Bracewell’s Pro Bono Commitment
Serving the public good has been a core value at Bracewell since our founding nearly 80 years ago. Founder J.S. Bracewell was known as a champion for the poor and disenfranchised, and he believed that lawyers have an obligation to serving society.
At Bracewell, pro bono work is not just an obligation — it’s a fundamental part of who we are. Our lawyers’ dedication to upholding justice and advocating for those in need reflects our unwavering commitment to making a lasting difference.
Bracewell lawyers dedicated over 4,400 hours in 2024 to pro bono matters concerning veterans rights, tenant rights, guardianships, corporate formation, intellectual property, family law matters and various civil disputes.
In 2024, the Houston Bar Association honored Bracewell as the large firm recipient of the Harris County Bench Pro Bono Firm of the Year Award.
In Our Own Words
As lawyers, I have always believed it is part of our moral and ethical duty to help those who cannot afford legal services. I am glad to work at a law firm that supports the same belief.
Richard Whiteley, Partner and Co-Chair, Pro Bono Committee
Through pro bono service, I forge meaningful connections within my immediate community, where my legal skills make a tangible impact where I live and work.
Janelle Elysee, Associate
I’ve always felt deeply privileged to be in the legal profession. That privilege carries a duty to give back — and for me, pro bono work is one of the most powerful ways to make a difference.
Nour Haikal, Associate
Equal Access to Justice Champion
Bracewell is proud to be an Equal Access to Justice Champion (EAJC) with Houston Volunteer Lawyers, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting justice for low-income individuals. In 2024, the firm took on more than 36 pro bono cases as an EAJC, providing legal assistance for veterans with VA benefits and student loan relief, as well as pro bono representation in custody cases, divorces, landlord disputes and general civil disputes.
Veterans Rights
In partnership with Cheniere Energy, Bracewell helps staff Houston Volunteer Lawyers’ Veterans Clinic. Bracewell lawyers also provide pro bono legal representation to the PTSD Foundation of America, a non-profit organization that helps veterans battling post-combat trauma, and the National Veterans Legal Services Program, a non-profit organization that assists veterans with disability claims.
Guardianships
Bracewell offers pro bono representation in guardianship matters, advocating for the rights and well-being of vulnerable individuals.
Family Law Matters
In partnership with the Dallas Volunteer Attorneys Program, Her Justice, Houston Volunteer Lawyers, New York Legal Assistance Group, Tacomaprobono Community Lawyers and other organizations, we provide pro bono representation in family law matters, including domestic violence, child support and housing issues, as well as litigated divorces.
Non-Profit Support
Bracewell recognizes the invaluable contributions of non-profit organizations to our society and supports these organizations by provide pro bono legal advice on corporate, real estate and intellectual property matters.
Pro Bono Partner Organizations
Dallas Volunteer Attorneys Program
Dallas Volunteer Attorneys Program provides pro bono representation on family, housing, employment, landlord-tenant, real property, consumer, wills, expunctions and non-disclosures, probate, bankruptcy, small business, veterans benefits matters.
Her Justice
Her Justice provides free legal advice to women living in poverty in New York City.
Houston Volunteer Lawyers
Houston Volunteer Lawyers is the largest provider of pro bono legal services in Harris County, Texas, and the surrounding area, providing free legal assistance on civil matters to low-income area residents.
National Veterans Legal Services Program
The National Veterans Legal Service Pro Bono Program offers pro bono legal services to assist veterans with all types of disability claims.
New York Legal Assistance Group
The New York Legal Assistance Group is a leading civil legal services organization that combats economic, racial and social injustice by advocating for people experiencing poverty or in crisis.
Tacomaprobono Community Lawyers
Tacomaprobono Community Lawyers provides free legal services to low-income people in Pierce County, Washington.
