Texas A&M Law and the Justice Reform Foundation (JRF), a non-profit organization dedicated to reforming the criminal justice system, have announced a groundbreaking partnership to open a Criminal Defense Clinic, aimed at providing pro bono defense for those charged in criminal cases.
Through this collaboration, JRF will fund a staff attorney position for at least three years. The staff attorney will be named the Justice Reform Foundation Practitioner-in-Residence, will lead the clinic at the law school, and oversee the work conducted by its students.
“The U.S. Constitution guarantees every accused person the right to fairness and effective assistance of counsel. For many, having access to a strong but affordable defense is simply out of reach,” said Justin Magnuson, president of the Justice Reform Foundation. “This partnership represents a powerful synergy of education, pro bono legal services, community outreach, and our commitment to addressing systemic issues within the criminal justice system. As we embark on this exciting new chapter, we are confident that this collaboration will set a precedent for meaningful change and have a lasting impact on the lives of many.”
The clinic will primarily serve Tarrant County —the largest county in the United States without a public defenders’ office— as well as individuals in surrounding Dallas-Fort Worth counties who lack access to affordable legal representation. The clinic will provide law students with invaluable practical experience by handling real-world misdemeanor criminal cases, at no cost to the clients they serve.
“We’re very excited to work with the Justice Reform Foundation and appreciate their support in helping address an issue that affects so many,” said Luz Hererra, Associate Dean for Experiential Education. “This partnership will provide an important platform and help continue to prepare our students for careers in criminal defense.”
In addition to contributing to legal education, the JRF Practitioner-in-Residence will spearhead the development of the Justice Reform Foundation Clean Slate Program. This initiative, inspired by and in support of the Texas Clean Slate Coalition, focuses on record sealing and expungement as part of the JRF’s goal of removing barriers to opportunity for those impacted by the justice system.
One of the most important factors in reducing recidivism is employment, but criminal records significantly impair one’s ability to obtain employment and housing. Record sealing and expungement are crucial, and the JRF is committed to providing second chances through legal representation, advocacy, and community resources.
The JRF Clean Slate Program will collaborate with the L. Clifford Davis Legal Association, other community organizations, and law students in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Together, they will work towards creating a comprehensive criminal justice reform policy agenda in support of Clean Slate legislation that addresses the specific needs of the local community.
Media contact: Justin Magnuson, Justice Reform Foundation