Contact: Catherine Galloway
Texas Access to Justice Commission
512-427-1892 | cgalloway@texasatj.org
AUSTIN, Texas - The Supreme Court of Texas and the State Bar of Texas have appointed three new commissioners and reappointed one commissioner to the Texas Access to Justice Commission. The Court created the Commission in 2001 to expand civil legal-aid services for low-income Texans.
“The Commission’s work is vital to ensuring low-income Texans have access to solutions for their civil legal problems. The Commission’s new and returning members bring diverse experiences and expertise that will advance the Commission’s efforts to secure equal access to justice for all Texans,” said Texas Supreme Court Justice Eva Guzman, liaison to the Texas Access to Justice Commission. “I am honored to work with these talented and dedicated individuals and grateful for their service to those in need.”
The appointments are as follows:
Supreme Court of Texas Appointments
- Luz Herrera, Fort Worth
Associate Dean for Experiential Education, Texas A&M University School of Law - William “Bill” Marple, Dallas
Director of Pro Bono and Bar Relations, Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas
State Bar of Texas Appointment
- Nicole Voyles, Houston
Partner, Tindall England PC
State Bar of Texas Reappointment
- Jenny Lee Smith, Austin
Attorney and Counselor at Law, Cobb & Counsel
“We are delighted to have these outstanding new Commissioners join us,” said Harry M. Reasoner, chair of the Texas Access to Justice Commission. “Each member’s service can be a tremendous contribution to the Commission’s mission to provide access to justice to the millions of Texans who cannot afford to hire attorneys.”
The Supreme Court of Texas created the Texas Access to Justice Commission to expand services for low-income Texans who need legal assistance but may not be able to afford or find it. The Texas Access to Justice Commission assists legal-aid organizations to help more than 100,000 low-income Texas families each year with their civil legal needs. The Commission’s mission includes reducing barriers to the justice system and increasing resources and funding for legal aid. The Commission consists of 22 commissioners, each serving a three-year term and three ex-officio members appointed by the Texas Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the House.
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The Commission has created several initiatives to increase resources and awareness of legal aid. For more information, please visit www.TexasATJ.org.
