18-03-2025
Austin Justice Coalition partners with Tolbert Law Firm, giving minorities legal service access at reduced rates
AUSTIN (KXAN) — In a strategic new partnership, the nonprofit, Austin Justice Coalition (AJC) will use its connection to the community to work with a black law firm to give more people in minority communities better access to legal services.
The Tolbert Law Firm — based in Dallas but serving clients in Austin and Atlanta as well — has already been working informally with AJC for some time now. On Tuesday, the Justice Access Support Initiative (JASI), officially launched.
It's a formalized initiative in which Tolbert Law will now connect with clients facilitated by AJC, offering clients reduced legal fee rates, the firm said Tuesday. Those reduced rates will be dependent on the case, the firm told KXAN.
'The Justice Access Support Initiative is a direct response to the systemic barriers that prevent many in our community from obtaining fair legal representation,' Chas Moore, Organizing Director of Austin Justice Coalition said. 'This partnership with Tolbert Law Firm allows us to provide crucial legal support while continuing the fight for a more just and equitable legal system.'
As the duo prepares for more outreach to come up with a fund to immensely support legal services for minority clients at a reduced rate, Moore said AJC will use its funds, most of which comes from community donations, to support formalized legal efforts for JASI.
'Justice should not be a privilege reserved for those who can afford it,' Chris Tolbert, Managing Partner of Tolbert Law Firm said. 'We are honored to partner with AJC on this initiative to ensure that everyone, regardless of financial status, has access to quality legal representation.'
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Tolbert Law Firm is already representing the family of Stephen Smith, facilitated by AJC. Smith was shot and killed on his own property in October last year. According to the Bastrop County Sheriff's Office, a 13-year-old boy is accused in the case, as of Sept. 16. However, it's unclear whether there have been any arrests or charges.
It's cases like these that Tolbert Law Firm will continue to take on, through JASI, in partnership with AJC.
Tolbert said his team is in the process of creating an intake form, for those who would like access to their services through 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
