# Welcome to the Justice Center

**Source**: https://law.utexas.edu/publicinterest/
**Parent**: https://law.utexas.edu/careers/outcomes/

## Highlighted Information

Featured News

Justice Center: 20 Years of Impact

[Read More](https://law.utexas.edu/publicinterest/news/justice-center-20-years-of-impact/)

# Welcome to the Justice Center

The William Wayne Justice Center for Public Interest Law educates students, faculty, and the legal community about public interest legal issues, and creates opportunities for the Texas Law community to increase access to justice and help underserved individuals and communities. We provide broad support to students, faculty and alumni interested in pro bono work and public service.

## Upcoming Events

- March 26, 2026 

  ## [Career Conversation with Tamara Caldas](https://law.utexas.edu/publicinterest/events/career-conversation-with-tamara-caldas/)

  Join Tamara Caldas ’97 for a career conversation about her path to Pro Bono Partner with Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton, where she oversees the firm’s national pro bono practice.
- April 7, 2026 

  ## [Public Interest Mentoring Program – Closing Event](https://law.utexas.edu/publicinterest/events/public-interest-mentoring-program-closing-event/)
- April 8, 2026 

  ## [EmPOWERed for Public Interest: Mentorship Dinner](https://law.utexas.edu/publicinterest/events/empowered-for-public-interest-mentorship-dinner-2/)

  Details coming soon.
- April 16, 2026 

  ## [Celebration of Service ’26](https://law.utexas.edu/publicinterest/events/celebration-of-service-26/)

  End-of-year lunch recognizing excellence in pro bono and celebrating the law school’s culture of using the law to serve others, with pizza and Amy’s Ice Cream for all.
- September 11, 2026 

  ## [Change It Up! 2026: Texas Law’s Public Interest Orientation](https://law.utexas.edu/publicinterest/events/change-it-up-2026-texas-laws-public-interest-orientation/)

  Details coming soon.

[Full Events Listing](https://law.utexas.edu/publicinterest/events/)

## Latest News

Texas Law alum Genesis Draper ’06, chief public defender for Harris County, returned to campus this spring to discuss the evolving role of public interest law and the future of public defense.

The Justice Center has awarded five scholarships to third-year law students in recognition of outstanding public service.

The William Wayne Justice Center for Public Interest Law has named four students as its 2025–26 Public Service Scholars

The Justice Center hosted Jim Harrington, civil rights attorney and former Texas Law adjunct professor, to speak about his new book.

[Full News Archive](https://law.utexas.edu/publicinterest/news/)