Frontline Justice applauds the Texas Supreme Court and the Texas Access to Justice Commission for their groundbreaking decision to license paraprofessionals and court-access assistants. This initiative is an important milestone in expanding access to legal services across Texas and echoes the state's longstanding motto of "Friendship" by offering much-needed support to underserved communities.
In 2022, Texas had 10.9 million households, with 14% earning below the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and 29% classified as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), totaling 43% of households struggling to afford basic needs. These economic challenges contribute greatly to the civil justice gap in Texas, where 92% of low-income individuals do not receive adequate civil legal assistance. The Supreme Court’s decision to license paraprofessionals and court-access assistants is a forward-thinking approach to addressing this gap and providing critical legal support.
As the second-largest state in the United States by land area and population, Texas faces extraordinary challenges in providing equitable legal services. Many communities, especially in rural areas, have long been underserved, leaving millions of individuals without the legal support they need to address basic human needs like housing, health care, safety, economic stability, and family structure. By empowering justice workers to help alleviate the civil justice crisis, the Texas Supreme Court is addressing this critical gap in a way that can have a profound and lasting impact.
Chief Justice Nathan Hecht, Justice Brett Busby, and the Texas Access to Justice Commission have shown exceptional leadership in making this vision a reality. Their unwavering commitment to exploring and implementing creative solutions is commendable and essential. The decision sends a strong message that the legal profession and policymakers must embrace innovation to meet the needs of all U.S. residents, not just those who can afford traditional legal representation.
Texas is leading the way in this effort and setting a standard for other states to follow. Meaningful change is possible when leaders are willing to think and act outside the box. Nikole Nelson, Frontline Justice CEO, could not be more excited to see Texas take this bold step forward towards addressing the critical life-altering civil legal needs of those who would otherwise go without help. We are grateful that members of our National Leadership Council, such as Chief Justice Hecht and Harriet Miers, have been instrumental in guiding our mission to close the civil justice gap. Their leadership on this initiative exemplifies the kind of innovative thinking that Frontline Justice champions.
Frontline Justice and its thought partners have long advocated for empowering justice workers as a key strategy in closing the civil justice gap. The Texas Supreme Court's decision is a powerful affirmation of this approach and a clear indication that the legal profession is beginning to embrace new and creative ways to serve the public. Congratulations to everyone involved in this landmark effort. We proudly support this initiative and look forward to working alongside Texas leaders to ensure its success.
Click here to read more about the decision and an invitation for public comments: https://www.txcourts.gov/supreme/news/supreme-court-advances-access-to-justice-efforts-with-proposed-new-rules-to-license-legal-paraprofessionals