P.S. — DBA Honors Shonn Evans Brown with MLK Jr. Justice Award, SMU Law Secures Major First Amendment Clinic Funding, and More
Recent developments in the Dallas-Fort Worth legal community highlight ongoing commitments to justice, access to legal resources, and professional ethics. These efforts span from recognizing individual contributions to bolstering vital legal clinics and supporting community-based organizations.
Honoring Commitment to Justice
The Dallas Bar Association (DBA) recently hosted its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Justice Award Luncheon. During the event, Shonn Evans Brown of Heidelberg Materials North America received the MLK Jr. Justice Award. The award recognizes her leadership, commitment to justice, and service to both the legal profession and the broader community.
DBA President Jonathan Childers described Brown as “a force for good,” emphasizing that she embodies qualities crucial to the legacy of Dr. King. The luncheon also included a performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by Kandace Walter, a director with the Dallas Women Lawyers Association (DWLA).
Strengthening Legal Education and First Amendment Rights
SMU Dedman School of Law has secured significant funding for its First Amendment Clinic. More than 25 donors successfully met a challenge from the Stanton Foundation, unlocking millions in additional support. This funding aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of the clinic’s work defending free speech, free press, petition, and assembly rights.
Dean Jason P. Nance noted the clinic’s importance in addressing pressing legal issues. Clinic Director Tom Leatherbury highlighted that the expanded endowment will allow staff and students to focus on complex First Amendment disputes. Since 2020, the clinic, supported by the Stanton Foundation, has trained over 100 law students in handling real-world constitutional cases on a pro bono basis.
Community Support and Professional Recognition
Attorneys Serving the Community (ASC) is now accepting applications for its 2026–2027 beneficiary partnership. The organization, comprised of women lawyers, judges, and law students, provides funding to Dallas–Fort Worth area nonprofits serving women, children, and families. The application deadline is February 27, 2026.
The annual Champions of Justice Gala is scheduled for April 30, 2026, in Austin. The event brings together legal professionals and advocates to recognize excellence in public service and advance justice in Texas. Last year’s gala reportedly exceeded fundraising goals.
William Toles, a litigation shareholder at Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, has been selected to receive the James H. “Blackie” Holmes Award from the Dallas Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates. The award recognizes exceptional civility, ethics, and professionalism in the practice of law.
Frequently Asked Questions
What criteria are used to select the MLK Jr. Justice Award recipient?
The MLK Jr. Justice Award recognizes leadership, commitment to justice, and service to the legal profession and the broader community.
What types of cases does the SMU First Amendment Clinic handle?
The clinic represents clients whose constitutional rights have been violated or who face government retaliation, as well as individuals and organizations defending against defamation claims.
What is the focus of Attorneys Serving the Community’s funding?
Attorneys Serving the Community provides funding to nonprofit organizations in the Dallas–Fort Worth area that focus on improving outcomes for women, children, or families.
How might these ongoing efforts to support legal resources and recognize ethical conduct shape the future of justice and community service in Texas?