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At the April AYLA board meeting, members had the opportunity to hear directly from the Texas Advocacy Project (TAP) about the vital work they are doing across Texas and how Austin-area attorneys can play a meaningful role through pro bono service.
TAP’s mission is both powerful and urgent: to end dating and domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking in Texas. Through free legal services and access to the justice system, TAP empowers survivors to reclaim safety and stability. At the same time, TAP advances long-term prevention through public outreach and education. Their vision is clear: all Texans living free from abuse.
One aspect that makes TAP especially unique is its commitment to accessibility. Unlike many legal service organizations, TAP does not accept or deny referrals based on income, ensuring that survivors can access help when they need it most.
A Pro Bono Opportunity Designed for Busy Attorneys
TAP offers a pro bono opportunity that is both impactful and manageable: the Legal Line Clinic. TAP currently hosts one clinic per month and welcomes five volunteer attorneys per clinic. Clinics are held on a Friday, based on staff attorney availability, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. CST.
Participating attorneys conduct two client calls, one at 9 a.m. and another at 11:00 a.m., and enter case notes into LegalServer between calls. Once the second call and notes are completed, the commitment is complete. There is no additional follow-up, ongoing representation, or extended time obligation required.
To ensure volunteers feel confident and supported, TAP provides a comprehensive Legal Line checklist that guides attorneys through every step of the process, from application to case completion, with direct links to all necessary forms and resources.
Simple Onboarding and Meaningful Support
After submitting an application, attorneys are asked to sign the TAP Clinic Agreement and HIPAA Acknowledgement. TAP also conducts a public background check through Choice Screening (no Social Security number required) and verifies the attorney’s State Bar license.
Once cleared, volunteers complete two required training modules, totaling approximately two hours. These trainings provide both MCLE and ethics credit, making participation even more accessible for busy practitioners.
For attorneys who want to deepen their knowledge, TAP offers a robust library of optional training resources:
https://www.texasadvocacyproject.org/training
https://www.texasadvocacyproject.org/pro-bono-resources
These materials cover a wide range of topics, including protective orders, family law issues, and safety planning.
Coming Soon: AYLA Sip & Serve with TAP
To further connect Austin attorneys with these opportunities, AYLA plans to host a Sip & Serve event for members of the Austin legal community. Attendees will have the chance to participate in TAP training and learn more about the organization’s work.
This event is an excellent introduction for attorneys who are new to pro bono work, as well as those looking for a focused, high-impact way to give back. A few hours of your time can make a profound difference for a survivor navigating a moment of crisis.
We look forward to sharing more details soon and welcoming AYLA and legal community members into this important work. Keep an eye out for additional information and sign-up opportunities, and consider how your expertise can help move Texas closer to a future free from abuse.
