On behalf of the Supreme Court of Texas, the Foundation administers the following funds:

Interest on Lawyers' Trust Accounts (IOLTA)

The IOLTA program, established in 1984 by the Supreme Court of Texas, allows attorneys to pool short-term or nominal deposits made on behalf of clients or third parties into one account. Interest generated by these accounts is dedicated to helping nonprofit organizations that provide free civil legal services. As of July 1, 1989, all Texas attorneys handling qualifying client funds must establish an IOLTA account, unless a low balance account exempts them.

Per Supreme Court of Texas rules, attorneys must hold IOLTA accounts in eligible banks -- those that pay interest rates comparable to other similar situated accounts.

  • Basic Civil Legal Services (BCLS)

    The Texas Legislature enacted the BCLS program in 1997, when federal funding for legal services decreased significantly. People who file lawsuits must pay a small additional fee to the court, ranging from $2 in the lower courts to $25 for suits taken to the Supreme Court of Texas. These fees are designated to assist nonprofit organizations in providing free civil legal services to low-income Texans.


    Included in this program are the mandatory Access to Justice fee (assessed to qualifying Texas attorneys), "And Justice for All" license plate proceeds, pro hac vice funds (fee assessed to out-of-state attorneys practicing in Texas), and other public funding.

  • Crime Victims Civil Legal Services (CVCLS)

    In 2001, the Texas Office of the Attorney General and the Supreme Court of Texas entered into an agreement to administer a $5 million Crime Victims Civil Legal Services fund over the biennium. The monies granted must be used to provide free civil legal services to low-income victims of crime.

    Eligibility Requirements
    CVCLS-funded Organizations

  • Voluntary Access to Justice Contributions

    Each year, Texas attorneys have the option of donating $100 or more when paying their State Bar of Texas dues. A significant portion of these donations is administered by the Texas Access to Justice Foundation and granted to legal aid organizations statewide.


    These diverse funding sources make it possible for the Texas Access to Justice Foundation to grant millions of dollars each year for the provision of legal aid to low-income Texans.

Recent News

 

Jan. 27, 2012

Statement on News Regarding the Hold on Low Interest Rates and the Effect on Legal Aid Programs

Dec. 15, 2011

Texas Senator Kirk Watson to Receive Texas Access to Justice Legislative Hero Award

Nov. 15, 2011

Statement on Funding Cuts to Texas LSC-funded Legal Aid Programs

Nov. 4, 2011

State Bar Gives $1.75 Million for Student Loan Repayment Program

Oct. 25, 2011

Texas Joins in National Pro Bono Celebration: Supreme Court of Texas Issues Resolution

Oct. 3, 2011

Rep. Pete Gallego Reappointed to TAJF Board

Sept. 29, 2011

Real Estate, Probate & Trust Law Section Donates $30,000 to TAJF

Sept. 27, 2011

First State Bank (Ennis) Becomes Prime Partner

Sept. 13, 2011

First State Bank of Mineral Wells Becomes Prime Partner

Sept. 7, 2011

Roland Johnson Appointed to TAJF Board of Directors

Aug. 29, 2011

Tate Reappointed Chair of TAJF Board of Directors

July 21, 2011

Commission and Foundation Applaud the Texas Legislature for Providing Funding for State's Legal Aid System

June 27, 2011

Texas Legislature Issues Joint Resolution Commending the State Supreme Court for Its Efforts to Preserve Access to Justice for All Texans in Legislature

 

More news
© 2012 Texas Access to Justice Foundation