DEVELOPING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LAW FIRMS, LAW
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DEVELOPING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LAW FIRMS, LAW STUDENTS, COMMUNITY PARTNERS LEGAL SERVICE PROVIDERS, Holly Griffin is the Managing Attorney of the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program, where she manages the day-to-day operations of the
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DEVELOPING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LAW FIRMS, LAW STUDENTS, & COMMUNITY PARTNERS LEGAL SERVICE PROVIDERS,<br>
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Holly Griffin is the Managing Attorney of the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program, where she manages the day-to-day operations of the program.
Mariséla Martin is the Community Engagement Coordinator of the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program, where she focuses on volunteer recruitment and outreach to community partners. HOLLY GRIFFIN MARISÉLA MARTIN Managing Attorney Community Engagement Coordinator PANELISTS<br>
Mariséla Martin is the Community Engagement Coordinator of the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program, where she focuses on volunteer recruitment and outreach to community partners. HOLLY GRIFFIN MARISÉLA MARTIN Managing Attorney Community Engagement Coordinator PANELISTS<br>
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Chante Brantley is a Clinical Professor of Law and the Founding Director of the VanSickle Family Law Clinic at SMU Dedman School of Law.
Rachel Elkin is pro bono counsel in Haynes Boone’s Dallas office. She is responsible for coordinating the firm’s pro bono efforts across all 19 offices. CHANTE BRANTLEY RACHEL ELKIN SMU Dedman School of Law Haynes Boone PANELISTS<br>
Rachel Elkin is pro bono counsel in Haynes Boone’s Dallas office. She is responsible for coordinating the firm’s pro bono efforts across all 19 offices. CHANTE BRANTLEY RACHEL ELKIN SMU Dedman School of Law Haynes Boone PANELISTS<br>
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AGENDA I. Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program
II. SMU Dedman School of Law
III. Haynes Boone, LLP<br>
II. SMU Dedman School of Law
III. Haynes Boone, LLP<br>
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DVAP is a joint pro bono program of the Dallas Bar Association and Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas created in 1997 when both organization merged their previously separate pro bono programs to create one cohesive effort to address the legal needs of low-income people in Dallas.
DVAP is dedicated to increasing and enhancing pro bono legal services to low-income people in Dallas through the recruitment, training, and support of volunteer attorneys, law student, and legal support staff. DVAP<br>
DVAP is dedicated to increasing and enhancing pro bono legal services to low-income people in Dallas through the recruitment, training, and support of volunteer attorneys, law student, and legal support staff. DVAP<br>
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Community Partner Law Firm Law School<br>
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Legal Service Provider<br>
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In 2025, DVAP successfully coordinated outreach to 70 different law firms and corporate legal departments.
Monthly Recruiting Meetings - Monthly check-ins with DVAP pro bono contacts.
One-on-one conversations.
Clinic Sponsorships - Law firms and legal departments sign-up to staff DVAP legal clinics.
In 2025, we had 1,061 attorneys volunteering through the legal clinics
Law Firm Lunch & Learns LAW FIRMS Subject matters include estate planning, simple divorce, and general pro bono opportunities.<br>
Monthly Recruiting Meetings - Monthly check-ins with DVAP pro bono contacts.
One-on-one conversations.
Clinic Sponsorships - Law firms and legal departments sign-up to staff DVAP legal clinics.
In 2025, we had 1,061 attorneys volunteering through the legal clinics
Law Firm Lunch & Learns LAW FIRMS Subject matters include estate planning, simple divorce, and general pro bono opportunities.<br>
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Pro Bono Coordinators Meeting - Held twice a year in the Spring and the Fall for Pro Bono Coordinators with firms and corporate legal departments who have a presence in DFW.
Roundtable discussions about the status of pro bono at their office.
Fellowship Programs - Firms have opportunities where they will sponsor an associate or summer associate to work at a legal nonprofit, while being employed by the firm.
