The Texas Opportunity & Justice Incubator (TOJI) has a new director and is building on its successes as it prepares to accept its sixth cohort of attorneys.
Joshua Weaver, an attorney and entrepreneur, took the helm of the State Bar of Texas program, which expands access to justice opportunities by helping Texas lawyers build sustainable law practices that serve low and modest income Texans. Weaver began work on November 3.
Since TOJI’s inception in 2017, 69 lawyers have completed its holistic business incubation program. Those lawyers have gone on to create 72 solo and small law firms designed to help bridge the justice gap and serve Texans who would otherwise struggle to find representation in today’s legal market.
“Improving access to justice is fundamental to maintaining the rule of law,” Weaver said. “As attorneys, we are called to a life of service: service to each other, to the bar, and to the people within our communities. I am honored and delighted to serve through this special program as we work to improve access to justice for all Texans.”
Weaver earned his J.D. in 2015 from Baylor Law, where he then worked with faculty to help create Legal Mapmaker, a program that trains attorneys on how to build sustainable firms focused on access to justice issues. He also is founder of Weaver Innovations, LLC, a technology and professional business development firm.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, TOJI and the lawyers participating in the program were uniquely well positioned to continue their work serving the community. In January 2020, before the pandemic had spread to the U.S., the program shifted from in-person training to a virtual program. This change allowed lawyers to receive group training and personal coaching while remaining with their families, in their communities, and at their practices.
On December 7, TOJI will begin accepting applications to join its 2021 cohort. Attorneys can learn more about the program and how to apply by visiting txoji.com and following @TXOJI on social media.