Texas Access to Justice Commission Honors Vinson & Elkins with Champion of Justice Award

V&E was recognized in the “large size” category for law firms raising the highest amount and achieving the highest rate of attorney participation during the annual Justice for All Campaign. As part of dues renewal with the State Bar of Texas, attorneys are asked to donate $150 to the Campaign. In 2020, the Justice for All Campaign raised over $1.4 million with more than 10,500 lawyers contributing state-wide. Campaign funds go to civil legal aid organizations throughout the state that work to ensure the voices of our most vulnerable Texans are heard.

Founded by the Texas Supreme Court in 2001, TAJC serves as the statewide umbrella organization for all efforts to expand access and reduce barriers to justice in civil legal matters.

“Vinson & Elkins considers pro bono an integral part of our firm DNA and one of the important ways we give back to our communities,” said Jim Thompson, head of V&E’s Global Litigation department and a partner in V&E’s Houston office. Thompson accepted the award in a virtual event on behalf of V&E. “Our support of Texas Access to Justice ensures that our most vulnerable citizens have access to quality legal representation and is a natural extension of our commitment to pro bono work. Through our pro bono program, led by counsel Ellyn Josef and with the leadership of V&E partner Craig Seebald, our Pro Bono Committee Chair, our lawyers seek to improve the lives of others who are in need of legal services.”

Harry Reasoner, a litigation senior partner in V&E’s Houston office, currently serves as chair of TAJC, and Tom Leatherbury, an appellate partner in V&E’s Dallas office, serves as one of 19 commissioners.