Pro Bono Spotlight: Lone Star Legal Aid

Lone Star Legal Aid: Expanding Access to Justice Across Texas

Lone Star Legal Aid (LSLA) is one of the largest legal aid providers in the nation. In 2024, LSLA closed over 27,000 applications for assistance. With fourteen offices serving 72 counties in eastern Texas and four counties in southwestern Arkansas, LSLA provides essential legal services to communities that often face barriers to justice.

Jessie Campbell, LSLA’s Directing Attorney for Pro Bono, leads the organization’s efforts to build relationships with private attorneys and connect them with clients in need.

“I often say that I have the best job in the legal services profession,” Jessie shares. “I’m driven not only to assist our low-income clients but also to support volunteer attorneys. Seeing a lawyer take their first pro bono case outside their usual practice area—and succeed—brings so much joy. That experience often turns them into a ‘pro bono ambassador’ who continues to give back.”

Addressing Critical Areas of Need

One area of growing concern is probate law. Many estates in the communities LSLA serves are low-income or insolvent, leaving heirs without legal assistance to navigate court proceedings. These cases may involve clearing title to property or resolving small financial matters, but they can have an outsized impact on breaking the cycle of poverty.

“Proper legal assistance in these matters can change lives,” Jessie notes. “We encourage attorneys to consider taking probate cases, because the difference it can make for a family is profound.”

Innovating Pro Bono Management

Serving 72 counties comes with unique challenges. Many of these areas have very few local attorneys, making it difficult to find volunteer support. Tools like Paladin help LSLA expand their reach and coordinate volunteers across legal deserts.

"Paladin allows us to share opportunities with a larger audience of potential volunteer attorneys, including first-time volunteers who weren’t previously receiving our emails. Approximately 70% of our new volunteers come from cases posted on Paladin."

Impact

Through strategic partnerships, innovative recruitment, and dedicated support for volunteers, LSLA continues to expand access to justice across Texas and southwestern Arkansas. By combining direct client services with robust pro bono programming, LSLA ensures that low-income families receive the legal help they need—and that volunteer attorneys experience the meaningful rewards of service.