The Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program (DVAP) last month honored Haynes and Boone, LLP for its commitment to providing free legal services to those in need.
At its annual awards ceremony Oct. 28, DVAP recognized the firm as the Outstanding Virtual Clinic Sponsor for sponsoring many 2022 clinics and honored Partner David Taubenfeld as the 2022 Pro Bono Coordinator of the Year. DVAP recruits, trains, and supports volunteer lawyers to provide free, civil legal help to low-income people in Dallas County.
Haynes Boone lawyers staff a DVAP clinic each month in which they field inquiries from Dallas-area residents facing a range of legal issues, such as eviction proceedings, divorce and custody disputes, and property-repossession claims, among other concerns. The Haynes Boone lawyers gather the relevant legal and factual details and forward reports to DVAP to determine whether the residents qualify for free legal services.
“We usually have more lawyers volunteer to staff these clinics than is needed,” said David, who co-chairs Haynes Boone’s Pro Bono and Public Services Committee and has been previously recognized by DVAP for his volunteer services. “It is a testament to Haynes Boone’s spirit and foundational belief that lawyers owe an obligation to try to even the scales of justice by helping those least able to afford legal services.”
Haynes Boone lawyers undertake pro bono matters as diverse as society’s needs, including representing:
- Abused and neglected children and unaccompanied immigrant children in the U.S.
- Seekers of political asylum who face violence or death if they return to their home countries
- Indigent clients who need help ranging from family violence situations to defense in death penalty cases
