Alexandra Esparza, Administrative SecretaryWilliam Marple, pro Bono and Bar Relations

Merrit Klapperich, Managing Attorney

Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas (Legal Aid) partners with Tarrant County Bar Association’s Tarrant County Volunteer Attorney Services (TVAS) to place cl ients with private pro bono attorneys. During a legal cl inic in 2015, the two organizations pioneered a new system that streamlined the assignment of pro bono family law cases. Both organizations screened clients and prepared the cases: Legal Aid staff served in a mentoring capacity at the cl inics; TVAS recruited attorneys to handle f i l ing of the cases, and supplied volunteer support at the cl inics. In addition, several Judges from Tarrant County contributed to the new approach for holding family law clinics.

The new system built by these two organizations improved performance in preparing for and administering the cl inic . Merrit Klapperich, the Fort Worth Office Managing Attorney for Legal Aid, explains: “This partnership has al lowed each organization to contribute signif icantly to the overall plan while building a strong, trusting relationship with one another—pillars to a good pro bono model.”

Two family law clinics are planned for 2016.

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Gene Roll ins, a long-time staff attorney with Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas (Legal Aid), serves victims of domestic violence by partnering with SafeHaven, a Tarrant County-based sanctuary for women and men who have suffered traumatic abuse at the hands of loved ones. When asked what impact the partnership makes on his cl ients, Gene says, “When the cl ients take ful l advantage of the agencies’ resources, the cl ients can ‘reinvent’ their l ives, and make plans to realize their ful l potential .”

The partnership between the two organizations broadens the services available to cl ients in one location. At SafeHaven, victims reside in a secure place while their legal matter progresses. “Legal assistance is often inadequate without the protection offered by a safe place to stay that has counseling available to help sort out the victim’s emotions,” Gene notes.

Gene says that he is privi leged to take part in the transformational impact that the partnership between Legal Aid and SafeHaven has on cl ients. “Seeing the transition from the f irst interview, where the cl ient appears exhausted and defeated, showing fear and guilt , to a second meeting, often at court a few weeks later, where they are beginning to understand that they have control over their l ives. Eventually, at the f inal hearing, they are in charge of their l ives.”

In recognition of his work on behalf of cl ients in need of legal aid, Gene received the 2015 Impact Award by the poverty Law Section of the State Bar of Texas.

SECuRING HOuSING

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“We have been granted SSDI benefits with the help of Ms. Aziza Travis whose patience and determination, helped us win our two-year battle with disability. We are now able to catch up on all of our bills that we fell behind on, we were able to stop the foreclosure of our home, and our family has peace of mind, especially my dad who now knows that his family will be taken care of. We will be forever grateful for the wonderful service we have received from Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas.” - Sincerely, The Sisneroz Family

Aziza Travis, Attorney

Diagnosed with bra in cancer that required chemotherapy treatments f ive days a week, Danny S isneroz had no choice but to stop working . In order to care for her husband as he dea l t with the ef fects of the r igorous treatment , Danny’s wi fe res igned from her job as wel l . The S isneroz’s re l ied on their daughter ’s income whi le they appl ied for d isab i l i ty benef i ts from the Socia l Secur i ty Administrat ion (SSA) for shor t-term emergency suppor t . However, SSA re jected their appl icat ion, caus ing the S isrenoz fami ly fur ther f inanc ia l d istress that threatened them with forec losure of the ir home . After submitt ing an addit iona l appl icat ion to SSA and aga in being to ld that no help was ava i lab le , the S isneroz fami ly turned to the

For t Worth branch of Lega l Aid of NorthWest Texas (Lega l Aid) .

Aziza Trav is , Sta f f Attorney, reca l l s , “ I t was c lear that the S isneroz fami ly needed lega l ass istance , but would be unable to pay for a pr ivate attorney to help them obta in benef i ts and save their home .” Aziza accepted the S isneroz case and communicated in person, v ia phone , and through letters with var ious members of the fami ly over severa l months . With her ins ight into re levant forec losure law as wel l as assess ing SSA disab i l i ty benef i ts , Az iza obta ined current and retroact ive benef i ts for the S isneroz fami ly, secur ing their home and peace of mind. “Having lega l representat ion is ver y impor tant for our c l ients because secur ing d isab i l i ty i s v i ta l to susta in ing their way of l i fe ,” says Aziza .

