At SALSA, we strive to do more than provide accessible legal services; our aim is to create a tangible impact on the lives of those we serve. On November 4th, 2023, we successfully hosted a groundbreaking Transfer on Death Deed Clinic (TODD Clinic) through collaborative partnerships with the Mexican American Unity Council (MAUC), St. Mary’s University’s Center for Legal and Social Justice, and the Bexar County Clerk’s Office. This initiative aimed to offer essential legal services to individuals in need.
Twenty low-income individuals walked through our doors seeking to secure their estates through transfer-on-death deeds (TODDs). Guided by 12 volunteer attorneys and dedicated administrative staff, these clients didn’t just receive legal support; they gained renewed hope for a more secure future.
The success of the TODD Clinic was due in part to MAUC’s support. Comprehensive title reports, funded at nearly $200 per report, backed each TODD prepared. Additionally, the MAUC covered the filing fees charged by the clerk’s office, eliminating financial barriers for those seeking legal services.
The impact of the TODD Clinic was significant, providing approximately $10,000 worth of pro bono legal and administrative services. Each client received an average of $500 in invaluable assistance, relieving their financial burdens and ensuring their legal needs were met without additional strain.
However, the clinic also illuminated the ongoing challenges faced by many in our community. The extensive waiting list maintained by the MAUC highlights persistent unmet legal needs, emphasizing a significant backlog and the urgent necessity for accessible legal services.
As we celebrate the TODD Clinic’s success, it reinforces the ongoing need for sustained efforts to bridge the gap in legal services accessibility. SALSA remains committed to empowering those encountering barriers to justice, driven by our dedication to equitable access for all.
We invite you to contribute to our cause by donating to support our initiatives or by volunteering your time and expertise to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. Please visit our Volunteer Event Calendar for upcoming opportunities.