Flexible program dates
Akin Gump Summer Pro Bono Scholars
Winston Taylor Fellowship Program
The DVAP Lend-a-Lawyer Program LAW FIRMS<br>
Roundtable discussions about the status of pro bono at their office.
Fellowship Programs - Firms have opportunities where they will sponsor an associate or summer associate to work at a legal nonprofit, while being employed by the firm.
Flexible program dates
Akin Gump Summer Pro Bono Scholars
Winston Taylor Fellowship Program
The DVAP Lend-a-Lawyer Program LAW FIRMS<br>
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Email Referral Program - Weekly email campaign to advertise available pro bono cases to volunteer attorneys.
Staff Mentor Attorneys - Court accompaniment, review pleadings, provide forms, answer any questions regarding pro bono matters.
Kristen Salas
Krisan Patterson
Outside mentors who are experts in their fields.
Malpractice Insurance
Client Meeting Space
Notary Services LAW FIRMS KRISTEN SALAS KRISAN PATTERSON<br>
Staff Mentor Attorneys - Court accompaniment, review pleadings, provide forms, answer any questions regarding pro bono matters.
Kristen Salas
Krisan Patterson
Outside mentors who are experts in their fields.
Malpractice Insurance
Client Meeting Space
Notary Services LAW FIRMS KRISTEN SALAS KRISAN PATTERSON<br>
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DVAP has established partnerships with law schools to provide law students with pro bono opportunities.
Current Law School Partners:
Purdue Global
SMU Dedman School of Law
St. Mary’s University School of Law
Texas A&M University School of Law
Texas Tech University School of Law
University of Virginia School of Law
UNT Dallas College of Law
Summer Associates Pro Bono Luncheon - Held annually for summer associates working in DFW who are invited to learn more about pro bono in Dallas.
Guest speakers LAW STUDENTS<br>
Current Law School Partners:
Purdue Global
SMU Dedman School of Law
St. Mary’s University School of Law
Texas A&M University School of Law
Texas Tech University School of Law
University of Virginia School of Law
UNT Dallas College of Law
Summer Associates Pro Bono Luncheon - Held annually for summer associates working in DFW who are invited to learn more about pro bono in Dallas.
Guest speakers LAW STUDENTS<br>
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LAW STUDENTS In 2025, 965 law students volunteered through the legal clinics.
Volunteer opportunities are flexible and fit any law school schedule.
Morning, afternoon, and evening opportunities.
Through working with DVAP, law students gain valuable skills, such as interviewing, working with clients, document drafting, time management, and more!
Many law student volunteers return to DVAP upon becoming licensed.<br>
Volunteer opportunities are flexible and fit any law school schedule.
Morning, afternoon, and evening opportunities.
Through working with DVAP, law students gain valuable skills, such as interviewing, working with clients, document drafting, time management, and more!
Many law student volunteers return to DVAP upon becoming licensed.<br>
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COMMUNITY PARTNERS DVAP works with various locally trusted community partners to host educational seminars and legal intake clinics throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Community partners include churches, schools, neighborhood centers, and City of Dallas facilities.
Successful partnerships include:
Estate Planning legal clinics serving the elderly population at the Senior Source and the Zan Wesley Holmes, Jr. Community Outreach Center.
General legal intake clinics at Friendship West Baptist Church and Grace United Methodist Church.
Serving the unhoused population by offering onsite legal services at temporary housing facilities, such as Family Gateway.
Community education seminars at locations around Dallas County.<br>
Community partners include churches, schools, neighborhood centers, and City of Dallas facilities.
Successful partnerships include:
Estate Planning legal clinics serving the elderly population at the Senior Source and the Zan Wesley Holmes, Jr. Community Outreach Center.
General legal intake clinics at Friendship West Baptist Church and Grace United Methodist Church.
Serving the unhoused population by offering onsite legal services at temporary housing facilities, such as Family Gateway.
Community education seminars at locations around Dallas County.<br>
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One Partnership. Two Ways We Work Together.