WicHita Falls

In mid-July 2015, when Melissa Northrup, her three children, and her boyfriend moved into a North Texas apartment, they found that the air conditioning (AC) units did not work and mold was growing on the pipes. On her own initiative, Melissa replaced the AC units, while her boyfriend delivered a list of needed repairs to the landlord. By the end of the weekend, they received a notice to vacate the premises within three days.

Melissa called the Wichita Falls branch office of Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas, and met with David Likavec, Staff Attorney, who accepted her case. David advised Melissa to pay next month’s rent, which she did, but the payment was refused. The landlord, however, did agree to refund that month’s rent and the security deposit within one week of the family’s move-out date. Melissa found another apartment and the family moved as promised. Instead of honoring the promise to return the deposit, the landlord billed Melissa for an additional two months’ rent after the date that she and her family had moved out. Over the next three months, David made repeated attempts to contact the rental company, which meanwhile had changed management. When David finally spoke with the new manager, he was informed that the rental company would not honor the refund and Melissa was left with the bill for the additional rent. David responded by filing a lawsuit on Melissa’s behalf. After a contested hearing, the Judge sided with Melissa, awarding her more than $3,000 as well as $3,500 in attorney’s fees.

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FINANCIALS

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legal aid domestic Violence & sexUal assaUlt commUnity Partners

BuILDING A SAFE HAVEN

AbileneEastland County Crisis CenterGateway Family ServicesNoah projectWave project

AmarilloDeaf Smith Crisis CenterFamily Support ServicesHutchinson County Crisis Centerpanhandle Crisis CenterSafeplaceTralee Crisis Center

BrownwoodDove projectThe ArkThe Haven

DallasBrighter TomorrowsCatholic Charities of Dallas, Inc.Dallas Area Rape Crisis CenterEqual Justice CenterGenesis Women’s ShelterMosaic Family ServicesNew Beginnings Centerparkland VIp/Rape Crisis CenterThe Family place

MidlandBuckner Children and Family ServicesCenters for Children and FamilyGenesis CenterMidland FairhavensSafe place

OdessaCrisis Center

PlainviewCrisis Center of the plains

San AngeloConcho Valley Rape Crisis CenterICD Bridges, Inc.Tom Green County Sheriff Crisis Intervention

WaxahachieDaniel’s DenHealing Hearts Center

WeatherfordCross Timbers Family ServicesFreedom HouseHope, Inc.Mission Granbury

Wichita FallsCatholic CharitiesFirst Step

DentonAbigail’s ArmsDenton County Friends of the FamilyWise Hope Shelter and Crisis Center

Fort WorthOne Safe placeSafeHaven - ArlingtonSafeHaven - Fort WorthThe Women’s Center

LubbockAssistant District Attorney’s Office - DVCal Farley’s Center for Women & ChildrenMy Father’s HouseWomen’s protective Services

McKinneyAgape Resource and Assistance CenterChetna - South Asian DV OrganizationEmily’s placeFannin County Crisis CenterGrayson County Crisis CenterHope’s Doorpeaceful OasisTurning point Rape Crisis CenterWomen in Need

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Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas (Legal Aid) strives to provide competent, high-quality legal assistance to the most vulnerable members of our client community, placing an emphasis on survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Through the relationships built with local domestic violence shelters and crisis centers, Legal Aid assists these survivors with a multitude of civil legal services, including orders directly related to ensuring the safety and well-being of the family. Legal Aid places the highest priority on cases involving an immediate threat to the survivors. During 2015, we obtained 45 final protective orders under the Victims of Crime Act grant, which allows for legal representation in cases where an order of emergency protection is needed. Through its various domestic violence grants, Legal Aid assisted more than 1,100 households and more than 3,200 survivors requesting help with issues not only pertaining to family law, but also those affecting financial stability including housing, public benefits, employment, education, immigration, and health. Additionally, Legal Aid understands the importance of reaching out and educating the community. John Hasley, Deputy Director of Litigation, has been working with local branch offices to strengthen our relationship with the domestic violence shelters and crisis centers in our 114-county service area through a Legal Aid-specific training and outreach initiative. Our firm’s goal is to help end the cycles of violence and poverty for all survivors.

