President's Message
Patricia J. Giuliano
Do you sometimes find yourself thinking that maybe you were meant to be doing something
different—something, say, a little more fulfilling? Is your career missing its “zing?” If you are shaking your head in
agreement at this point, then maybe pro bono work is for you. There are many misunderstandings about what pro bono work is,
but simply put, it’s the provision of services without compensation to further a public good.
The Paralegal Division has a long tradition of supporting pro bono service. Recently, our members have assisted Legal
Aid of Northwest Texas, The Innocence Project of Texas, Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, CASA, and numerous other organizations. In
Dallas, a pro bono “fair” was organized to bring attention to the various opportunities available in the Dallas area and
similar events are being planned in other areas of the state.
If you are not aware of how to get involved, you can start by looking in the TPJ where the Division publishes
information about how and where to volunteer. Recently we added a page to our website where we list pro bono opportunities by
county. Also, in recognition that not all paralegals have the opportunity to partner with their own attorneys in the offering
of pro bono services, the Paralegal Division is working with Texas Lawyer’s Care to establish a “matching” program. It is
hoped that we will be able to provide a place where willing paralegals can be matched with attorneys to increase the
availability of legal services to those in need. We will keep you posted on this program as we are working to establish
guidelines to protect attorneys, paralegals, and the clients we will serve in this program.
As many of you know, in 1996 the Paralegal Division established the “Exceptional Pro Bono Service Award” which
highlights the contributions of one of our members each year. Nominations are solicited from around the state and
presentation of the award takes place at our Annual Meeting, with the recipient’s efforts also profiled in the TPJ. The
Division’s first pro bono award was presented to Patricia Hammer of Fort Worth, and this past year we marked the 10th
anniversary of the award with Jena Parker (also of Fort Worth) being honored for her work with The Innocence Project. If you
know of someone whose efforts are deserving of recognition, please go to our website and look under the Membership tab,
select Pro Bono Award, fill out the nomination form and then send it in.
Okay, many of you are probably thinking that you barely had time to read this article much less get involved in
another program. However, consider that pro bono work is the ultimate in the concept of giving and receiving; you provide
assistance to someone who needs help getting through the legal system, while improving your legal knowledge and skills.
You’re being given the opportunity to contribute to your community in a way that can boost your confidence with the knowledge
you attain through your service.
Jim Sales, the chair of the Texas Access to Justice Commission, reminds us that lawyers are uniquely qualified to
provide pro bono legal services to the poor. With the help of enthusiastic paralegals we can greatly increase the number
served. Whether you’re working at a legal aid clinic, getting involved with CASA, The Innocence Project, or other non-profit
organizations, there’s something for everyone. Do your part and bring “zing” back to your career. Get involved, and see where
it leads you—both professionally and personally.
Patricia J. Giuliano
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