Yetter Coleman LLP has been honored with the prestigious 2024 Beacon of Justice Award by the National Legal Aid & Defender Association (NLADA) for its exceptional commitment to pro bono work advancing civil and human rights.
Beacon of Justice Award
The Beacon of Justice Award, presented annually by the NLADA, recognizes law firms that have demonstrated extraordinary pro bono achievements in a specific area of focus. For 2024, the award highlights firms that have made significant contributions to the advancement of civil and human rights through their pro bono efforts. Yetter Coleman is deeply honored to be one of only 40 firms nationwide to receive this recognition.
Notable Pro Bono Cases
- A focus on reform of Texas’s foster care system for over 12 years, dedicating 16,714 pro bono hours to address systemic issues affecting approximately 9,000 children in state custody.
- Support of Houston Area Women’s Center, including an amicus brief for the U.S. Supreme Court in U.S. v. Rahimi addressing the constitutionality of federal law prohibiting firearm possession by domestic abusers.
- Representation of a teenage girl in a critical immigration case who fled death threats in El Salvador. The case prevented the child from being returned to an unsafe environment, ensuring their safety and earning recognition from the State Bar of Texas.
- Devoted significant time to death penalty habeas cases, ensuring fair trials and representation for those facing capital punishment.
- Collaborated with Houston Volunteer Lawyers to provide pro bono legal services to marginalized and underserved groups in the Houston area, including guardianship clients, landlord disputes, domestic abuse survivors, and elderly clients seeking wills.
Commitment to Pro Bono Work
Yetter Coleman’s commitment to pro bono service is deeply ingrained in its culture and policies. The firm encourages every lawyer to dedicate up to 120 billable hours per year to pro bono work, fostering a strong sense of social responsibility. Last year, 100% of the firm’s associate attorneys provided pro bono services, reflecting the widespread dedication to making a positive impact on the community.
Future Dedication to Justice
Yetter Coleman remains steadfast in its mission to leverage skills and resources to promote civil rights, human rights, and social justice for marginalized and underserved communities.
Looking ahead, Yetter Coleman is committed to continuing this vital work in advancing justice and making a meaningful difference in the community. The firm extends its heartfelt thanks to the NLADA for this honor.