John Hasley

2015 Builders of Justice Awards

Stores and restaurants throughout downtown McKinney graciously hosted the 2015 Builders of Justice (BOJ) Awards on October 4, 2015. Organized by Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas, the BOJ event engaged the downtown retai l and food service establishments, which opened their doors for supporters to enjoy a night of food, festivit ies, and fundraising for the greater good of their local community. More than 75 people attended with nearly $25,000 raised in just one night!

The annual BOJ event raises community awareness and establishes f inancial support for legal aid services provided to low-income famil ies l iving in Coll in County. All proceeds benefit the McKinney branch off ice , which serves local cl ients who desperately need legal aid to help solve their legal problems, but cannot afford to pay an attorney.

2015 Builders of Justice Honorees

Honorable Scott J. Becker, 219th District CourtIn honor of his services to low-income residents in Coll in

County.

Tyler TechnologiesIn recognition of the support and innovative services

provided to Coll in County residents and the Texas Judicial System.

Mary TacherIn honor of her decades of dedicated pro bono legal aid provided to low-income communities throughout North

Texas.

WOMEN’SADVOCACY AWARDS

19 William B. Mateja,Co-Chair

Victor Vital ,Co-Chair

David McAtee,Honorary Chair

The 2016 Equal Access to Justice Campaign (EAJ Campaign) raised $1,039,619.32 for the Dallas Volunteer Attorney program (DVAp), a joint project of Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas and the Dallas Bar Association. The extraordinary generosity of supporters made the 2016 EAJ Campaign a great success.

DVAp is one of the largest volunteer attorney programs in Texas with more than 2,300 volunteer attorneys handling cases and attending cl inics in 2015. The funds raised in the 2016 EAJ Campaign wil l provide more than 4,000 low-income famil ies the opportunity to receive free civi l legal counsel through DVAp.

The 2015 EAJ Campaign ran from mid-July 2015 through January 2016 and marked the campaign’s nineteenth consecutive year.

2015 Women’s Advocacy Awards

Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas (Legal Aid) has benefited more than 1 mil l ion cl ient famil ies in the past 64 years, including many domestic violence victims.

The first Women’s Advocacy Awards (WAA) reception in 2001 was originally intended to fund a staff attorney to address the complex legal problems of low-income women. Since the inception of WAA, the event has become increasingly successful and now supports civi l legal services for a signif icant number of female cl ients.

Each year, Legal Aid recognizes exceptional advocacy on behalf of women l iving in poverty. In 2015 the honorees l isted below were recognized for their extraordinary service through their sustained leadership.

2015 Women’s Advocacy Awards

Texas InstrumentsBusiness Leader Award

Human Rights InitiativeNonprofit Leader Award

Will and Ellen PryorLouise Raggio Women’s Legal Advocate Award

All proceeds go to support civi l legal aid for low-income women, providing them a chance to start over without the fear of violence to them or their famil ies. Single mothers with dependent children are the fastest-growing poverty population in the country and constitute many of our cl ients.

Dena DeNooyer Stroh, Co-Chair Christina A. Jump, Co-Chair

Dallas Equal Access to Justice Campaign Donors

(A joint effort of Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas and the Dallas Bar

Association)

PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL ($30,000)

Connatser Family LawCrain Lewis Brogdon, L.L.p.

CHAIRMAN’S COUNCIL ($25,000)Anonymous

Hon. Deborah G. Hankinsonpayne Mitchell Law Group L.L.p.

DIAMOND ($15,000)Jerry C. Alexander

AT&T*PLATINUM ($10,000)

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLp*Andrews Kurth LLp

AnonymousBaker Botts, LLp

Corporate Counsel SectionDeans & Lyons, LLpDykema Cox Smith

Exxon Mobil Corporation*Fish & RichardsonW. Gary Fowler

Gardere Wynne Sewell LLpThe Hartnett Law Firm

Haynes and Boone FoundationJackson Walker LLp

Jones DayKASTL LAW, pC*KoonsFuller, pCLocke Lord LLpMike McKool

Norton Rose Fulbright LLpprobate, Trusts & Estates Section

Sidley Austin, LLpTexas LawBook

21 22

Thompson & Knight FoundationVinson & Elkins LLp*

GOLD ($5,100)Anderson Tobin, pLLC.