Full Representation
The Clinic accepts approximately 6–8 family law cases referred by DVAP each semester.
Law Students (Student Associates of the State Bar of Texas) serve as lead counsel under close faculty supervision.
Clients receive quality representation while students gain meaningful practice experience.
Pro Se Clinic at the Courthouse
Clinic partners with DVAP, Dallas County, the judiciary, DBA, etc., at our courthouse self-help clinic.
Students assist self-represented litigants with legal forms, while supervising attorneys provide legal advice.
A DVAP paralegal screens individuals on-site to determine whether they qualify for representation or document preparation services through DVAP.
Together, we help individuals receive the level of legal assistance that best meets their needs. PARTNERSHIPS IN ACTION<br>
Full Representation
The Clinic accepts approximately 6–8 family law cases referred by DVAP each semester.
Law Students (Student Associates of the State Bar of Texas) serve as lead counsel under close faculty supervision.
Clients receive quality representation while students gain meaningful practice experience.
Pro Se Clinic at the Courthouse
Clinic partners with DVAP, Dallas County, the judiciary, DBA, etc., at our courthouse self-help clinic.
Students assist self-represented litigants with legal forms, while supervising attorneys provide legal advice.
A DVAP paralegal screens individuals on-site to determine whether they qualify for representation or document preparation services through DVAP.
Together, we help individuals receive the level of legal assistance that best meets their needs. PARTNERSHIPS IN ACTION<br>
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PARTNERSHIPS IN ACTION Why this Partnership Works
Expands access to justice.
Strengthens collaboration among legal service providers, the courts, the private bar, and legal education.
Creates meaningful learning opportunities for future attorneys.
What Partnerships Make Possible (Impact):
10 Years of Service
2,000+ Individuals & Families Served
35,000+ Hours of Legal Service
120+ Student Attorneys Trained
39 Chief Counsel Student Leaders Developed<br>
Expands access to justice.
Strengthens collaboration among legal service providers, the courts, the private bar, and legal education.
Creates meaningful learning opportunities for future attorneys.
What Partnerships Make Possible (Impact):
10 Years of Service
2,000+ Individuals & Families Served
35,000+ Hours of Legal Service
120+ Student Attorneys Trained
39 Chief Counsel Student Leaders Developed<br>
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WHAT 10 YEARS OF PARTNERSHIP HAS TAUGHT ME<br>
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UNDERSTANDING THE BIG LAW PRO BONO MODEL Firm Structure and Pro Bono
Law firm size and internal structure impact how pro bono matters are managed and approved, affecting overall capacity and response times.
Internal Stakeholders Collaboration
Multiple stakeholders including practice leaders and risk departments are involved, influencing referral processes and timelines.
Understanding Internal Processes
Recognizing internal processes helps coordinators build trust and successfully place matters despite delays or questions.<br>
Law firm size and internal structure impact how pro bono matters are managed and approved, affecting overall capacity and response times.
Internal Stakeholders Collaboration
Multiple stakeholders including practice leaders and risk departments are involved, influencing referral processes and timelines.
Understanding Internal Processes
Recognizing internal processes helps coordinators build trust and successfully place matters despite delays or questions.<br>
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UNDERSTANDING THE PRO BONO COUNSEL MODEL Role of Pro Bono Counsel
Pro bono counsel acts as gatekeeper for intake, conflicts, risk assessment, and staffing decisions in pro bono cases.
Who We Are
Legal services attorneys, public interest or government attorneys, firm partners or associates, law firm staff and professionals.
Internal Models
Geographic coverage, subject-matter experts, national leader with local officer coordinators<br>
Pro bono counsel acts as gatekeeper for intake, conflicts, risk assessment, and staffing decisions in pro bono cases.
Who We Are
Legal services attorneys, public interest or government attorneys, firm partners or associates, law firm staff and professionals.
