Member Spotlight
Our Mission and Impact
The Smith County Bar Foundation (SCBF) is dedicated to furthering justice and promoting the rule of law by providing essential resources and education to the community. Our mission serves as the guiding principle behind all of our initiatives and programs, ensuring that legal professionals and community members benefit from enhanced access to justice and quality legal education.
Programs and Initiatives
Since its establishment in 2002, the Smith County Bar Foundation has developed a variety of programs designed to further our mission and strengthen our community.
One of the more unique programs facilitated by the SCBF is the People’s Law School, a half-day, free event for the general public that provides classes on a variety of legal topics taught by local and regional professionals. Each year, the planning committee comes together to review current and impactful legal topics, as well as to analyze previous years’ attendance records and feedback, in order to plan a relevant and impactful session. Partnering with Tyler Junior College has been instrumental in the success of the program. TJC not only provides classroom space and building use, the TJC Paralegal program also provides volunteers and supplies promotional items for participants!
Local attorney, Monique Hammond, leading a session of People’s Law School
The founding members of the SCBF were quite visionary in their planning – early on, they worked with our local community foundation to create two types of endowed funds to ensure that the SCBF would be able to provide programs and fulfill our mission in perpetuity. Our designated fund can be accessed at any time, providing resources in times of emergencies. Additionally, only the earnings from our endowed fund can be accessed, maintaining the principal and ensuring future earnings and continued support.
Recently, the SCBF created a scholarship fund, also with the community foundation. The community foundation provides the online application platform, publicizes the scholarship throughout the region, and manages the applicants, while SCBF board members are the ones to review and select the scholarship recipients.
SCBF Online-Scholarship Application
By utilizing the community foundation, the SCBF is able to enjoy pooled investment returns, regional marketing and publicity of all funds, and professional investment management and oversight. This has been another hugely beneficial partnership for the SCBF and our donors.
Join the President’s Circle
A key element of the Foundation’s community engagement is the President’s Circle—a distinguished membership program designed for donors who share a commitment to the longevity of the SCBF and to the advancement of the Foundation’s mission. Members of the President’s Circle play a vital role in supporting all SCBF initiatives and in the longevity of legal educational and assistance programs. For those interested in making a long-term, significant impact, joining the President’s Circle offers a unique opportunity to contribute directly to the cause of justice.
Leadership and Community Engagement
Guided by a dedicated Board of Directors comprised of respected local legal professionals and community members, the Smith County Bar Foundation leverages expert leadership to implement innovative programs that bridge the gap between legal education and community needs. This collaborative effort strengthens our community and fosters lasting relationships among attorneys, educators, and community leaders.
SCBF Board of Directors
A Commitment to the Future
Through its steadfast dedication to justice, education, and community service, the Smith County Bar Foundation continues to be a cornerstone for positive change throughout Smith County. Whether through community education, scholarship funds, donor initiatives like the President’s Circle, or other outreach programs, the Foundation remains committed to creating a more informed and equitable community.
For more information or to support these initiatives, please visit the Smith County Bar Foundation’s official website, www.smithcountybar.com, or email ed@smithcountybar.com.