Dallas Bar Association Community Service Fund

“Once the 990 has been completed, the tax return is given to an independent tax specialist for review. Any comments or corrections to the return are then considered and made by the Dallas Bar Association-Community Service Fund Finance Committee. Upon satisfaction by the Finance Committee, the 990 is then presented to the Community Service Fund Board of Directors prior to filing the return. The 990 tax return is then filed with the Internal Revenue Service.”

“At the beginning of each year, the Conflict of Interest Policy is given to each Dallas Bar Association - Community Service Fund (CSF) board member to read and accept. Should any projects, contracts or issues occur during the year creating a possible conflict of interest, the Board of Directors will review, decide if there is a conflict or not and take action.”

“Dallas Bar Association-Community Service Fund Annual Employee Compensation Process - For the Executive Director, the Executive Director prepares a written report of her accomplishments and goals for the upcoming year, then meets with the Compensation Committee comprised of the officers of the board. The Compensation Committee reviews the salary history of the Executive Director, compares salary levels with other Executive Directors of local bar associations of similar size around the country and considers all of the accomplishments for the year. Once the Compensation Committee determines a salary adjustment, it is presented to the Board of Directors for approval.”

“Dallas Bar Association-Community Service Fund Annual Employee Compensation Process - For the Executive Director, the Executive Director prepares a written report of her accomplishments and goals for the upcoming year, then meets with the Compensation Committee comprised of the officers of the board. The Compensation Committee reviews the salary history of the Executive Director, compares salary levels with other Executive Directors of local bar associations of similar size around the country and considers all of the accomplishments for the year. Once the Compensation Committee determines a salary adjustment, it is presented to the Board of Directors for approval. For the staff members, the employees are requested to write all of their accomplishments and goals in a report and submit to the Executive Director for review. After review, the Executive Director will meet with the employees to discuss their performances for the year. The Executive Director will present an evaluation summary with salary adjustments of each employee to the Compensation Committee. Salary adjustments are considered after reviewing accomplishments and goals for the year, comparing salaries to other similar positions in other local bar associations around the country and reviews the salary history of each employee for the past 5 years. Once the Compensation Committee has approved the recommendations, the Board of Directors will vote on the salary adjustments.”

“All governing documents, policies and financial information are available upon request after approval by the Executive Director and the Board of Directors.”

“OTHER PROGRAM SERVICES 4: Intake Services - Weekly intake sessions are conducted at five community locations to determine program eligibility and to access legal needs. Over 2,750 individuals have received intake services in 2020. OTHER PROGRAM SERVICES 5: Pro Se Divorce Clinic, Wills Clinic - Volunteer attorneys and paralegals staff monthly clinics for low-income individuals. Legal advice and representations are provided to eligible individuals. OTHER PROGRAM SERVICES 6: Other allocations, Legalline - A community service in which attorneys volunteer their time to anonymously answer the public's legal questions over the telephone. OTHER PROGRAM SERVICES 7: Summer Law Intern Program - A summer program which provides underprivileged and academically qualified students with internships at local law firms and corporations. OTHER PROGRAM SERVICES 8: Miscellaneous - Community educational programs are presented to inform and provide the public with available legal services. OTHER PROGRAM SERVICES 9: DBA Entrepreneurs in Community Lawyering provides resources, coaching and mentoring to attorneys launching their own practices. The program incubates a cohort of attorneys over a one year period to help launch financialy sustainable practives that serve clients of modest means, everyday people who earn too much to qualify for free legal assistance but can't afford to pay exorbitant fees for legal services.”