|
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
|