Internal Models
Geographic coverage, subject-matter experts, national leader with local officer coordinators<br>
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WHAT LAW FIRMS LOOK FOR IN PRO BONO OPPORTUNITIES Clear Scope Definition
Attorneys need clear understanding of the tasks included and excluded in pro bono cases for effective commitment.
Reasonable Time Commitment
Realistic time demands help attorneys balance pro bono work with their billable client responsibilities.
Training and Mentorship
Support through training and mentorship empowers attorneys, especially in unfamiliar practice areas.
Alignment with Firm Priorities
Opportunities aligned with firm goals like diversity, community ties, or practice focus attract more interest.<br>
Attorneys need clear understanding of the tasks included and excluded in pro bono cases for effective commitment.
Reasonable Time Commitment
Realistic time demands help attorneys balance pro bono work with their billable client responsibilities.
Training and Mentorship
Support through training and mentorship empowers attorneys, especially in unfamiliar practice areas.
Alignment with Firm Priorities
Opportunities aligned with firm goals like diversity, community ties, or practice focus attract more interest.<br>
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BUILDING VOLUNTEER-FRIENDLY MATTERS Clear Matter Descriptions
Provide concise, complete descriptions including client details, issues, hours, deadlines, and LSO support to reduce uncertainty.
Task Breakdown
Split complex matters into manageable tasks to improve placement success and ease volunteer understanding.
Benefits of Clarity
Clarity protects clients, streamlines reviews, and helps match volunteers to appropriate legal matters efficiently.<br>
Provide concise, complete descriptions including client details, issues, hours, deadlines, and LSO support to reduce uncertainty.
Task Breakdown
Split complex matters into manageable tasks to improve placement success and ease volunteer understanding.
Benefits of Clarity
Clarity protects clients, streamlines reviews, and helps match volunteers to appropriate legal matters efficiently.<br>
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TRAINING, ONBOARDING, AND SUPPORT Importance of Training
Robust training and onboarding significantly increase attorney willingness to volunteer beyond core practice areas.
Effective Onboarding Tools
Onboarding includes CLEs, practice guides, sample pleadings, checklists, and access to experienced mentors.
Support and Risk Reduction
Clear points of contact and strong support reduce malpractice risk and improve work quality.
Benefits for LSOs
Investing in training leads to higher volunteer satisfaction and increases repeat participation.<br>
Robust training and onboarding significantly increase attorney willingness to volunteer beyond core practice areas.
Effective Onboarding Tools
Onboarding includes CLEs, practice guides, sample pleadings, checklists, and access to experienced mentors.
Support and Risk Reduction
Clear points of contact and strong support reduce malpractice risk and improve work quality.
Benefits for LSOs
Investing in training leads to higher volunteer satisfaction and increases repeat participation.<br>
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SCOPE AND RISK MANAGEMENT Defining Scope Clearly
Using engagement letters explicitly states included and excluded services to avoid scope creep and misunderstandings.
Malpractice Coverage
Malpractice considerations include understanding coverage provided by the firm, LSO, or other programs to protect all parties.
Volunteer Responsibilities
Clarifying supervision obligations and responsibilities during intake ensures volunteers understand their role and limits.
Risk Management Importance
Thoughtful risk management practices protect the long-term sustainability and success of the partnership.<br>
Using engagement letters explicitly states included and excluded services to avoid scope creep and misunderstandings.
Malpractice Coverage
Malpractice considerations include understanding coverage provided by the firm, LSO, or other programs to protect all parties.
Volunteer Responsibilities
Clarifying supervision obligations and responsibilities during intake ensures volunteers understand their role and limits.
Risk Management Importance
Thoughtful risk management practices protect the long-term sustainability and success of the partnership.<br>
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SUCCESSFUL CASE MANAGEMENT Regular Status Updates
Frequent updates keep all parties informed and ensure progress is monitored effectively throughout the case lifecycle.
Deadline Tracking
Clear tracking of deadlines helps maintain timely delivery and prevents important tasks from being overlooked.
