During Pro Bono Week, Baylor Law Assistant Dean Stephen Rispoli Emphasizes the Importance of Pro Bono During CJE Course for Texas Judges

Panelists for the 'Can We Really Do That?' CJE Course. Top (L-R): Anne Chandler; Director of the Tahirih Justice Center in Houston; Assistant Dean of Student Affairs and Pro Bono Programs at Baylor Law, Stephen Rispoli; Hon. Selena N. Solis, District Judge, 243rd Judicial District. Bottom (L-R): Hon. Gina M. Benavides, Texas Thirteenth District Court of Appeals; Hon. Lora Livingston, Presiding Judge of the 261st District Court; and Jacqueline Habersham, Executive Director at Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct.

WACO

On Wednesday, October 27th, Assistant Dean Stephen Rispoli participated in a panel discussion hosted by the State Bar of Texas Pro Bono Workgroup – Judiciary Subcommittee. "Can We Really Do That? The Ethics of Judicial Involvement in Pro Bono" is approved for one hour of CLE for Texas attorneys (including 1 hour of ethics) and one hour of CJE credit.

The panel discussed how pro bono efforts can expand access to justice and what Texas judges can do to encourage pro bono efforts among Texas attorneys. The panel also took a deep dive into the ethical considerations that judges must be aware of when either promoting or participating in pro bono efforts.

"While judges do have to be mindful of certain limitations that exist on the pro bono work they can promote or participate in, judges should feel empowered to be active participants in their local communities," stated Dean Rispoli. "Their involvement in helping underserved populations will go a long way toward fixing the perception issues our legal system faces by helping all citizens understand that the system is for everyone. Judges can have a significant role in closing the access to justice gap."

Texas lawyers and judges who were unable to watch the presentation live will be able to view the recording when it becomes available.

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