Justice for All
by Amy Sharp
Margaret McCullough Connolly, Sugar Land Attorney and Counselor at Law
Fort Bend Lawyers Care is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2006 by the Fort Bend County Bar Association to respond to the legal needs of our community’s low-income residents. People who live in poverty have no access to the civil justice system and are not entitled to court-appointed attorneys for representation.
- That means if there is an abusive landlord who evicts them wrongfully, they lose.
- If there is an abusive spouse who can afford to hire a divorce attorney, they lose.
- If a foster parent with a child over the age of three can’t afford an attorney, they lose.
That is, they lose unless FBLC steps in to help. It’s an organization Fort Bend attorney Margie Connolly is passionate about. In 2009, after taking a hiatus from law to raise her children, Margie transitioned back into law by becoming a paralegal for Fort Bend Lawyers Care. Margie says, “This was a life-changing moment. It’s a great organization with a great cause, and it’s helped shape my career. After I passed the Texas Bar in 2013 (on the first try!) I opened my own private family law and estate planning practice. At that time, FBLC asked me to serve on the board. I’ve served as secretary since 2014.”
Although Fort Bend Lawyers Care has great volunteer attorneys like Margie, they never have enough resources to represent all of the cases that deserve representation. FBLC operates solely on grants, donations, and proceeds from their one fundraiser a year. FBLC is the sole legal aid organization in Fort Bend County, and the need for legal care for people in poverty is growing.
This year marks the 9th annual “Justice for All” Luncheon, honoring the dedicated volunteer lawyer and non-lawyer volunteers, sponsors, donors and strategic partners for their hard work, time and resources. This year’s luncheon is co-chaired by Margie and Suzanne Bartholomew, a founding member. Presenting Sponsor is Springer Law Firm Attorneys & Mediation Services. During the luncheon, guests will enjoy a delicious meal, captivating presentations, and a live and silent auction. Proceeds from the JFA Luncheon enable FBLC to fulfill its mission of serving the less-fortunate citizens of Fort Bend County with their civil legal needs.
Fort Bend Lawyers Care “Justice for All” Luncheon
- April 20, 2017
- 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.
- Sweetwater Country Club
Sponsorship opportunities range from $750 to $2,500 and individual tickets are $100. Visit www.fortbendlawyerscare.org to purchase tickets and sponsorships.
For questions, please contact Tasha Hernandez at 281-239-0015 or email Tasha@fortbendlawyerscare.org.