Barnes & Thornburg LLpBusiness Litigation Section

Carrington, Coleman, Sloman & Blumenthal, L.L.p*

Dallas Association of Young LawyersDentons uS LLp

DFW Association of Young Bankruptcy Lawyers

DuBose Law Firm, pLLCEnergy Future Holdings Legal

Department*Laura Benitez Geisler

Godwin, pCGreenberg Traurig, LLp

Hartline Dacus Barger Dreyer LLpAl G. Hill, Jr.

Husch Blackwell LLpRalph C. (Red Dog) Jones pC

Brian LoncarThe Mike and Barbara Lynn

philanthropic FundMcKool Smith

Real property SectionLewis Sifford

Harold Simmons FoundationMargaret and Jaime Spellings

Squire patton BoggsTexas Lawyer

The Harold Simmons FoundationJeff Tillotson

Robert L. TobeyVictor and DeNette Vital

Joel & Terilyn Winful*SILVER ($2,550)

Roger Bivans & Sarah Donch*

BracewellNina Cortell

Criminal Law SectionEnergy Law Section

Haseena J. EnuFarrow-Gillespie & Heath LLp

Fluor CorporationFreese & Goss, pLLC

Kara E. GehanGibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLp

Tim GossHon. Mark Greenberg

Robert A Gwinn and Marianne S. Gwinn Family Foundation

Hunton & Williams LLpMark L. Johansen

K&L GatesJohn & Lacy Lawrence

Mary Kay Inc.Mergers & Acquisition Section

Daniel J. MiccicheMergers & Acquisitions Section

Robert T. Mowreyposey Law Firm, p.C.

Reese Gordon Marketos, LLpSayles Werbner

Securities SectionDan Sheehan

SmithHargrave LawNancy & John SolanaFrank E. Stevenson II*Strasburger & price

Tax Law SectionThompson, Coe, Cousins & Irons

Trial Skills Sectionpatricia J. Villareal

peter S. Vogel & Marguerite S. BurtisRobb L. Voyles

Waters, Kraus & paul, LLpWick phillips Gould & Martin, LLp

Winstead pCAmy K. Witherite

BRONZE ($1,500)Wes & Amy Alost

AnonymousKim J. Askew

Baker McKenzie LLpBankruptcy & Commercial Law Section

Van H. BeckwithMichael Boone

William D. Cobb Jr.Robert Cohan

James E. Coleman, Jr.Diane p. Couchman*Cowles & Thompson

Jim E. CowlesCrockett, McBride & Associates at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management

Timothy S. DurstJohn C. Eichman

Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation SectionCheryl A. Engelmann

Hon. Royal Furgeson & Marcellene Malouf*

Bryan GarnerBeverly K Goulet

Guida, Slavich & FloresDavid C. Haley

Holland & Knight LLpJ. L. Turner Legal Association Foundation

J. Mark HollingsworthRalph S. Janvey

Jordan, Houser & Flournoy, LLpAmb. Robert W. Jordan

Kessler CollinsMichael A. Krywucki

Lewis T. LeclairJeffrey S. Levinger

Jason S. LewisWilliam B. Mateja

McCall parkhurst & Horton, LLpReverend Andy McCarthy and Samara

KlineJoey MessinaE. Lee Morris

Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, p.C.Jeff and Annette pattersonCourtney Barksdale perez

