With a law degree from Pepperdine University School of Law as well as a Master of Laws from Notre Dame Law School at the Center for Civil and Human Rights, Mary Margaret “Meg” Penrose has spent years fighting for people’s rights, including her time serving under judges Jane J. Boyle and Jerry Buchmeyer. Mary Margaret Penrose maintains memberships with several law associations, including the American Law Institute and the American Bar Foundation, both of which require nomination in order to join, and the Pro Bono College of the Texas State Bar, with which she has regularly maintained membership for providing over 75 pro bono hours each year.
The Pro Bono College was founded in 1992 to recognize lawyers who exceed the State Bar’s expectations for pro bono work. There are many citizens in Texas who are too poor to afford a lawyer, and pro bono work gives them access to experienced counsel to protect their rights.
Lawyers recognized by the College have provided at least 75 hours of legal services directly to people in need, helped them better access appropriate legal services, or provided aid to organizations that help people in poverty. Pro bono representation offers a critical service to our communities. Penrose has long believed in the importance of pro bono service.
In addition to recognition at the State Bar Annual Meeting, these lawyers get subscriptions to the Texas Bar’s Online Library and the LegalFront e-newsletter from the State Bar’s Legal Services Support, as well as reduced tuition to attend the State Bar’s annual Poverty Law Conference.