"As Americans, we hold the belief that people should have equal and open access to the court system and to legal representation. Yet the reality is, that, despite that vision, access to quality legal help is often a question of financial means. Individuals in our community of limited means would be unable to achieve simple, but deeply important goals of filing divorce, altering child custody arrangments, or filing for bankruptcy were it not for the willingness of the volunteer lawyers and legal staff to make it possible for them at no cost. I would like to extend, on behalf of all San Antonio, great thanks to the lawyers and other members of the legal community who donate their time because they believe that people in need have a right to justice. Thank you for the work you do. It enriches our community."

Phil Hardberger
Mayor, San Antonio

"I commend you on five years of service to the city of San Antonio and surrounding communities.  Since opening your doors in 2002, each of you has served as an example of what a group of selfless individuals can do to reach out to those less fortunate.  Your dedication and sacrifice to both the city of San Antonio and Texas is something that we can all be proud of.

Throughout the past five years, Community Justice Program’s volunteers have served with true integrity and character.  I join with your coworkers, family and friends when I say that your experience and dedication are greatly appreciated. Thank you for your years of devoted service.  I send my best wishes for the years ahead."

John Cornyn
United States Senator

The Community Justice Program Mentor Experience
By Kim and Harry Munsinger

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a CJP mentor? We did. After talking to SABA President Lamont Jefferson about it, we were interested, but had concerns. Would it be unpleasant, boring, or time-consuming? Could it be professionally satisfying and good for the soul at the same time? Here’s what we found out...
as seen in the April 2007 Subpoena

A Covenant with the Community
By R. Wes Johnson
Managing Director, The Gardner Law Firm

One of the shareholders with my law firm emailed me a reminder that our firm volunteered in the Community Justice Program at the Carver Academy on the second Tuesday in May. This is the time, once a year, when, as a firm, we participate in providing pro bono legal services to those who are unable to afford even the simplest of legal advice...
as seen in the June 2006 Subpoena

Making Atticus Finch Proud
By Jorge A. Herrera
The Law Offices of Frank Herrera

Breach of contract research, real estate transaction, petition drafting... the list goes on and on. These are just a few of the items which many young attorneys must do for their offices. Some must meet a certain hourly requirement each month, while others must spend their nights and weekends on Westlaw or Lexis. Like everyone else, I have my own case load...
as seen in the April 2006 Subpoena

The Community Justice Program: Bridging the Divide
By Josh Davin Morton

Texas courts have long held that equity will not suffer a right to be without a remedy. Sir William Blackstone, beneath all that wig and powder, and with a shrewd eloquence that prefigured the works of our own Oliver Wendell Holmes by over a century, once observed that the origins of an injured citizen’s rights to redress are at least as old as the Magna Carta...
as seen in the September 2005 Subpoena

You Can’t ‘Just Take One’
By Tamer F. Morsi, Esq.
Wayne Wright L.L.P.

Of course I’m referring to the clients who participate in the Community Justice Program sponsored by our own San Antonio Bar Association. On February 8, 2005 I had the pleasure of lending my services to these worthy clients. The experience was enlightening and uplifting! My client Maria needed a simple divorce...
as seen in the April 2005 Subpoena

"I am proud of the Community Justice Program and of all the judges, lawyers and staff who have volunteered their time to help those who cannot afford legal services.  The [program] is a great symbol of our national commitment to the rule of law.  By bringing justice to the people, the Center reminds us that each citizen, whether rich or poor, famous or obscure, is entitled to equal protection of our laws."

Hon. Wallace Jefferson
Chief Justice,
Supreme Court of Texas

"I would like to extend my thanks and gratitude to all of the members of our legal community that have helped to make the Community Justice Program the tremendous service that it is. Your hard work and personal sacrifice continues to bring legal representation to those who might otherwise go without it and makes our entire community at better place. Congratulations on your success and thank you again for your selfless service to our community."

Hon. Nelson Wolff
Bexar County Judge

“Friends & Judges -
Five years ago a small group of volunteer judges and lawyers ushered in a new era of legal services for the poor in South Texas. The Community Justice Program was born in San Antonio in 2002, and its unique ability to attract broad support in the legal, as well as the client, community has resulted in spreading its progeny all across the State, proving that a good idea is easy to replicate. The result: thousands of Texans have found justice within reach. Congratulations to the CJP and its San Antonio pioneers.”

- David Hall,
Executive Director,
Texas RioGrande Legal Aid