Gonnet Glen Colin Attorney At Law

The following brief history of Legal Services state support in Texas originally appeared in the January 1992 issue of the newsletter, the Alert. It was prepared by Texas Legal Services Center Executive Director Randall Chapman. A graduate of Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University, Mr. Chapman practiced law in Legal Services programs in Pennsylvania for ten years prior to his selection as executive director in 1984.TLSC was established in 1977 by Texas Project Directors to facilitate communications between programs and to work on client issues of statewide concern. Initially, TLSC's efforts were mainly directed at policy advocacy, with limited litigation assistance in significant federal cases.During the 1980's TLSC worked though Task Forces to expand clients' rights in TEC appeals and in the administration of TDHS benefit programs. The program served as co-counsel in the Lelsz and RAJ lawsuits, which resulted in expanded services in state schools and state hospitals. Those lawsuits also served as a catalyst for the state's efforts to move MHMR services from institutions into community settings.TLSC has also served as counsel in lawsuits protecting the rights of pretrial inmates in county jails. In the case of Williamson County, a new prison was constructed and inmates' rights were greatly expanded. Prison access to a law library was improved and inmates were appointed counsel within 72 hours of detention.Former TLSC Director Clinton Cross worked with Legal Services programs and the State Bar to help establish Texas Lawyers Care and IOLTA. TLSC's director Randall Chapman is currently working with the Texas Access to Justice Commission to develop new funding for Legal Aid programs.Responding to the unmet needs of the elderly poor, TLSC established in 1989 its Legal Hotline for Older Texans. With funding from IOLTA, AARP and the Texas Department on Aging, the Legal Hotline has provided individual advice and counseling by attorneys to clients in over 70, 000 cases. Based, on TLSC's success with the telephonic delivery of legal services, similar hotlines have been established throughout the United States.The provision of training and statewide publications has been a primary part of TLSC's mission in state support. Training assistance has been provided in poverty law issues for attorneys, paralegals, pro bono attorneys, support staff, and local Board members. TLSC has worked with the Texas Clients Council to co-sponsor community education conferences to advise clients of their legal rights. Other community education activities started by TLSC staff include the preparation and distribution of Justice for All calendars to advise clients of their legal rights. When laws changed, or public benefit programs were expanded, TLSC staff prepared flyers and posters for distribution by local programs.Publications established by the Center include the Alert and the statewide personnel directory. TLSC also published the Attorney Desk Reference Manual that is now updated by Texas Lawyers Care. That manual highlights every routine matter likely to develop in the practice of poverty law. Appendices include sample forms and pleadings, and references to other publications.With funding from Texas Bar Foundation, TLSC led the nation in expansion of the electronic communications network, known as HandsNet. Over 60 legal aid and pro bono projects participated in the network and shared information and legal documents throughout the state ( see, Harnessing Technology to Help the Poor@ Texas Bar Journal, April 1991 ). With the development of the Internet, TLSC has taken a lead in technology by providing training, and by supporting lawyer and public web sites with legal resources for advocates and clients. Additionally, TLSC created statewide computer discussion groups ( list-serves ) for all legal aid staff and for specialized legal services task forces.With support from IOLTA, TLSC has significantly improved the avail