How We Began...
Legal Aid Ministries (LAM) was originally the vision of its current President, Jon D. Campbell, who wrote about the need for faith-based legal aid more than 15 years ago. In 1998, Jon began to fulfill this vision and recruited his friends and colleagues to volunteer their time to provide pro bono legal and prayer assistance to low-income Dallas residents. Together they formed Legal Ministries, Inc., visiting homeless shelters, public housing units and other similar facilities with individuals in need of legal aid and spiritual counseling. However, with no funding, permanent infrastructure and full-time attorneys or staff, the group of volunteers found it difficult to meet the Biblical mandate to adequately and fully defend the rights of the poor and needy. Several years later, to its founders’ disappointment, Legal Ministries, Inc. dissolved.
In 2008, Jon, still feeling spiritually compelled to form a faith-based legal aid organization, researched and sought Christian legal aid organizations in other states for input and advice on their formation and organization, lessons learned and paths to success. In these discussions, Jon confirmed what he already knew all these years----that a significant number of Americans and Texans live in poverty and only a small percentage of their legal needs are being met. Even more dismal, the Christian Legal Society, an organization whose support Jon also sought, estimates that existing Christian legal aid meets less than 1% of the estimated legal needs of the poor. After much prayer, reflection and discussion with family, friends and soon to be co-founders, Jon took a leap of faith, left his private law firm practice and, together with the other current members of the Board of Directors, established Legal Aid Ministries, Inc. in November 2008.
This time leading the charge as President and a full-time staff attorney, Jon, with the help of a Christian Board of Directors, is even more determined and vigilant to completely fulfill his vision of a Christian-based legal aid organization. Having read and studied the Bible in its entirety, Jon confidently knows he and the other co-founders have been led by the Holy Spirit, as the Bible is bursting with references for the need and duty to seek justice for the poor and the needy, the fatherless and the widows. Citing John Ortberg, Jon would say, “If you want to walk on water, you’ve got to get out of the boat.” Success is a journey but certainly attainable where God is involved.
Today, LAM is staffed with Jon as the full-time attorney, along with a network of volunteering local staff and lawyers with expertise in various areas of law to provide legal representation on a pro bono basis. We offer legal, educational, conflict resolution and spiritual services to those who are most in need in our local communities. While faith motivates our desire to serve, we in no way limit our services to any race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion or any other basis other than emphasizing services for the poor. Our programs are free, except for a small and affordable initial consultation fee and any court costs. This ensures that those who need our services can obtain them regardless of their ability to pay.
Living The American Dream...
In 2008 Jon closed his law practice and joined the ranks of Legal Aid Ministries. Why would he give up the American dream? “But I am living the American dream.” He replies. “The dream that others have fought and died for to provide justice for all. Many volunteers have joined us as we seek to change lives, restore hope, and provide meaningful access to our democratic system.
I hope you will consider joining us on this amazing justice journey.”
