Deborah Hankinson
Law Offices of Deborah Hankinson, P.C.
Dallas
 Deborah Hankinson practices civil appellate
law and serves as a mediator and arbitrator. She has served as a justice
on the Fifth District Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court of Texas.
What pro bono work are you involved in now?
I serve as chair of the American Bar Association’s Standing Committee
on Legal Aid and Indigent Defendants (SLAID). I am a member of the board
of the Texas Access to Justice Foundation, and I serve on the Texas Access
to Justice Commission. I was involved in the planning and start-up of the
Texas Access to Justice Commission and, through my work with the ABA, I
am now working with other states to start similar access to justice initiatives.
Also through the ABA, I work with Congress in an effort to increase funding
to the Legal Services Corporation.
What did you hope to accomplish through the creation of the Texas
Access to Justice Commission?
I desired to do more to meet the legal services needs of Texans who
otherwise would not receive the help they desperately need.
Are other states following Texas’ lead?
I have worked with about a dozen states, many in the South,
to encourage them to create access to justice initiates. Texas was one of
the first states to adopt an access to justice initiative, following the
lead of Washington State. Today, there are access to justice programs in
25 states, with more in the works.
Did your time as a special education teacher shape your philosophy
regarding pro bono and community service work?
I was in a position to help children and make a small difference in
their lives. Now as an attorney, it helps me to remember that I am in a
position to provide services to people and give back to the community.
How did you get involved in pro bono advocacy?
In January 2000, the Texas Supreme Court spent all day hearing from
bar leaders, legal aid lawyers, and clients about the need for improving
access to justice for all Texans. It was an eye-opener for me.
What has been your most rewarding pro bono experience?
I can’t say there is one experience. It is rewarding just to be
involved in these efforts, and it is very important to me, both personally
and professionally, to stay involved.
What do you enjoy most about practicing law?
The law. I also enjoy the professional relationships I have with
the attorneys and judges with whom I work.
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