Lamont A. Jefferson
Partner, San Antonio
Haynes and Boone, L.L.P.

Career: A graduate of the University of Texas School of Law, Lamont A. Jefferson joined the San Antonio office of Haynes and Boone, L.L.P. in 1996. He is certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in personal injury law, but his recent trial practice focuses on business litigation. In 2004, he was inducted into the American College of Trial Lawyers, an invitation-only organization limited to no more than 1 percent of the total lawyer population of any state.

When and where did you decide to become an attorney?
In the fourth grade, I stated my intention to become a lawyer in an autobiography for a school project. I am the first attorney in my family, so I think the idea came from watching Perry Mason. The suspense and drama of the courtroom intrigued me. And I still feel exhilarated by certain courtroom moments.

What do you enjoy about practicing law?
The most satisfying aspects are sharing ideas with clients and bringing their problems to a resolution. Hiring a lawyer is a big deal. Having individuals put their trust and confidence in you emphasizes what a privilege it is to serve as an attorney.

How did you first get involved in pro bono work?
A few years out of law school, I was appointed to the Bexar County Legal Aid board of directors. I accepted cases, but my main responsibility was recruiting volunteers. Most lawyers understand their responsibility to pro bono work, so the job was more a matter of getting the word out and making it easy to serve. The most effective way to find volunteers is to ask one-on-one.

What pro bono work are you involved in now?
With Judges Pozza and Speedlin and many others, I helped found Bexar County’s Community Justice Program which holds monthly legal clinics for underserved populations in San Antonio’s inner-city neighborhoods. With assistance from Texas RioGrande Legal Aid and volunteer attorneys, judges, clerks, court reporters, and notaries, CJP has been very successful in delivering services to individuals who may not otherwise have access to the legal system.

For about three years, I have served on the Texas RioGrande Legal Aid board, now as president. I think the world of the staff and volunteers who are so dedicated to the organization’s mission.

As president-elect of the San Antonio Bar Association, how will you use this leadership position to encourage other attorneys to participate in pro bono work?

The success of CJP shows how willing San Antonio lawyers are to serve and how many want to do something for their community. I would like to see more specialties involved in pro bono work. At the CJP clinics, the greatest need is family law. However, a lot of other areas — landlord-tenant, real estate, probate, and consumer law — are underserved. I truly believe that every attorney has some skill that he or she can use to help a poor person in need of legal service.

What are your most memorable pro bono experiences?
The most memorable experiences aren’t earth shattering, but highlight for me that, as lawyers, we are in a position to do good. Last year, I represented a mother in a divorce case. While not a stellar husband, the man seemed devoted to his little girl. Knowing that I played a small role in helping preserve the father-daughter relationship is satisfying.

What is the greatest challenges of doing pro bono work?
Across the state, year after year, funding for pro bono legal services is a constant challenge. It is a huge problem and so far, we’ve only seen ad hoc solutions.

What motivates you to do pro bono work?
As lawyers, we are in a protected profession. Not anybody can be an attorney; it takes a lot of personal and financial investment, which means there aren’t enough lawyers to fill every need. An overwhelming number of people cannot afford legal services. I believe society is in better shape when its members’ legal needs are met. Our family, especially, appreciates that the rule of law advances all of society. As Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” The more we can do, the better off we all are.