TEXAS LAWYERS FORTEXAS VETERANS

“The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.”

— George Washington

Who Needs Help?

1.7 Million Vets in Texas — 5th highest innation330,000-plus Vets Receiving Disability or Pension Payments in TexasApprox. 9,000-plus Homeless Vets in Texas76% of homeless veterans experience alcohol, drug, or mental health problems.

Texas Lawyers for Texas Veterans Mission

Develop a coordinated statewide network of volunteer lawyers.Assist veterans who otherwise could not afford counsel.Work through local bar associations and veterans service providers.

What Are Veterans Legal Needs?

Disability Claims, Veterans Benefits, and Related IssuesChild Support or Custody, Divorce, Guardianship Bankruptcy, Tax, and Consumer IssuesOutstanding Warrants and FinesProbate and Estate Planning

Serving Those Who Served

As lawyers, it is our great honor to serve those who have served our country, at great sacrifice to themselves and their families.

“To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan.”

— Abraham Lincoln

Texas Lawyers for Texas Veterans Goals

Ensure Access to Legal Advice or Representation Build Awareness Among Veterans about Clinics and Other Legal ResourcesWork with Local Bars and Area Legal Aid Organizations to Identify Veterans in Need Assist Local Bars Across Texas with Recruiting/Training Attorneys and Coordinating ClinicsCreate Veterans Rights Brochure

Background: Houston Bar Association Veterans Initiative

Begun in June 2008More than 1,500 Veterans ServedCoordinated through HBA’s Houston Volunteer Lawyers ProgramWeekly legal advice clinics at DeBakey VA Medical CenterOther clinics at local VFW and American Legion posts

Texas Lawyers for Texas Veterans Partners

Department of Veterans AffairsVeterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion PostsTexas Veterans CommissionTexas Council of Community MHMR CentersMany other veterans services organizations throughout the state

What Can Legal Clinics Provide?

Free legal advice for veterans or family members of deceased veterans Knowledgeable attorney volunteers to assist with veterans disability claims and other legal issuesReferrals through local bars and legal aid organizations if further representation is needed

Veterans Legal Clinics Statewide

San Antonio Bar AssociationEl Paso Bar AssociationDallas Bar Association and Dallas Volunteer Lawyers ProgramAustin Bar AssociationTarrant County Bar AssociationMore clinics being started in other areas

Veterans Day 2010

Statewide rollout of Texas Veterans for Texas LawyersLocal bar associationshost clinics on or near Veterans DayMake this an annual event!

Texas Lawyers for Texas Veterans

For more information or to participate, contact the State Bar of Texas at

(800) 204-2222, ext. 1714. Or visit:

www.texasbar.com/veteransThank you!