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An Austin nonprofit has partnered with a law firm in order to provide reduced-cost legal services to marginalized communities.
The Austin Justice Coalition (AJC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has partnered with Dallas-based Tolbert & Patrick Law, which also serves clients in Austin, to launch the Justice Access Support Initiative (JASI).
“The Justice Access Support Initiative is a direct response to the systemic barriers that prevent many in our community from obtaining fair legal representation,” Chas Moore, organizing director of Austin Justice Coalition, told KXAN. “This partnership with Tolbert Law Firm allows us to provide crucial legal support while continuing the fight for a more just and equitable legal system.”
JASI is currently in the process of establishing a fund to be supported by community donations, as well as an intake form for potential clients to apply to JASI for legal aid in civil, criminal, and family matters.
“Justice should not be a privilege reserved for those who can afford it,” Chris Tolbert, managing partner of Tolbert Law Firm said. “We are honored to partner with AJC on this initiative to ensure that everyone, regardless of financial status, has access to quality legal representation.”
In addition to JASI, AJC is also involved in policing reform, affordable housing, and increasing voter participation.
According to the AJC website, the nonprofit’s advocacy and policy-change efforts have led to a 20-percent reduction in the use of excessive force incidents in Austin over the past three years. AJC has connected more than 500 families to affordable housing resources and economic opportunities. By educating and mobilizing voters, AJC helped increase voter turnout by 15 percent in historically marginalized neighborhoods during the last election cycle.
To learn more about AJC and its series of social justice initiatives and programs designed to eliminate systems that create racial disparities, visit austinjustice.org.