TYLA Justice Jeffrey S. Boyd Excellence in Access to Justice Award Application Form

The Texas Young Lawyers Association (TYLA) Member Services Committee is honored to announce the inaugural Justice Jeff Boyd Excellence in Access to Justice Award.

This distinguished award is named in honor of Justice Jeff Boyd, whose unwavering commitment to ensuring access to justice for all Texans has left an enduring legacy. This annual award will recognize one exemplary Texas attorney who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to expanding access to justice in our state.

We are seeking nominations from local bar affiliates for candidates who meet the following eligibility and award criteria:

Eligibility Requirements:

Must be a licensed attorney actively practicing law in Texas.
Must be in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
Must be an attorney licensed twelve years or less at the beginning of each fiscal year (June 1).

Please note: Current officers and directors of the Texas Young Lawyers Association and members of the TYLA Outstanding Young Lawyer of Texas Award Committee are not eligible for consideration.

Nomination Criteria:
Nominees should exhibit excellence in one or more of the following areas:

Providing pro bono legal services to underserved individuals or communities.
Advocating for or implementing innovative programs or policies that expand access to justice.
Promoting legal education, outreach, or mentorship initiatives that empower marginalized populations.

Collaborating with community organizations to improve access to legal resources.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Nominations must be submitted using this JotFrom by April 14, 2026.

1) Brief description of the nominee’s contributions to access to justice.

2) One to three letters of recommendation. Examples include letters from the nominee's clients, individuals familiar with the nominee's service to the community and access to justice, the nominee's current or former employers, fellow practitioners, individuals familiar with the nominee's service to the bar, or any other individual who can explain why the nominee should be awarded this award.

Nominee's Name*

First NameLast Name

Nominee's Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Nominee's Email*

example@example.com

Nominee's Phone Number*

Please enter a valid phone number.

Nominee's Firm/Business Name

Brief Description of the Nominee’s Contributions to Access to Justice: (Please describe how the nominee furthers access to justice. Be specific about their work, impact, and any innovative approaches they have taken.)*

Please submit letters of recommendation in one pdf file here:

Letters can also be mailed to Michelle Palacios, TYLA, PO Box 12487, Austin, TX 78711 or emailed to mpalacios@texasbar.com

Nominating Entity*

Nominating Entity Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Nominating Entity Phone Number*

Please enter a valid phone number.

Nominating Entity Email*

example@example.com

Submitted by*

First NameLast Name

Comments/Notes

ANNOUNCEMENT OF RECIPIENT

All nominations will be reviewed by the TYLA Justice Jeffrey S. Boyd Excellence in Access to Justice Committee, which will select a winner for approval by the TYLA Board of Directors at its board meeting, May 15-16, 2026. The award will be presented to the recipient at the TYLA Annual Meeting held in conjunction with the State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting in Houston on June 12, 2026. The recipient will be an honored guest of TYLA at the event.

Award Application Form

Nominee's Information

Nominating Entities Information