Beth W. petronioEric and Melanie pinker

C. Jeffrey priceBrent & Betty Rosenthal

Chris and Therese RourkJason L. SandersSedgwick LLp

Solos & Small Firms SectionJoe A. Stalcup

Ross W. Stoddard IIITexas A&M School of Law

Tort & Insurance practice SectionJeffrey M. Trinklein

Verizon Enterprise Solutions

SPONSOR ($1,000)Charla Aldous

Alexander Dubose Jefferson & Townsend LLp

Appellate Law SectionW. Mike Baggett

Jack BalagiaBVA Group

Barry BarnettDarren Barnett

Lisa A. Blue Baron*Mark W. BayerJames S. Bell

Bell Nunnally & Martin LLpBloom Strategic Consulting

E. Steve Bolden IITalmage Boston

Monica Lira BravoHon. Mary Brown

Shonn & Clarence BrownThe Law Office of Joseph F. Bruegger

Richard A. CapshawJonathan Childers

Deb & Scott ColdwellTom Connop

Construction Law SectionVictor Corpuz

Trey CoxGayla Campbell Crain

Sally L. Crawford*Dallas Asian American Bar Association

Dallas Hispanic Bar AssociationDallas Women Lawyers Association

James DonohoeEstes Okon Thorne & Carr pLLC

Eye of a Needle Fund, The

Family Law Section Hon. King Fifer

Friedman & Feiger, LLpKevin and Sharla Fuller

paul R. GenenderThe Girards Law Firm

Don GlendenningBeverly Godbey*

Goranson Bain, pLLCSally Hartman

Health Law SectionElise Healy & Associates, pllc

Randall K. HulmeMichael K. Hurst

Intellectual property Law SectionKathleen E. IrvinMichael L. JonesDarrell E. JordanHon. Jim Jordan*

Michael L. KaufmanKathleen Kearney

Dan & Bonnie KeeneLarry & Joan Kelly

Kilgore & Kilgore, pLLCJill A. Kotvis

Lackey Hershman LLpTom Leatherbury

George and Robyn LeeNeel and Lynn Lemon

Robert E. LuxenTed B. Lyon, Jr.

Elizabeth E. MackJacob B. MarshallJohn H. Martin

Charles W. Matthews, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. David R. McAtee II

Karen D. McCloudKelly McClure

p. Mike McCullough, Jr.John H. McDowellHarriet E. Miers

Millennium SettlementsRetta A. Miller

Judge Kenneth H. Molberg*James N. Mueller

Jon MureenHon. Mary L. Murphy

Maureen Murry Joan & Terry Oxford

palter Stokley Sims pLLCEmily A. parker

The pettit Law FirmJoseph pevsner

Will and Ellen pryorSusan Rainey

Tino A. RamirezRobert F. Ruckman

John SalazarMary L. Scott

Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley & Norton, LLp

Shamoun & Norman LLpSorrels udashen & Anton

pamela St. John*paul K. Stafford

Richard G. Stewart, Jr. & Sandra J. Stewart

PATRON ($510)Rodney Acker

J. Cullen AderholdAnonymous

The Bassett Firm pCHon. Jane J. Boyle

Jane BrandtCharles W. “Trey” Branham III

Mary M. BurdinW. Edward Carlton Wendy & Mark

CastellanaJohn M. Cox

Linda M. DedmanScott Doggett

Kenny and Stacey DoréDr pepper Snapple Group, Inc.

Daniel M. Drory*Suzan Fenner

The Bassett Firm pCHon. Jane J. Boyle

Jane BrandtCharles W. “Trey” Branham III

Mary M. BurdinW. Edward Carlton Wendy & Mark

CastellanaJohn M. Cox

Linda M. DedmanScott Doggett

Kenny and Stacey DoréDr pepper Snapple Group, Inc.

