Our History
The Poverty Law Section is the 43rd section of the State Bar of Texas. Our membership includes legal services attorneys, private practitioners, members of the judiciary, and members of the academic community. Since its founding, the Section has provided a professional community for those whose work and interests align with poverty law. Our members practice across a wide range of legal fields, including housing, family law, public benefits, health care access, consumer law, and other areas affecting low-income Texans.
The Section brings together these diverse perspectives to promote professional development, education, and collaboration among its members and the legal community at large.
Our Commitment
We believe equal justice should be available to every Texan, regardless of income. Our work is guided by respect for the dignity, rights, and lived experiences of the people and communities we serve. We recognize that legal issues can affect fundamental aspects of a person’s life, including housing, family stability, health, and financial security.
The Section supports its members in addressing these challenges through education, shared knowledge, professional collaboration, and advocacy. We are committed to strengthening the practice of poverty law and advancing a legal system in which every person has a meaningful opportunity to understand and protect their rights.
2026 – 2027 Council Members
Officers
- Thai Nguyen – Chair
Lone Star Legal Aid
Houston, Texas - Alma Gonzalez – Vice Chair
Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas
Lubbock, Texas - Melissa Thrailkill – Secretary
Private Practice
Dallas, Texas - Bronwyn Blake – Treasurer
Texas Advocacy Project
Austin, Texas
Council Members
- Cornelia Alvarez
Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas
McKinney, Texas - Mariana Alvarez
Private Practice
Harlingen, Texas - Maria Luisa Mercado
Lone Star Legal Aid
Galveston, Texas - Denise Margo Moy
Texas Advocacy Project
Austin, Texas - Shelby Jean
Private Practice
Fort Worth, Texas - Chanita Chantaplin-McLelland
Travis County Law Library
Austin, Texas - Caitlin Fish
Texas RioGrande Legal Aid
Laredo, Texas - Eden Klein
Texas RioGrande Legal Aid
El Paso, Texas - Beeral Gupta
Texas Advocacy Project
Austin, Texas - Ana Laurel
Texas RioGrande Legal Aid
Victoria, Texas - Mariah Gorom
Lone Star Legal Aid
Orange, Texas