The State Bar of Texas Legal Services to the Poor in Civil Matters Committee announced its 2025 Pro Bono Excellence award winners.
Judge Roy B. Ferguson, of Houston, received the Judge Merrill Hartman Pro Bono Judge Award; Christina Yarnell, of Austin, received the Frank J. Scurlock Award; Ricardo Loza, of San Antonio, received the J. Chrys Dougherty Award; The Mexican-American Bar Association of Houston received the Pro Bono Award; Brittany Krohn, of Houston, received the Pro Bono Coordinator Award; Robert M. Caine, of Houston, received the Pro Bono Support Staff Award; and Hunton Andrews Kurth, of Dallas, received the W. Frank Newton Award.
The recipients will be formally recognized during the State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting on June 19-20 at the JW Marriott Hill Country Resort & Spa in San Antonio.
Judge Merrill Hartman Pro Bono Judge Award—Judge Roy B. Ferguson
The Judge Merrill Hartman Pro Bono Judge Award honors a sitting or retired judge who has provided exemplary pro bono service, including outreach to attorneys to increase the quantity and quality of pro bono representation; modifications to court processes to increase access to justice; advocacy on behalf of access to justice; service as a volunteer judge for pro bono clinics; or other pro bono proceedings. Judge Roy B. Ferguson was honored for his pioneering work in expanding access to justice in rural Texas, notably through the early adoption of virtual hearings during the COVID pandemic. His innovations helped eliminate barriers for low-income and self-represented litigants. A staunch advocate for pro bono service, Ferguson actively recruited attorneys statewide, ensuring that justice reaches even the most remote corners of Texas.
Frank J. Scurlock Award—Christina Yarnell
The Frank J. Scurlock Award honors an individual attorney in good standing who has provided outstanding pro bono work. Christina Yarnell, of Nix Patterson, was recognized for her leadership in expanding access to justice for underserved Texans. Through strategic outreach, training initiatives, and statewide collaborations, she has strengthened legal aid networks and empowered attorneys to provide critical pro bono services, particularly in housing, family law, and indigent defense. Her dedication to systemic change and commitment to advocacy have left a lasting impact on both the legal community and the clients it serves.
J. Chrys Dougherty Award—Ricardo Loza
The J. Chrys Dougherty Award recognizes an outstanding legal services staff attorney. Ricardo Loza, of Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, has profoundly impacted legal aid through advocacy for domestic violence survivors, mentorship, and legal education. His efforts have expanded vital services in San Antonio and earned him accolades for his leadership, including securing key partnerships and grants to increase legal access for vulnerable communities. Loza’s legacy continues to uplift and inspire the Texas legal profession.
Pro Bono Award—The Mexican-American Bar Association of Houston
The Pro Bono Award honors a volunteer attorney organization that has made an outstanding contribution toward guaranteeing access to the legal system by the poor. The Mexican-American Bar Association of Houston is recognized for its enduring commitment to Spanish-speaking communities through the Consejos Legales program, which provides free bilingual legal advice on issues from immigration to housing. MABAH’s pivot to virtual clinics during the COVID pandemic and ongoing community outreach reflect its mission to make justice accessible to all, regardless of language or financial barriers.
Pro Bono Coordinator Award—Brittany Krohn
The Pro Bono Coordinator Award is presented to an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to the delivery of, and access to, legal services for the poor. This individual also serves as the pro bono coordinator for a volunteer attorney organization or group, local bar association, law firm, law school, corporate legal office, governmental law department, or legal services organization. Brittany Krohn has transformed the Houston Volunteer Lawyers into Texas’ largest pro bono provider, connecting thousands with critical legal support. Her leadership has increased volunteer engagement and reduced service costs, ensuring timely, client-centered assistance.
Pro Bono Support Staff Award—Robert M. Caine
The Pro Bono Support Staff Award recognizes the exemplary contributions of non-attorney volunteers such as paralegals, administrative assistants, interpreters, and other support staff who work on pro bono projects. For nearly 30 years, Robert M. Caine, senior corporate paralegal with Baker Botts, has overseen the coordination and tracking of hundreds of pro bono matters, enabling attorneys to support clients in need. His commitment to justice and administrative excellence has strengthened the firm’s impact on communities across Texas and beyond.
Frank Newton Award—Hunton Andrews Kurth, Dallas
The W. Frank Newton Award recognizes the pro bono contribution of attorney groups whose members have made an outstanding contribution in the provision of, or access to, legal services to the poor. The Dallas office of Hunton Andrews Kurth is celebrated for its commitment to pro bono service, particularly through its Virtual Legal Clinic in partnership with the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program, which has served thousands of low-income Texans. The team also revitalized small business clinics, contributed thousands of hours to pro bono work, and championed causes from veterans’ rights to domestic violence advocacy.