Mission and History
The Justice Center inspires, equips, and empowers Texas Law students to serve the public interest. Our work includes:
- Education: Teaching students about public interest lawyering and the need to increase access to justice
- Pro Bono: Creating opportunities for the Texas Law community to gain legal skills and serve the public through the Richard and Ginni Mithoff Pro Bono Program
- Programming: Informing students, faculty, staff, attorneys, and the community about public interest legal issues
- Community Building: Fostering a community of support for students and alumni engaged in public service
- Financial Support: Awarding scholarships and fellowships to ensure that public interest law practice is accessible to and sustainable for all
The William Wayne Justice Center for Public Interest Law was created in 2004 when the law school joined with Judge William Wayne Justice’s former law clerks and many admirers to establish it in his honor. The Justice Center is a comprehensive resource for students, faculty, alumni, and the community.
Since its inception, the Justice Center has steadily expanded its programming and scope. Dedicated to promoting a culture and habit of pro bono service by all students, the Justice Center includes the school-wide Richard and Ginni Mithoff Pro Bono Program. We also regularly undertake special projects that bring together research and pro bono work on topics as varied as real estate titles in the wake of natural disasters, expunging criminal records, and supported decision-making by persons with disabilities. Our ongoing staff has grown to include five attorneys, two program coordinators, and numerous students, with additional staff members working with us on specific projects. The Justice Center has awarded over 300 scholarships and fellowships; hosted numerous conferences, lectures and workshops; and involved students and faculty in pro bono projects with community organizations to assist a broad range of individuals and communities, including veterans, homeowners, hurricane victims, immigrant detainees, and Austin artists.