Daniel M. Drory*Suzan Fenner

William B. FinkelsteinMartha Ratnoff Fleisher

Bruce FlowersRobert J. Stokes

Dena DeNooyer Stroh*Super Lawyers

Susman Godfrey L.L.p.Texas Lawbook

Karin B. TorgersonTurley Law Firm

Karen Blakely Turnerphillip C. umphres

Justice Mark L. WhittingtonJulia p. Forrester

Michael S. GardnerGrau Law Group pLLC

Sean T. HamadaInga Harrison

Thomas HaskinsJames Holmes

International Law SectionJohn V. Jansonius

Andrew JeeBruce C. Kaye

Nolan C. KnightLabor & Employment Law Section

Justice Douglas S LangMark A. Malveaux

Christina L. McCrackenJohn H. McElhaneyScott M. McElhaney

DONORS

Steven L. RussellGregory Sachnik

Sammons Enterprises, Inc.Nicholas Sarokhanian

Katrin SchatzLarry Schoenbrun

Mert SimonsClaude Sisson

Beverly B. Skelton

Judi SmallingCheryl Rivera Smith

Jessica Smithprof. Mary Spector*Marian G. Spitzberg

Robert J. StackLinda R. StahlAnne p. Stark

Janette Boyd Sullivan*Daniel F. Susie

The Taubenfeld FamilyCatherine Tolliver

Bellanne Meltzer TorenNina Tsai

Tracy N. TurnerR. Jeronimo ValdezJames Wallenstein

R. J. Watts IIJane A. Wetzel Trust

Judy WhiteJoseph J. Wielebinski

Ellen WilliamsonHeather WilsonJennifer Youpa

Tom and Tish Yoxall

DONORS

23

Wm. Frank Carroll Betsy I. Carter*

Kirsten M. CastañedaJ. Scott Chase

E. David Coligado*John M. Collins

Walter and Susan CowgerGreg W. CurryTracy J. Dalton*

Robert Edwin DavisDerek Dickinson

Barry DreesJack R. DuganMark EdwardsAlan D. Feldpaulo Flores

Dawn Fowler*Stephen E. Fox

Franchise & Distribution Law SectionRani C. Garcia

Tim Gavin

Alan D. Feldpaulo FloresDawn FowlerStephen E. Fox

Franchise & Distribution Law SectionRani C. Garcia

Tim GavinTheresa M. Gegen

Tom GiltnerCarol GlendenningStephen D. Good

Thomas p. GoransonChristopher Gores

Roderick A. GoyneWilliam L. GuzzettiOrrin L. Harrison IIIJay David HartnettLisa Winston Hicks

Hon. Ernest R. Higginbotham*Ladd A. Hirsch

Leonard A. HirschLawrence Hochberg

Norma R. IacovoCarman Jackson

Ray JacksonCoyt Johnston, Jr.

Guy H. KerrBrigitte M. Kimichik

Kay A. KingMark H. Kleinman

Justice Elizabeth A. Lang-Miers*A. Andrew R. Louis

Cynthia Faught MaloneWilliam Marple*

Richard A. MassmanGregory T. Mays

James D. McCarthyDebbie J. McComas

Barry F. McNeilKen and Judy MighellR. Matthew MolashKathryne M. Morris

Stuart A. MorseTimothy W. MountzDrew F. Nachowiak

Lawrence G. NewmanMary A. Goodrich Nix

Gregory NoscheseHolland N. O’NeilRobert H. Osburn

Kort J. petersTimothy E. powers

Hon. Monica McCoy purdyHon. Lorraine A. Raggio

Daena G. RamseySakina Rasheed

Joseph M. ReveszAlan Rich

Alisa RichmanBill S. Richmond

John E. RoperMark K. SalesBrian Sanford

David Curtis Schulte*Jerry R. SelingerAnne K. Shuttee

Georganna L. SimpsonEvan p. Singer

Leslie Steele SmithCamille Stearns-MillerW. Anthony Stewart

William StewartScott p. Stolley

Diane M. SumoskiKris Terry & Assoc Inc

Walter O. Theiss & Sandra Fava TheissThomas Roney LLC

Hon. Nancy A. ThomasJay L. Tobin

Hon. Emily G. TobolowskyKrissy Ruth Turner

Linda TygrettTatiana Waits

prof. Cheryl B. WattleyJoseph R. Weaver, Jr.

Ward WillifordElisabeth A. Wilson

Yong Lee WoodLawrence E. Ackels, Jr.

Susan AdamsJeremy Aleman

Kervyn B. Altaffer, Jr.Katie AndersonArthur AnthonyGeorge E. Ashley

J. Lee BaldwinSharon BalliSuzanne BassLester V. Baum

Manuel G. BerrelezGina E. Betts

Charles J. BlanchardMarilyn E. BlethenJonathan S. Blum

Lawrence G. BoydRebekah & Chip Brooker

Barry S. Brown

Brad and Rebecca BrownKimberly BrownHance Burrow IIIJosue Caballero

Cathlynn CannonJenna Carl

Ken & Tricia CarrollLunbing Chen

Michael H. CollinsLoree R Conrad

Celestina Contrerasu. Sidney Cornelius, Jr.Christina Melton Crain

Alan DabdoubBob Dawson

professor John DeGrooteMarsha DekanTricia DeLeon

Juanita DeloachSanford R. Denison

Tom DiggsChristene Krupa Downs

Henry DuboisJudith A. Dunn

Sara EvansJanis Everhart

Lawrence FogelSusan Frensley

J. Richard Gallagher, Esq.F. John Garza

Martin E. GarzaStephanie K. GauseCharles M. GearingCourtney GilbergW. John Glancy

Kay GogginHon. Gustavo E. Gonzales, Jr.