Escalation Procedures
Defined steps for escalating issues allow challenges to be addressed promptly and by the right personnel.
Role of LSOs
Legal Support Officers coordinate communication and provide essential guidance to volunteers handling cases.<br>
Frequent updates keep all parties informed and ensure progress is monitored effectively throughout the case lifecycle.
Deadline Tracking
Clear tracking of deadlines helps maintain timely delivery and prevents important tasks from being overlooked.
Escalation Procedures
Defined steps for escalating issues allow challenges to be addressed promptly and by the right personnel.
Role of LSOs
Legal Support Officers coordinate communication and provide essential guidance to volunteers handling cases.<br>
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MANAGING ATTORNEY TRANSITIONS Inevitable Attorney Turnover
Attorney turnover occurs frequently, especially in large law firms, requiring careful planning to manage transitions effectively.
Best Transition Practices
Require departing attorneys to prepare detailed case-status memos and introduce successor counsel to clients and mentors.
Centralized Case Tracking
Maintain centralized case tracking systems to ensure seamless case management during attorney transitions.
Minimizing Client Disruption
Proactive transition planning reassures clients and minimizes disruptions during personnel changes in the firm.<br>
Attorney turnover occurs frequently, especially in large law firms, requiring careful planning to manage transitions effectively.
Best Transition Practices
Require departing attorneys to prepare detailed case-status memos and introduce successor counsel to clients and mentors.
Centralized Case Tracking
Maintain centralized case tracking systems to ensure seamless case management during attorney transitions.
Minimizing Client Disruption
Proactive transition planning reassures clients and minimizes disruptions during personnel changes in the firm.<br>
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RECOGNITION AND RETENTION Sharing Success Stories
Sharing success stories motivates volunteers by illustrating the real impact of their pro bono contributions.
Award Nominations
Nominating attorneys for awards publicly acknowledges their efforts and boosts morale.
Closing the Impact Loop
Informing volunteers about the long-term impact of their work helps foster continued engagement and commitment.<br>
Sharing success stories motivates volunteers by illustrating the real impact of their pro bono contributions.
Award Nominations
Nominating attorneys for awards publicly acknowledges their efforts and boosts morale.
Closing the Impact Loop
Informing volunteers about the long-term impact of their work helps foster continued engagement and commitment.<br>
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KEY TAKEAWAYS Understanding Firm Operations
Grasping how firms operate helps tailor pro bono partnerships to be more effective and aligned.
Simplifying Opportunity Evaluation
Making opportunities easy to evaluate encourages participation and clearer decision-making.
Proactive Communication
Regular and proactive communication strengthens collaboration and prevents misunderstandings.
Investing in Training and Support
Providing training and support ensures partners are equipped and confident in their roles.
Prioritizing Long-Term Relationships
Focusing on long-term relationships builds sustainable and impactful partnerships for all parties.<br>
Grasping how firms operate helps tailor pro bono partnerships to be more effective and aligned.
Simplifying Opportunity Evaluation
Making opportunities easy to evaluate encourages participation and clearer decision-making.
Proactive Communication
Regular and proactive communication strengthens collaboration and prevents misunderstandings.
Investing in Training and Support
Providing training and support ensures partners are equipped and confident in their roles.
Prioritizing Long-Term Relationships
Focusing on long-term relationships builds sustainable and impactful partnerships for all parties.<br>
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GET CONNECTED HOLLY GRIFFIN
Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program
griffin@lanwt.org MARISÉLA MARTIN
Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program
martinm@lanwt.org CHANTE BRANTLEY
SMU Dedman School of Law
cprox@smu.edu RACHEL ELKIN
Haynes Boone
Rachel.Elkin@haynesboone.com<br>
Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program
griffin@lanwt.org MARISÉLA MARTIN
Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program
martinm@lanwt.org CHANTE BRANTLEY
SMU Dedman School of Law
cprox@smu.edu RACHEL ELKIN
Haynes Boone
Rachel.Elkin@haynesboone.com<br>