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 $150 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

 

May 16, 2013

Fort Bend County Banks Receive Prime Partners in Justice Award

April 21-27, 2013

TAJF Recognizes National Crime Victims' Week

April 24, 2013

Champions of Justice Gala Raises More Than $338,000 for Legal Services to Veterans

April 3, 2013

Deadline for veteran grant applications extended to May 1

April 2013

Public Welfare Foundation issues report "Natural Allies: Philanthropy and Civil Legal Aid"

March 29, 2013

Children should have a voice in termination cases -Houston Chronicle

March 27, 2013

Legal Aid Needs Unmet - San Antonio Express News

March 1, 2013

IOLTA Program Find New Funding to Support Legal Services -ABA Journal

March 1, 2013

Statement from TAJF Chair on Sequester Funding Cuts to Legal Aid

February 20, 2013

Legal Aid Funding Shortfall & Legislative Solutions Announced

February 20, 2013

New report on economic impact of legal aid released today

February 18, 2013

Press Conference to Held Feb. 20 at the Capitol

December 21, 2012

FDIC Insurance Coverage May Change Jan. 1 for IOLTA Accounts

December 19, 2012

Rep. Elliott Naishtat honored with Legislative Hero Award

December 11, 2012

TAJF Chair Earns Prestigious National Award

December 6, 2012

Important Info for Attorneys Who Accept Credit Card Payments

December, 2012

TAJF is now on Twitter, @TxAccessJustice  

November 29, 2012

The National Banks of Central Texas join the Prime Partner Program

November 9, 2012

Letter to the Editor: Honoring Veterans

November 5, 2012

November is Prime Prime Partner Bank Month!

November 1, 2012

Carol M. Barger Appointed to TAJF Board

 

 

More news

© 2012 Texas Access to Justice Foundation