24

John A. GorenThomas E. Grace

Lauren GrauRebecca Garza Greenan*

Harriet GrossStephen M. Halbeisen

Linda Hale & Mike BuchananJudge Hall

Mark R. HallEugenia HargraveJack W. HawkinsJennifer Henry

Samuel L. HodgesHon. Martin J. Hoffman*

Martha Hardwick Hofmeister& Mrs. John Holden

Cynthia C. HollingsworthMichael Holloway of Burford & Rayburn

Hon. David HoranJohn Horany

Gregory S.C. HuffmanCissy HumphreyRhonda F. Hunter

Clifton T. HutchinsonDeanna Inman Nolan IsaacsCarrie IvesRami Jabara

Hon. Irene JacksonThomas R. Jackson

J. Craig JettBrenk Johnson

Roland K. JohnsonMichael KarnoAlan C. KazdoySteven Kennedy

David KentJennifer A. KingLisa R. Kivett

Steve KlimacekErika Knapstein

John KoepkeJordan Konig

Edwin p. KriegerThomas E. Kurth

Evangeline Lalangas Jan LangbeinAngelina Lapenotiere*Michelle Larson

Alan S. Leibelpeter C. LewisLowell E. LongG. Roland Love

Julie and Michael Lowenberg Family Fund of the Dallas Jewish

Judge Marty Lowy (Former)*David G. Luther, Jr.Aurora M. Madrigal

Katrina MartinScott D. McDonald Charles McGarry

Bruce E. Millerpaula J. MillerRuth Mitchell

Rachel Morganprof. Frederick C. Moss*

Jason MuellerNami Nafissi

Ronald J. NelsonIra and Shari Nevelow

Linda Newmanpauline NewtonVictoria Nsikak

Robert H. Nunnally, Jr.Karin OxtobyYvonne parks

Hon. Jay patterson*Diego J. pena

Julia Fields pendery Edward H. perry

Mike and Karen petersonKip A petroff

Eric pfeifeCynthia S. pladziewicz, ph.D.

Kathy Fox powellRobert D. probasco

Alissa puckettRaggio & Raggio pllc*

Kimberly RatcliffLauren Reed

Michael RegitzMichael W. ReindollarRobert D. Rippe, Jr.

Mark E. Ritchey C. paul Rogers, III

& Mrs. Norman R. Rogers

Mark MeltonJames S. Meyer

Audrey MooreheadHon. Eric V. MoyéDavid T. Norton

Erle NyeEmmanuel Obi

Mike and Susie powellMandy price

Gregory W. SampsonMark A. Shank

Judge Craig Smith*Stacy & Conder L.L.p.

Lindsay StengleBill Stone

Michael W. TankersleyWilliam Kenneth Tapscott, Jr. Daniel

TobeyGerald p. urbach

Raymond J. urbanikDeborah VerbilMartha Wach

Dessa Watson-FerrisBrad Weber*

Carl Weisbrod*Max Wernick

FRIEND ($255)Randall Adair

Darlene AguilarAshlie Alaman Stamper

Nnamdi AnozieJohn E. AnsbachG. Luke AshleyChad Baruch

Charles A. BeachJames BillingsleyLyndon F. Bittle

Lisa Kathryn BorkL. E. BrizzolaraTroy Broussard

Neil BurgerJudge Tena Callahan*

Cheryl S. Camin Murray

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

2625

Jose SigalRex Spivey

Thomas J. Stutz

FRIENDChristine G. AlbanoChrysandra Bowen

Anna BroadnaxChris Reed-Brown

David D. CoeMattie p. Compton

Theresa Marie DanielLisa Duffee

Melinda L. EitzenDenise Finch

Hon. Carl GinsbergKris Guy

Amy Savell JenkinsCharles C. Jordan

Kimberly KillebrewJudge Mark McCraw

Justice Lana R. MeyersJustice James A. Moseley

Nan Lee LLC Jeanne E. O’Neill & John A. Losurdo

Stephanie SheppardVanna K. Slaughter

Andrea Stroh ThompsonMaria Thomas-Jones

CONTRIBUTORMegan Abens

Albertson’s LLCAmerican Airlines political Action

CommitteeCharles Anderson

Jean AndersonAlison BattisteBjorn Bennett

Cristina R De Los Villanueva De BhatAlyson Blatney

Alexander W. BoltonJonathan Bridges

Cynthia Taliaferro BrightStuart BrownMichelle Burks

Thavan ChampionJames Creedon

Lynn p. CromartieElizabeth Dankers

Kathleen DeNooyerFrances DillardShelly Dukes

William C. DvorakAl Ellis

Hon. David W. EvansAmanda Farmer

Scott FarmerWendy Fenn

Celeste D. FlippenLouis J. FohnDelois FordLisa Frazier

Frost Insurance Agency, Inc.A. Brook Fulks Marilyn GetteAngie Gibbons

William J. GrabinskiFloyd Harmon

Beverly A. HendersonElizabeth Hill

Dierk HohmanVester T. Hughes, Jr.

A. JonasDan Jones

Christopher KellyBeth KennedyJack KennedyShanda KingVale KrenikLisa Krieser

Rachel LiHon. Brian Loughmiller

Tricia MagelKimberly McCoy

Bridgette McGrathDonna McKay Jeffrey Mead

Jackie MonteilhCarolyn Moore

Rebecca E. MoseleyAngela NevilleGeorge parkerJennifer paul

Jessica perroniMelissa & Samuel prince

Russ RiddleDevonna Roberson

Dan RodriguezKaren C. SargentSchandra’s Inc.

Colleen Higgins SchultzGeorge ShakeShelly WatsonMonte Sherrod

Margaret Sprenkle Richard TaylorHaben TeweldeDavid Tipton

unitarian universalist Church of Midlandunited Way of Greater Kansas City

Leslie utigerChristopher K. Walter

Melissa WeaverMichelle WeihingHeather White

Texas Instruments

Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas Donors

PRESENTING SPONSORAT&T

PLATINUM SPONSORLisa A. Blue BaronTexas Instruments

GOLD SPONSOREnergy Future Holdings Legal Department

Exxon Mobil CorporationRandy Johnston

Tyler Technologies, Inc.SILVER SPONSOR

Arlington Young Lawyers AssociationFrito-Lay, Law Department

Hewlett packardKathleen D Kennedy

Locke Lord LLpSidley Austin, LLp

uNT Dallas College of LawBRONZE SPONSOR

AnonymousThe Law Office of Natalie Gregg

Mike MyersWill and Ellen pryor

SPONSORBrandon BookerStarlett Carter

Godwin, pCNatalie Gregg

Christina A. JumpWalter and Karen Levy

Ann Marie painterGabriel V. VazquezGrace Weatherly

PATRONAlan Barker

Merrie CavanaughCollin County Bench Bar Foundation

Tom DaleyAnnette N. EzzellHilda C. Galvan

Bonnie Lee GoldsteinGruber Elrod Johansen Hail Shank LLp

Amy LottHon. Tonya parker

penny phillipsSydney Robison

Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas gratefully appreciates the generous support of hundreds of members of the communities across NorthWest Texas and the country.

Thank you for helping make civil legal aid available for all people living within the 114 counties we serve.

Jean Anderson, Client Board MemberLubbock Area Client Council

Star Carter, 2015-2016 Executive Committee MemberDallas Bar Association/J.L. Turner Legal Association

Michael W. Johnston, Attorney Board MemberTarrant County Bar Association

Celestina Contreras, Attorney Board MemberDallas Bar Association

Demechra Davis, Client Board Member South and East Side Client Council

Marcus Edwards, Client Board MemberDenton County NAACp

Annette Ezzell, 2015-2016 Immediate past ChairDenton County Bar Association

Erika Kiser, Client Board MemberThe Family place

Jan Langbein, 2015-2016 Board ChairGenesis Women’s Shelter & Support

Angelina Lapenotiere, 2015-2016 TreasurerDallas Bar Association/Dallas Hispanic Bar Association

Richard Mitchell, 2015-2016 Vice ChairWichita County Bar Association

Carolyn Moore, Attorney Board MemberLubbock Area Bar Association

Letecia patin, personnel Committee ChairL. Clifford Davis Legal Association

Mandy price, Attorney Board MemberDallas Bar Association

pamela St. John, Attorney Board MemberDallas Bar Association

Monte Sherrod, 2015-2016 At-Large Member of Executive CommitteeAbilene Bar Association

Diane Sumoski, Attorney Board MemberDallas Bar Association

Natasha Villars, Client Board MemberNorth Side Client Council of Fort Worth

Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas600 East Weatherford Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76102

817.649.4740 www.lanwt.org